Quan Jiu did not expect her blood-related elder brother to be so straightforward. Even for his own sister, would he be so enthusiastic and unconditionally supportive upon their first meeting? She was a bit bewildered.
Little did she know, it was because the Quan family had many sons and few daughters, making daughters as rare as exotic animals. Within the extended family, only Quan Maoheng's family had a young daughter. Heaven knew how much the entire family doted on her, truly cherishing her like a delicate treasure.
As for the other three major families, they treasured her even more. An alliance with the Quan family was something other families, even those below them, would eagerly pursue. Thus, how could the youngest daughter of the Quan family not be highly sought after?
In the eyes of outsiders, the third young lady of the Quan family was the most distinguished little princess in the entire New City. To put it bluntly, she could walk around with impunity, and no one would dare to object.
Seeing Quan Jiu’s bewilderment, Quan Tianyang, finding her beautiful and adorable, could hardly bear to part with her.
He smiled and said, "Jiu Jiu, how about I take you back to New City? It's very beautiful there, with lots of fun things and delicious food. You'll definitely like it. Don't be angry with the Tai Shu family for offending you. Today, I'll take you to deal with them."
It would be a lie to say she wasn't moved. Having someone unconditionally support her requests and indulge her whims was a truly reassuring feeling.
Quan Jiu scratched her chin, hesitated for a long time, and then said, "Another day, perhaps. I'm quite busy lately, wishing I could stretch twenty-four hours into forty-eight."
This was the truth. She really didn't have the time to settle scores with the Tai Shu clan right now. Since Tai Shu Su Lian wouldn't dare to provoke her easily again, she would let them enjoy their fleeting glory for a while longer.
Quan Tianyang nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay, okay. When our Jiu Jiu has time, I'll take you. Jiu Jiu, I am your elder brother." He looked at Quan Jiu with expectant smiles.
Quan Jiu blinked. She hoped he wouldn't expect her to call him brother. She gave a dry chuckle, "Mm, I understand."
Quan Tianyang indeed showed a hint of disappointment, but he quickly let it go. He figured Jiu Jiu probably hadn't fully accepted it yet. He said, "Jiu Jiu, I know you probably haven't accepted it yet, and that's okay. Give me a strand of your hair, and I'll get a paternity test done. The results will be out soon."
Quan Jiu froze for a moment, her gaze shifting to Chu Rong. He gave a slight nod, and she then asked Quan Tianyang, "If I really am one of your Quan family, what will you do?"
Of course, they would cherish her dearly, making up for all the missed years. If they could watch over her twenty-four hours a day, that would be even better.
Quan Tianyang thought happily, his expression exceptionally serious. "Jiu Jiu, you are our Quan family. Brother won't mistake you. From now on, you will be the most distinguished princess in New City. You can do whatever you want, and have whatever you desire."
"I just want to continue at my current pace, step by step, without any changes," Quan Jiu stated her thoughts.
Before meeting the Quan family, she had been very indifferent, feeling it didn't matter much. But now that they were here, she realized it wasn't as insignificant as she had thought. Ripples had begun to stir within her heart – the resonance of 'family.'
Moreover, whether it was Quan Tianyang or Quan Tianxi, even after brief interactions, she felt a sense of fondness, making her feel as if she were being unconditionally doted upon.
However, all of this was contingent on her life rhythm not being disrupted. If the Quan family insisted she move to New City or do certain things, then even if it were truly her home, she wouldn't return.
Quan Tianyang clearly understood her meaning and affirmed, "As I said, you can do whatever you wish. We are your family, and our purpose is to let you soar and support you unconditionally."
A wave of emotion washed over Quan Jiu. If it were like this, having a family wouldn't be so bad after all.
She pulled out a strand of hair and smiled, "Anyway, I've been without parents since childhood. If I have parents and siblings to dote on in the future, I would naturally be overjoyed."
Quan Tianyang quickly put the hair into a bag. Seeing that it was getting late, he bid farewell to Quan Jiu, promising to visit again once the results were out.
As for the gifts he brought, he decided to take them back and present them when they met at home next time.
After Quan Tianyang left, Quan Jiu said to Chu Rong, "He looks fierce, but he's actually quite approachable when he smiles. To raise two sons like this, my parents whom I haven't met must also be very good."
Chu Rong’s face darkened, his mockery undisguised. "They say Quan Tianyang, the eldest son of the Quan family in New City, is a business prodigy, but also ruthless and unforgiving. Seeing him today, he's nothing more than a simple-minded fool."
Quan Jiu frowned and tugged at the collar of Chu Rong's shirt. "It's not appropriate to speak ill of my brother to my face."
"Mm, I'll go kneel on the washboard when I get back. But he is a fool." Chu Rong said with a serious expression, showing no remorse.
Quan Jiu rolled her eyes at him. "You don't need to kneel on the washboard. The washboard is so innocent. You can sleep wherever you like, just not with me..."
"He is a good elder brother," Chu Rong stated earnestly. "From the generosity of his gifts, his sincerity towards you, and the efficiency of his actions, it's all evident."
Quan Jiu couldn't help but laugh and pushed Chu Rong away. "Alright, let's go back. I still have work to do."
Chu Rong, as if struck by a thought, didn't linger. After a few words of caution about the cold night air, he left.
Leaving the lounge, he found Guo Wen and directly handed him a bank card, his expression indifferent. "There are two hundred million here. I know the Chu Corporation invested one hundred million. This two hundred million is my personal investment. I have only two requests: First, everything for Ah Jiu must be the best; second, Ah Jiu cannot have any intimate scenes with any male, not even a hug."
Although Guo Wen knew he was a major investor, he didn't listen to capital. He sternly refused, "As an actor, it is their duty to perform any scene as required by the director. Firstly, the heroine's costumes, makeup, hair, as well as camera angles, lighting, and props will definitely be the best; secondly, there is no rule against actors filming intimate scenes. Therefore, I cannot agree to Mr. Chu's requests. Moreover, I believe that with Quan Jiu's responsible attitude, she wouldn't agree either."
After a few days of working together, Guo Wen had grown to like Quan Jiu more and more. Despite having no prior acting experience, perhaps due to her background as a screenwriter, her understanding of characters was remarkably accurate. She basically knew how to act without him needing to teach her. It was a shame for such a promising talent, coupled with her excellent appearance, to be behind the scenes.
Chu Rong's brow furrowed tighter. After a moment's thought, he put the bank card away and changed his condition. "Liu Zhixi was disfigured on set. The person backing her is the Quan family of New City. Director Guo may have heard of the character of Quan Tianyang, the eldest son of the Quan family – a man who seeks revenge without mercy. If he retaliates, it's uncertain whether this project of yours can proceed smoothly."
Guo Wen glared at him. "You're threatening me."
Chu Rong smiled elegantly, replying faintly, "I believe 'cooperation' is a more accurate term. If you agree to my conditions, it will cause you no harm. I will handle the trouble with Liu Zhixi for you, so you will have no worries. By any measure, you have no reason to refuse."
Guo Wen fell silent. In fact, he was also worried about retaliation from Liu Zhixi. After all, that woman was extremely vicious and could attempt to kill someone she had just met, let alone someone who had caused her significant trouble on set. He had been trying to find connections to avoid this disaster. However, the influence of New City, especially the Quan family, was more terrifying than he had imagined, causing him sleepless nights, fearing Liu Zhixi's revenge might come any day.
The condition Chu Rong offered was exactly what he needed.
"Do you really have a way?" Guo Wen looked at Chu Rong with some disbelief. Although the Chu family had vast influence, this was New City. Could the Chu family really contend with the forces of New City?!
"Since I've promised you, I naturally won't break my word," Chu Rong said with a smile.
Guo Wen hesitated for a long time before sighing helplessly, "Fine, I agree."