Chapter 17: The Tragic Male Side Character Rewriting the Script Online

Chapter 17: The Tragic Male Side Character Rewriting the Script Online

Xu Yizhi held the knot of the tie, which was very close to Qin Qing's Adam's apple.

The warmth from the fingers, coupled with the tension of being controlled at a vulnerable spot, slowly transformed into an inexplicable palpitation. Qin Qing unconsciously swallowed, feeling the heat rise on his cheeks.

It was a sign of blushing.

If he truly revealed a flushed face and moistened eyes of shyness in front of this man...

A shiver ran through Qin Qing, and he immediately wanted to step back, to break free from the man's grip.

However, Xu Yizhi released his tie first, sat back in his chair, and laughed merrily, all the while gazing at Qin Qing's slightly reddened, handsome face, with an unmistakably playful gleam in his eyes.

"Before you officially join, how about I conduct an interview with you?" He asked languidly, squinting.

"Please, go ahead," Qin Qing replied politely, nodding before moistening his dry lips.

"I have just two questions. First, what do you detest the most?" Xu Yizhi's gaze settled intently on Qin Qing's lustrous lips.

The question had nothing to do with work. Surprised, Qin Qing glanced at Xu Yizhi and then turned to Cang Qian.

Cang Qian, who always kept personal and professional matters separate, didn't object. His focus was entirely on Qin Qing, seemingly curious about the answer to this intensely personal question.

Something felt off about their demeanor! Qin Qing discreetly clenched his fists in his pockets.

After a brief contemplation, Qin Qing answered, "I despise being misunderstood, doubted, dismissed, and overlooked."

Often, what we detest most is what we have to endure. Thus, this answer hinted at Qin Qing's past – a life of being misunderstood, doubted, dismissed, and overlooked.

It's hard to imagine someone of his caliber enduring such unfair treatment.

Xu Yizhi's smile faded as he asked with a somber gaze, "Second question, what do you desire the most?"

After pondering, Qin Qing replied, "I yearn to be trusted, chosen, and cherished."

These three answers could be summarized in two words: "To be loved." But at this stage of life, the question of love seems trivial. Living comfortably is the real priority.

Qin Qing slightly raised his eyes and shared a tender smile with Xu Yizhi, a smile that radiated understanding and acceptance.

Xu Yizhi's once dim eyes brightened, nodding with evident amusement and a hint of a smile.

He refrained from commenting, simply waving his hand and saying, "See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

Qin Qing made a polite departure. As he approached the exit, he paused and looked back at Cang Qian.

Cang Qian hadn't expected Qin Qing's gaze. Instinctively, he straightened his already erect posture, responding with a cool demeanor and deep-set eyes. It was the first time Qin Qing had given him such direct attention.

"Mr. Cang, perhaps you owe me an apology?" Qin Qing suggested gently.

"What?" Cang Qian was taken aback. Qin Qing was the first to ever confound him with a single remark.

"Might you apologize for your presumptions, arrogance, and bias?" Qin Qing bent slightly forward, proposing with sincere candor.

Cang Qian fell silent, his stern eyes radiating discomfort and dominance.

To Qin Zishi's surprise, the clenched fist in his pocket involuntarily loosened. Just moments ago, he had marveled at Qin Qing's intellect, only to find him seemingly acting foolish now.

Xu Yizhi leaned back in his chair, a playful smirk tugging at his lips, mischief evident in his eyes.

Qin Qing tilted his head, speaking softly, "If I were in your position, my integrity wouldn't allow me to refrain from apologizing."

The implication was clear...

If Cang Qian didn't apologize, it meant he lacked integrity.

Xu Yizhi covered his mouth with his hand, a muffled chuckle gradually turning into hearty laughter, his palms clapping together, echoing in the room.

For Cang Qian, it was an unprecedented situation. The only other person who had ever managed to render him so was Xu Yizhi.

Xu Yizhi, thoroughly enjoying Cang Qian's flustered reaction, transitioned from soft chuckles to unrestrained laughter, clapping in delight.

The formerly solemn interview room suddenly felt more animated. The other two interviewers finally revealed relaxed expressions. If Mr. Xu was in such high spirits, they probably wouldn't be reprimanded for any lack of professionalism today, right?

Holding the doorknob, Qin Qing tilted his head slightly, his face illuminated by an expectant smile.

Gazing into those hopeful eyes, Cang Qian's eyes darkened momentarily before he finally relented, "I apologize."

Qin Zishi's once loosened fist clenched tight once more, his face almost contorting from the surging shock and jealousy. He had never seen Cang Qian apologize to anyone before!

"It's alright." A gentle smile graced Qin Qing's lips, his eyes twinkling with mirth, as brilliant as a sky filled with stars.

Seeing the shimmer in his eyes, Cang Ming, whose tone was previously stiff, softened his voice, naturally adding, "I apologize for being so presumptuous and overlooking you."

Qin Qing laughed again, this time without restraint, radiating even more warmth than the spring sun outside the window. It was a sight to behold.

The eyes of Cang Ming and Xu Yizhi dimmed in response.

Qin Qing opened the conference room door and walked out. After only a few steps, he turned back, saying slowly, "Thank you, Mr. Cang."

"Thank me for what?" Cang Ming was taken aback once again.

"Thank you for the opportunity you've given me." Qin Qing clarified before striding away.

His hands tucked into his pockets, his retreating silhouette was as graceful as a petal dancing in the spring breeze. From his light steps, one could sense his elation.

Xu Yizhi chuckled heartily and clapped slowly. He then turned to Cang Ming and teased, "Is this the last time he appears before you, hmm?"

Remembering his previous presumptuous words, a fleeting embarrassment passed over Cang Ming's face. The coldness in his eyes faded, replaced with warmth.

He was smiling, but no one could tell.

Qin Zi listened to the conversation between Cang Ming and Xu Yizhi, his heart sinking. Never before had anyone, like Qin Qing, commanded such attention from them.

When Qin Qing returned to the Qin residence, the other members like Qin Huaichuan had gone out. He went to his bedroom and took a nap, only waking up by evening.

"What are you doing?" Qin Qing approached the balcony, sounding quite astonished.

"None of your business!" 996 retorted sharply.

"And you've come to this, and it's none of my business?" Qin Qing knelt down, letting out an exasperated sigh.

There was 996, the chubby little cat, lounging against the balcony railing, belly round and exposed. One paw held a cigarette, the other a bottle of liquor, indulging in both.

In just a few short hours of absence, it seemed to have gotten slightly rounder. Smoking and drinking do seem to pack on the pounds.

"You live your life, I drink my booze, we don't meddle in each other's business!" 996 roared at Qin Qing.

"How about I bring you a plate of dried fish?" Qin Qing stood up, sounding rather helpless.

996 turned his head away, pausing for a moment, and then mumbled, "Bring two plates."

The corners of Qin Qing's lips twitched, seemingly on the verge of laughter, but he quickly suppressed it. "Alright, two plates it is. Just wait."

After delivering the dried fish to 996, Qin Huaichuan, Qin Guangyuan, and Ji Mingtang returned one after the other.

"Grandfather, what brings you here?" Qin Qing, who was watching TV in the living room, stood up with a smile. "Are you here for our fishing trip? Just a moment, I'll change my clothes."

"If you don't feel like smiling, don't force it. I know you're upset," Ji Mingtang said, handing his walking stick to a servant and patting his grandson's back.

"Why would I be upset?" Qin Qing asked with a puzzled look.

"Aren't you distressed over the failed interview?" Qin Guangyuan entered the living room, his voice deep and resonant.

Qin Huaichuan looked slightly displeased but held his tongue. With the elders present, it wasn't the right time to scold the child.

"Failed interview? Who said that?" Qin Qing's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Zishi already texted us about it," Qin Huaichuan replied, sitting down on the couch opposite Qin Qing, his tone somber.

"What did he say?" Qin Qing pressed.

Qin Huaichuan unlocked his phone and handed it to his son.

Qin Qing began scrolling through the messages.

Sitting to the side, Ji Mingtang rambled on, "If you didn't make the cut, it's okay. Come work at my place. What position do you want? Director? Manager? Or how about I retire early and hand over the Ji family business to you? You can get some experience, and I'll guide you. I've still got a good decade or two left in me, enough time to mentor you. Don't worry, I've got your back."

This unconditional support and doting made Qin Qing look at Ji Mingtang with surprise.

Qin Huaichuan interjected with displeasure, "Dad, don't talk like that! We can't spoil the child this way!"

"I will spoil him if I want to! You might oversee the Qin family, but can you dictate terms to the Ji family? It's my legacy, I'll give it to whoever I want," Ji Mingtang, the stubborn old man, snapped back.

Qin Qing, however, covered his face and chuckled softly.

To be chosen, trusted, and valued. Moments ago, he believed such intense emotions were beyond his reach, yet now, someone was offering them to him freely.

Tossing aside the phone, Qin Qing moved to sit beside Ji Mingtang, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and grinning, "Grandfather, I got accepted."

"What?" Three voices exclaimed in unison.

"I said I got admitted." Qin Qing replied, addressing only Ji Mingtang.

"Wasn't Gong Cheng your competitor?" Qin Huaichuan asked incredulously.

"Gong Cheng was eliminated," Qin Qing replied succinctly.

Qin Guangyuan stood up, his face particularly grave. "What happened? Let's discuss this in the study."

"Yes, yes, to the study!" Ji Mingtang gripped Qin Qing's hand and headed towards the second floor, eager to hear about his grandson's achievements.

When Qin Zishi arrived home, the ground floor living room was empty, but the shoes of his father, grandfather, and maternal grandfather were in the entranceway.

"Where are they?" Qin Zishi asked a servant.

The servant pointed upstairs, "In the study."

As Qin Zishi ascended to the second floor, he heard waves of hearty laughter from the study, including those of his father, grandfather, and maternal grandfather. The conversations were filled with pride and praise.

"Look at our Qin Qing, so brilliant! So what if he's a top student from Yale? So what if he's worked on Wall Street for a few years? Is that impressive? Had Qin Qing grown up with me, who knows how accomplished he'd be by now! Maybe he would've founded his own company, standing toe-to-toe with Cang Ming!"

Ji Mingtang's boisterous voice echoed, followed by triumphant laughter.

"Grandpa, don't overinflate the story," Qin Qing teased.

The study erupted in laughter again, with some clapping their hands. Everyone was elated.

Having lived in this household for twenty-five years, Qin Zishi had never witnessed such joy and carefreeness. Casually conversing with, and even jesting at, his maternal grandfather was something he had never dared dream of.

Without shared blood, one truly remains an outsider...

Qin Zishi slowly made his way to the third floor, each step heavy with suppressed resentment.

A few minutes later, Ji Lan returned. The servants set the table and rang the dinner bell.

At the sound, everyone promptly entered the dining room, taking their seats. Every face bore a relaxed and happy smile. Of course, Qin Zishi's smile was forced — the internal turmoil he felt was likely known only to him.

Ji Lan offered Qin Qing a piece of braised pork, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Qin Qing, it's alright if you failed the interview. You can always work at the Qin Corporation. If you lack the ability, your father can arrange a cushy job for you — one where you just clock in and enjoy your day. Perhaps he can even allocate some shares for you. With an annual dividend of a few million, you'd lead a comfortable and carefree life, don't you think?"

Such a "collecting dividends without responsibilities" path was typically the only option for wayward scions of prestigious families.

Ji Lan's words were meant to steer her son away from further conflict. What she valued most was Qin Zishi's well-being.

Ji Mingtang slammed his chopsticks down on the table, producing a resounding clang.

Both Qin Huaichuan and Qin Guangyuan's expressions darkened considerably.

Qin Zishi gripped his chopsticks tightly, his palm sweaty. He nearly forgot about the text he had sent to his mother earlier that day, where he had spoken ill of Qin Qing. He had sent a similar message to his father as well.

Now that reality proved him wrong, how would his family perceive him?

His behavior today undoubtedly showcased his own foolishness. Despite receiving the best education and resources since childhood, he couldn't match up to Qin Qing's rapid progress in just a few months.

Next to Qin Qing's natural talents, the once-promising Qin Zishi seemed lackluster. Surely, the hearts of his father and grandfather would now lean more towards Qin Qing?

Swamped by envy and resentment, Qin Zishi kept his emotions tightly under wraps.

Lowering his head, his face flushed, he mumbled awkwardly, "Mother, Qin Qing got accepted."

"What? Qin Qing got accepted? That can't be!" Ji Lan still refused to believe.

"Yes, I got in. Thanks to Qin Zishi's influence; Mr. Cang considered his reputation and allowed me to join the legal department," Qin Qing said, offering Ji Lan a piece of broccoli.

He was aware that his mother maintained a strict diet, avoiding oily foods.

"Oh, I see. You should thank Zishi, see how much he looks out for you," Ji Lan said, cheering up.

However, she was oblivious to the grim faces of the men at the table, except for Qin Qing's slight smile.

Qin Zishi's face, already red with embarrassment, now turned a shade of purple. When would Qin Qing let go of the "influence" jab?

Both Qin Huaichuan and Qin Guangyuan cast disdainful glances at Qin Zishi, their affections for their adopted son waning.

Advocating for Qin Qing was out of the question; Qin Zishi had hoped for Qin Qing's interview to fail. He had simply placed too much trust in academic qualifications and underestimated Qin Qing's capabilities, leading to this awkward predicament.

With great enthusiasm, Ji Lan served Qin Zishi a piece of fish, softly saying, "I'm so happy when you two get along. Zishi, you're more educated and capable than Qin Qing, so make sure you help him out at the company."

"Hm..." Qin Qing picked up a pea and let out a soft chuckle.

Qin Zishi shot him a quick glance, feeling as if his face was burning. Every word from his mother felt like a piercing needle.

It turned out Qin Qing didn't even need to speak to make him feel utterly humiliated and tormented.

"Mom, Qin Qing earned his interview spot with his own merit. I didn’t help him at all. In fact, he might even be more capable than I am," Qin Zishi reluctantly admitted this harsh reality.

A feeling like a knife twisting in his heart! The suppressed feelings of inferiority and panic were now surging uncontrollably.

Seated in the chair, Qin Zishi felt as if he was sitting on an instrument of torture.

"I know his true colors. The legal department is hardly a commendable division," Ji Lan muttered.

She has always been unwilling to recognize the brilliance of her own son.

Ji Mingtang could no longer hold back his frustration. Slamming the table, he exclaimed, "I deeply regret that I was too busy with work and didn’t raise you properly, letting you grow up without understanding familial priorities. Do you think just anyone can work in the legal department? Xu Yizhi is in charge there. Didn't you know that?"

Ji Lan was taken aback. She was only aware that Xu Yizhi was the second-largest shareholder of Lan Yu, unaware of his specific position.

"Do you know how Xu Yizhi built his empire?" Ji Mingtang asked angrily.

Ji Lan shook her head blankly. She only knew that Xu Yizhi's stature was almost on par with Cang Mia.

"Xu Yizhi built his empire through mergers. Over a decade in the industry, he hasn’t had a single failure. Any company he targets gets assimilated and devoured. With him, if he sets his sights on the Qin family, they could face bankruptcy and restructuring overnight, and be integrated into his empire the next day. How do you think he stands on equal footing with Cang Mia? How much do you think he values Qin Zishi's reputation?"

Ji Mingtang's words were punctuated with emphatic slaps on the table.

Ji Lan was so chastised she couldn’t even lift her head.

Qin Zishi’s face turned beet red.

Ji Mingtang looked at his grandson, his expression softening, he advised earnestly, "Your decision is not wrong. Working with Xu Yizhi, what you'll learn in a year others might not in a decade. Be smart and cautious, and learn well from him."

Qin Qing nodded silently.

Ji Mingtang's worried look relaxed, he confidently said, "My grandson is so bright, Xu Yizhi would be a fool not to appreciate you!"

Qin Qing hid the shimmer of tears in his eyes and chuckled, "Grandpa, you really do love me a lot."

Ji Mingtang's cheeks turned a light shade of red as he heartily laughed, "You’re my grandson. If I don't love you, then who would I love?"

His mood shifted suddenly, his gaze fixed darkly on Qin Zishi, stating sternly, "If you want to compete, do so within the Qin family. Don’t covet the Ji family assets. I’ve already made changes to the will, there's nothing in it for you!"

Qin Zishi looked up, his face deathly pale.

Ji Lan exclaimed sharply, "Father, what are you saying? Zishi is also your grandson! You watched him grow up!"

Ji Mingtang pressed his lips together, his expression icy. For various reasons, he never felt close to this particular grandson.

At that moment, Qin Guangyuan spoke solemnly, "Zishi, just focus on your job at Lan Yu. When you graduated, I offered you a management position in our family business, but you declined, wanting independence. I respected your decision then, and I hope you stand by it now."

What did this mean? Was he being stripped of his right to the inheritance? Zishi, bewildered, looked towards his grandfather seated in the primary position, then turned to his father with growing panic.

After several incidents, whether his biological son was worthy of nurturing became clear in Qin Huaichuan's mind.

If even Xu Yizhi sees potential in his son, why shouldn't he? If a few months of intensive learning could foster such growth in him, how vast is his latent potential?

Why should he hand over the family business to an outsider when he has a biological son? Especially when Zishi has recently been spending on Shen Mingshu and Qin Bao'er. Wouldn't giving him the inheritance indirectly benefit those two cunning women?

With these thoughts, Qin Huaichuan calmly remarked, "Lan Yu is an international conglomerate, undoubtedly with better prospects than Qin's enterprises. Zishi, stay focused on your job there. Qin Qing, learn diligently under Mr. Xu and come back in a few years to assist your father."

Hence, before the contest of heirs truly began, Qin Qing emerged victorious.

Since Cang Mia rated Zishi a zero, Qin Huaichuan did the same. An heir with no vision, no decisive strategy, only tricks and deceit, will only lead the family business to its grave.

6, who had just come downstairs after enjoying some fish treats and was keen to catch up on the drama, happened to hear this sentence. The cat dramatically collapsed, furiously pinching its philtrum with its paw.

"Goodness meow, is my life in jeopardy? Has the plot spiraled this much?"

"Qin Qing, get me some oxygen tanks now; I need to breathe!" 996 weakly cried.

Qin Qing struggled to suppress a laugh, yet to Zishi, this seemed like a cruel mockery.

If he could, Zishi would flip the table in frustration and storm off. But having lost everything, he had no choice but to sit, suppressing his humiliation and anger.

He must endure! As long as he remains part of the Qin family, he can find a way to change his father's and grandfather's minds.

With teary eyes, Ji Lan shouted, "Father, Huaichuan, this isn't fair! We raised Zishi! How can we treat him this way?"

A searing pain suddenly ripped through Qin Qing's heart, unbearably intense. These were not his emotions but the remnants of the original soul's agony.

Perhaps, this was the very reason the original soul departed prematurely. He had two mothers, yet neither truly loved him.

Qin Qing closed his eyes briefly and, in a hoarse voice, said, "I spent over a decade in the Shen family. I had no room, no books, and no love. Was that fair?"

Ji Lan, ready to argue in Zishi's favor, was suddenly rendered speechless.

Qin Qing looked at her intently, asking, "Do you think I've been treated fairly?"

Ji Lan was at a loss for words. Knowing the life her son once lived, she couldn't say it was fair, and she couldn't even assert that it was the treatment any human should receive.

Standing up, Qin Qing meticulously wiped his hands with a napkin, his voice deep, "Mother, you wish to compensate Zishi for his unfair treatment, but have you ever thought of compensating me? Can you show me a bit more of your concern? Can I receive more of your attention? More of your love?"

Ji Lan was ensnared in an agonizing silence. She couldn't. Ultimately, her bias leaned towards the child she raised. The bond formed over twenty-five years was irreplaceable.

Qin Qing slowly shook his head, a bitter smile on his face, "Mother, you see, that's the greatest injustice."

With that, he turned and left.

Ji Mingtang shot a fierce glare at both Zishi and Ji Lan before following suit.

After a moment of silence, Qin Guangyuan and Qin Huaichuan spoke in unison, "Zishi, you should move out."

The chopsticks in Zishi's hand clattered onto the table.

996, taken aback, raised a paw and exclaimed, "I need an oxygen tank! Quick! I'm suffocating!"