349: Chapter 348 Enemies Meet, Zhao Lintai Gets a Frustration

"Alright, Yao-yao will be here soon. Don't mention these things in front of her." Si Zhengxiong raised his hand to cut him off, but his eyes were fixed on the Bombardier 7500 in the sky, a smile almost overflowing from the corners of his mouth—this was the first time his precious granddaughter from the Si Family was returning home in a year and a half; how could he not be excited?

Si Hongjun nodded silently, his gaze also drifting toward the horizon, but there was a hint of complexity hidden in his eyes. He had long since learned the truth from his son, Si Wenruo, and right now his heart was full of conflict over "how to cooperate with the acting later," yet he still had to pretend to be completely ignorant.

Inside the cabin, the respectful voice of the Purser rang out: "Young Miss Si Yao, distinguished guests, the plane is about to land at Southwest International Airport. Please fasten your seatbelts."

After the others had refastened their seatbelts, the Purser cleared the items from the table and respectfully withdrew.

Soon, the plane landed smoothly on the runway of Southwest International Airport.

Si Yao immediately unfastened her seatbelt, leaned in close to Qin Yi, and whispered a reminder: "Young Master Qin, do you know what to do once we get off the plane? Don't blow our cover!"

Qin Yi turned his head, a casual smile curling his lips, and raised a hand in an OK gesture: "Don't worry, my acting is Oscar-level; I guarantee there won't be any NGs."

Seeing this, Ye Ziming also hurriedly leaned toward Shen Jianan, nudging her with his elbow as if trying to curry favor: "Jianan, when we get off the plane later, should I hold your hand or will you take my arm?"

Shen Jianan glanced at him, then subconsciously looked toward Qin Yi. Seeing that he wasn't looking her way at all, she felt inexplicably disappointed and said perfunctorily, "Whatever, it's just for show anyway."

"Then I'll hold your hand; it'll look more natural." Ye Ziming chuckled and reached out to take her hand.

"What are you doing! I'm warning you, you can only hold it when there are outsiders present. If there are no outsiders and you dare to get touchy-feely, watch out or I won't be easy on you!" Shen Jianan clenched her fist and warned him.

Ye Ziming shrunk his neck back dejectedly and reluctantly retracted his hand.

Before long, the plane came to a steady stop at the Si Family's Private Apron.

The cabin door opened, the airstair was slowly lowered, and the Purser stepped forward again: "Young Miss Si Yao, distinguished guests, the door is open. You may disembark."

"Let's go," Si Yao said, proactively reaching out her hand to Qin Yi.

The smile in Qin Yi's eyes deepened. He took her hand very naturally and deliberately leaned close to her ear, teasing her as if no one else were there: "Let's go, darling."

Although she knew the two were just putting on an act, Qin Yi's "darling" happened to drift into Shen Jianan's ears. Her heart suddenly wrenched; she couldn't tell if it was disappointment or something else, but she just felt a tightness in her chest.

Si Yao, however, had no reaction. She just gave Qin Yi a sidelong glance, quickly adjusted her emotions, and with one hand holding Qin Yi's and the other clutching her bag, she walked steadily toward the airstair.

With Si Yao leading the way, Ye Ziming followed suit and also reached out his hand to Shen Jianan.

Shen Jianan also gave Ye Ziming a sidelong glance, picked up her bag, and threw it at him, saying coldly: "Carry it!" After that, she bypassed Ye Ziming and walked toward the cabin door.

Ye Ziming slung the bag over his shoulder and caught up in a few steps, grabbing Shen Jianan's hand. Shen Jianan shook it twice but couldn't shake him off, so she let him hold it.

Below the airstair, Si Zhengxiong, Si Hongjun, and Zhao Lintai stood in order.

When Si Yao's figure appeared at the cabin exit, all three of them couldn't help but have their eyes light up at her outfit today.

"Yao-yao!" Si Zhengxiong smiled so much that the wrinkles on his Face bunched together, waving as he called out.

However, in the next second, when Qin Yi appeared leisurely at the cabin door holding Si Yao's hand, the smiles on the three men's Faces instantly froze, as if a pause button had been pressed.

Si Yao also saw the three of them. Especially seeing her grandfather sitting in a wheelchair, her nose instantly felt sour. A surge of familial love thicker than water rushed through her, and her steps down the airstair quickened.

Immediately after, Ye Ziming appeared at the cabin door holding Shen Jianan's hand.

Zhao Lintai recognized Ye Ziming at a glance and immediately started muttering in his heart: "Why is he here too? I just mentioned the Ye siblings to Grandpa last night, and I run into them today. How can there be such a coincidence?"

Si Yao and Qin Yi walked up to the three. Si Yao let go of Qin Yi's hand and half-knelt in front of Si Zhengxiong, her eyes reddening and her voice trembling slightly: "Grandfather, what happened to your legs?"

Si Zhengxiong reached out to hold her hand, patted it gently, and comforted her with a smile: "Grandpa is fine. We martial artists get bumped and bruised in our youth; it's inevitable to have hidden injuries. A while ago, I tried to break through to Transforming Strength but failed. The hidden injuries flared up, and my legs became like this. I can still walk, just not as nimbly as before, so I simply used a wheelchair."

"Grandfather, I'm sorry. I haven't been back for so long; I've been an unfilial granddaughter." Si Yao's tears could no longer be held back as they slid down her cheeks.

Si Zhengxiong reached out and wiped the tears from Si Yao's cheeks, comforting her: "Silly child, Grandpa knows Yao-yao is a filial child. Speaking of which, it's Grandpa who is sorry. If it weren't for letting you inherit our Si Family's secret techniques, it wouldn't have come to..."

Seeing that the grandfather and granddaughter were about to steer the conversation back toward him and his son, Si Hongjun immediately interrupted: "Eh, Old Master, Yao-yao just got back; let's not mention the past anymore." As he spoke, he turned the subject to Qin Yi and asked with a smile, "Yao-yao, who is this handsome young man next to you? Won't you introduce us?"

"Yes, Yao-yao, introduce these friends of yours to Grandpa." Si Zhengxiong said as he helped Si Yao up.

Si Yao adjusted her breathing and very naturally took Qin Yi's hand, leading him toward Si Zhengxiong. She then hooked her arm through Qin Yi's and introduced him with a radiant smile: "Grandfather, Dad, let me officially introduce you. This is my boyfriend—Qin Yi."

Although Si Zhengxiong had already mentally prepared himself when Qin Yi appeared at the cabin door, the moment the words came out of Si Yao's mouth, he still found it somewhat hard to believe.

As for Si Hongjun, he was actually fine, since he had already learned the true situation from Si Wenruo. However, he couldn't expose it in front of Zhao Lintai, so he had to feign surprise and play along.

On the other hand, when Zhao Lintai heard Si Yao say that this young man was her boyfriend, his brow immediately furrowed into a deep frown. But when he heard the man's name was actually Qin Yi, his heart instantly became alert.

"How could it be him?!" Zhao Lintai subconsciously clenched his fists, his gaze staring straight at Qin Yi.

He had investigated Qin Yi before and knew about the grudge between Qin Yi and Wang Hao. He also knew that after Qin Yi broke up with his previous girlfriend, he had a new one. How could he possibly become Si Yao's boyfriend too?

There must be something wrong here!

While Zhao Lintai was frowning in confusion, Si Yao spoke again: "Darling, let me introduce you. This is my grandfather."

Qin Yi took a step forward, half-knelt, and reached out his hand. His tone was respectful but not subservient: "Hello, Old Master. I am the Junior Qin Yi. It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time; please look after me."

The moment their hands clasped, Si Zhengxiong felt that this kid had some martial arts skill. So, he immediately wanted to test Qin Yi's depth. After all, to be his granddaughter's boyfriend, his skills should not be weak. Thinking of this, the strength in Si Zhengxiong's hand instantly increased.

Qin Yi felt Si Zhengxiong's movement and naturally was not to be outdone. His wrist sank slightly as he resisted the force Si Zhengxiong was funneling in, slowly exerting power and steadily meeting Si Zhengxiong's strength.

The moment their powers collided, Si Zhengxiong's eyes immediately lit up. Looking again at Qin Yi's unchanging smile, the grin on his own Face grew wider: "Young man, you've trained? I wonder who your master is?"

"Haha, I wouldn't dare deceive you, Old Master. I have no master. I've just liked martial arts since I was a child and tinkered with it on my own. I've only learned the basics, nothing that can be shown in polite company. I've made a fool of myself in front of you."

"No master? So you're saying you're self-taught? I wonder what your current Realm is?" Si Zhengxiong clearly didn't believe him and continued to press.

"Old Master, you overpraise me. To tell you the truth, this Junior has not yet entered Dark Strength." Qin Yi still smiled candidly.

"Really?" Si Zhengxiong's eyebrows quirked slightly—when they clashed just now, he had clearly used Internal Energy. If he hadn't entered Dark Strength, he wouldn't have been able to withstand it at all. This kid was either hiding his Realm or was exceptionally gifted, able to counter Dark Strength with only Clear Strength!

Seeing her grandfather still trying to test Qin Yi's cultivation, Si Yao was worried he might hurt Qin Yi. She immediately stepped forward to bail him out, quickly separating their hands and grumbling, "Grandfather, what are you doing? I can testify that Qin Yi really only has Clear Strength."

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Si Zhengxiong heard this, and his gaze toward Qin Yi became even gentler: "Since Yao says so, Grandpa will believe you. However, your foundation, kid, is much stronger than the average Clear Strength."

"Many thanks for your recognition, Old Master." Qin Yi responded with a smile.

"Alright, alright," Si Yao said, pulling Qin Yi over to Si Hongjun and introducing him, "This is my dad."

Qin Yi immediately extended his hand to Si Hongjun. Although Si Hongjun knew the truth, he could not expose it in front of Zhao Lintai. He gave Qin Yi a slight smile and reached out to shake his hand.

"Hello, Uncle Si. My name is Qin Yi. I have long heard of your name, but I had only ever seen your photos and reports on television and the internet. Today, I finally have the opportunity to meet you in person." Qin Yi said with a smile.

"Oh? You know me?" Hearing Qin Yi say this, Si Hongjun immediately asked curiously.

"Of course. Chairman of Southwest International Group, Si Hongjun, who has topped the Dragon Country rich list for five consecutive years, with industries spanning the entire Blue Planet. It would not be an exaggeration to say that your wealth rivals the nation." Qin Yi replied with a smile.

"Hehe, you certainly are well-informed. Did Yao tell you all this?" Si Hongjun glanced at Si Yao and asked again.

Qin Yi shook his head and explained: "That's not it. Before I met Yao, I already knew your great name."

"To tell you the truth, my university major was economics, and our professors often used Southwest International Group as an example. Among the famous international mergers and acquisitions in the Dragon Country, the 'Small Snake Swallows the Elephant' acquisition by Southwest International Group was the most brilliant. So, to be honest, I have always admired your boldness."

Qin Yi's words made Si Hongjun feel extremely comfortable—regardless of whether Qin Yi was intentionally flattering him, at the very least, the words sounded pleasant, and it also let the Old Master know that even though he lacked martial arts talent, his business acumen was not bad. The smile on his Face became a bit more genuine: "You certainly are well-informed."

After introducing Si Zhengxiong and Si Hongjun, seeing that it was about to be Zhao Lintai's turn, Si Yao chose to ignore him and turned to introduce Ye Ziming and Shen Jianan.

The smile on Zhao Lintai's Face instantly collapsed. He stood there, momentarily unsure whether he should speak up.

Qin Yi naturally noticed Zhao Lintai's embarrassment, and with a thought, he decided to humiliate him a bit more.

Therefore, Qin Yi immediately pulled Si Yao back, but his gaze was fixed on Zhao Lintai as he asked with a smile: "Yao, who is this handsome guy? Why don't you introduce him to me?"

Si Yao instantly understood Qin Yi's intention, cleared her throat, and continued: "Oh, I almost forgot him. Let me introduce you; this is Zhao Lintai, Young Master Zhao, who came from the Capital."

"Oh~" Qin Yi drawled, acting as if he were seeing Zhao Lintai for the first time, and proactively extended his hand, "I've long heard Yao mention Young Master Zhao. Seeing you today, you truly are a man of talent. A pleasure to meet you!"

Zhao Lintai's hand, which had only been half-extended, was already firmly gripped by Qin Yi.

Immediately following this, a tremendous force came through, and Zhao Lintai's expression changed instantly—he had never practiced martial arts, so how could he withstand Qin Yi's strength? However, for the sake of Face, he could only endure the pain and force a smile: "Young Master Qin is too kind; I have also long admired your great name."

"Oh?" Qin Yi's eyes turned cold, and the force in his hand increased a little more, "If I remember correctly, this should be our first time meeting, right? Am I that famous? I wonder where Young Master Zhao heard of me?"

Zhao Lintai was in so much pain that cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He wanted to pull his hand back but found that Qin Yi's hand was like an iron clamp, completely immovable.

He could only bite the bullet and explain: "I... I might have remembered wrong. I had a friend before who was also named Qin Yi, so when I heard your name, I felt a sense of familiarity."

"Oh, is that so? That explains it." Qin Yi said, then gripped Zhao Lintai's hand hard again, "Since we are so fated, later, Young Master Zhao, please introduce that friend who is also named Qin Yi to me!"

"Sure... sure, of course..." Zhao Lintai could no longer endure it. If he didn't pull his hand out, he felt his hand would be crushed by Qin Yi. Therefore, he didn't care about losing his composure and yanked his hand, which was already numb from the pain, outward.

Seeing this, Qin Yi relaxed his wrist. Losing support, Zhao Lintai stumbled backward a few steps. If not for Si Hongjun behind him being quick-witted enough to steady him, he likely would have performed a 'Face-Plant' in front of everyone.

"Oh, Young Master Zhao, are you alright?" Qin Yi feigned surprise, his tone full of mockery, "Did you not eat breakfast this morning? Is it low blood sugar? If you're not feeling well, you should say so early; don't force yourself."

Zhao Lintai hid his red and swollen hand behind his back, suppressed his anger, and said through gritted teeth: "I'm fine! Many thanks for your concern, Young Master Qin!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Si Zhengxiong coughed lightly and quickly tried to smooth things over: "Alright, alright, Yao, why don't you introduce these next two as well."

"Yes. Grandpa, this is Ye Ziming, a friend I met in Magic City." Si Yao explained, "You know how I started a supercar club with some friends? Ziming is one of the club members. This person next to him is his girlfriend," as she said this, Si Yao looked at Ye Ziming and continued, "Ziming, you introduce yourself."

Ye Ziming immediately stepped forward, half-crouched in front of Si Zhengxiong, and reached out to shake his hand: "Hello, Old Master, I am Ye Ziming. My grandfather often mentions you, saying that you rendered outstanding service to the Dragon Country. This time, when coming to the Southwest, he specifically instructed me to convey his greetings to you on his behalf."

"Ye Ziming?" Si Zhengxiong looked him up and down, then suddenly realized, "Could you be a descendant of the Ye Family of the Capital?"

"Hehe, Old Master, that's right, I am indeed from the Ye Family of the Capital." Ye Ziming chuckled, "If you don't believe me, Brother Zhao can testify."

Zhao Lintai had just recovered, and hearing this, he quickly chimed in: "Old Master, that's correct, Young Master Ye is indeed Old Master Ye's grandson."

"Hahaha, not bad, not bad," Si Zhengxiong laughed from ear to ear, "Indeed a man of talent, you look exactly like your grandfather when he was young."

"You are too kind, Old Master. How is your health? My grandfather was very worried after hearing about your condition and repeatedly urged me to come and see you."

"I'm old now. I could carry some old injuries when I was young, but now that I'm old, I can't carry them anymore. Sorry to trouble Old Ye with his concern." Si Zhengxiong sighed and asked, "How is your grandfather's health?"

"My grandfather's health is still pretty good. He's retired now, and when he has nothing to do, he plays chess and chats with the other old men in the compound. In his spare time, he also goes up the mountain to plant tea trees, just as a way to exercise and cultivate his character."

"Hmm, as long as his health is good, that's fine. Old Ye has also worked hard for the country all his life; it is time for him to enjoy his later years." Having said this, Si Zhengxiong's gaze turned to Shen Jianan, and he asked with a smile, "Ziming, is this young lady your girlfriend?"

"Yes." Ye Ziming said, naturally taking Shen Jianan's hand. Shen Jianan also half-crouched in front of Si Zhengxiong and said softly: "Hello, Grandpa, my name is Shen Nan. I am Young Master Ye's girlfriend."

"Good, good, good," Si Zhengxiong looked at Shen Jianan with a smile, his gaze sweeping back and forth between their Faces. After a moment, he said, "I have to say, you two really look like a couple. Not bad. Ziming, have you taken your girlfriend back to show your grandfather yet?"

"Hehe, not yet. I was thinking that when I go back this time, I'll take Nan back with me." Ye Ziming replied.

"Hmm, when people get old, they just hope their children and grandchildren can start a family sooner. If you can bring your girlfriend back, your grandfather will surely be very happy."

Seeing that the conversation was wrapping up, Si Hongjun quickly interjected: "Old Master, it's getting late, and everything is prepared at the hotel. Shall we go eat first and chat on the way?"

"Yes, yes, you must be hungry after your long journey." Si Zhengxiong nodded, "Yao, you ride in the car with me and your dad. Ziming and Nan ride in one, and Qin Yi can ride with Lintai. Lintai, no problem, right?"

Zhao Lintai was gnashing his teeth in hatred, but he could only force a smile: "No problem, I will follow the Old Master's arrangements."

"Hmm. Let's go then, let's go eat."

Soon, the group got into the cars, and the three vehicles slowly drove out of the airport, heading toward the Southwest International Hotel.