Chapter 855: Love Starting from a Breakup 44

Mom, long time no see.

Jin Chen chose a less awkward way to greet.

His wife was still here, so he couldn't just sob and call 'Mom'.

Long time no see, you've grown taller and also become much more mature.

Qing Kui was also polite but distant.

This attitude persisted throughout Jin Chen's youth.

This must be your boyfriend now, right?

After just a few glances, Qing Kui fixed her gaze on Qiao Xu, her expression becoming even more complex.

She had already learned everything from Jin Tingxiao.

Because of their mutual entanglement, it dragged in the next generation's feelings and even caused many innocent people to die tragically; Qing Kui had never imagined this.

At the same time, she felt a bit more guilty.

'Hello, Auntie.' Qiao Xu greeted politely, his eyes curious and amazed.

'Come here, Auntie has something for you.'

Qing Kui took a small item from the drawer; when Qiao Xu squatted down, she slipped it into his palm.

'For now, don't let anyone see it, and don't let anyone know about it.'

Qing Kui urged, 'When you finally figure things out and truly want to give up everything to be with Jin Chen, then open this box.'

Even Jin Chen couldn't see clearly what it was.

But he understood Qing Kui's words: she already knew that Jin Fu was the killer who murdered Madam Qiao.

The America-Europe Alliance pressured the Qiao Family, also because Jin Fu had used Qing Kui, exploiting her former role as chief executive of the Alliance's mercenary corps.

Jin Chen and Qing Kui locked eyes; she sighed, as if reminding him, or just speaking casually.

'I haven't come back for many years; I only discovered this morning that there's still an exit passage in the backyard.'

'You go ahead; I'm going to sleep.'

Jin Chen's brow twitched slightly: 'All right, Mother, rest well; I'll come see you another day.'

Qiao Xu stuffed the ornate little wooden box into his suit pocket, still not understanding what Jin Chen's mother meant.

'What did Auntie just say? Why do I have to give up everything to be with you?'

He vaguely sensed a secret; ever since he returned from the casino, everyone around him had become strange.

But what exactly is the secret, and why is he the only one being kept in the dark?

'I'll explain everything in detail when we get back, okay?'

Jin Chen gently took his hand, his tone soft and steady: 'Lately you've been unwell, so I didn't tell you.'

'Okay.'

Qiao Xu noticed his brows furrowed; deep down he had already braced himself for bad news.

But no matter what the secret, he was certain his love for Jin Chen would not waver.

'Don't frown, big brother, don't be sad.'

He smiled, eyes crinkling: 'I'm brave; I can definitely handle the secret.'

As his hand moved to touch Jin Chen's brow, it was caught; a kiss was pressed to his wrist, lips cool, yet the kissed spot began to burn.

Two flushes quickly rose on his face; Qiao Xu pulled his hand back and clung to Jin Chen's arm.

'Come on, let's go eat.'

But he didn't notice the worry in Jin Chen's eyes.

Before seeing Qing Kui just now, Jin Chen also thought this would be their engagement banquet.

But Qing Kui's hint was too obvious; she pointed out a clear way to leave.

Tonight's banquet is probably not simple.

After the two returned to the banquet hall, Jin Chen observed the elders' expressions; almost all were preoccupied with their own thoughts.

His uneasy premonition grew stronger.

Only when the banquet began did Jin Tingxiao go on stage and take the microphone.

After a not-so-brief round of pleasantries, the romantically decorated center of the stage began to light up gradually.

'There's one more important matter today: announcing that Jin Chen, as the sole young master of my Jin Clan, will take over most of my duties and become the next director of the Jin Clan Group.'

Jin Tingxiao had only said that, then looked expectantly at Jin Chen.

'I haven't introduced you to all these elders yet; come up on stage and let them see you.'

His tone was low and gentle, no different from usual.

But Jin Chen kept his guard up; he didn't go on stage, merely stood, raised his goblet toward the tables looking his way, nodded, and took a sip of red wine.

'From now on, please advise us, uncles.'

Then he turned, looking at Jin Tingxiao on stage: 'Father, is there anything else?'

He seemed calm, as if he'd whisk Qiao Xu away the moment he said there was nothing wrong.

Jin Tingxiao didn't coax him onto the stage, guessing his son had already obtained some clues and was testing him.

But now that it's come to this, he's stuck between a rock and a hard place.

'Yes.'

Jin Tingxiao sighed slightly: 'As the sole heir of the Jin Clan, you ought to choose a marriage partner of equal standing.'

'So today is also when I announce your future marriage partner.'

It really was about the engagement; before Qiao Xu's smile could even appear, Jin Tingxiao's introduction plunged him into despair.

'You've known Shen Ling of the Shen Family for a long time; you're practically half a childhood sweetheart, a perfect match.'

After speaking, Jin Tingxiao avoided Jin Chen's gaze, gesturing for Shen Ling to come up quickly.

The atmosphere in the venue was silent; no one expected it to be Shen Ling.

"Damn it." Huo Chen exclaimed in genuine surprise.

Clang—

Qiao Xu's cup in his hand fell, shattering on the ground.

He couldn't believe what he heard, his eyes filled with confusion and incomprehension.

He stared blankly, lifting his gaze to Jin Chen, his eye sockets reddening.

In his ears was Shen Ling's sweet voice calling Jin Tingxiao "uncle."

"... Is this the secret you wanted to tell me?"

Jin Chen immediately denied: "No, I wasn't aware."

Having guessed that Jin Tingxiao, this cheap father, was hiding something, he never imagined it would be such a crazy matter.

Feeling restless and depressed inside, Jin Chen kicked away the server who had asked him to go on stage, the noise again drawing everyone's attention.

"Who agreed to get engaged to Shen Ling? Now you make the decision—do you no longer need to inform me?"

Jin Tingxiao said in a deep voice, "You are the Young Master of the Jin Clan; marriage matters naturally require parents to decide."

"Hmph," Jin Chen sneered mercilessly, "You finished your reckless deeds in youth; now, with half a body in the grave, you start judging me with rules?"

"I think you're really crazy!"

"Jin Chen! I am your father!"

Jin Tingxiao, having lost face in front of so many people, still felt embarrassed, his tone becoming much harsher.

During the argument between the two, Shen Ling, standing beside Jin Tingxiao, appeared especially awkward.

He knew Jin Chen would be unhappy, but he didn't expect that he would actually refuse in front of so many people.

Still so unsparing of face.

Why does everyone, for the sake of so-called love, reject rights and inheritance?

Shen Ling couldn't understand, but he knew that today's engagement must be settled, so the clan head could see his own worth.

So…

He looked toward Qiao Xu, who had not yet recovered, and gripped his wine cup tightly.