239: Chapter 239 A Phone Call from Beijing: Si Zhengxiong Reluctantly Agrees to the Marriage

Qin Yi stood at the doorway. A faint scent of a young girl wafted from the room. He rubbed his nose, leaned against the doorframe without entering, and looked at Qin Xiaoyue with a smile. "Hurry up, get up! Give me a report. How many more interviews are there today?"

Qin Xiaoyue raised her head, dazed. Without even fully opening her eyes, she stretched out a hand and lazily made a "6" gesture.

Seeing this, Qin Yi scoffed lightly. "Pah, only six? Is this the 'big move' you were bragging about yesterday?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiaoyue tilted her head slightly, a crafty smile curling the corners of her lips. She murmured, "Pah~ who are you looking down on? Who said there were only six?"

"But isn't that gesture you made a six?" Qin Yi mimicked Qin Xiaoyue, holding up his hand in a "6" gesture as he retorted.

Qin Xiaoyue didn't speak, merely lifting her feet and smiling smugly. Qin Yi took one look, his mouth twitching as he speechlessly retorted, "Qin Xiaoyue, you're something else. You can even make a '6' with your toes... You really are a talent."

"Pah, this is called having extraordinary bones and natural talent." Qin Xiaoyue smiled smugly.

"Alright, alright, stop talking nonsense. Tell me, since you're showing so many 'sixes,' how many is it exactly?" Qin Yi urged.

Only then did Qin Xiaoyue slowly open her mouth. "Oh my, just add it up yourself. One six is six, two sixes are twelve, three sixes are eighteen... My dear brother, you can't even do this little bit of arithmetic?"

"Yo, not bad. So how many followers does the one with the most have?" Qin Yi's eyes lit up, and he asked curiously.

Qin Xiaoyue opened her eyes and was silent for a moment, appearing to be recalling. "Hmm... The one with the most has, what, seventeen million followers?"

"Holy crap, that's impressive?!" Qin Yi exclaimed in pleasant surprise. "Qin Xiaoyue, you did a great job this time. Your brother must give you credit for this!"

"Sigh, don't get too happy too soon." By now, Qin Xiaoyue was completely awake. She propped herself up and sat cross-legged on the bed, looking at Qin Yi with a hint of helplessness in her eyes. "That big streamer with ten million followers only agreed to come to the company for a chat; they haven't confirmed they'll join yet."

"Haha, as long as they come, that's all that matters!" Qin Yi didn't mind. "It doesn't matter if they're a man or a woman. As long as they're willing to come, they can set their own terms. We aren't short on money right now; as long as we can sign them, it's all good."

Hearing this, Qin Xiaoyue couldn't help but roll her eyes. "You really are rich and willful... But I still don't understand, why do you insist on the total number of followers reaching one hundred million? Actually, there are quite a few newcomers with potential that we could slowly cultivate."

"Of course we should sign newcomers with potential; I never said we shouldn't." Qin Yi waved his hand. "One hundred people is just the minimum, not the maximum. Just go ahead and recruit as you please."

Hearing Qin Yi say this, Qin Xiaoyue immediately perked up. She jumped off the bed barefoot, picked up a stack of A4 paper from the nightstand, and handed it to Qin Yi. "Here, these are some ideas everyone collected through brainstorming during the team-building session last night. Take a look. Since you aren't short on money right now, I think we can try all of them."

Qin Yi curiously took the papers and began to flip through them. "Yo, it seems there are quite a few talented people in our team. Alright, I'll take these ideas. You hurry up and go wash up; look at your hair, it's as messy as a bird's nest..." As he spoke, he turned and left the room.

Arriving at the stairs, his mind stirred, and his figure vanished like a ghost. When he reappeared, he was already back in front of Xu Qian's door.

...

At the same time, in the sky above the Si Family Old Residence in the Southwest, the roar of a helicopter's rotor blades suddenly broke the morning silence.

Zhao Lintai was washing up in the room when he was startled by the roaring sound; he suspected he might be having auditory hallucinations. He hurriedly pulled open the door and looked up at the sky.

He saw a small civilian helicopter slowly descending, its direction seemingly towards the main gate of the Old Residence.

Zhao Lintai widened his eyes, inwardly complaining, "Holy crap, no wonder Elder Si didn't build a mountain road; it turns out he uses a helicopter for all his travel. Yesterday, he even made me suffer by climbing the mountain road for so long..." He shook his head, closed the door, changed his clothes, and prepared to go see which distinguished guest of the Si Family this was.

By now, the helicopter had landed steadily on the open ground in front of the Old Residence. The cabin door opened slowly, and Si Hongjun, the only son of Si Zhengxiong and father of Si Yao, walked out of the cabin in a formal suit with a solemn expression. He straightened his collar, adjusted his glasses, and then strode into the courtyard.

Just as he reached the front of the main house, Si Hongbin came up to meet him. He cupped his hands and saluted Si Hongjun, saying, "Good morning, Sir."

Si Hongjun reached out to steady Si Hongbin's arm, a kind smile appearing on his face. "Hongbin, I've told you how many times now? There are no outsiders here; you don't need to call me 'Sir.' Just like before, calling me Brother Jun is fine."

"Yes, Brother Jun." Si Hongbin nodded in agreement.

"Is Elder Si up?" Si Hongjun pointed inside the house and asked in a low voice.

"Yes, he is up. Elder Si just finished breakfast," Si Hongbin replied.

"How is Elder Si's mood this morning?" Si Hongjun asked again, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. He knew Elder Si's temper well and was afraid that he might do something wrong and make his father angry.

However, before Si Hongbin could answer, the voice of Si Zhengxiong came from inside the main house: "Since you're here, what are you dawdling outside for! Come in quickly!"

Upon hearing this, Si Hongbin immediately stepped aside, clearing the way for Si Hongjun.

Si Hongjun gave a tactical cough to cover up his embarrassment, then pushed open the door and walked in. He said with a face full of smiles, "Good morning, Elder Si! You have a good appetite today, right?"

"Stop saying useless things!" Si Zhengxiong pointed to the chair beside him and said, "Close the door and sit down!"

"Yes~" Si Hongjun nodded in response, then closed the door and sat on the chair. He looked at Si Zhengxiong and asked with a smile, "Elder Si, is there something urgent that you called me over for?"

Si Zhengxiong was playing with a bronze lion head in his hand. He slanted a glance at Si Hongjun and said in a deep voice, "What else could it be! As her father, what are your thoughts on Si Yao's marriage?"

Si Hongjun looked at Si Zhengxiong with a difficult expression and hesitated, "Uh... regarding this matter, isn't it all up to you, Elder Si, to decide!"

"I'm asking for your opinion! All up to me? If I said to void the engagement, would you agree?" Si Zhengxiong's tone suddenly became severe. He stared at Si Hongjun's eyes with a gaze like torches, as if wanting to see through his innermost thoughts.

"Uh... this," Si Hongjun was caught off guard by this question. He looked at Si Zhengxiong with a difficult expression and hesitated, "Elder Si, are you serious about that?"

"Hmph~ does it matter if I'm serious? Are you willing to offend the Zhao Family for the sake of Si Yao?" Si Zhengxiong's brows were tightly locked, his gaze staring sharply at Si Hongjun.

Before Si Hongjun could respond, a knock suddenly sounded outside the door. Si Hongbin's voice came through the door panel, "Elder Si, a call from the capital, it's from the Zhao Family."

Upon hearing this, Si Zhengxiong raised his brows slightly. He looked at Si Hongjun, sighed, and lowered his voice, "Sigh, look at that, Old Zhao is here to hold us accountable." He gestured with his chin towards the door, "Hongbin, come in."

The door opened in response, and Si Hongbin walked in quickly, holding the phone and respectfully handing it to Si Zhengxiong.

Si Zhengxiong took the phone, cleared his throat, and said in a deep voice, "Hello, this is Si Zhengxiong. Please speak."

From the other end of the phone came Zhao Weiguo's hearty laughter: "Haha, Si Zhengxiong, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

A smile curled the corners of Si Zhengxiong's lips as he responded, "Hey, it's Old Zhao. I was just thinking about giving you a call. Zhao Lintai arrived yesterday. The kid is really quite good, talented and handsome; he has much of the demeanor you had when you were young."

"Hahaha, thank you for the compliment. Zhao Lintai also told me last night that you were very good to him, and the environment on the mountain is nice too. He likes staying there so much he doesn't even want to come back."

"Eh, I was actually worried that Zhao Lintai wouldn't be able to get used to living here. Since the child likes it, he can stay for a few more days; it just so happens he can keep this old man company and help relieve my boredom."

Zhao Weiguo gave a light cough and changed the subject: "Ahem, I'm just worried that if he stays too long, it might cause some people to gossip."

Hearing this, Si Zhengxiong frowned and said unhappily, "Hey, Old Zhao, aren't you overthinking this? With the relationship between our two families, who would dare to gossip?"

"Sigh," Zhao Weiguo sighed, his tone revealing a hint of helplessness and loneliness, and continued, "Times are different now. Our Zhao Family currently has no one in the imperial court; isn't it just easy for people to manipulate us at will."

"Old Zhao, what kind of talk is that? Who dares to manipulate the Zhao Family? I, Si Zhengxiong, would be the first to disagree!"

"Hahaha," Zhao Weiguo laughed heartily, sighing with emotion, "It's rare to still have an old friend like you to confide in. At this age, to have such a confidant, I am content."

Hearing this, a look of deep agreement appeared on Si Zhengxiong's face. He sighed, "Indeed, Old Zhao, we are both old now. It's truly not easy to find someone to talk to."

Zhao Weiguo took the opportunity to steer the topic toward the marriage, "Indeed, the only thing I'm worried about right now is my grandson. He's nearly thirty, and I don't know when he'll get married. We're both about to go into the ground; if we could see our descendants settle down before we leave, we could rest easy even if we passed away tomorrow. What do you say, Zhengxiong?"

Si Zhengxiong pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Old Zhao, you're right. However, you also know that children nowadays are very hard to manage. As for the major matter of marriage, although we elders can make decisions, we must also consider their feelings."

"Hey, Zhengxiong, when did you become so indecisive? You weren't like this before. Since ancient times, hasn't marriage been a matter of the parents' command and the matchmaker's word? Furthermore, the two children had their marriage arranged by us two old men personally. Can this matter really be reneged upon?" Zhao Weiguo's tone revealed a hint of dissatisfaction.

Si Zhengxiong waved his hand, explaining, "No, no, no, Old Zhao, don't misunderstand. That's not what I meant. It's just that Si Yao is not in the Southwest right now, and such a matter as marriage needs to be discussed in person. Besides, the two children haven't seen each other since they were young; shouldn't they cultivate some feelings first?"

Hearing this, Zhao Weiguo coughed lightly and softened his tone, "Ahem, feelings need to be nurtured. They will develop as they spend time together. Didn't we come from that era? Besides, I heard from Lintai that he and Si Yao have already met in Shanghai, and it seems they chatted quite well and even had a meal together. Isn't that great? In my opinion, let's set the marriage date sooner."

Si Zhengxiong thought for a moment and finally nodded, "Hmm, alright. Then I will have Si Hongjun contact Si Yao and discuss this matter." After speaking, he looked at Si Hongjun, who had been silent on the side.

After hearing Si Zhengxiong's reply, Zhao Weiguo was clearly very happy, "Hahaha, that's right! We are both old now, and apart from our children and grandchildren, there is nothing else to look forward to. Don't you agree, Zhengxiong?"

"Yes, indeed!" Si Zhengxiong also responded with a smile, "Old Zhao, you see things clearly. Your words have awakened a dreamer!"

Subsequently, their conversation gradually drew to a close in a pleasant atmosphere.

Finally, Zhao Weiguo made a request, "How about this, when Lintai returns to the capital, let him pick up Si Yao and come to the capital together. I also want to see my future granddaughter-in-law! It shouldn't just be you looking at the grandson-in-law!"

"Hahaha!" Si Zhengxiong laughed out loud, "Alright! I will do as you say! When the two children get married, we will have a good drink to celebrate!"

...

After the phone call ended, Si Zhengxiong shook his head helplessly, the fatigue between his brows seeming to deepen. He handed the phone to Si Hongbin, waved his hand, and Si Hongbin retreated from the main house.

The door closed again, and a bitter smile squeezed out from the corner of Si Zhengxiong's mouth as his gaze turned to Si Hongjun. "You saw it too; Zhao Weiguo called personally to ask about this matter." Si Zhengxiong sighed, his voice revealing a trace of helplessness, "If I don't agree to this marriage, it would be bullying them for having no one in the government, and I would gain a reputation for being ungrateful. Tell me, what should be done about this?"

Si Hongjun heard this, and a flash of guilt and self-reproach crossed his eyes. He pondered for a moment and sighed, "Elder Si, this matter is all my fault. Back then, I was blinded by greed and wanted to borrow the power of the Zhao Family to develop my career, which is why I gambled with Si Yao's marriage. Now, I truly have no face to face you and Si Yao."

"Sigh, things have reached this point, what is the use of saying these things?" Si Zhengxiong waved his hand, interrupting Si Hongjun's self-reproach, "The most important thing right now is how to get Si Yao to agree to this marriage. She is the pride of our Si Family, and I am counting on Si Yao to inherit our Si Family Legacy. I cannot let her suffer any grievances."

Si Hongjun raised his head, looking at Si Zhengxiong, a trace of hesitation and cowardice flashing in his eyes. He tentatively suggested, "Elder Si, Si Yao has been close to you since she was young, and she listens to you the most. Otherwise, why don't you talk to her in person?"

Si Zhengxiong smiled bitterly and shook his head, "If I had a way, would I have called you here? Don't you know how long it has been since Si Yao came back to see me, this old man? I know she resents me in her heart, but what can I do?"

"Sigh," Si Hongjun sighed again, the helplessness and self-reproach on his face growing stronger, "When it comes down to it, this is still my fault. I failed to inherit the Family Cultivation Technique for you, and Wenruo is not material for martial arts. That is why Si Yao went down this path and became what she is today."

"Alright, alright, stop taking responsibility!" Si Zhengxiong interrupted him with some impatience, "Tell me the solution! I don't want to hear this nonsense anymore."

Si Hongjun pursed his lips, pondered for a moment, and said, "I have already sent Wenruo to Shanghai, letting him find an opportunity to meet with Si Yao first and probe her attitude. Perhaps he can persuade Si Yao to come back."

"Wenruo?" Si Zhengxiong frowned, "Do you think he alone can call Si Yao back?"

"This…" Si Hongjun looked at Si Zhengxiong with some hesitation, "Actually, I have another idea that might work. However, it requires you, Elder Si, to make a sacrifice…"

"Oh? What idea?" Si Zhengxiong raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.

Si Hongjun leaned closer and whispered his plan to Si Zhengxiong.

After listening, Si Zhengxiong patted his thigh and sighed, "Very well, for the face of the Si Family and the Zhao Family, and for Si Yao's future happiness, let's do as you say. I hope Si Yao can understand my painstaking efforts and not hold a grudge against this old man."

"Elder Si, rest assured, how could Si Yao hold a grudge against you?" Si Hongjun smiled, trying to comfort Si Zhengxiong, "Although the Zhao Family is not what it used to be, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse, and Young Master Zhao is still a decent choice. Besides, even without the Zhao Family, the scale of our Si Family's industry is not small; anyone who wants to move against us will have to weigh the consequences."

Upon hearing this, Si Zhengxiong frowned, a look of displeasure appearing on his face. He slammed the table and shouted sternly, "Enough! What kind of nonsense are you talking about! Everything our Si Family has was given by the country. As long as the country needs it, we are duty-bound, and it can all be taken!"

Si Hongjun was startled, quickly composed his smile, and replied respectfully, "Yes, yes, yes, Elder Si, your awareness is high, and we cannot compare."

Si Zhengxiong sighed, a look of worry appearing on his face, "Sigh, I am just worried that I will hurt Si Yao's heart. After all, our Si Family Legacy is counting on Si Yao."

"Haha, Elder Si, don't worry about that." Si Hongjun tried to ease the atmosphere and said with a smile, "They are young people; they can just have a few more children in the future. At that time, if they have a boy, he can take the Si Family name. Si Yao is gifted; are you afraid she won't give birth to a child with martial arts talent?"

"Alright, alright, say no more." Si Zhengxiong waved his hand, his face showing signs of fatigue, "I am tired, just go and prepare as you said."

"Understood, Elder Si, you rest." Seeing this, Si Hongjun quickly stood up, "I will go and handle it now."

"Hmm, by the way." Si Zhengxiong suddenly remembered something, "Since you are here, go and see Young Master Zhao."

"Yes, I will go now." Si Hongjun replied, turned, and retreated from the main room, gently closing the door.

Just as Si Zhengxiong and Si Hongjun were talking behind closed doors, Zhao Lintai also arrived outside the main house, but was stopped by Si Hongbin, who was waiting on the side.

"Young Master Zhao, please wait a moment." Si Hongbin said with a smile, "Elder Si is currently talking with the master in the room."

"The master? Brother Bin, are you saying that the helicopter just now was Si Yao's father arriving?"

"Exactly."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lintai raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly, indicating understanding. Afterward, he walked through the arcade on his own and came to the side of the pond in the courtyard. He stood with his hands behind his back, watching the fish in the pond with focused eyes, but a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.