Chapter Thirteen: Qin's Mother Apologizes

This was the memory he least wanted to recall. No matter how much time had passed, whenever he calmed his mind, the incident lingered stubbornly in his thoughts.

“Yun Zheng, I didn’t mean to,” Lin Qingqing said, looking at Qin Yunzheng with a complex expression, a hint of frustration flickering in her eyes. She quickly tried to apologize with careful words.

Qin Yunzheng had initially wanted to lose his temper, but seeing Lin Qingqing like this, he could only helplessly rub his brow.

“The past is the past. Don’t bring it up again,” he said, struggling to keep calm, though his tone betrayed his effort.

“I understand, Yunzheng...” Lin Qingqing trailed off.

Qin Yunzheng said no more and strode ahead.

Watching his retreating figure, Lin Qingqing smiled triumphantly before hurrying to catch up.

...

After they left, Su Mian followed Lin Mu into the office.

“President Lin, I’ve reviewed the proposal from Qin Corporation. Their investment project promises high returns. Why are you canceling the investment?” Su Mian asked.

Though Qin Yunzheng and Lin Qingqing’s behavior was indeed infuriating, business was business. No matter the personal feelings, work and emotions must not be conflated.

Lin Mu, now the owner here, surely understood this principle.

Leaning back in his chair, Lin Mu glanced at Su Mian with a complicated look.

“There are things I prefer not to state too explicitly. Even though Yingtai is a leader in industry investment, we don’t just accept every deal.”

Su Mian looked at Lin Mu, puzzled.

“But if I recall correctly, you and Qin Yunzheng have no personal grudges, right?”

Realizing what she had said, Su Mian felt awkward and tried to backtrack but found herself at a loss for words.

Lin Mu, however, continued, “You’re right, we have no personal animosity. But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to cooperate with him.”

“Besides, there are other reasons, of course.”

His vague words left Su Mian even more confused.

“All right, you can leave now. This cooperation is off the table.”

Reluctantly, Su Mian nodded and left Lin Mu’s office.

As the door closed behind her, Lin Mu tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, a smile playing on his lips.

“Beihan, I did my best.”

Back at her workstation, Su Mian was about to review what Lin Mu had said when her phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, she realized it was Qin Yunzheng’s mother.

She hesitated for a moment, then stepped outside to answer.

“Auntie.”

“Dear, what happened this time was Qin Yunzheng’s fault. Please don’t be angry, okay?” came Qin’s mother’s apologetic voice as soon as the call connected.

In the past, Su Mian would have said she didn’t mind, but now, she couldn’t bring herself to say that.

“I heard you’ve found a job. Do you have time this afternoon? Auntie wants to see you.”

Su Mian thought it over and finally agreed.

No matter how things were between her and Qin Yunzheng, her relationship with his mother was different. Over the many years with the Qin family, she had been cared for like a mother—more so than her own birth mother.

“All right, it’s settled then.”

After lunch, Su Mian took her bag and went to the café where she had arranged to meet Qin’s mother.

“You’re here! Please, sit.”

“Thank you.”

Su Mian sat down opposite Qin’s mother.

“The same as always?”

Su Mian nodded slowly. Qin’s mother called the waiter over and ordered a caramel latte for her.

While waiting for the coffee, Su Mian sensed the emotions shifting across the table.

“Minmin, it was Yunzheng’s fault this time. Could you give him another chance?”

“Don’t worry, Auntie will teach him well. He definitely won’t...” Qin’s mother was cut off by Su Mian before she could finish.

Su Mian looked up, smiling gently.

“Thank you, Auntie. I know what you’re saying, but I’ve tried my best. My decision is firm—I won’t regret it.”

Qin’s mother’s face darkened. She hesitated, wanting to say more, but chose silence in the end.

Su Mian looked at the weary woman and felt conflicted.

Both Qin’s mother and father had treated her well, but the matter of shares and property had to be settled clearly.

If they had been adamant, Su Mian could have faced them with more confidence.

But now, she didn’t know how to begin.

“Sigh, it’s our family who’s wrong. That boy is a scoundrel, but we’ve seen all you’ve done.”

Su Mian gave an awkward smile.

“Don’t worry, if that boy insists on going down his path blindly, everything in our family will be yours. What your uncle and I agreed on will definitely stand.”

Su Mian was surprised. When she and Qin Yunzheng were together, the promises and shares made sense.

But now...

Qin’s mother seemed to notice her confusion.

She smiled gently. “Your father and I have long regarded you as our own daughter. Giving these to you doesn’t sadden us.”

Touched, Su Mian held Qin’s mother’s hand.

“Auntie Qin, I really like you both, but all this is your hard work. You don’t have to give me everything.”

What Su Mian meant was she would only take what was rightfully hers and not touch anything else.

Hearing this, Qin’s mother sighed.

“You’re too sensible. But with how things are now, your father and I have no solution.”

“But what I said before is true. No matter how things end between you and that scoundrel, we consider you family.”

“I hope our relationship can remain as it was.”

Though sincere, Qin’s mother’s tone also carried a hint of probing.

Su Mian squeezed her hand, offering reassurance.

“Auntie Qin, I was wondering how to tell you this, but you’ve said exactly what I was thinking. Having lived with you for so long, I truly feel reluctant to part.”

“That’s good, that’s good.”

Su Mian’s words eased Qin’s mother’s worried heart.

She had feared Su Mian would sever ties because of Qin Yunzheng.

“Auntie, let’s leave it here for today. I have to head back to work soon, but I’ll come visit you and uncle during my breaks.”

Checking the time, Su Mian stood to leave but was called back.

“Next Wednesday is your uncle’s birthday. There will be a banquet. You must come.”

“All right, Auntie. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be there.”

Watching Su Mian walk away, Qin’s mother sighed.

A feeling of helplessness rose within her.

She had intended to persuade Su Mian to give Qin Yunzheng another chance, but when she saw the sincere look in Su Mian’s eyes, she couldn’t find the words.

Finally, Qin’s mother also left the café.

Before Su Mian reached the company building, someone blocked her path.

Looking up, she saw Lin Qingqing and felt weary dealing with her.

“What do you want?” Su Mian asked impatiently.

Lin Qingqing didn’t beat around the bush.

“Go back and tell Lin Mu that he must agree to cooperate with Qin Corporation.”

Su Mian was stunned.

She stared at Lin Qingqing as if she’d gone mad.

After all, she wasn’t the one who decided on investments, and Lin Mu had already made the company’s position clear.

“Why are you looking at me like that? In my opinion, Lin Mu’s refusal to invest is definitely because of you.”

“So go tell him to reconsider. It won’t be a problem.”

Lin Qingqing spoke seriously, as if it were only natural, which made Su Mian laugh.

Lin Qingqing stared anxiously at Su Mian.

“Don’t laugh. I’m serious. Qin Yunzheng really needs this investment!”