Duan Yiheng entered the tea room. The old man, without even glancing at him, said, "Sit." Duan Yiheng sat down opposite him, his gaze falling on the already brewed tea. The aroma was enticing. Duan Yiheng picked up a cup, took a sip, and asked,
"Grandpa knew I was coming tonight?" The old man's gaze was deep. He stared at him for a moment, then said, "Zheng Jizhong asked to see me through your father, so I knew you'd be here tonight." Duan Yiheng's brows furrowed. "Then why did Grandpa help him?"
"It's naturally for you," the old man said. "It's almost the end of the year. As the groom, you should show some sincerity. Find a day to invite the Tan family to discuss your marriage with Tan Qi." Duan Yiheng frowned. "Grandpa, aren't we talking about Zheng Jizhong right now?" The old man said,
"Zheng..." "I have my own arrangements for Zheng Jizhong's affairs. Your primary task right now is to gain the approval of the Tan family." "Grandpa, I told you, Tan Qi and I aren't a good match."
Duan Yiheng gripped his cup tightly. "Zheng Jizhong is incredibly arrogant. He forced his way into my office, causing Lin Xi's injury. That's why I had grounds to suspend him. Why didn't you tell me before interfering?"
"Tell you?" The old man's gaze sharpened. "Yiheng, what about you? Are you hiding anything from me?" Duan Yiheng keenly sensed the anger hidden beneath the old man's calm tone, and he abruptly released his grip on the cup. After a long pause, Duan Yiheng asked, "What did Zheng Jizhong say to you?"
The old man glanced at him out of the corner of his eye: "Uncle Deng." Duan Yiheng's gaze followed, and Uncle Deng handed Duan Yiheng the documents in his hand. It was the first time Duan Yiheng had seen outsiders taking pictures of him and Lin Xi, though they were too far away to see clearly. He instantly understood everything. "I initially thought it was Mingxuan's girlfriend who took the photos, but I never imagined she was used, and Zheng Jizhong was involved too." The old man took a sip of tea. "Yiheng, you've disappointed me greatly." Duan Yiheng put down his documents and said, "It's my fault, it has nothing to do with Lin Xi."
"Of course it has nothing to do with Xiao Xi," the old man said. "She's the most innocent in this matter. That good-for-nothing Mingxuan, he's blind to such a good girl. You, on the other hand, have good taste, choosing someone right under your nose. Did you force her?"
"Grandpa, I'm serious about her," Duan Yiheng laid his cards on the table. "What can Duan Mingxuan give her? Why are you against me and Lin Xi?" "Then do you still want Yin Fan?" The old man slammed his hand on the table.
Of course he did. Only with power in his hands could he protect the person he wanted to love. "Haven't you considered Xiao Xi?" the old man glared. "Didn't you see how awful those media outlets were writing? Do you think it's the man who gets hurt in a scandalous affair?"
"Xiao Xi's identity is sensitive. To outsiders, she's your sister. The rumors will only attack her. To you, she'll just be a fleeting romance in your life." "No."
Duan Yiheng frowned deeply. "With me here, no one dares to say anything." "You can silence people, but what about their eyes?" the old man questioned. "Can't eyes speak? Can't Xiao Xi tell whether someone dislikes or admires her?"
The old man was wiser; Duan Yiheng was speechless for a moment. He had thought he and Lin Xi were impossible, and now that he had finally gotten close, how could he give up? "Grandpa, Lin Xi is still young. We won't get married for now. I can address all your concerns before then." "Yi Heng, Grandpa won't live to see that day. Xiao Xi is only 23." Duan Yi Heng fell silent.
After what seemed like an eternity, the old man's attitude softened: "Find a time to arrange a meeting with the Tan family." Duan Yi Heng abruptly stood up, his sharp jawline clenched tightly: "I don't want to." The old man, panting heavily, pointed at him: "Kneel down."
Uncle Deng stepped forward worriedly: "Sir." Duan Yi Heng was already thirty; kneeling would be unseemly. "Bring me your cane." The old man said angrily. This was a threat of violence; Uncle Deng dared not move.
Duan Yi Heng turned around, went to the door to fetch the old man's cane, then knelt before him. The old man hesitated, took the cane, and pointed at him: "Really not going to change?" Duan Yi Heng shook his head.
The old man struck Duan Yiheng on the back with his cane, causing Duan Yiheng to groan and straighten his back even more. Uncle Deng rushed to stop him, but the old man's cane kept him half a meter away. "It's none of your business. If I can't wake him up today, I won't dare to die." Uncle Deng sighed and took a step back.
The old man's cane was heavy, striking Duan Yiheng's back with force. The quiet tea room echoed with Duan Yiheng's muffled groans; after a few blows, even a person of iron would succumb. Duan Yiheng swayed slightly, his back collapsing under the final blow.
The old man exhaled a sharp breath. "Hitting you doesn't mean I agree to your relationship with Xiao Xi. If you're really stubborn, I'll go find her." "No," Duan Yiheng frowned, enduring the pain to stop him.
Lin Xi was shy; if she knew, she'd probably be too ashamed to stay at home. This whole thing was his fault; he was too confident and hadn't expected Zheng Jizhong to play a trick on him behind his back. "I'll ask you one last time, will you take over Yinfan through marriage, or will you remain stubbornly unrepentant?"
Duan Yiheng raised his head, his meaning clear. The old man said, "There's no such thing as having it all. Once you have nothing left, what can you give Xiaoxi?" "What do you want to do?"
"Tomorrow morning, your written resignation will be submitted to the board of directors. After review and approval, the board will accept your resignation. Your work will be handed over to you by someone from the group, and all subsequent departure procedures will be expedited for you." Duan Yiheng chuckled lightly:
"You want me to leave Yinfan Technology?" The old man said, "I'd like to see how long you're going to remain stubbornly unrepentant?" Duan Yiheng suddenly stood up, staggering due to his back injury. Uncle Deng stepped forward to help him, but Duan Yiheng shook off his hand.
"Then take away my position as vice president of the group as well," Duan Yiheng said stubbornly. "If I have to trade my marriage for my future, I'd rather have nothing. Grandpa, just you wait and see, see if I'll compromise!"
"You—" the old man said angrily, "Get out of here." Duan Yiheng got up and left the North Courtyard. Sister Mei had raised him from childhood, and she could tell at a glance that something was wrong with Duan Yiheng's expression. He had returned from the North Courtyard, and Sister Mei couldn't help but worry. "Is Lin Xi asleep?" Duan Yiheng's words cut off Sister Mei's question. Sister Mei nodded: "She went to bed a little early tonight." "I'll go upstairs to check on her." Sister Mei couldn't stop him and could only sigh to herself.
Duan Yiheng endured the pain in his back and slowly and gently pushed open Lin Xi's door. He sat down by the bed and sat there for a long time before gently touching her face. Lin Xi was awakened by the touch on her face and slowly opened her eyes.