Chapter 17
Qin Yuan had no idea that his little “secret” was stirring up waves within the Song family.
After receiving his mother’s invitation to dinner, Qin Yuan replied with a simple confirmation, his usual calm smile tugging at the corners of his lips. As he looked out the window of his office, he allowed himself a brief chuckle.
“Dinner with Mom and the sisters? Sounds like trouble brewing,” he murmured to himself, shaking his head.
Meanwhile, at the Gezhi Group headquarters, Song Yazhi paced back and forth in her office. Her mind raced as she tried to piece together the puzzle her daughters had presented. The Qin Yuan she had just reunited with was supposed to be an ordinary man, living a quiet life, disconnected from the vast fortunes of the world. Yet, the gifts he had so casually given her daughters painted an entirely different picture.
Song Ziwei and Song Caifu sat on the sofa, exchanging nervous glances. Even Caifu, usually the more carefree of the two, fidgeted with her fingers. “Mom,” she ventured, her voice soft but worried, “what if brother… you know… has been involved in something shady?”
Song Yazhi turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. “Nonsense,” she snapped, though there was a flicker of doubt in her expression. “Xiao Yuan is my son. I raised him with good values in his blood. I won’t believe such baseless speculation without proof.”
“But, Mom,” Song Ziwei interjected, her tone measured, “if he’s just an ordinary person, how could he afford such extravagant gifts? A nine-eyed Dzi bead necklace? Agarwood worth millions? Even for someone with money, those are not casual purchases.”
Song Yazhi bit her lip, her emotions a whirlwind of pride, concern, and confusion. “We’ll ask him tonight,” she said firmly. “Until then, no more guessing.”
That evening, the family gathered at a private restaurant in Ninghai. The atmosphere in the room was cozy, with soft lighting casting a golden glow over the elegant dining table.
Qin Yuan arrived punctually, his usual confident gait catching the attention of every server and patron he passed. Dressed simply but impeccably, he carried an air of understated authority, the kind that turned heads without effort.
“Mom, sisters,” he greeted warmly, his eyes softening as he took his seat. “What’s the occasion? It’s rare for all of us to dine out together.”
Song Yazhi smiled, but it was a smile tinged with curiosity. “Xiao Yuan, I just thought we should spend more time together as a family. You’ve only recently come back into our lives, after all.”
“Of course,” Qin Yuan replied easily, picking up his chopsticks. “I’m glad to spend time with all of you.”
The first part of the meal was filled with light conversation—small talk about the day, amusing anecdotes, and a few teasing remarks from Caifu that brought laughter to the table. But as the main dishes were served, the air shifted. Song Yazhi set down her chopsticks and leaned forward slightly, her sharp eyes locking onto her son.
“Xiao Yuan,” she began, her voice calm but direct, “I have to ask you something. And I want the truth.”
Qin Yuan raised a brow, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Of course, Mom. Ask me anything.”
Song Yazhi exchanged a glance with her daughters before continuing. “The gifts you gave Ziwei and Caifu—do you realize how valuable they are?”
Qin Yuan froze for the briefest of moments, but his composure returned almost instantly. “I thought they were nice little tokens,” he said, his tone casual. “Why? Were they not to your liking?”
“Tokens?” Song Yazhi repeated, her voice rising slightly. “Do you have any idea what those ‘tokens’ are worth? Ziwei’s Dzi bead necklace alone could buy a mansion in Ninghai! And the agarwood bracelet you gave Caifu—millions! Millions, Xiao Yuan!”
Across the table, both sisters watched their brother intently, their expressions a mix of awe and suspicion.
Qin Yuan leaned back in his chair, his smile fading into something unreadable. For a long moment, he said nothing, his gaze flickering between his mother and his sisters. Then, with a sigh, he placed his chopsticks neatly on the table.
“I suppose I can’t keep this to myself any longer,” he said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of resignation. “You’re right. Those gifts aren’t cheap. And I’m not… ordinary.”
Song Yazhi’s breath caught. “What do you mean?”
Qin Yuan folded his hands, his tone growing more serious. “Mom, sisters, I’ve been fortunate enough to build something of my own over the past decade. It’s not something I talk about often because I’ve never been one for flaunting wealth or status. But… let’s just say I’m not lacking when it comes to resources.”
“Define ‘resources,’” Song Ziwei said sharply, her gaze piercing.
Qin Yuan chuckled. “Let’s just say that the Azure Foundation, which I hear has been on your radar lately, isn’t as distant from me as you might think.”
Song Yazhi’s eyes widened in shock, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. Ziwei and Caifu were equally stunned, their minds racing to process his words.
“You… you’re the mysterious Mr. Qin?” Song Yazhi finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
Qin Yuan nodded, his expression calm but unflinchingly honest. “Yes, Mom. I am. The Azure Foundation is mine.”
The room fell into a stunned silence. Song Yazhi stared at her son as if seeing him for the first time. Her heart swelled with a mixture of pride, astonishment, and overwhelming relief. Ziwei and Caifu exchanged wide-eyed glances, their earlier suspicions now completely eclipsed by the sheer gravity of the truth.
After what felt like an eternity, Song Yazhi reached across the table and placed a trembling hand on Qin Yuan’s. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” she asked softly.
Qin Yuan smiled gently, his gaze warm. “Because I wanted to come back as your son, not as a businessman or a tycoon. I wanted you to see me for who I am, not for what I’ve built.”
Tears shimmered in Song Yazhi’s eyes as she squeezed his hand. “Xiao Yuan, you’re everything I could have ever hoped for. You’re my son, and that’s all that matters.”
The weight of the moment hung in the air, heavy with emotion. For the first time, the family truly began to see the depth of the man who had reentered their lives. And for Qin Yuan, the secret he had carried for so long was finally laid bare—an unspoken bond now solidified by truth.
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