Chapter Twenty-Five: I’m afraid my answer will disappoint the esteemed elders.

Evening, at the Xia family home.

Having just finished a meeting, Xia Xin received a call from her grandfather and immediately hurried over to the old house. As soon as she stepped into the grand hall, she saw her uncle and the others already present.

Each gaze was laden with meaning, especially when Xia Xin looked toward her father, Xia Jianye, and noticed his sullen expression, his brows knotted tightly together.

A sense of foreboding rose in her chest. Xia Xin greeted all the elders in turn, finally letting her gaze settle on her grandfather, Xia Yaoyang. “Grandfather, what did you wish to see me about?” she asked.

Xia Yaoyang narrowed his eyes slightly and inquired, “Did you obtain the development rights for the old city district?”

Xia Xin was not surprised by the question. She nodded, replying, “Yes. I signed the agreement with the authorities this afternoon. I plan to begin work in the next few days. I estimate the initial demolition phase will be completed in three months.”

Her answer left the assembled family members stunned, their expressions growing awkward.

Xia Yaoyang’s tone was reproachful: “Why didn’t you inform us about such an important matter beforehand? Are you afraid we’d take your profits? Don’t you realize this project could strengthen the Xia family’s position?”

His words received the approval of the others, who proceeded to admonish Xia Xin in the tones of their elders.

“Xin’er, this isn’t right. For something so significant, you should have consulted with the rest of the family!”

“I know you’re eager to earn the old man’s approval and secure your place as heir, but you can’t be so selfish as to keep all the billions in profits for yourself, not even leaving us relatives a taste of the soup!”

“That’s right, Xin’er, your approach here is truly inappropriate!”

...

Amid these accusations and complaints, Xia Xin’s eyes remained calm and unfathomable.

Xia Yaoyang noticed her reaction and was even more taken aback. After hesitating a moment, he voiced his original intention. “Xin’er, your Meiting Group has made some progress these past years, but its strength is far from sufficient for such a major project. Moreover, you don’t have enough capital. It would be better to let your uncles handle the project. You’ll receive fifteen percent of the profits, and you won’t need to worry about anything else. What do you say?”

In the past, if her grandfather had spoken thus, Xia Xin would not have objected. To do nothing and still receive fifteen percent would have seemed generous. But suddenly, Chen Fan’s words from before echoed through her mind.

If she compromised this time, there would only be another and another; nothing would ever change.

She swept her gaze over her uncles and aunts, noticing that each of them was practically itching with anticipation, waiting for her to agree so they could carve up this massive cake with minimal effort.

Xia Xin drew a deep breath, her eyes hardening with resolve. She replied apologetically, “Grandfather, I’m sorry, but I cannot accept your proposal. I’d like to complete this project myself. Once it’s done, I will contribute thirty percent of the profits to the family.”

Her words plunged the hall into a heavy and deathly silence.

No one had expected that Xia Xin, always the most obedient to Xia Yaoyang, would actually refuse him!

Xia Yaoyang’s expression darkened. He demanded, “Do you think your grandfather’s arrangement is unfair to you?”

“No,” Xia Xin shook her head.

“Then why refuse? You simply don’t have the capacity to handle such a large project. I’m only thinking of your best interests. Afterward, I’ll make sure your contribution is remembered,” Xia Yaoyang emphasized his last words, making it clear to any discerning listener that Xia Xin should not be ungrateful.

But Xia Xin’s face remained serene. “Grandfather, my abilities are now sufficient to undertake this project. I want to finish it myself as a way to test and hone my skills.”

At this, her uncle, Xia Jianwei, who sat beside Xia Yaoyang, could no longer remain silent. He said coldly, “Xin’er, don’t try to put on airs. Your Meiting Group’s accounts barely hold over a hundred million. That’s not even enough for the project’s early phase.”

Second Uncle, Xia Jianwen, added pressure: “Exactly. The three of us are only trying to ease your burden. Between our three families, we’d have to pool nearly two billion to complete this project, and at the end, you’d still get fifteen percent. Don’t be ungrateful!”

As soon as he finished, Third Aunt, Xia Jianmei, chimed in, “Not to mention, when it comes to connections, any of our three families can outmatch yours. We’re only trying to help, yet you don’t appreciate it. And you, Jianye, you’ve really raised a fine daughter!”

With her words, the gazes of the Xia family shifted between Xia Jianye and Xia Xin, as if the two of them had become the family’s scapegoats in an instant.

The anger of the crowd was not to be trifled with. Under the immense pressure, Xia Jianye could only look helplessly at his daughter and sigh, “Xin’er, this time your grandfather is right. I consider Chen Fan’s task complete. Just hand the project over to your uncles.”

At this, Xia Jianwei, Xia Jianwen, and Xia Jianmei all broke into smug smiles, certain that under such circumstances, Xia Xin would have no choice but to give in.

Yet, little did they know, the more they pressed her, the more resolute Xia Xin’s heart became.

With an unchanged expression, Xia Xin replied, “I’m afraid my answer will disappoint you. This morning, an investor approached me wishing to cooperate on this development. He has already wired two and a half billion to my company’s account, granting me complete freedom in its use, with profits to be split sixty-forty.”

She paused, then smiled at her uncles and aunt. “Now that you mention it, I’ll have to adjust my earlier offer. After the project is complete, five percent of the profits will go to the family. Grandfather, if there’s nothing else, I should return to the company and continue preparations.”

At this, Xia Yaoyang’s face grew somewhat grim. He had intended to seize the project without making a fuss, but Xia Xin’s refusal left him without a flaw to exploit. If he forced the issue, it would only end in mutual destruction.

He could sense that Xia Xin had changed, that she was now more resolute than before.

After studying her for a moment, Xia Yaoyang finally said, “Very well, go ahead and get to work. Do this project well and don’t bring shame to our family. If you encounter any difficulties, come to me.”

“Thank you, Grandfather!” Xia Xin understood these were merely polite words; should she truly run into trouble, her grandfather would only send her uncles to “help.”

This meant that, from this point on, she would have to complete the project on her own.

Though the pressure was immense, Xia Xin felt no fear. On the contrary, her heart blazed with motivation.

She bid her farewells and turned to leave the hall.

Xia Jianye hurried after her, his voice raised in agitation, “Xin’er, are you mad? Now you’ve gone and offended your grandfather and uncles completely!”

“Father, to be honest, you’ve disappointed me greatly.”

A sharp slap rang out as Xia Jianye struck her across the face, roaring, “You’ve been utterly bewitched by that Chen Fan boy. You don’t even know how to respect your own father and family anymore!”