"Originally, I intended to leave this mine to my eldest son. That's what my will stated. However, I may need to have a lawyer come over soon to make some revisions and handle the paperwork to transfer this mine to Qingtian." The Yue family head looked at Yue Lan. "What? Are you collateral branches of the Yue family going to dictate my future inheritance distribution as well?"
Even if Yue Lan were foolish, he wouldn't dare to dictate the Yue family head's future will in front of so many people.
In the end, he could only say irritably, "But you still have to ask cousin's opinion! This should have been cousin's!"
Upon hearing Yue Lan's words, the collateral branches of the Yue family looked nervously at Yue Cheng Dong again.
It would be even better if this mine remained within their Yue family. Regardless of whether they could get any of the meat or just some soup, having this mine in their possession would give them the capital to brag outside!
"I have no objections. This mine originally belonged to Father. He can give it to whomever he wishes, including Qingtian. I have no objections." Yue Cheng Dong didn't have strong feelings about this mine.
He didn't possess any new energy technology. If it remained with him, it would just be a defunct mine. He preferred to focus on the Yue family's core jewelry business.
Furthermore, due to the radioactive materials involved, mining technology in this area was relatively unfamiliar to the Yue Corporation, and the investment for further research would be substantial.
In Yue Cheng Dong's opinion, it was unwise to covet a mine when the technology in this field was still unclear.
As for new energy, it was best to leave it to the younger generation to explore.
He only wanted to sell jewelry.
Most importantly: he was willing to give Qingtian anything she wanted!
Hearing Yue Cheng Dong's words, Yue Lan wished he could gnash his teeth. Was this Yue Cheng Dong an idiot!
Was this the time to feign magnanimity and act the good guy?
"Cousin, have you considered it again? I'm doing this for your own good!" Yue Lan was unwilling to give up.
"There's no need to consider it. This is our family's internal matter, and you're interfering too much." Yue Cheng Dong frowned. It would be a miracle if he believed the collateral branches had good intentions!
"Today is my father's seventieth birthday banquet. If you wish to stay for a drink and liven things up, you're welcome. If you wish to dictate our family's private affairs, the door is right there. We won't see you out!" Yue Cheng Zhong, usually refined and elegant, had a smile on his face but daggers in his words. His uncompromising tone silenced everyone.
Seeing that the main Yue family members were unyielding, everyone sheepishly dared not say anything more.
Some guests who had no stake in the matter, having savored the gossip and witnessed Xia Qingtian's status in the Yue family, all began to entertain thoughts of currying favor. Those with eligible juniors in their families became even more amiable.
However, Yu Lin Wan, standing amidst the crowd, had a livid expression, cursing the Yue family for mistaking a pebble for a pearl. Such an important mine was being given away for free to that little vixen, Xia Qingtian!
What a disgrace!
Xia Qingtian, seeing the suddenly friendly guests, felt a chill down her spine. Just as she was wondering what to do, an arm was placed between her and the crowd.
"Excuse me, I need to discuss some cooperation matters with Miss Xia. I'll take my leave for now." Mr. Gu said, successfully rescuing Xia Qingtian from the crowd.
"Phew..." stepping out of the crowd, Xia Qingtian let out a long sigh. "Mr. Gu, thank you."
"Call me by my name." Mr. Gu stopped and looked at Xia Qingtian. "Instead of thanking me, why not do something practical?"
"Gu..." Xia Qingtian still felt a bit unaccustomed. She pouted and softly asked in a gentle voice, "Can't I call you Mobius?"
"Here?" Gu Yaoyang chuckled. "Are you afraid that the assassins will be too far away to hear that there's another assassination target here?"
Hearing this, Xia Qingtian pursed her lips, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"What? Is my name difficult to say?" Gu Yaoyang asked. "The fans say it more smoothly than you, the actual person involved."
"Don't mention the fans! It's all because of that variety show, 'The Best Intern'!" Xia Qingtian puffed out her cheeks.
Good heavens, none of the embarrassing moments she thought would be edited out were cut. Now she didn't dare to log into her account, fearing she would see all sorts of mortifying comments.
She only learned about her misguiding Mr. Gu to the public beta entrance from Li Xiaoxiao's complaints in the previous episode's video. That segment had been turned into memes, along with various bizarre slogans.
Oh, the horror!
She felt she could pack her bags and move to another planet.
"Is there a problem? I'm quite satisfied with such high ratings," Gu Yaoyang said with a light smile. "Is my name hard to say? Are you afraid?"
"What's there to be afraid of? It's just..." Xia Qingtian bit her lower lip, her beautiful eyes flickering. She then called out, "Yaoyang..."
"..." Gu Yaoyang had expected Xia Qingtian to at least call him by his full name, but he was surprised by such an intimate address. A strange emotion welled up in his heart, making him want to laugh but also feel a bit shy about it.
"Hey! Either criticize or comment, but don't just leave me hanging! You're making me feel awkward..." Xia Qingtian covered her face with her hand, her round eyes wide, her cheeks flushed.
"Ahem, how about... we get something to drink? Can I get you a glass of juice?" Gu Yaoyang deliberately changed the subject.
"Has anyone ever told you that I find you annoying?" Xia Qingtian narrowed her eyes and asked in a deep voice.
"No," Gu Yaoyang thought for a moment.
"Then you've heard it now. I find you annoying," Xia Qingtian gave Gu Yaoyang a look, snorted, and turned to leave.
"Heh heh." Looking at Xia Qingtian's retreating back, Gu Yaoyang's lips curved into a faint smile.
"What are you smiling about... What's so funny..." Hearing Gu Yaoyang's laughter, the blush on Xia Qingtian's face spread to her earlobes. As she walked away, she muttered softly.
This was not the time for her to be played for a fool by Gu Yaoyang. She needed to find the Yue family head and clarify some matters.
Fortunately, the Yue family head seemed to anticipate Xia Qingtian looking for him and had sent someone to specifically invite Xia Qingtian to the lounge to meet him.
The lounge was on the upper floor of the main hall. Teacups were already set out, awaiting Xia Qingtian's arrival.
"Grandfather," Xia Qingtian said to the Yue family head after she was seated. "Grandfather, I don't quite understand your arrangements today. I don't deserve that mine, I..."
"Qingtian, what do you think of Gu Yaoyang?" the Yue family head interrupted Xia Qingtian's words and asked.
"Gu Yaoyang?" Xia Qingtian was slightly taken aback. Recalling the pranks Gu Yaoyang had played on her earlier, she said grumpily, "He's just a boring fellow! And his speech is rather strange..."
After a pause, Xia Qingtian recalled the two distinct personas of Mobius and Mr. Gu. She then pursed her lips and continued, "He has a gentle personality, is very capable at work, and is a reliable partner."