NFBE Chapter 2052 Settling for Second Best
Chapter 2052 Settling for Second Best
Zong Wangshan's tiger-like eyes, hidden beneath his thick eyebrows, suddenly narrowed, a surge of anger and vigilance welling up within him, as if he had been tricked!
To the west wing?
To "reminisce" with Qian Houjin, that good-for-nothing who is more of a hindrance than a help?
He was invited in, right on Li Xiangnan's turf, in full view of everyone.
This is hardly hospitality; it's a trap, a way to lure these two groups of people with ulterior motives together, to watch the show, and even to force them into infighting!
He instantly understood Li Xiangnan's intention, and his apprehension suddenly increased!
This young man is not only calm, but also surprisingly shrewd and ruthless!
With just a casual remark, he put both him and Qian Houjin in the spotlight!
reject?
Without a legitimate reason, it would only make one appear guilty, and if it were true, it would seem like something was amiss!
But if you agree, this trip to the west wing is destined to be anything but easy!
You should know that Song Cijiu was standing next to that good-for-nothing Qian Houjin!
Song bids farewell to the old!
Upon seeing him, Zong Wangshan's heart trembled uncontrollably several times once again!
To my utter surprise, the second master of the Song family was also here!
Judging from Qian Houjin's terrified expression, he must have been thoroughly harassed by Song Cijiu, that plague god, in the west wing. They might have already pried a lot of secrets out of him!
Otherwise, why would Qian Houjin, who has seen so many things, be so afraid of everything?
That look clearly showed that Song Cijiu had some kind of leverage over him!
Zong Wangshan recalled the scene he had just witnessed: Qian Houjin emerging from the west wing, the man's bitter expression upon seeing him, a mixture of extreme resentment and forced acceptance of the arrangement…
It seems that Qian Houjin didn't gain anything in the room at all. He was suppressed and guided by Song Cijiu the whole time. Even when he came out to meet her, it was probably because he was forced by Song Cijiu's words!
Thinking of Song Cijiu's reputation in Beijing, Zong Wangshan suddenly became wary!
At the same time, he became more vigilant.
At Li Xiangnan's wedding banquet, the other party appeared. Judging from his attire, he was clearly involved in the banquet and was definitely not just a guest who came to offer his congratulations!
It might just be a general manager position!
Damn it, when did the Song family become so close to Li Xiangnan that they're practically inseparable?
Zong Wangshan squinted, pondering how to break the deadlock!
His purpose in coming to the Li family today was obviously not simple, but with Song Cijiu here... many things would be difficult to do!
Qian Houjin was so frightened that his soul almost left his body, and the last trace of color drained from his face!
Good heavens, I'm going to be locked in the same room with Zong Wangshan later?
Or is it under the condition that Song Cijiu might accompany him?
This is going to kill him!
He looked at Song Cijiu for help, hoping that this second master could say something, even if it was just a polite way of saying that it was windy outside and that they could take a walk in the courtyard. That would give him a way out!
He harbored such hopes, after all, he had just backed down to Song Cijiu, which at least gave him some face!
Just as Qian Houjin had hoped, Song Cijiu spoke up at the opportune moment after Li Xiangnan finished speaking, with a gentle smile on his face.
"Xiang Nan is very thoughtful! There are so many people coming and going in this courtyard, it's really inconvenient to talk! The west wing is much quieter, it's a good place for the Zong family head and Master Qian to have a proper chat! Speaking of which, I haven't seen Elder Zong for a while, I might as well come in and have a cup of tea with you two!"
Upon hearing this, the glimmer of hope that had just risen in Qian Houjin's heart was shattered, leaving him even more desperate!
Is Song Cijiu going in too?
Good heavens, what's the difference between that and a public trial?
He could almost see himself in that room, being interrogated by Zong Wangshan and scrutinized by Song Cijiu, his secrets laid bare in a miserable state!
When Zong Wangshan heard that Song Cijiu was also going in, his brows furrowed even more.
Song Cijiu is a key figure in the Song family, and his stance is clearly biased towards the Li family. With him present, many things cannot be discussed in depth, and he may even be able to find more incriminating evidence against you.
If he were inside, wouldn't his conversation with Qian Houjin be tantamount to handing Song Cijiu a knife and letting him stab himself?
This west wing will immediately turn into a den of dragons and tigers!
Just as the atmosphere became tense and Qian Houjin was about to faint, Zong Wangshan was quickly weighing the pros and cons when his eldest son, Zong Chengjia, behind him, once again demonstrated his quick wit and resourcefulness.
He quickly put on a respectful yet measured smile, took half a step forward, bowed slightly to Song Cijiu, and spoke in a flattering tone.
"Second Master Song, you're too kind! You are of noble status and extremely busy! I can tell you're here today helping the Li family entertain guests. It's already a great honor to see you here, how could I trouble you to keep me company? Besides, my father and Uncle Qian only have some trivial business matters to discuss, we wouldn't dare take up your precious time! This west wing..."
His gaze swept quickly across the door, his tone even, "After all, this is a place arranged by Doctor Li for guests to rest temporarily. We two families already feel we're inconveniencing them by squeezing in. If we were to trouble Second Master Song further, we would feel truly apologetic! After the banquet, we will definitely find time to visit you at the Song residence! How about... we have Doctor Li arrange for a suitable waiter to serve tea in the outer room, what do you think..."
His words were extremely eloquent, both flattering Song Cijiu and giving her ample face, while subtly but firmly rejecting Song Cijiu's suggestion to go in together.
Moreover, he subtly and overtly praised Song Cijiu to an extremely high level, and left room for a follow-up visit, thus buffering the relationship between the two families. It has to be admitted that he was extremely clever.
At the same time, the reasons behind these words are quite valid. We were discussing private and trivial matters with the third master of the Qian family, and it was not appropriate for someone as important as you to be present.
Moreover, the place is small and there are many people, which causes a lot of inconvenience.
Finally, he suggested that Li Xiangnan send a servant to wait on him outside, thus accepting the arrangement to go to the west wing while trying to keep the possible "eavesdropping" within an acceptable range!
After Zong Chengjia finished speaking, he quietly nudged his younger brother Zong Jiye, who was still somewhat stunned and whose face was still flushed with anger, with his foot.
Although Zong Jiye had a bad temper, he wasn't stupid. He immediately realized what was going on and added in a muffled voice, "Second Master Song, you can help Doctor Li greet the other distinguished guests outside. We're all family, no need to go to so much trouble. You can manage on your own!"
To everyone's surprise, Qian Houjin also grasped at this lifeline and hurriedly nodded in agreement: "Yes, yes, Master Song, you're busy, we're just chatting casually, we wouldn't dare trouble you! Doctor Li, please arrange a waiter, just a waiter will do!"
For a time, the Zong and Qian families surprisingly reached a consensus on this matter, determined not to let Song Cijiu, an outsider, get involved.
Upon hearing this, Song Cijiu's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes deepened slightly. He glanced at the various expressions of the Zong family brothers and the panicked Qian Houjin, then looked at the composed Li Xiangnan beside him, and understood.
He knew that if he insisted on going in, it might only make the two families more wary and unite against him.
Now that the pressure is on, it might be better to go with the flow and observe from the outside; the results might be better!
So he nodded slowly, his tone still gentle: "In that case, I won't disturb Boss Zong and Master Qian's reunion! Xiang Nan, make the arrangements!"
Li Xiangnan understood immediately and smiled, "Second Uncle, don't worry! Zimo, you personally lead Patriarch Zong and Third Master Qian to the side room! Then have Xiao He go in and serve them, make sure they are well taken care of!"
The "Little He" he mentioned was named He Shun, a young assistant under Song Ziming. He was clever, sensible, tight-lipped, and, most importantly, had excellent hearing. He also had an honest and unassuming appearance that made him easy to guard against.
“Yes, Brother Nan!” Song Ziming responded and stepped forward.