Tang Xuewu’s beautiful eyes widened in shock.
"Wang Ming’s mother and Mada Zhao were university classmates and the best of friends," Old Master Tang explained, patting Tang Xuewu’s hand. "Wang Ming’s mother promised Mada Zhao a major developnt project in return. Now do you understand why Manager Wu of the Yaolong Group specifically asked for you to sign the contract?"
His words struck Tang Xuewu like a bolt of lightning.
"Young Master Wang Ming is so devoted to you. Grandfather truly feels it hasn’t been easy for him."
"That’s not it!" Tang Xuewu retorted after a mont’s thought, her fists clenched. "Grandfather, it was clearly Long who asked Mada Zhao to help the Tang Family!"
"Haha!" At her words, Old Master Tang burst into boisterous laughter. He thought his granddaughter must have gone mad. How could Qin Long possibly know soone as important as Mada Zhao? He’s not even worthy of carrying her shoes!
"Xuewu, he’s a disabled, penniless good-for-nothing who has to beg for food and clothing," he said, fuming with disdain. "How could he possibly know Mada Zhao? Don’t you think that’s a joke in itself? It was definitely not Qin Long’s doing."
"Grandfather, how is it impossible?" Tang Xuewu argued, gritting her teeth. "Qin Long is Mada Zhao’s benefactor. That fifty-million-dollar Aston Martin was a gift from her."
"Haha! A fifty-million-dollar luxury car? It was probably rented, right?" the old man scoffed. "And her benefactor? I’ll die before I believe that. Is Qin Long even worthy? He isn’t even qualified to be her dog."
"Long said he cured Mada Zhao’s daughter’s illness, and that’s why..."
Before she could finish, Old Master Tang howled with laughter.
"Oh, Xuewu, you’re just too close to the situation to see clearly. You’ve been deceived by that little scoundrel Qin Long. Mada Zhao knows many of the world’s leading dical experts. Why would she ask Qin Long for treatnt? Besides, if he were really that skilled, why hasn’t he cured his own la leg?"
Old Master Tang’s words left Tang Xuewu speechless.
"I understand his intentions, of course. He wants to show off in front of you, and your kind heart won’t allow you to drive him away," Old Master Tang analyzed, stroking his beard. "Xuewu, my foolish granddaughter, how could your grandfather ever deceive you? That damn cripple just wants to latch onto you for life. Thank goodness I saw through his act in ti!"
"Grandfather, why do you look down on him so much?" Tang Xuewu asked, her beautiful eyes fixed firmly on him. "Long has truly changed. I’m willing to believe him."
"Why should I think highly of him? Your grandmother said he was a prodigy in the army, but he showed up at our family’s door covered in blood and has been a burden on you for three years! You’ve had to take care of his every basic need! How can you expect , your grandfather, to think highly of him? Does he have money? Does he have power?" Old Master Tang said huffily before getting up and walking out.
Wang Ming had secretly investigated Qin Long and found he was just a common swindler who had been kicked out of the army after they broke his leg. On top of that, Tang Chuchu and Tang Yuxiang were constantly whispering poison in the old master’s ear.
Tang Xuewu clenched her fists, her eyes vacant as she watched her grandfather’s receding figure, her heart aching. Could the huge order from the Yaolong Group really be because Wang Ming was paving the way behind the scenes? Qin Long wouldn’t really deceive , would he? But Mada Zhao treated him with so much respect, while my grandfather has always been truthful and would never harm . One of them must be lying.
Tang Xuewu felt utterly troubled and was listless all day long. She even signed docunts in the wrong places several tis. She had thought Qin Long was changing. But what if this was all just his sche?
Soon, it was ti to leave work. As she watched the gentle Qin Long co to pick her up, she fought the urge to ask for clarification several tis. Finally, she couldn’t hold it in any longer.
"Long, there are so things I hope you can answer truthfully," Tang Xuewu said slowly, her hands clasped tightly.
"I’ll tell you anything you want to know," Qin Long reassured her, pulling the car over to the side of the road.
"What exactly is your relationship with Mada Zhao?"
The mont the words left her mouth, Tang Xuewu was struck with guilt. Asking so directly is a clear show of suspicion. If he really is lying, he’ll lose all face. If he isn’t, he’ll be terribly hurt. That’s why she felt so guilty.
"Xuewu, is sothing wrong with the Yaolong Group partnership?" Qin Long asked at once, his brow furrowed with concern. "If you’re unhappy about anything, just tell . I’ll have Mada Zhao deal with it imdiately."
"No, everything’s fine."
Qin Long restarted the car and drove on.
Grandfather was right. Qin Long only took the credit because he was afraid I would abandon him. If Grandfather is telling the truth, would Long leave the Tang family out of sha? Besides, what has he done wrong? He just wants to find a safe harbor, to be protected. So what if he lied to ? He’s disabled, after all. I even have to take care of his most basic needs. I can’t push him too hard. Thinking this, Tang Xuewu shook her head helplessly, a small pang of disappointnt in her heart. So Qin Long has to rely on deceit to win my affection. But he just wants to be protected, to survive.
"Long, I won’t abandon you," Tang Xuewu said, looking at him with sincere eyes. "So you don’t have to be afraid."
For a mont, Qin Long was a bit stunned, but he still gave her a gentle smile.
When they returned ho, they saw Zhang ilan trying on a cheongsam and elaborately applying makeup. Tang De was also there, combing his hair, dressed in a red formal suit.
"Xuewu, hurry up and get ready," urged Zhang ilan while applying her powder. "Your aunt has invited us for a grand al. You must dress up nicely today and show your cousin what true beauty looks like."
"Why is Aunt inviting us over now?" Tang Xuewu asked, puzzled. It wasn’t a holiday or special festival, so why the big fuss?
"I’m not sure either, but they must have so good news to celebrate," Zhang ilan speculated disdainfully, her nose in the air. "So they can’t resist showing off a bit? Haha, my darling daughter is a project president. What are they compared to her? Nothing!"
"Mom, what about Long..." Tang Xuewu started, but her mother cut her off with a dismissive wave of her hand.
"Just give him a packet of instant noodles. That’ll keep him from starving."
Tang Xuewu had wanted to order takeout for Qin Long, but her face flushed with anger at her mother’s words.
"No! Long has to co with ," she insisted. She then looked at Qin Long, a hint of guilt in her eyes as she waited for his answer.
"I’ll do as you say," Qin Long said with a faint smile.
"Shaless!" Zhang ilan cursed angrily, then ignored them completely.
Their destination was the Longquan Hotel, one of the city’s most renowned restaurants. Ordinary people couldn’t even dream of dining here; after all, who would be willing to spend several years’ salary on a single al? The clientele was exclusively the rich and powerful.
At the entrance, Zhang ilan shot Qin Long a fierce glare. "Once we’re inside, eat more and talk less. Just act like you’re mute, and don’t embarrass ."
Qin Long simply ignored her.
"Wouldn’t it have been better for you to just stay ho and quietly wait to die?" she snapped.
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