Yan Yu pleaded with his son for a long time, but the young man remained unmoved. In the past, whenever he knelt down, Yan Su would soften, and now, as he glanced up, hoping to gauge his son's expression, he was met with Nie Jia's fiercely determined gaze, sharp as a blade.
That look was terrifying; it startled Yan Yu, who let out a cry and released his grip, ending up awkwardly seated on the ground.
Nie Jia's gaze fixed on Yan Yu like one would scrutinize an ant, bearing an overwhelming, irresistible pressure as he looked down upon Yan Yu. It was this man who had completely ensnared Yan Su in Jiang Yang's clutches!
The original Yan Su wasn't someone easily swayed; otherwise, he wouldn't have pushed Jiang Yang to the desperate point of seeking help from Huo Qing. His incessant provision of money to Yan Yu stemmed from memories of his biological father before his parents' divorce. He knew Yan Yu had strayed but had also been a good father. Yan Su was willing to give Yan Yu a chance, hoping he'd change, repeatedly paying off his gambling debts, driven by a modest glimmer of hope.
However, Yan Yu treated his son merely as an ATM. He'd promise to quit drugs and gambling in front of Yan Su, only to throw the money given by his son onto the gambling table behind his back. Worse, in pursuit of the ten million promised by Jiang Yang, he conspired with him to send Yan Su to prison, rendering useless the hands that had saved countless lives.
Yan Su's hopes and affection for his biological father were nothing but filth in Yan Yu's eyes!
"You said it was the last time the last time," Nie Jia stepped forward, then kneeled in front of Yan Yu, meeting his panicked gaze.
Yan Yu, feeling intimidated by Jiang He's threatening stare, still feigned bravery, pleading, "I swear, Yan Su, I swear! I promise this is truly the last time! Otherwise, they'll chop off Dad's hands... Yan Su, please, save me!"
"Every time you claim it's the last, yet every time you deceive me. This time won't be an exception," Nie Jia gripped Yan Yu's right hand, the tone light but chilling, "Since this hand won't last anyway, I might as well be the one to cut it off!"
Before the onlookers, Nie Jia, wielding the folding knife previously seized from Qin Yi Ran, forcefully drove it into Yan Yu's wrist!
The blade pierced through Yan Yu's wrist joint, pinning it to the floor, leaving only flesh and skin connected.
Silence fell momentarily, then erupted into Yan Yu's horrified, agonized screams.
"Ah... Ahh——!! Ahh!!"
Jiang Yang and Jiang He stared in shock at Nie Jia's decisive retrieval of the blade, forgetting even to breathe.
Nie Jia stood up, the blade in his hand still dripping blood.
Yan Yu, clutching his mangled wrist, screamed wildly, blood splattering everywhere. Guests instinctively recoiled several steps, discomfort evident on their faces.
Huo Qing, who had been silently observing nearby, finally moved. He instructed his assistant, expression as indifferent as ever, "Take him to the hospital and have someone attend to him."
Despite his usual reserved demeanor in front of others, the assistant noticed Huo Qing's lips curving into an unusual, contented smile as he watched Dr. Yan's fiercely determined figure.
Yan Yu's palm was nearly detached, blood spurting like a fountain, rendering him almost immobile. All of this was caused by Yan Su! He had taken someone else's hand. How could he not take advantage of such an opportunity?
"Bang!" The sound of the bloodied folding knife hitting the ground echoed as Nie Jia tossed it aside, meticulously wiping the blood off his fingertips with a cloth. He cast a feral, composed glare at Jiang He.
Jiang He was taken aback, hastily pushing Yan Yu away, trying to distance himself, "Who are you to me!"
His denial had little effect as Yan Yu, in the midst of his breakdown, continued demanding money from Jiang He. Guests, though surprised by Dr. Yan having such a father, realized it wasn't Dr. Yan's fault. Instead, it seemed either Jiang He or Jiang Yang had orchestrated bringing the disgraceful Yan Yu to this grand event... otherwise, how could Yan Yu have the audacity to pester Jiang He for money? How did he even get in?
The Lee family's heiress, first murmuring "absurd," departed from the Jiang residence, her face turning ashen, making her way home alone.
And thus, Jiang Yang and Meng Qian's engagement banquet was utterly ruined. Jiang He intended to embarrass Yan Su, only to end up shooting himself in the foot.
Nie Jia cleaned his fingertips, discarded the cloth, and headed upstairs, showing no intention of wrapping up this scene.
Jiang Yang's expression soured; he reprimanded Jiang He, "Jiang He, you've indeed staged quite a spectacle for me tonight."
Jiang He was drenched in sweat; how could he not realize the magnitude of disgrace the Jiang family had suffered tonight? It would probably be the talk of the town by dawn.
"Jiang Yang... should we call the police?" Meng Qian gently tugged at Jiang Yang's sleeve, hinting at something.
The pool of blood on the floor was particularly jarring; Yan Yu had bled excessively and was now incapacitated, trembling on the ground. All of this was caused by Yan Su! How could they not involve the authorities?
"Call the police? Of course, call the police," Jiang Yang coldly affirmed.
Meng Qian nodded, about to dial the emergency number when a wristwatch-clad hand reached over and snatched away her phone.
Huo Qing's assistant wore a polite yet distant smile, saying, "It might be better not to involve the police, lest tonight's tarnished reputation cannot be salvaged. As for this man, leave him to me." He handed Meng Qian her phone, already switched off, then grabbed Yan Yu by the collar and dragged him out.
Jiang Yang paused, understanding this was Huo Qing's decision. He wouldn't defy Mr. Huo but was puzzled about why Huo Qing had stopped him from calling the authorities.
With the man already taken away by the assistant, Jiang Yang didn't care anymore. He hurriedly attended to the guests, intending to defuse the tense atmosphere.
---
Nie Jia pushed the door open with heavy steps. An Na was unaware that Yan Yu had visited, consoling the teary-eyed Qin Yi Ran.
"Mom, can I talk to her?" Nie Jia's mood was at an all-time low, his complexion pale with tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Seeing that he was feeling unwell, An Na nodded, got up, and soon returned with a cup of warm water and painkillers, then left. Nie Jia didn't touch either, just met Qin Yi Ran's probing gaze, then settled barefoot on a chair, curling up. Rather than appearing fragile, the posture made him seem aloof and eccentric. Qin Yi Ran refrained from speaking much in Yan Su's presence; he seemed agitated.
After a brief silence, Nie Jia handed a card to Qin Yi Ran without change in expression, saying calmly, "There's forty million in there to solve your pressing issues. Stabilize the company's staff first. There's no hope with the Guos; abandon them. The Qins still hold potential."
Qin Yi Ran looked surprised at the card, then back at Nie Jia. She did need money now, but she couldn't find a reason to accept Yan Su's money...
Nie Jia's eyes remained unaffected. "Your uncle, Gu Xueying, has the capability to revive the Qins. Convey to him to regain control of the land reclamation project. I'll provide the funds within a month."
The funds for the land reclamation were no small sum. Even four hundred million wouldn't suffice. Qin Yi Ran had no idea if Yan Su had that kind of money. Even if he did, she had no relationship with him. Why would he give her such a huge sum for free?
Qin Yi Ran stiffened her lips. "Why are you helping me?"
Though she had a good relationship with An Na, she barely exchanged words with Yan Su...
"I'm not helping you; I'm using you. But I won't harm you. You can choose not to accept or consider it. I hope you do because, for me, you're the best choice. But I don't have much time for you." Nie Jia's eyes shifted briefly, not so much consulting her but informing her.
To make Jiang Yang regret, Nie Jia had many methods. After careful consideration, he settled on Qin Yi Ran. Jiang Yang never respected her; marrying her was solely because she was the sole daughter of the Qins. He treated her as an object. So, after the decline of the Qins, he immediately abandoned her. Compared to Yan Su's status, having the person Jiang Yang always considered a "tool" crush him instead would not only cause regret but might lead to Jiang Yang's death due to resentment.
As for the money aiding Qin Yi Ran, Nie Jia planned to pin it on Huo Qing.
Despite Nie Jia's not-so-terrible attitude, Qin Yi Ran still sensed his impatience, refraining from unnecessary chatter.
She knew that since Yan Su's return, he had been dealing with Jiang Yang. However, Jiang Yang somehow gained the support of Huo Qing, an individual even Yan Su's extensive network couldn't shake. So, things had been quiet for a while. He indeed wouldn't harm her. Besides, she had nothing worth others' attention now.
"I accept. Thank you." After three seconds of contemplation, Qin Yi Ran took the card, tears welling in her eyes as she held the silver card in her fingertips. "I really appreciate it."
"Knock, knock..."
As Qin Yi Ran went from joy to despair in tears, a clear series of knocks sounded from outside.
"Come in." Nie Jia's tone was grim.
The door opened, and a black-haired, black-eyed man walked in holding a folder. "Doctor Yan, do you have a moment to talk?"
It was Huo Qing. His hair was neatly tied at the back, his handsome face illuminated by the light, displaying a gentle yet indifferent expression as he calmly looked at the curled-up Nie Jia.
Qin Yi Ran was stunned seeing Huo Qing, while Nie Jia furrowed his brows. His pupils behind the lenses contracted slightly at the sight of Huo Qing's face.
He didn't distrust anyone, but because Huo Qing's face resembled someone he had once been infatuated with during his youth, a hint of wariness and displeasure arose in Nie Jia.
First himself, then An Na, and now Huo Qing. Nie Jia was gloomy: "Who is your master exactly?"
"Mr. Nie, I'm sorry, I don't have the authority to ans..."
Nie Jia interrupted irritably: "Why create these identical faces?! What exactly are you all trying to do?"
The system trembled, unable to hold back its tears. "I—I thought having some familiar faces from your memory would make you feel better. I won't do it again..." Apparently, it didn't expect Nie Jia to react so explosively to seeing Huo Qing.
"Doctor Yan?" Huo Qing frowned at him.
Nie Jia glanced at him, then immediately shifted his gaze, feeling his thoughts in disarray. "Please, have a seat. Oh, can your assistant escort Miss Qin home?"
Huo Qing smiled, and his assistant stepped forward. "Miss Qin, please follow me."
Qin Yi Ran nodded awkwardly and stood, leaving with the assistant.
The assistant intended to escort Qin Yi Ran home. However, just as they stepped out of Jiang's residence, a black sedan sped toward them from a distance, stopping in front of them. A flustered man got out of the car and rushed to Qin Yi Ran, grabbing her shoulders urgently, "Are you okay, Yi Ran? Please don't do anything foolish. Your uncle only has you!"
"I'm fine, Uncle." Qin Yi Ran reassured Gu Xueying, then turned to thank the assistant. Once they left, she pulled Gu Xueying into the car, her expression solemn. "Uncle, you don't need to personally meet all of Qin's shareholders. Let those who want to leave go... Let's talk when we get home."