Chapter 322: Recognizing an Older Brother

Song Qingtian took a look around. The estate covered an area of ten thousand square meters—such a vast property was certainly not something ordinary people could afford.

To even make a quick loop around the grounds, you’d need an electric scooter.

Butler Qin stepped down from another vehicle and opened the door, peering inside.

Song Qingtian also looked over in that direction.

A person emerged from the car.

Qin Xiaotian straightened his clothes slightly and turned to look at Song Qingtian.

Butler Qin whispered something under his breath, and Qin Xiaotian nodded before walking over to Song Qingtian.

When he reached her, Qin Xiaotian said, “So we meet again?”

“If you want to see me, it’s easy enough—but I never knew you and your family lived here. You’ve taken me to other cities before, and I always assumed that’s where you were based, with the old Qin family residence there as well. But now… such a grand estate couldn’t have been built overnight. Every plant and tree here seems carefully cultivated, poured with so much care and devotion.”

“Then aren’t you curious why Ling Hanyu knows me?”

Qin Xiaotian reminded her.

Song Qingtian thought for a moment. “Did you two grow up together?”

“Ling Hanyu said so?”

“No, that’s just my guess. You used to wear a mask, so no one knew what you looked like—but he did, and when he heard your name, it didn’t sound unfamiliar at all. Still, you two must have had some sort of falling out, so there’s definitely some grudge between you.”

“But surely your feud isn’t one that would lead to someone killing to settle the score,” Qin Xiaotian wondered.

“I don’t believe it. Ling Hanyu hasn’t told you anything about it, has he?”

“Fine, if you don’t believe it, then don’t. I’m not asking you to believe it either.”

Song Qingtian was just that carefree.

Why bother hoping others will believe something that’s unnecessary?

Those who are meant to believe will believe without you having to explain; those who aren’t will still refuse to believe, no matter how much you try to convince them.

Song Qingtian glanced casually toward the villa. A few people had already come out—the oldest was about eighty, an elderly man leaning on a cane.

The old man had a head full of white hair, with a man and a woman standing by his side, along with several others.

But judging by their appearance, the couple were undoubtedly Qin Xiaotian’s parents.

The man bore a striking resemblance to Qin Xiaotian, while the woman was stunningly beautiful.

Even at an advanced age, she still radiated exquisite beauty and an air of regal elegance.

Song Qingtian turned to Qin Xiaotian beside her. “Mr. Qin, what brings you here today?”

“My health condition is rather special, and I’d like to ask you to become my wife.”

Song Qingtian smiled but said nothing.

Yang Yifan, however, spoke up. “Mr. Qin, whatever your status may be, you should understand that the young mistress is already married. How could she possibly divorce her husband just because of your unusual health condition and marry you? Isn’t that absurd?”

Song Qingtian looked at Yang Yifan, finally summoning the courage to speak her mind.

“Secretary Yang, hearing you say all this today really moves me. My godmother also says she likes you and is very grateful for all the care you’ve given us. Plus, you’re Ling Hanyu’s right-hand man, always working so hard. So I’ve thought it over—I’d like to recognize you as my elder brother. Would you be willing?”

“…” Secretary Yang looked utterly bewildered.

Song Qingtian sighed. “If you’re not willing, then forget it. I’ll tell my godmother you’re not interested.”

“But… it’s just that…” Secretary Yang stammered.

Song Qingtian continued, “Actually, there’s another reason I want to recognize you as my elder brother.”

“Go on.”

By now, neither Butler Qin nor Qin Xiaotian were surprised anymore; Song Qingtian and Secretary Yang seemed to have treated the two men as if they weren’t even there.

Song Qingtian said frankly, “When Ling Hanyu and I were both unconscious and in critical condition, you were constantly at my home, helping out in so many ways. So you’re quite familiar with everything going on in my family.”

Yang Yifan wondered whether he might say something inappropriate.

But there didn’t seem to be anything particularly sensitive or off-limits in Mr. Ling’s household.

Yang Yifan felt stuck—what exactly should he say?

Song Qingtian went on. “My godmother—Aunt Chen—her husband passed away long ago. She and Uncle Lin are essentially engaged, and they’ll get married sooner or later.”

“I know that,” Yang Yifan replied, puzzled. “What’s so private about that?”

Song Qingtian pressed on. “To me, Uncle Lin is a benefactor, so we treat each other like father and daughter. But ultimately, I’m not really his daughter, because I’ve officially recognized my godmother—not him.”

“So you mean the young mistress wants to be the elder sister to the young mistress, but also wants to recognize Uncle Lin as her adoptive father?”

“That’s right. I hope that when Uncle Lin passes away, someone will be there to see him off.”

Thinking about his own orphaned status, Secretary Yang said, “If Uncle Lin doesn’t mind, I’d be happy to do that.”

“Then it’s settled—elder brother!”

Yang Yifan blushed. “S-sister!”

“Mm.”

Song Qingtian wore a delighted expression.

In reality, though, she was essentially putting a protective shield around Yang Yifan, ensuring that the Qin family wouldn’t dare bully him.

End of Chapter 322: Recognizing an Older Brother