All this while, he had not heard that Qiao Yuying had a daughter. The Qiao family had certainly never mentioned it. Now that Gu Qingyao had appeared from nowhere, would the Qiao family accept her?

It would be good if they could, but if they could not, they would be hostile towards Gu Qingyao. Gu Qingyao was a young girl. How could she possibly defend herself against such a huge ent.i.ty as the Qiao family?

This was what worried Qin Zhiyuan the most.

He was worried that he would endanger Gu Qingyao if he mishandled the matter.

The person who was courting Qiao Yuying was a force to be reckoned with as well. Although he appeared to be pa.s.sionately devoted to Qiao Yuying, Qin Zhiyuan did not think anything would come out of his love.

That person had courted her for so many years, and the Qiao family had also grown more flexible. Marrying Qiao Yuying was equivalent to obtaining the entire Qiao's Jewelry. And that was besides the inheritance that the Qiao family would apportion to Qiao Yuying.

With such enticing benefits, if Gu Qingyao turned up at this crucial moment and claimed to be Qiao Yuying's daughter, that person might attack her.

As for the Qiao family, Qin Zhiyuan could not be certain of their att.i.tude.

In the Qiao family manor.

It was a huge manor with a garden and a lawn in front. Owning such an enormous manor in this area showed just how rich the Qiao family was.

In a bedroom on the second floor, a beautiful and graceful woman was removing her makeup in front of the dressing table when a grand old lady brought a bowl of soup in. When she saw Qiao Yuying, she smiled and said, “Yuying! Drink this soup. Mother specially brewed this medicinal soup for you. It will help preserve your beauty, and it's good for women!”

Old Madam Qiao's face crinkled in a smile. This was her beloved daughter, the daughter she loved the most.

Qiao Yuying was used to such treatment, but she still said, “Mother, I am not a child anymore. I can take care of myself. Next time, ask Aunty to make these soups. You're getting on in years; you should sleep early.

“I'm busy with work every day. Sometimes I need to work late, but there is no need for you to stay up too.”

Old Madam Qiao glared at her. “So you know that you're busy? That you often need to work late nights? You are a woman; why do you need to work so hard?

“Does our Qiao Family lack for anything? Why do you need to work so hard every day? You don't know how to enjoy life at all. If you want anything, you can ask your parents or your older brothers. I only have one beloved daughter. My heart aches to see you like that.”

Qiao Yuying sighed. Her mother was at it again!

“Mother, I'm doing very well. I like this job very much. I built this company from scratch. I must be responsible for it.”

Old Madam Qiao was displeased. “You must take care of your health no matter how busy you are. You're still single after so many years, and you have no one to take care of you. How can I stop worrying?”

Qiao Yuying's hand faltered. She had already guessed what her mother would say, but she did not want to hear it.

“Mother, don't worry. I will take good care of myself. I'm doing very well now. I enjoy my freedom as a single woman. Although I'm busy with my work every day, it is a fulfilling life. Mother, I really like my life now. I…”

“All right, all right, I've heard enough on this topic. I don't want to hear anymore. I don't care. I can't possibly see you live out your old age alone, or I won't even die in peace. Tell me, what are you thinking? He's been courting you for so many years. I know you're proud, but no one is perfect.

“The boy is not too bad. Most importantly, his feelings toward you have not changed after so many years!”

Qiao Yuying's expression grew stern. “Mother, it's impossible between us. It will never be possible!”