Chapter 147: Coercion and Persuasion

Song Qingtian went to see Qin Xiaotian: “Mr. Qin.”

Qin Xiaotian was sitting in the back of the car, dressed all in black from head to toe. Seeing Song Qingtian’s unhappy expression, he couldn’t help but ask, “Are you really that upset to see me?”

“No,” she replied.

“Then what is it?”

“Nothing, really.”

Song Qingtian felt dejected. A huge problem lay before her—one she couldn’t solve. All those people were about to be evicted. The children would be left homeless, and the elderly would be forced to wander aimlessly. She was completely overwhelmed, with one headache after another. There was no time for smiling.

“Get in the car. I’ll take you somewhere.”

“Where are we going?”

Song Qingtian had no desire to get involved with a Mysterious Big Shot. After all, someone who was constantly being assassinated couldn’t possibly be good company.

She had a daughter—she was no match for Qin Xiaotian.

“Get in,” he said.

The driver opened the door, and Qin Xiaotian wouldn’t tolerate any objections. Song Qingtian asked, “Where are we going?”

“To a place that can accommodate all these people.”

Song Qingtian didn’t believe it.

“Are you really that kind-hearted?”

Qin Xiaotian’s trustworthiness had already been completely eroded; Song Qingtian simply couldn’t bring herself to believe him.

“Get in, or I’ll come down and carry you!” Qin Xiaotian was about to step out of the car, but Song Qingtian quickly scrambled into the vehicle.

The driver closed the door and drove off. Throughout the journey, Song Qingtian kept pondering: Why had Qin Xiaotian repeatedly shown up to trouble her? Was he trying to repay a debt of gratitude, or was he plotting against Ling Hanyu?

“You haven’t been around lately—how’s your health?” If Qin Xiaotian hadn’t brought it up, Song Qingtian would have forgotten all about it. Her child was gone. She looked at Qin Xiaotian and asked, “How did you know?”

“Once I want to know something, I just find out,” he replied.

Song Qingtian found this amusing—truly remarkable powers of perception. Even ordinary people knew when someone had suffered a miscarriage.

“That guy named Chen Yun? His death is hardly worth mourning. If Ling Hanyu doesn’t make a move, that’s his business.”

“You killed him?”

Song Qingtian’s fear of such mysterious figures had taken root deep in her heart, so she approached Qin Xiaotian with a healthy dose of suspicion.

“Are you afraid of me?”

Qin Xiaotian’s insight was exceptional. Song Qingtian turned away, unwilling to answer the question. But Qin Xiaotian teased her: “I’m not some ferocious beast that eats people—what are you afraid of?”

“Just tell me—what did you do to Chen Yun?”

Although Song Qingtian had lost her child, given Ling Hanyu’s reputation for exacting revenge at every turn, there was no way Chen Yun would have escaped unscathed. Why would Qin Xiaotian even bother to take matters into his own hands?

“He’ll just live a little more painfully—nothing serious.”

That’s still better!

After chatting for a bit, Qin Xiaotian handed her a box. “This was given to me by someone when I was out. Wear it.”

Song Qingtian looked at the box—it was clearly a watch. “No need, I already have one.”

“I’m giving it to you.”

“Keep it yourself.”

Song Qingtian refused outright. Partly because she didn’t need it, and partly because she wanted to cut ties with Qin Xiaotian once and for all. Despite his life-saving kindness, it was best to keep as little contact as possible with someone like him. Besides, he lacked integrity. Other than occasionally making an appearance to show off, there was nothing else worth praising.

“Never mind then! You’ll end up wanting it anyway.”

Song Qingtian found Qin Xiaotian’s remark laughable. What did “end up wanting it” mean? She wasn’t going to give in no matter what.

But in the end…

The car pulled up, revealing a spacious courtyard with seven or eight stories of buildings front and back, along with wide roads. The environment was excellent in every way, and the greenery immediately caught the eye—just looking at it was pleasing. Moreover, Song Qingtian instantly understood what this place was: there was a sign hanging right at the entrance.

Qin Xiaotian stepped out of the car and glanced at the box. “Take the box down.”

Song Qingtian cooperated fully this time—better to yield than suffer loss. She grabbed the box and hurried out of the car, watching Qin Xiaotian walk past her. She almost kicked him in the stomach—ideally, she’d have knocked him flat on his back. But alas, she lacked the courage.

Qin Xiaotian stopped and said, “This used to be a sanatorium, complete with medical facilities. But the investors have been losing money for years and plan to sell it. When I was developing the land, I couldn’t resist buying this place too. It wasn’t much money, but the facilities and paperwork were a real headache. Not only did I have to secure the funds, I also had to get started on everything here, which took quite a bit of time.”

If Song Qingtian still didn’t understand, she must be a fool. But what really bothered her was: what was Qin Xiaotian’s real motive? Was it repayment of a debt of gratitude? That would be far too extravagant!

In the next moment, Qin Xiaotian took the box from her hand, opened it, and pulled out a watch still with its tag attached. The zeros on the dial sent a chill down Song Qingtian’s spine.

Qin Xiaotian took her hand and fastened the watch on her wrist. “I don’t mean anything by it, but if you want to accept it, wear it. If not… then forget it!”

Song Qingtian pressed her lips together—this was exactly what he’d meant by “you’ll end up wanting it” back in the car.

End of Chapter 147: Coercion and Persuasion