Qin Qinghan's chest tightened at the sight, but then Ye Fengwu's face contorted into a mock grimace.
"What's for dinner today? I'm starving—I didn't even get lunch."
Hearing this, Qin Qinghan breathed a small sigh of relief, though guilt pricked at her heart. She had been so absorbed in work today that she hadn't thought about Ye Fengwu or Jiang Hao going without lunch.
"I'm sorry! I'll get started right away!" she said, hurrying into the kitchen. Soon, the sound of chopping vegetables filled the air.
At that moment, little Jing Si stepped up to Ye Fengwu. Despite her age, she could sense how kind he was to her—and how formidable he was. Her small face lit with admiration.
"Uncle, are you sleeping on the couch again tonight?"
Ye Fengwu stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette in his hand and forced a bitter smile. "That… depends on whether your mom is feeling merciful."
Jing Si bit her lip, obediently saying, "I can try to plead with Mom for you… but don't get your hopes up too high."
Hearing this, Ye Fengwu felt warmth flood his chest. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, ready to scoop her onto his lap—but the little girl giggled and darted away.
"Uncle, you smell funny. I'm going to do my homework now!"
Ye Fengwu sniffed his sleeve and frowned, muttering to himself, I should've made Lin Qiang bring extra camo uniforms… he hasn't showered in two days, and these clothes haven't been changed either.
Meanwhile, in the Qin family villa, Qin Guangnan lounged in the living room, savoring his tea.
Qin Fei suddenly burst in, disbelief written across his face. "Dad… Qin Qinghan actually secured the Fenghao Project contract!"
Qin Guangnan froze, brow furrowed. "Are you sure?"
Given his knowledge of Fenghao Real Estate, those who ran the underground networks were notoriously difficult to negotiate with. Even though the Qin family had some status in Haihua City, Guangnan hadn't expected them to take Qinghan seriously.
Qin Fei snorted. "Most likely she used her body to get it. With her looks… the Golden Leopard would never let that opportunity slip."
Qin Guangnan's lips curled into a cold, grim smile. "Hmph. Didn't expect Qinghan's… frail body still had some use. Since she's landed the contract, you take over the project from her tomorrow."
Qin Fei's smile twisted, sinister. "So you want to fire Qinghan entirely, Dad? That way, when she's desperate, she'll beg you to marry her off to Zhang Ge anyway."
"But she's signed the Fenghao contract," Guangnan mused. "How do we justify sidelining her?"
Hmph. "The Qin family will never accept a rapist as a son-in-law. Either she gets engaged to Zhang Ge, or she goes home to live with a rapist."
Qin Fei's grin widened, thumbs raised in approval.
The next morning, Ye Fengwu was still on the narrow, worn couch, sleeping. Soft footsteps roused him.
Opening his eyes, he saw Qin Qinghan standing in front of him, dressed in white pajamas.
"I'm sorry for waking you," she said apologetically.
She maintained a wary distance from him, always treating him as if he were an adversary, which made Ye Fengwu uneasy. Yet he smiled. "No worries. I'm not one to linger in bed anyway."
He glanced down at the narrow couch beneath him, thinking, On this broken sofa, who could even think about sleeping in?
Qin Qinghan extended a few bills toward him, her tone hesitant. "Take this five hundred. Buy yourself some clothes. Once I… get my commission, I'll give you more."
Though she knew Ye Fengwu had connections like Jiang Hao, he had just been released from prison and likely had nothing to his name. Even his camo uniform hadn't been changed in two days.
Ye Fengwu almost protested, but he accepted the money with a wide grin. "Thanks, wifey!"
After breakfast, Qin Qinghan told her parents to watch Jing Si while she prepared to leave. Today would be busy—too many meetings and planning to handle.
"Wifey, come back early. Don't forget—you promised to get the marriage certificate today," Ye Fengwu called after her.
Qin Qinghan froze mid-step at the doorway, nearly tripping over the threshold. Today, she had dressed up carefully—eyebrows done, a touch of lipstick—her already stunning features now radiating an almost intoxicating beauty.
Grandfather and uncle had always looked down on her, but after securing the Fenghao contract with Ye Fengwu's help yesterday, maybe their attitude would shift.
Half an hour later, she arrived at the Qin Group office. At the reception desk, Qin Fei blocked her way.
Handing over the signed contract, Qin Qinghan said, "Uncle, this is the Qin Group's contract with Fenghao. I need to organize a meeting and lead several executives to the project site today."
Qin Fei took the papers, his tone neutral. "Since the contract is signed, you have two options: one, kick that rapist out of your home and get engaged to Zhang Ge; two, pack up your things and go home to live with the rapist."
Bang! A security guard slammed a box of her belongings to the ground.
Qin Qinghan's patience snapped. "Uncle… how… how can you—"
Qin Fei's voice was cold as ice. "Qinghan, as long as our family marries into the Zhang Group, we'll rise even higher. You could live comfortably as a wealthy lady. I advise you not to waste this golden opportunity."
Qin Qinghan's eyes filled with derision. Even after securing a huge profit for the company, they still treated her like a tool.
Ye Fengwu might be a rapist and a criminal she despised, but at least he cared for Jing Si. If she married Zhang Ge, she would have to abandon her daughter. The choice was clear.
Qin Fei pressed on, "Qinghan, your grandfather wants what's best for you. Give up Jing Si—much better than living with a rapist."
Qin Qinghan scoffed, lifted the box from the floor, and left the Qin Group office without another word.
She knew fighting back would change nothing and might even get her thrown out. Leaving decisively was the only option.
Her decisiveness made Qin Fei's brow furrow. He muttered under his breath, venomous: "My son was crippled because of you… I'll never let your family off lightly."