Page 156

"The Fang family has a collaboration with the Qiao family, so I should seize the opportunity to learn more from... from Brother Ziyuan," Jiajia said.

Qiao Ziyuan's smile remained, but his gentle eyes had turned cold.

Qiao Xing couldn't maintain his act and grew impatient. "The collaboration hasn't been finalized yet. My brother needs rest now, and you don't want the deal to fall through, do you?" His words carried a subtle threat.

Fang Jiajia, disheartened, could only leave.

Xu Congluo, sipping her red wine from afar, watched with a group heiress by her side. Seeing that Jiajia was attempting to ingratiate herself with Qiao Ziyuan, the heiress couldn't help but scoff.

"The Fang family isn't afraid of being choked. They dare to step into the Qiao family's domain—it's no wonder they receive cold shoulders. But..."

She changed the subject, "Young Master Qiao really has a good temper. He doesn't get angry even when Fang Jiajia clings to him like that and still smiles warmly. No wonder so many girls secretly have their hearts set on him."

The Xu and Qiao families were long-time associates.

Xu Congluo was well aware of Qiao Ziyuan's nature; he could smile warmly at you like a gentle spring breeze before delivering a fatal blow.

Too bad.

Such a person was unexpectedly soft-hearted when it came to those close to him.

Otherwise, the incident of being secretly harmed wouldn't have occurred.

"I advise you not to place your hopes on the Qiao family. Aim for another target instead."

Xu Congluo turned to look at the girl, swaying her glass of red wine. "This is a word of caution."

The young lady's heart was pierced, and her face flushed as she hastily left.

Fang Jiajia rushed into the room and threw herself onto the bed, weeping.

Tian Yue'e noticed her daughter entering the room and politely interrupted the chatting guests with a smile. "Excuse me, I'll go see what's going on."

She opened the door.

Tian Yuyue noticed that Fang Jiajia had buried herself under the covers, so she gently pulled the quilt aside and asked, "Let me see which little crybaby we have here?"

"Mommy," Fang Jiajia sobbed as she clung to Tian Yuyue's embrace. "The Qiao brothers were so rude. I served them fruit with good intentions, but Qiao Xing even told me to leave."

"It's just about this, huh?" Tian Yuyue heaved a sigh of relief as she brushed away her daughter's damp hair. "They're part of the Qiao family after all!"

"Many women aspire to marry into the Qiao family. The two Qiao brothers have seen their fair share of turmoil; how could they be swayed by a small plate of fruit? Even your father has to speak softly when talking to Young Master Qiao."

Tian Yuyue had a broader perspective.

The Qiao family was one of Hong Kong's most prominent aristocratic clans.

If her daughter could marry into the Qiao family, it would truly change her fate.

"Rich and influential young masters often have such temperaments. Keep persisting and continue warming up to Young Master Qiao. Now that the Fang and Qiao families are collaborating, you can ask Father to bring you to the Qiao Corporation more often. Cook more soup and meals, and use your warmth to slowly touch his heart. Dealing with such men requires patience."

Fang Jiajia was used to being chased after, not chasing others. It was already difficult for her, and now, it seemed almost impossible.

Recalling how straightforwardly Qiao Xing had sent her away, her eyes reddened again from the injustice. "But everyone says Young Master Qiao has never given any woman a chance."

"Silly," Tian Yue'e held Fang Jiajia's hand. "This shows that Qiao Ziyuan has great self-control! If you win him over and become the Lady of the Qiao family, then you won't have to worry about him straying after marriage."

"Is... is that so?" Fang Jiajia dried her tears, still uncertain.

"Indeed," Tian Yue'e probed further for the Qiao brothers' reactions. Upon learning that Qiao Xing had enjoyed the apple and was now all smiles, she was even more delighted.

"If Qiao Xing is willing to eat fruit from you, it means he accepts you. Don't forget to bring him something whenever you visit Qiao Ziyuan in the future, understand? As they say, one is more obliging when they've tasted someone's food or taken their gifts. If you can win Qiao Xing over, he might speak well of you to Qiao Ziyuan."

Fang Jiajia's eyes lit up with understanding.

She stopped crying and began to smile instead. She even started envisioning her life in the Qiao family's grand mansion. "Mommy! When I marry into the Qiao family, I'll definitely buy you many mansions as a thank-you."

"But what luxury mansions does Mommy need if my children are doing well?" Tian Yue'e reminded her daughter, "Don't just focus on your own affairs. Help facilitate things between your brother and Xu Conglu when he comes back."

Tian Yue'e had her plans well laid out.

She wished for her daughter to marry well and for her son to find a powerful in-law. After much consideration, Xu Conglu, with her good background and being an only child, was the perfect match for her eldest son.

Fang Jiajia, however, seemed hesitant. "Let's not talk about that now. Xu... Tonglu has been acting strange lately. Whenever I ask her to hang out, she barely speaks to me."

Ever since her status as an illegitimate child had come to light.

Xu Tonglu's initial friendly demeanor towards her had vanished completely.

Assuming Xu Tonglu would no longer pay her any attention, Fang Jiajia was surprised when she showed up at the invitation delivery.

Fang Jiajia couldn't figure out what was on Xu Tonglu's mind.

"Don't overthink it," Tian Yuyue comforted her. "Women need someone who understands their emotions. Your brother is handsome, charming, and just returned from studying in the UK. He'll definitely catch Xu Tonglu's eye."

"Later, find the right moment to have your brother send her home."

Fang Jiajia nodded in agreement.

After all, having another heiress from an elite family as a sister-in-law would only benefit her.

Fang Jingguo entered the room, having just finished entertaining some business associates. Lately, the company's fortunes had been on the rise, with the stock value doubling. Not only that, but they had also secured the notoriously difficult-to-obtain land belonging to the Qiao family.

Happiness brings a radiant spirit.

It wasn't until the family dinner was nearing its end that he suddenly realized the absence of the two Chu sisters.

Could his subsequent plans proceed without these two daughters?

Fang Jingguo's expression turned anxious. "Yue'e, help me call Yuening and Xiaoyi. How come we still haven't seen them? It's almost over."

"I knew they wouldn't have the courage to come," Fang Jiajia snorted coldly. "With their shabby clothes and poverty-stricken air, they would only spoil the newly purchased mansion. It's better if they didn't come at all!"