Director Fang persistently emphasized the formidable nature of the individual in question, someone even he held in awe. Qin Hai's suspicion was piqued. "Then, who exactly is this person?"
"The chairman of the HD Group," Director Fang responded with a smile that barely concealed his apprehension.
Qin Hai fell into stunned silence.
In H City, the HD Group was a behemoth that no one dared to confront, not even him; it was a force to be courted.
"See, I truly have no other option. I would have liked to assist you, but I fear the repercussions from the HD Group."
Qin Hai could barely process the remaining words of Director Fang.
He trembled as he ended the call.
Though he might have fought for the land with others, the HD Group was a different matter altogether. In H City, offending anyone could be disastrous, but offending the HD Group was simply unacceptable.
Reluctant to relinquish the land—a vital step for Qin Real Estate's growth—Qin Hai spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to find rest, his mood darkened by frustration and helplessness.
The following morning, upon encountering Qin Sheng, he vented his frustrations upon her.
"Qin Sheng, you must sever ties with that man. A high school senior engaging in such a relationship—what nonsense is that?"
Unable to find any other valid reason to berate Qin Sheng, he dragged in the recent phone call from the principal, using it as additional fuel for his ire.
Qin Hai had no intention of clarifying the rumors that Qin Sheng was being kept by an older man. Instead, he believed that even if Qin Sheng was not being kept, such rumors did not arise without cause. To him, Qin Sheng could not possibly be innocent.
Qin Churou's claim of having seen a man peeling shrimp for Qin Sheng fueled his conviction. It had been only a brief time since Qin Sheng's return, and already she was involved in such dubious associations?
Given Qin Sheng's beauty, it was only natural for her to attract attention. She wasn't raised within their family's values and was likely unable to resist the allure of money. Such behavior was to be expected.
Qin Hai was resolute in his belief that Qin Sheng was at fault.
Upon hearing his accusations, Qin Sheng finished the last bite of her bread, stood up, and with a dismissive glance at Qin Hai, said, "So you've already determined that I'm to blame?"
Qin Hai, unwilling to admit any error in his judgments, retorted, "If you hadn't done anything wrong, how could such rumors have emerged?"
Qin Sheng's gaze, laced with subtle derision, shifted towards Qin Churou, and she smirked with a hint of mockery. "Indeed, you never would believe me, would you?"
With that, she grabbed her backpack and left, her departure marked by a complete lack of nostalgia.
This house, she felt, was not where she wanted to be; it was not truly her home. She had never had a place she could call home.
After expelling his anger, Qin Hai's mood improved somewhat.
Seeing Qin Sheng leave, his ire dissipated. He resumed his seat, picked up a piece of bread, and adopted a more amiable tone as he addressed Qin Churou. "Churou, what are you planning to paint for the contest?"
He was referring to the upcoming selection for the Youth Painting Contest in H City.
"I've already prepared my subject matter, and my teacher will provide guidance," Qin Churou replied.
"Just give it your best effort."
Qin Hai was convinced that one of the two available spots for H City would certainly go to Qin Churou. As a student of Master Qi, a renowned figure in the art world, she was assured a high level of respect, even from the H City Painting Association.
"Mm." Qin Churou, feeling the spot was practically hers, feigned modesty. "There are many talented painters in our city. I might not be selected."
Qin Hai disagreed. "Churou, you have the talent. As one of Master Qi's few students, you will surely succeed."
"I will do my best."
Qin Hai's face brightened with a smile.
Lin Shuye, who had just risen, saw the father and daughter engaging in cheerful conversation and couldn't help but smile. Since Qin Sheng's return, such warmth had been a rare sight in their home.
"Churou, what are you two discussing so secretly?"
Qin Churou quickly clung to Lin Shuye's arm, her tone sweet and ingratiating. "Mother, we were just discussing the Youth Painting Contest."
(End of Chapter)