Chapter 72
Inside the premium VIP room at Qianligang, the flowing golden hidden lights cast a comfortable ambiance over the private space.
Guan Shao hadn’t touched his food. He was in a foul mood. The middle-aged man sitting opposite him was President Wu of Thunder MINE, a company specializing in competitive games. Their results were decent, but given the current market situation, they weren’t suitable for cooperation with Qingtian.
Guan Shao had been invited here to discuss business with President Wu. He had come with some hope, but the conversation had revealed everything. President Wu didn’t even understand game production himself, which greatly disappointed Guan Shao. How could he hope to collaborate with such a company? Thunder MINE could be a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
No, none of them would work.
FREE was the only suitable option, but frankly, Qingtian wasn’t qualified to seek cooperation with FREE. Besides, Qingtian focused on competitive games, a different track from FREE.
Moreover, Qin Yao had directly refused to connect during that live stream.
It was impossible to establish a cooperative relationship with FREE.
Guan Shao knew that the Guan and Qin families were competitors. Everyone in the industry knew about the rivalry between Qin Yao and Guan Jiayu. Now that Guan Jiayu had a place in Qingtian, it would be a cold day in hell before Qin Yao extended an olive branch to Guan Shao.
The man, nearing thirty, rubbed his temples wearily. He was the eldest son of the Guan family, an alpha just like his brother. But because he hadn’t inherited the family’s beastman genes, taking after his human omega father instead, he couldn’t compare to Guan Jiayu in the old man’s eyes, despite his excellent achievements in all aspects. sometimes, Guan Shao really felt these genes were a pain. He had built Qingtian from scratch since college, almost ten years ago. How could he just hand it over because the old man said so?
He absolutely couldn’t allow such a thing to happen. If he couldn’t find a partner, even if it meant severing ties with the Guan family, he wouldn’t hand over the company.
The Guan family currently had quite a few successful companies. There were several companies from his alpha father’s generation as well, subject to endless fighting between brothers. The position of family head had been withheld for a long time. It was clear the old man wanted to leave it to his grandson, Guan Jiayu, perhaps along with these several companies.
Guan Shao felt a dull pain in his chest. He closed his eyes, gritting his back teeth, the gloom on his face visible to the naked eye.
What was so good about Guan Jiayu? Just because his beastman genes were pure? Using genes as a selection criterion was simply ignorant.
His migraine seemed to be returning. Opposite him, President Wu was full of anticipation, chattering on about the bright future he envisioned for the partnership between the two companies, completely oblivious to Guan Shao’s worsening expression.
Guan Shao couldn’t listen anymore. He raised the hand pressing on his temple and waved. The bodyguard behind him stepped forward, taking painkillers from his suit pocket and handing them over.
“President Wu.” Guan Shao put a pill in his mouth, took the warm water handed to him, swallowed it, and then said indifferently, “Your ideas are too naive. Qingtian doesn’t need partners who only daydream. Let’s end it here for today.”
Ignoring President Wu’s flushed face, he waved to the bodyguard: “This meal is on me. President Wu, take care.”
In fact, President Wu had arranged this meal. But Guan Shao had a headache and didn’t want to move. He wasn’t afraid of offending anyone, taking control directly and acting as the one seeing the guest off.
Old President Wu got up and left the room cursing. Once he was gone, the room became much quieter. Guan Shao had no appetite to continue eating, so he nestled into the sofa booth to rest his eyes.
A moment later, the bodyguard came over and lowered his voice: “President Guan, President Qin wants to see you.”
Guan Shao lifted his eyelids and frowned: “Which President Qin?”
Bodyguard: “The one from the Qin family.”
Guan Shao suddenly woke up. His head still hurt, but he stood up immediately: “Let him in quickly.”
He glanced at the table. President Wu’s side was a mess. Guan Shao waved his hand: “Have someone clear this away and replace it with new settings.”
The bodyguard hurried to do it, while another went outside to invite the guest in. Guan Shao’s expression gradually became serious. He adjusted his suit. His head still hurt, so he took another pill with water.
Footsteps came from outside the door. Guan Shao turned sideways and met the gaze of the tall alpha. Seeing someone else standing next to Qin Yao, he was stunned for a moment before extending his hand politely: “Hello President Qin, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Hello President Guan.” Qin Yao shook Guan Shao’s hand lightly, wearing the usual smile he had during work. His other arm was around Bai He as he introduced him: “This is my fiancé, Bai He.”
Bai He was dazed for a moment before nodding to Guan Shao: “Hello, President Guan.”
This time it was Guan Shao’s turn to be surprised: “President Qin is engaged? Why hasn’t there been any news in the industry?”
Qin Yao smiled sincerely: “The engagement date has been set. There will be news when the time comes. President Guan must come then.”
“Naturally.” Guan Shao smiled, gesturing for Qin Yao and Bai He to come in. The waiters were very efficient in resetting the table. When they arrived at the dining area, the tableware and dishes were brand new.
The three sat down. Qin Yao didn’t beat around the bush. He wasn’t a restrained person to begin with. Sitting down, he leaned back in his chair comfortably: “I saw President Wu of Thunder MINE leaving just now. Is President Guan discussing a partnership?”
For Qin Yao’s directness, the experienced Guan Shao could naturally handle it: “Yes, I am indeed looking for a partner, but it hasn’t been finalized yet.”
He looked at Qin Yao as he said this, squinting: “President Qin, you coming to find me can’t be on a whim.”
Qin Yao raised his eyebrows: “Then President Guan finding a partner for Qingtian can’t be on a whim either.”
He smiled at the other party, his words clearly implying something: “Qingtian has already merged with CORONET. Does the other person in charge of the company know that President Guan is looking for a partner now?”
“……”
Guan Shao remained silent. He withdrew his gaze: “The other person doesn’t need to know. The company doesn’t need extra people in charge. He will withdraw sooner or later.”
“But that guy isn’t someone who would withdraw voluntarily.” Qin Yao pinched Bai He’s fingers with his other hand: “Guan Shao, before discussing cooperation, you have to ensure that your side is clean, don’t you think?”
After ten seconds of silence, Guan Shao lifted his lowered eyelids, meeting Qin Yao’s composed gaze: “It seems you are very clear about what Guan Jiayu wants to do. You coming to me, I take it as an opportunity you’re giving me. Honest people don’t speak in riddles. Qin Yao, my goal is to squeeze out Guan Jiayu and keep Qingtian. I do want to cooperate with FREE. How do you need me to prove it?”
Qin Yao put away his professional fake smile, his eyes deep: “What do you think about the position of family head in your family?”
“Ignorant thing. It doesn’t matter if I don’t have that position. Qingtian is my painstaking effort of nearly ten years. I can distinguish which is more important.” Guan Shao said: “Why do you ask this?”
Qin Yao curled his lips: “I just want to know if everyone in your family is interested in that position.”
He lifted his chin: “Having fewer but better children makes sense. Look at you guys, fighting tooth and nail. What’s so good about that family head position?”
“The Qin family…” Guan Shao paused, changing his words: “Haven’t you thought about inheriting Uncle Qin’s career and family business?”
Qin Yao looked as if he had heard a joke: “Why should I inherit that tiring stuff? Besides, my big dad doesn’t plan to give it to me. Helping him with FREE is already enough for me. Honestly, the family head position isn’t for mortals. President Qin’s exact words were, at worst, donate it all to charity later.”
Guan Shao frowned: “Your family is really open-minded.”
“It’s your Guan family that’s too stubborn.” Qin Yao looked at Bai He, his voice much softer: “A lifetime is only a few decades. It’s best to be happy and free, spending time with family and loved ones. Why torture yourself?”
Bai He held Qin Yao’s hand back, reminding Guan Shao: “President Guan, you have to convince us.”
Guan Shao repeated: “How do you want me to prove it?”
Qin Yao glanced sideways: “FREE is recently considering integrating competitive elements into adventure games. I hope President Guan can provide technical support.”
“This is not a problem.” Guan Shao agreed immediately.
“Also, I must ensure FREE’s safety. The cooperation contract will be drafted by us. You have the right to propose modifications, but the parts we don’t allow to be modified will be discussed separately.” Qin Yao threw out the benefits of cooperation: “Of course, I’m not a robber. If we cooperate sincerely, we naturally seek a win-win situation. What do you think, President Guan?”
Guan Shao took a deep breath: “Do as you say.”
“Good, one last thing.” Qin Yao stood up, went behind Bai He’s chair, and gently kneaded Bai He’s shoulders with both hands: “At Guan Jiayu’s wedding, if anything unfavorable to us happens, you must stand on our side unconditionally. Otherwise, I have the right to cancel the cooperation.”
“You think the Guan family inviting you to the wedding banquet will trip you up?” Guan Shao found it strange: “What does he have to trip you up with now? He has nothing, only an empty shell. But if you want to test me through these points, then I still say the same thing, I have no problem at all.”
“Whether he trips us up or not is his business.” Qin Yao’s touch was gentle, avoiding Bai He’s gland and only kneading the soft flesh on his shoulders: “Whether to guard against it or not is my plan. You also know the principle of being cautious, don’t you?”
Indeed. Guan Shao nodded and asked: “Just these three things?”
Qin Yao lowered his eyes to look at Bai He: “Xiao Bao, do you think there’s anything else?”
Bai He stared quietly at a spot, seemingly in thought. After a long while, he moved his gaze and asked indifferently: “I have a question. What kind of person do you think Guan Jiayu is?”
Guan Shao was stunned by his question. Qin Yao’s expression froze, the hand kneading Bai He’s shoulder stopped abruptly. He buried his head: “Xiao Bao, why are you asking about that guy? Let me tell you, Guan Jiayu is a villain, full of schemes! You know I’ve always didn’t get along with him. Before you picked me up, he had people block me, I—”
Bai He raised his hand to cover Qin Yao’s mouth, helplessly saying: “Your understanding of him is one-sided. No one can fully understand a person. Asking more is always beneficial.”
Hearing Qin Yao’s words, Guan Shao showed a thoughtful expression. He spoke frankly: “Guan Jiayu is ruthless and scheming. It’s not wrong to say he has some ability, but not much. Also, that guy is very sensitive and can’t tolerate failure. Otherwise, he might become a mad dog and bite you.”
“Mad dog? What a description.” Qin Yao chuckled, hugging Bai He without letting go.
Bai He calmly let Qin Yao hug him: “So, according to his nature, do you think the possibility of him retaliating against us is high?”
Guan Shao was silent, then forced a smile: “Not one hundred percent, but ninety percent for sure. But for him to retaliate, it must be based on having strength.”
“So, President Guan, after cooperation, please make sure to show your strength and find a way to remove the cancer within Qingtian. Don’t let some people take advantage of loopholes.” Bai He withdrew his gaze and looked up at Qin Yao: “I’m done. Shall we go?”
Qin Yao buried his head, scratching Bai He’s chin with his finger: “Okay.”
Guan Shao beside them was silent for a long time, then suddenly said: “You have a good relationship. Taking the liberty to ask, I remember Mr. Bai is also a member of the Bai family?”
Bai He shook his head: “No, don’t mention me in the same breath as them.”
“Sorry.” Guan Shao stood up and saw them out of the private room: “In that case, I’ll wait for President Qin to draft the contract. Goodbye, you two.”
Coming out of the private room, the sky outside was gradually darkening. Bai He held Qin Yao’s hand: “You actually planned to cooperate with him long ago, didn’t you?”
Qin Yao smiled without speaking, hugging Bai He and rubbing against him twice before saying: “Who wouldn’t want free technical support? Besides, the company’s next project team has already discussed it. Integrating competitive elements is imminent. Someone just happened to offer us convenience, why not?”
“But there are risks.” Bai He raised his head to let Qin Yao rub against him: “Aren’t you worried there are other components in this?”
“Of course I’m worried, that’s why we need a backup plan.” Qin Yao’s expression suddenly became sly: “We lead the drafting of the contract. Moreover, on the day of the banquet, we have to test things out. At that time, Xiao Bao, you have to cooperate with me.”
Bai He stared at Qin Yao, raising his hand to poke the other’s right cheek: “Qin Yao, you really love to play. What do you want me to do?”
Qin Yao looked at Bai He with curved eyes, opening his mouth to gently bite Bai He’s finger, smilingly saying: “You are my lover, you love me very much and cling to me. Can Xiao Bao act?”
Bai He was silent: “The reason for doing this is?”
“To disgust Guan Jiayu.” Qin Yao said: “It’s my guess. If Guan Jiayu really cared about Bai Lu, he wouldn’t use his marriage to Bai Lu as a means to fight for the family and company. He is using this marriage and the child. Even if he might not have proposed it himself, he definitely tacitly agreed.”
Bai He understood: “Just this?”
“What do you mean just this, Xiao Bao? I haven’t vented enough anger for him having people block and beat me!” Qin Yao said pitifully: “You don’t know how much it hurt.”
Saying this, he laughed again: “Let’s hold back for now. If he really wants to trip us up, we’ll provoke him again. Bringing things out into the open will allow us to see Guan Shao’s reaction. Killing two birds with one stone.”
It was a method. Bai He agreed: “I might not be very good at it, but I’ll try my best.”
“With me here, you can just rely on me with peace of mind.” Qin Yao buried his head and touched Bai He’s lips. Bai He’s lip bead was really beautiful and full, and soft, making Qin Yao unable to stop.
“…Uh, cough cough!”
A sudden cough brought the two snuggling by the window back to reality. Turning around, they saw Mu Lin, Shen Hao, and Zhang Yao standing not far away.
“That…” Mu Lin’s eyes chased the air: “We finished eating. Seeing you hadn’t come back yet, we came to check…”
Saying this, she nudged Shen Hao on her right with her elbow. That guy looked blank. She hated iron for not becoming steel, and went to pat Zhang Yao on the other side. Zhang Yao also just wanted to smile. People say AO are different. These three standing together, Mu Lin huddled with those two alphas like buddies. In terms of temperament, she was the only one who looked like an A.
“Finished talking?” She asked: “You only ate a little just now. We ordered some more. Go eat a bit?”
Bai He slowly came out of Qin Yao’s embrace: “Okay.”
Qin Yao followed leisurely behind. He licked his canine tooth, somewhat unsatisfied.
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