In recent days, due to the suppression by the An Family, Qin Dingshan has been extremely frazzled. Already weak, his body collapsed again. He could only lie in bed, unable even to make it to his study.
"What’s the situation these past two days?" Qin Dingshan extended a hand to rub his aching temples and asked, with his eyes closed, the standing Qin Han by the bed.
"The pressure from the An Family has slowed. I’ve investigated, and for some reason, the An Family has hardly left their villa these past few days. Grandfather, do you think they might have come up with another method to suppress us, and that’s why..." Qin Han’s heart was filled with apprehension, somewhat puzzled by the An Family’s reclusive behavior.
Qin Dingshan slowly opened his eyes, his aged gaze fierce and gloomy.
"Hmph! What more can they do? Ever since An Yiqing returned to the An Family, the trouble she’s stirred up has only increased! That girl’s thoughts run too deep; even I have to be fully alert when dealing with her! Keep an eye out, and while we can catch our breath for now, hurry and make arrangements—we can’t keep being passive ."
Qin Han nodded respectfully, "Yes, Grandfather. However... although the An Family has been quiet these past few days, it seems that another force has begun putting pressure on our Qin Family. I’ve been investigating for several days but haven’t found anything. Grandfather, if this continues, the Qin Family’s position in the business world will be in danger." Recalling the fierce pressure from this mysterious force over the past few days, Qin Han felt a twinge of fear. Whoever was behind this mysterious force must be a deep thinker and highly capable, otherwise, it would be impossible for him to be left without the slightest chance to fight back!
Qin Dingshan’s brow furrowed deeply; he pondered for a long time but couldn’t come up with any good ideas for the moment. He had considered seeking support from allies, but after mentally reviewing everyone he knew, he realized there wasn’t a single family he could cooperate with.
"I need to think about this matter carefully, you go out first."
Qin Dingshan waved his hand, dismissing Qin Han. Just then, the Qin Family butler walked into the room with a telephone in hand.
"Family Head, your phone call."
The Qin Family butler handed the phone to Qin Dingshan and then shook his head, "I don’t know, but from the voice, it doesn’t seem to be from the Xuanjin People."
Qin Dingshan’s eyebrows twitched, deeply perplexed about the identity of the caller.
"I am Qin Dingshan, who might you be?"
Qin Dingshan’s voice was calm, betraying none of the weakness of a sick person.
At that moment, a light chuckle came over the phone, followed by a man’s voice, somewhat awkward in Mandarin, coming through the line.
"Patriarch Qin, I hear you’ve not been feeling well lately, so I took the liberty to call and show some concern. However, a physical ailment is easy to treat, but you wouldn’t want to get better only to find the Qin Family’s business has slipped through your fingers!"
Qin Dingshan was taken aback and hurriedly sat up in bed. His eyes were piercing, and he gripped the phone tightly, asking in a low voice, "Who exactly are you? To speak so audaciously! You show no regard for the Qin Family!"
"Show regard?" came a light laugh through the receiver, the tone laced with profound mockery, "Patriarch Qin, as far as I know, ever since that troublemaker of a daughter-in-law offended An Yiqing, the Qin Family has been under constant suppression by the An Family. Now the word out there is that the Qin Family is at the end of its rope, soon to be knocked from the ranks of top elite families to commoners!"
The man’s words caused an immense pressure in Qin Dingshan’s chest, igniting a raging fury within him. He snorted coldly and said spitefully, "Hmph! Even under suppression by that old An Muyun, the Qin Family’s influence in Xuandu remains deeply entrenched! Nonsense about being at the end of the rope! Even if the Qin Family can’t hold out, it’s not their place to crow!"