Chapter 53: You Are Wrong

Unfortunately, she was not among them. While it was true that he was outstanding, sometimes even attentive and considerate, he was simply too arrogant, too proud, and far too self-centered.

"You child—" Qiu Jinghe's words cut off abruptly as Nalan Tian and Nalan Chuan stepped into view.

Although advanced in age and leaning on a cane, Nalan Tian had a ruddy complexion and sharp, piercing eyes. Far from showing any signs of senility, he exuded a vigorous and unyielding strength.

He was truly a formidable titan of the Disha Group—commanding without anger, and stern without speaking.

The moment he appeared, the drawing room fell into a dead silence. No one dared even draw a breath.

Eager to stir up trouble, the third daughter, Nalan Bu, immediately stepped forward and raised her voice. "Dad, you've come out just in time. Look at Che'er, he's gone way too far this time! Muzi is still right here, yet he has no sense of propriety whatsoever, bringing some wild woman from the streets straight into our home. You have to get justice for Muzi! Otherwise, who knows what nasty things outsiders will say? Our family simply cannot afford to lose face like this—"

"Shut your mouth." Before she could finish her rambling, Nalan Tian impatiently cut her off.

Naturally, he knew his own daughter best. As the saying goes, people like her liked to turn small matters into big ones, and major matters into crises.

Before she could even finish, Nalan Bu stamped her foot in frustration. What on earth had she said wrong this time?

Thumping his cane against the floor, Nalan Tian strode to the center of the hall. He looked at no one, his falcon-sharp eyes locked directly onto Tong Xiaoman.

A tingling sensation crept over Tong Xiaoman's scalp beneath his gaze. Pulling herself together, she offered a poised and generous greeting, "Hello, Elder Nalan. I am Tong Xiaoman. I am very sorry for causing trouble for your family, but I must clarify one thing: Nalan Che and I—"

Before she could finish, her waist was suddenly pulled tight as Nalan Che wrapped a possessive arm around her. Without waiting for her explanation, he preempted her, saying, "Grandfather, the reason I came back this time is to tell you: I will not marry Muzi. The woman I want to marry is Tong Xiaoman."

The hand gripping Nalan Tian's cane suddenly tightened, a look of displeasure darkening his aged features.

"Nalan Che, are you certain?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Nalan Che answered flatly, "Yes."

"Even if it costs you your future, you have no objection?"

As soon as these words left Nalan Tian's lips, everyone's expression shifted.

Nalan Chuan exclaimed in shock, "Dad, that's not fair to Che'er."

Although Nalan Tian had already retired, his influence within the Disha Group remained immense. If he were to issue a decree, Nalan Che's career development within the company would inevitably face severe obstacles.

A chilling, cynical smirk tugged at the corner of Nalan Che's lips. "Grandfather, do not treat me as your puppet, nor use me as an instrument to repay your favors. If you think you can threaten me this way, you are gravely mistaken."

True, his influence within the Disha Group was formidable, but let it not be forgotten that he had already retired. The most powerful person in the Disha Group today was Nalan Che, not the old man.

"You—" Nalan Tian was so infuriated by his words that his face instantly darkened.

"Che'er, do not defy your grandfather." Sensing that the situation was spiraling out of control, Qiu Jinghe hurriedly spoke up.

Yet Nalan Che had no intention of backing down. He looked toward Qiu Jinghe—his own mother—and gazed at her with a look of pity, though he remained silent.

Her son's gaze left Qiu Jinghe feeling somewhat guilty.