Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 649 - Chapter 649 Chapter 649 A Solution for Permanent Relief

Chapter 649: Chapter 649: A Solution for Permanent Relief Chapter 649: Chapter 649: A Solution for Permanent Relief Qin Yuan’s grandfather spoke to him again, “As the elder brother, you shouldn’t indulge your sister blindly. It is because you all spoil her too much that she has become so unreasonable.”

Qin Yuan lowered his head and admitted his mistake, “It’s my fault.”

Mrs. Qin’s face struggled to maintain a rigid smile, her hands clasped tightly together, her fingertips turning pale.

Speaking of indulgence, her father was second to none.

Now, when trouble strikes, it is they who are blamed.

“Even if Qin Xuan gets married, she is still a Qin Family member. If something happens, I’ll protect her, so you needn’t worry about her being mistreated in the future. Everything that should be given to her won’t be lessened a bit.”

Qin’s grandfather probably felt that rushing Qin Xuan into marrying into the Li Family as a gesture of goodwill was unfair to her.

After all, it was he who initiated the marriage alliance with the Li Family, setting Qin Xuan up with false hopes.

Mrs. Qin listened silently, her smile growing increasingly rigid, her heart brimming with discontent toward her own father–interested in none of the trifles he offered.

However, as long as Qin’s grandfather held the power in the Qin Family, Mrs. Qin, despite her million reluctances, dared not utter a word.

Around the corner of the staircase, Qin Xuan overheard their conversation, clear and distinct.

She was caught off guard by her grandfather’s move, her expression sour as if someone owed her millions.

Thinking that her grandfather had made this decision also considering Li Hanzhou’s attitude was another sting.

Her hands trembled slightly, and she felt utterly devastated.

To have her affection ignored was bad enough, let alone to be bullied to this extent.

Qin Xuan couldn’t help but feel a tingle in her nose, her eyes reddening.

She had intended to go down and say a few good words for her grandfather, but now she lost all mood for it.

After arranging Qin Xuan’s future, Qin’s grandfather shamelessly contacted Li’s grandfather, expressing his apology while doing so.

He also informed him that Qin Xuan would soon be engaged to someone else.

Li’s grandfather was reluctant even to deal with Qin’s grandfather.

But considering he had sacrificed Qin Xuan’s future happiness, he hesitantly spared him an earful.

After hanging up Qin’s grandfather’s call, Li’s grandfather used his wife’s phone to contact Li Hanzhou.

He had no choice; he was still on his grandson’s blacklist.

“You brat, Grandpa is still useful, aren’t I? Shouldn’t you thank me for resolving a problem for you?”

Li Hanzhou responded coldly, “That was a problem you caused. Have the audacity to ask for credit?”

After he spoke, he ruthlessly hung up the phone.

Li’s grandfather: “…”

Li’s grandfather fumed, “This kid, completely lawless! Don’t think I can’t discipline you just because you are far from the emperor.”

Mrs. Li chuckled, “I’ve told you before, don’t meddle too much; you just had to go and look for trouble.”

Li’s grandfather sighed softly, “How would I know it would turn out like this? I’ve met that young lady from the Qin Family before, educated and polite. Who would have thought she had such a malicious heart.”

He lamented, “Thankfully the young rascal disdained her, otherwise our Li Family would have been turned upside down.”

Li’s grandfather couldn’t help but break out in a sweat, no longer daring to rashly recommend anyone to Li Hanzhou anymore.

…

After Mrs. Qin calmed Qin’s grandfather down, she prepared to return to her room to rest, exhausted in body and mind.

As she passed by Qin Yuan’s room, she paused, as something crossed her mind.

After hesitating for a moment, she knocked on Qin Yuan’s room door.

A deep voice from inside said, “Come in.”

Mrs. Qin twisted the doorknob, opened the door, and entered.

Qin Yuan was still wearing a suit, his fingers pinching a freshly lit cigarette. A pair of profound eyes, obscured by the smoke, rendered his emotions indiscernible.

Mrs. Qin frowned, “Smoke less.”

“Just occasionally,” Qin Yuan said, his eyes and eyebrows somber.

“Has something happened?”

Mrs. Qin knew Qin Yuan too well, after all, he was the son she had painstakingly raised to win the old master’s favor.

A single frown from Qin Yuan, and she could tell whether he was happy or not.

Qin Yuan’s voice was hoarse, “The investigation results are out. The young master of the Lu family does indeed share a blood relation with grandfather.”

Thud–Mrs. Qin’s back accidentally hit the door of the room.

The news was so sudden that her heart sank, and her face showed disbelief.

“Are you sure? There’s no mistake?” Mrs. Qin’s lips slowly lost color, struggling to accept this fact.

She had never imagined that her father’s illegitimate child could be found.

After all, with the vast sea of people and so few clues, it was undoubtedly like finding a needle in a haystack.

“I had someone secretly take his hair for a kinship test. Also, I investigated the Lu family, Elder Master Lu had an early deceased younger sister named Lu Wan, identical to the name of grandfather’s mistress.”

He took a puff of his cigarette and said unhurriedly, “Lu Wan gave birth to a child of unknown paternity in her early years and later died in an accident. It was said that her son’s wife was also pregnant at the time, but it was a stillbirth. However, it turns out, the young master is not the biological son of Elder Master Lu.”

Lu Wan’s premarital pregnancy had caused quite a stir in that era.

These matters could be easily found out by asking some of the older generation.

An illegitimate child died, yet left a child behind, truly a thorn stuck in the heart.

Qin Yuan’s tone was calm but filled with contempt, “Heh, truly the direct bloodline of grandfather. Before we even started looking, he presented himself to attract grandfather’s attention.”

Mrs. Qin’s heart felt heavy, “How could it be such a coincidence… Could he have known all along that he is of the Qin bloodline, and deliberately appeared at the tech expo to meet your grandfather?”

Qin Yuan hadn’t considered this possibility before. Hearing his mother’s words, his eyes darkened.

Mrs. Qin’s still-charming face suddenly clouded over, looking as dark as the bottom of a pot.

“If that’s true, he is too scheming. If we let him come back, he will definitely fight with us for the inheritance.”

Mrs. Qin was wringing her fingers, both angry and anxious, “Your grandfather is already old-fashioned, favoring males over females. Now that illegitimate child’s son is also so scheming…”

Qin Yuan’s countenance grew increasingly grim, as if returning to his adolescent days, no matter how hard he tried or how outstanding he was in front of his grandfather.

He was always overshadowed by that ignorant and frivolous uncle, who did nothing but indulge himself daily.

After finally outliving his uncle, and with the illegitimate child having passed away early, another cousin emerged to block his path.

“Wait…” Mrs. Qin’s eyes lit up, “What if that child is a dud? If we make your grandfather disappointed in him, wouldn’t that solve everything?”

Qin Yuan, however, was not so optimistic and gave a bitter smile, “Mom, what you don’t know is, the young master of the Lu family is famously talented. Not only has he consistently topped his school, but he has also won numerous awards in technology. Isn’t that exactly the kind of talent grandfather needs right now?”

Mrs. Qin’s face fell, her forehead wrinkles deepening.

“If he were a loser, I would naturally welcome him back. But unfortunately, he had to be so outstanding. We cannot let him return.”

Qin Yuan knew all too well the threat Lu Shiran posed to him.

Too clever by half, unsuitable to remain in the Qin family.

“Mom, this matter is beyond our control. Grandfather is still waiting for the investigation results,” his face changed, “If I had been able to secure a deal with Tianqi Research Institute earlier, maybe I could still compete.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Qin couldn’t help but blame Qin Xuan. If it weren’t for his excessive behavior, it wouldn’t have ruined Qin Yuan’s plans.

She said urgently, “You’ve been patient for so many years, willing to let others take your achievements? With grandfather’s bias, will he even care about you once that person returns?”

“Enough!” Qin Yuan’s hand veins bulged, the cigarette fell to the ground, and he grimly crushed it underfoot.

“I naturally won’t allow it!”

Lady Qin pondered for a moment, as if she had made a decision, and gestured at her neck, “How about…”

“No way.” Qin Yuan’s eyes were coldly terrifying, his pale face illuminated by the cold moon outside the window, his brows and eyes seemed to be edged with frost.

“Grandfather is suspicious, we can’t harm Lu Shiran.”

Lady Qin bit her lip, “We could create a perfect accident.”

Qin Yuan didn’t speak, seemingly considering the possibility, but soon he shook his head, “Grandfather is so interested in him now that even if an accident happened, he would definitely go to see him. It’s not a long-term solution.”

Lady Qin became anxiously agitated, “This won’t do, that won’t do–what should we do then?”

Qin Yuan suddenly smiled lightly, “I do have a way that could solve this once and for all.”

“What way?” Lady Qin sharply looked up at him.

Qin Yuan did not reply, but took out his cellphone to contact his subordinate, “I have a task that I need you to handle…”

The two people in the room did not know that outside the room, Qin Xuan was listening to their conversation.

After returning to her room, the more Qin Xuan thought about it, the less she could accept being casually married off, and she wanted to talk to her mother.

Yet, she overheard their conversation. However, her focus was on…

The grandfather’s illegitimate child has a son who is a young master of the Lu Family?

Qiao Yun is a young lady of the Lu Family.

The only advantage she had over Qiao Yun was her family background.

Although Li Hanzhou liked Qiao Yun, it couldn’t change the fact that the Lu Family was no match for the Qin Family.

In Qin Xuan’s eyes, the Lu Family was insignificant. She never took them seriously, which is why she dared to target Qiao Yun time and again.

If Lu Shiran returned to the Qin Family, the Lu Family would surely rise to great heights.

If Lu Shiran inherited the Qin Family fortune, wouldn’t Qiao Yun then trample all over her?

The mere thought of this possibility infuriated Qin Xuan, causing her to sweep a water glass off the table. With a clang, it shattered.

She sat on the bed, her expression gradually turning grim.

Throughout her life, every setback she had faced was because of Qiao Yun, yet Qiao Yun acted as if nothing was wrong.

Qin Xuan didn’t believe that she couldn’t tear down Qiao Yun’s indifferent facade.

Besides, she wasn’t targeting Qiao Yun this time. Could Li Hanzhou and Pei Yao really interfere?

In Qin Xuan’s view, they would care about Qiao Yun’s issues, but not about the Lu Family’s.

…

While the three Qin Family members were anxiously discussing the issue of the illegitimate child,

Old Master Qin was not idle either–he had already planned to host a party soon and invite all the elite talents to attend.

The purpose of the party was to find a fiance for Qin Xuan.

This sparked discussions among the high society and wealthy families.

Especially since Qin Xuan’s issue with the young master of the Xu Family had not yet settled, the Qin Family was already eager to find a substitute.

It was unknown who would be lucky enough to become that substitute.

Jokes aside, many were interested.

Being a substitute, what of it? As long as one could marry Qin Xuan, it would be akin to having the Qin Family as a backer.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhanxing teasingly provoked Lu Jingzhi, “Big brother, you’re not that young anymore. Why not give it a try? Maybe she’ll fancy you?”

Lu Jingzhi’s face darkened, and he responded dryly, “Stop joking.”

Lu Zhanxing raised an eyebrow, “I’m serious. This is the Qin Family we’re talking about. If you marry their daughter, it would greatly benefit the development of the Lu Group. At least as a substitute, there should be some perks, right?”

Lu Zhanxing’s handsome face filled with amusement, “Big brother, weren’t you always the one most concerned about family interests?”

Lu Jingzhi: “…”

He had reason to suspect Lu Zhanxing was implying something about him.

Su Mian chuckled, “Enough, don’t pick on your brother.”

“Mom, don’t you want a powerful and influential daughter-in-law?”

“I don’t.” The moment Su Mian thought of Qin Xuan publicly framing Qiao Yun as a thief, she felt very uncomfortable.

“I think you’re asking for it.” Lu Jingzhi clenched his fist.

“Sister, save me.”

Lu Zhanxing, spotting Qiao Yun returning from school, quickly ran behind her for cover, plaintively saying, “Big brother is going to hit me.”

Qiao Yun’s delicate face was utterly baffled.

Yet her body instinctively protected Lu Zhanxing, her large, round eyes fixed on Lu Jingzhi.

She looked like a hen protecting her chick.

Lu Jingzhi’s mouth twitched as he awkwardly laughed, “I was just joking with him.”

Feeling protected by his sister, Lu Zhanxing, emboldened, taunted, “You dare hit me.”

Lu Jingzhi: “…” Heh.

Qiao Yun turned around and softly said to Lu Zhanxing, “Don’t bully people.”

Lu Zhanxing flashed an ingratiating smile, “Okay, for sister’s sake, I won’t bully big brother.”

“Um.” Qiao Yun nodded.

Lu Jingzhi felt unexpectedly touched. That his sister asked his brother not to bully him was incredibly considerate.

Just as he was thinking this, he heard Qiao Yun whisper, “But you can subtly bully him.”

Lu Jingzhi: “…”

He seemed to have no standing in this family, did he?

Only later did Qiao Yun learn about Qin Xuan being pushed by the Qin Family to marry someone else, apparently to make an impression on the Li Family.

For some reason, Qin Xuan’s arranged marriage brought a hint of joy to her?

“…”

Qiao Yun furrowed her brow, was she actually delighting in Qin Xuan’s misfortune?

In the past, she would never care about such things. Why did she somewhat care about Qin Xuan now?

Perhaps it was because Qin Xuan was too irritating.

The more Qiao Yun thought about it, the more it seemed not just because of that.

Eventually unable to figure it out, she simply stopped thinking about it.

Ever since Qin Xuan appeared, she felt she had become a little strange.

“Sister, are you facing any difficulties?” Lu Zhanxing, seeing Qiao Yun furrow her brow, asked with concern.

Qiao Yun snapped back to reality and pursed her lips, saying, “I…”

“What did you say!?”

Before Qiao Yun could finish, she was interrupted by Lu Rui’s shocked exclamation.

The entire family turned to look at Lu Rui, whose expression was incredibly complex.

Lu Rui spoke gravely, “Hold on, I’ll be right there.”

He hung up the phone and, without a chance to say a word to his family, hurriedly rushed out the door.