Chapter 71: Conditions

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The next evening, they returned to Huaicheng and went straight to Qingping Garden.

Qi Ronghua and his wife were also there, accompanying Old Man Chen in sipping tea and chatting. When they saw Qi Xing and Ye Xingzhou enter, Qi Ronghua's face darkened, clearly not wanting to engage with them.

Ye Xingzhou presented the local specialties they had brought back from the neighboring province to the elders. Old Man Chen accepted them with a smile, but Qi Ronghua didn’t even glance at them, offering no face at all. Wang Cuilan, feeling helpless, took the initiative to accept the gifts and casually asked them where they had been to avoid making the atmosphere too awkward.

Qi Xing was on the verge of breaking into a sweat, while Ye Xingzhou remained calm and composed while chatting with his mother and godfather and completely unfazed by Qi Ronghua's cold treatment.

It wasn’t until Old Man Chen put down his teacup and suggested, "Let’s have dinner first. We can discuss other matters after the meal." that the tension slightly eased.

During dinner, Ye Xingzhou was the one who kept the conversation lively with Old Man Chen, while Wang Cuilan occasionally chimed in. Qi Ronghua remained aloof and only responded when Old Man Chen directed the conversation his way. As for Qi Xing, he kept his head down and focused on eating, clearly not wanting to get involved.

Ye Xingzhou would occasionally serve him food, doing so naturally and not as a deliberate show but out of habit.

Qi Ronghua couldn’t stand their closeness but couldn’t find a reason to pick a fight, so he just kept frowning. Wang Cuilan, who is suppressing a laugh, served him a few dishes as well: "You should eat too. Why are you staring at your son’s bowl?"

Qi Ronghua let out a "hmph," which even made Old Man Chen chuckle.

Qi Xing’s head was almost buried in his bowl as he muttered, "Ye Xingzhou, you eat your own food. I have hands."

Ye Xingzhou, unperturbed, just simply reminded him, "Eat."

After dinner, everyone returned to the living room, where tea was served again and they finally got down to business.

Old Man Chen spoke first, addressing Ye Xingzhou: "Regarding your relationship with Teacher Lin, we shouldn’t pry, but since both Qi Xing and Teacher Lin were kidnapped because of you before, Qi Xing’s parents are worried that something similar might happen again. They’re also unsure if you still have any ties with Teacher Lin, so we’d like to hear your side of the story."

"Why bring up Teacher Lin again? My relationship with Ye Xingzhou has nothing to do with him…" Qi Xing began, but Ye Xingzhou, sitting on the armrest of the sofa beside him, gently pressed his shoulder to stop him.

Ye Xingzhou calmly explained, "Lin Zhinian and I were classmates in high school. We had a good relationship back then, but it never progressed beyond friendship. We never dated and after graduation, we lost contact. Last year, when he returned to the country, we spent some time together but I was using him, which led to misunderstandings from outsiders, including you, Uncle Qi."

Old Man Chen: "Using him?"

Ye Xingzhou: "I’ve already explained everything to him. I’ve also compensated him financially for the kidnapping incident. There was never anything beyond friendship between us, and there never will be."

"If even emotions can be used, it seems your character isn’t very commendable," Qi Ronghua concluded bluntly.

Ye Xingzhou didn’t deny it. He was never a good person and didn’t care if others saw him as a villain.

Qi Xing: "Dad…"

Qi Ronghua glared at him: "Your brain seems even less useful than Teacher Lin. I think you’ll end up being used and sold out sooner or later."

Wang Cuilan gently nudged her husband, urging him to tone it down.

In truth, Qi Ronghua had long been a shrewd businessman, and it had been years since he had been so direct in showing his displeasure, let alone openly criticizing someone’s character. Even though his company still had business interests with Ye Xingzhou’s, facing the man who had "stolen" his son, it was hard for him to remain calm, and he had no intention of giving Ye Xingzhou any face.

Moreover, Ye Xingzhou hadn’t shown him any respect either—his back was still aching from their earlier encounter.

Wang Cuilan took the initiative to ask Ye Xingzhou: "Your past relationships are one thing, but we only have Qi Xing as our son, so naturally, we’re more concerned. Both of you are men, and Qi Xing is much younger than you. We’re worried that he might be completely devoted to you, while you might not be as serious, or even have ulterior motives. What then?"

"Verbal promises probably won’t convince you." Ye Xingzhou said before picking up two file folders he had just retrieved them from his car and placed them on the coffee table. "Here are two documents. One is a list of all my assets. Except for the shares in Ye Corporation, which I need to retain control of the company, everything else will be transferred to Qi Xing. The dividends from Ye Corporation will also be directly deposited into Qi Xing’s account."

His words left not only Qi Ronghua and Wang Cuilan but even Old Man Chen stunned: "Are you serious?"

Qi Xing was dumbfounded and upon regaining his composure, he quickly protested: "What are you doing? You never mentioned this to me before. What do I need your stuff for? If you give it all to me, you’ll be broke. Aren’t you afraid I’ll run off with the money?"

Qi Ronghua’s face turned livid: "What is this? Trying to buy us off with money? Ronghua Corporation might not be as large as Ye Corporation, but it’s still one of the top private enterprises in the country. His mother and I have worked our whole lives, and everything will eventually go to Qi Xing. Do you think we care about the scraps you’re offering him?"

Of course, it wasn’t just scraps. After Ye Xingzhou’s scoundrel of a father passed away, most of his personal assets had ended up in Ye Xingzhou’s hands. Old Man Chen was the first to pick up the list and flip through it. Even he was impressed by the figures. Ye Xingzhou’s offer to Qi Xing, at least in terms of attitude, showed genuine sincerity.

Ye Xingzhou pushed the second document forward: "This is my will. The shares in Ye Corporation will also be left to Qi Xing in the future."

Qi Xing immediately said: "I don’t want it. Are you crazy? You’re only thirty. Why are you making a will? Are you cursing yourself?"

Wang Cuilan also quickly added: "We really can’t accept this. How can we take so much from you for nothing? If you give it all to Qi Xing, we won’t be able to sleep at night."

Qi Ronghua’s expression grew even darker. The script wasn’t supposed to be them using money to chase away the man coveting their son, but it certainly wasn’t the other way around either. Ye Xingzhou’s move was completely unconventional.

"If we really accept this, wouldn’t it look like I, Qi Ronghua, sold my son?"

Ye Xingzhou: "I thought Uncle Qi wouldn’t care about outsiders’ gossip when it comes to tangible security. I’m doing this with no ulterior motives—I simply want to give it to Qi Xing."

"You want to, but I don’t," Qi Xing retorted angrily. "I don’t want your stuff. If you become a pauper, wouldn’t I have to support you? You’re just creating trouble for me!"

Ye Xingzhou: "You’ll take it."

Qi Xing: "Get lost."

"I think there are some things in here that Qi Xing would definitely like. There are dozens of sports cars listed. Since Ye Xingzhou is willing to give them, you might as well accept them. It’s not a big deal."

Old Man Chen was still flipping through the asset list, trying to mediate: "Ye Xingzhou is showing his sincerity. Why are you two turning against each other already? I think you should both compromise. Qi Xing, don’t take everything, just pick out what you like from the list and have him transfer it to you. As for Ye Xingzhou, if he wants to write a will, let him. It’s not like it’s harming anyone. If he doesn’t leave it to you, it’ll just go to someone else in the Ye family."

Qi Xing immediately fell silent.

Though, in truth, those cars were already his. He’d switch them out one by one, and Ye Xingzhou would probably end up owing him even more.

Ye Xingzhou nodded: "That’s fine."

When Qi Xing didn’t respond, Old Man Chen took it as an agreement and turned to Qi Ronghua and Wang Cuilan: "What do you two think?"

Qi Ronghua: "Old Man, you know what happened when Qi Xing was kidnapped in the U.S and it even had a bomb. This time, they were lucky, but what if it happens again? I don’t agree with him being with Ye Xingzhou for his own good."

Wang Cuilan hesitated but didn’t speak. Qi Ronghua’s concerns were also hers.

Old Man Chen thought for a moment and said to Ye Xingzhou: "I’ve heard the details of what happened. I didn’t believe you when you said you could protect Qi Xing before, but now I do. I admire that you were willing to risk your life to save him. But Qi Xing’s father’s concerns are valid. There might be a Ye Wanyao, and there could be others like him. If something like this happens again, you might not come back unscathed."

Ye Xingzhou: "I’ll handle the trouble. There won’t be a next time."

Old Man Chen: "Can you do it?"

Ye Xingzhou: "Yes."

Old Man Chen: "Good."

As for how Ye Xingzhou would handle it, he didn’t ask. If Ye Xingzhou said he could do it, he must have the means. There was no need to pry further.

Old Man Chen then turned to Qi Xing: "Are you really set on him?"

Qi Xing: "What else can I do? I’m already married to him."

Qi Ronghua fumed silently. Old Man Chen addressed him again: "Since everyone’s here, why don’t you lay it all out? What exactly don’t you like about Ye Xingzhou? Say it all."

Qi Ronghua frowned: "He’s too domineering, has too many enemies, and is surrounded by danger and trouble. His character is also questionable. Even if he didn’t date that person, he had feelings for them before, yet he used them without hesitation. Frankly, I can’t respect that. Qi Xing is just infatuated. I really don’t understand why he’s so fixated on Ye Xingzhou."

Old Man Chen: "Let’s address each point. If it’s about his business methods, you and I are outsiders. We can’t judge. Whether it’s good or bad, time will tell. If you feel he’s not respectful enough toward you, then he’s indeed lacking in that aspect. Not just toward you—he’s not as polite to me as he used to be either. Ye Xingzhou, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Ye Xingzhou: "My apologies."

The two words weren’t particularly sincere, nor did they carry much remorse, but he had said them.

Qi Ronghua was somewhat choked up. Old Man Chen sighed with a smile: "If you’re expecting him to treat you with the same reverence as other juniors, you might as well give up that idea. Does Qi Xing treat you with reverence? He’s always provoking you. If even your own son can’t do it, how can you expect others to? Just have him show you some respect on the surface from now on. Ye Xingzhou, did you hear that? There are many ways to stop someone from losing their temper. Throwing a senior over your shoulder is not one of them."

Ye Xingzhou responded firmly this time: "Understood."

Qi Ronghua let out another "hmph."

Old Man Chen nodded in satisfaction and continued addressing Qi Ronghua: "You’re also at fault here. Even if you were worried about Qi Xing lying to you and being taken advantage of, there’s no reason to resort to violence right away. At your age, how come your temper’s resurfaced after being hidden for so many years? How can you lecture Qi Xing about causing trouble outside when you’re like this?"

Wang Cuilan chimed in: "Exactly. Old Man is right."

Qi Ronghua’s bravado immediately faltered, and he looked somewhat embarrassed.

Old Man Chen continued: "You say he has too many enemies and is surrounded by danger and trouble. I agree with that. But he’s already said he’ll handle it. Let’s just wait and see."

Qi Ronghua: "If he says he can handle it, he can?"

Old Man Chen: "If you don’t believe him, then anything he says is pointless. You have to give him a chance. Think about it—when Qi Xing was kidnapped because of you, did he complain about you? If he had refused to give you a chance and disowned you as his father, how would you feel?"

Qi Ronghua: "I’m his father. It’s not the same…"

Old Man Chen: "How is it different? Aren’t you just worried that Ye Xingzhou has ulterior motives toward Qi Xing, or that he’ll change his mind and use him in the future? Doesn’t that mean you’ve already positioned Qi Xing as the weaker one in their relationship? If Qi Xing were as capable as you, his father, would you still be worried about all this? Could Ye Xingzhou deceive you then?"

Qi Ronghua scoffed: "If Qi Xing were like me, he’d never have fallen for Ye Xingzhou in the first place."

"What’s wrong with Ye Xingzhou? Why wouldn’t I like him?" Qi Xing interjected, feeling upset. "I know you’re worried and concerned for my sake, but you don’t have to interrogate Ye Xingzhou like he’s a criminal. If his mother were here and interrogating me like this, would you be happy? You’re just taking advantage of the fact that he has no one to back him up."

Qi Ronghua: "You little brat, how can you side with an outsider like this?"

Qi Xing: "I’m not wrong."

Ye Xingzhou pressed his shoulder again, signaling him to stop. Qi Xing, though still indignant, obediently fell silent.

Qi Ronghua was fuming. His son didn’t listen to him but was completely under Ye Xingzhou’s control. What kind of logic was that?!

Old Man Chen patted Qi Ronghua’s arm, calming him down: "I don’t think Qi Xing is acting on impulse. He’s very clear-headed. Years ago, he told me he liked men but was afraid to tell you. Think about why that is. Ask yourself—have you and your wife been so busy with work that you neglected him? He’s just easygoing and doesn’t hold it against you, always laughing and joking around. If he were a more sensitive kid, he might have rebelled much worse.

He might seem like he’s always fooling around outside, but he doesn’t have many close friends. When he’s upset, he can only talk to an old man like me. When he was kidnapped in middle school, afterward, you were so worried that you assigned a bunch of bodyguards to follow him everywhere, which alienated his classmates that he didn’t even want to go to school anymore. If I hadn’t talked to you two back then, you might not have realized how serious it was. This time, when he ditched his bodyguards abroad and got kidnapped, can’t you say you’re also partly to blame?

You blame him for being easily swayed by Ye Xingzhou, but what can you do? He’s inexperienced. When he meets someone like Ye Xingzhou, who’s willing to dote on him and protect him, and says a few sweet words, of course he’ll run off with him."

Qi Ronghua wanted to argue but couldn’t find the words. Wang Cuilan also looked downcast then glanced at Qi Xing with her lips parting as if to speak but stopping herself.

Qi Xing thought to himself that he was being unfairly accused—Ye Xingzhou never said sweet things to him.

When Qi Ronghua had calmed down somewhat, Old Man Chen continued: "Let me make a suggestion. You’ve always been worried that Qi Xing is aimless and won’t amount to anything, right? Why not have him study more? I have an old friend whose company has a deep partnership with a business school in the U.K. I can ask him to put in a word, and Qi Xing can go there to pursue an MBA. Last I heard, it only takes about eighteen months to get the degree. While Qi Xing is there, he can learn something and also take the time to cool off. If he comes back and still insists on being with Ye Xingzhou, I think you should stop opposing them. Otherwise, you’ll only end up driving a wedge between father and son. What’s the point?

As for Ye Xingzhou, take this time to clean up any trouble at home, in your company, or elsewhere. I don’t care how you do it, but make sure it doesn’t affect Qi Xing in the future.

Qi Xing, you too. You can’t rely on others forever. Once you can stand on your own, your parents won’t have to worry about you being deceived all the time. Only then will you truly have the confidence to say you can protect Ye Xingzhou."

After Old Man Chen finished speaking, Qi Xing was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected his godfather to propose such a solution.

Wang Cuilan was the first to say: "I think it’s a good idea."

Qi Ronghua had completely calmed down by now, perhaps reminded by Old Man Chen’s words about "father and son becoming estranged." If Qi Xing was determined to be with Ye Xingzhou, he would eventually have to accept it.

After glancing between Qi Xing and Ye Xingzhou, Qi Ronghua finally said: "We’ll do as Old Man suggests, but I have one condition. During this year and a half, while Qi Xing is studying there, the two of you cannot meet. I won’t interfere with any private communication between you, but if I find out you’ve met, this agreement is void."

Qi Xing instinctively wanted to say "no," but Ye Xingzhou had already agreed: "Deal."

Qi Xing looked up in surprise. Ye Xingzhou met his gaze, his eyes flickering slightly. After a moment of silent eye contact, Qi Xing lowered his head.

Old Man Chen asked: "Qi Xing, what do you think?"

"...You’ve already decided. Why ask me?"

Qi Xing’s voice was muffled. It seemed like a reasonable solution, but he felt a pang of resentment.

"Qi Xing," Ye Xingzhou called his name.

Qi Xing kept his head down, silent. Ye Xingzhou’s hand slid down and grasped his wrist. Throwing a "We’ll talk alone" to Old Man Chen and the others, Ye Xingzhou pulled him up: "Let’s go. We’ll talk elsewhere."

Qi Xing, dazed, allowed Ye Xingzhou to lead him out and into the small building where they had stayed the last time they were here.

Once inside, Ye Xingzhou closed the door, and Qi Xing yanked his hand free. He pushed Ye Xingzhou away and retreated to lean against the wall, still silent. Ye Xingzhou stepped forward as his hand reached out to cover the back of Qi Xing’s neck and forced him to look up.

Qi Xing glared at him with his eyes red.

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