Chapter 57.1

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“Only a million?”

Chi Qilan: “???”

Elvis: “???”

For once, the two powerful, always-composed women completely lost control of their expressions.

Qiao Ziman stared at their stunned faces, falling into deep doubt. Is this really how a wealthy mother-in-law should act?

Dialing back her reaction a little, she walked over to the water dispenser, poured two glasses, and placed them on the table. “What I mean is, love can’t be measured by money. I hope you understand.”

Chi Qilan’s expression softened slightly. She picked up the glass, took a slow sip, and then gestured toward the chair. “Sit.”

She glanced at Elvis, whose expression had turned stormy. “You too.”

Elvis shot Qiao Ziman a sharp look, her cold eyes filled with impatience.

Ugh, she’s so annoying, Qiao Ziman thought. She really wanted to snap back at her, but she remembered her promise to Yin Yin. She pressed her fingertips together and took a deep breath. Let it go. Let it go.

Chi Qilan studied Qiao Ziman carefully, her gaze subtle but perceptive. Seeing the younger woman’s calm and composed demeanor, her impression of her shifted slightly. A hint of approval flickered in her eyes, and when she spoke again, her tone was noticeably less rigid. “Xiao Qiao, can I call you that?”

Qiao Ziman withdrew her gaze, nodded lightly, and replied, “Of course, President Chi.”

“Xiao Qiao, I’ve reviewed your resume and looked into your work performance over the years.”

Chi Qilan’s voice was calm but deliberate. “You’re hardworking, ambitious, and undeniably talented. The company sees great potential in you and is willing to invest in your long-term development. At the end of the year, there will be an opportunity for advanced training abroad. The company is considering offering you this position.”

Tsk. So this is the game she’s playing? Did she think Qiao Ziman was the type to be swayed by temptation? Still, she maintained her polite smile. “That’s very generous of you, President Chi. I truly appreciate the company’s recognition.”

But let’s just get to the point, shall we? This roundabout way of talking is exhausting.

Chi Qilan’s tone shifted. “However, I still hope you’ll choose to leave Yin Yin on your own.”

Tsk. Dream on.

Qiao Ziman straightened her posture, her back stiff and unwavering. Her eyes remained steady, unflinching.

“President Chi, Yin Yin often talks about you,” she said, her voice measured. “She’s always admired how dedicated you are to your work—how you’ve always prioritized your career above all else. I believe you are someone who separates personal matters from business.”

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering. “So I’d like to ask—do you see a conflict between this ‘advanced training opportunity’ and me ‘leaving Yin Yin’?”

Chi Qilan’s hand tightened around her cup. For the first time, there was a ripple of emotion in her usually composed demeanor. “What did you just say?”

Her voice carried a rare edge, her fingers clenching the porcelain. “Yin Yin told you about me?”

Qiao Ziman: “….”

She had totally made that up.

Elvis, who had been listening in silence, furrowed her brows.

“President Chi, let’s stay on topic,” she interjected coldly. “It’s getting late.”

Chi Qilan paused for a moment, then regained her composure. Almost let this little girl trap me in my own words.

Amused, she leaned back into her chair, her expression darkening as she fixed Qiao Ziman with an intense, authoritative gaze. Her eyes practically screamed four words: “What do you think?”

Think? Think my ass.

Qiao Ziman could barely hold back her irritation.

Chi Qilan continued, her voice calm but edged with finality. “I acknowledge that you’re talented and hardworking. But that alone is not enough to be a good match for Yin Yin. She needs someone who can support her—someone who can help her in her career, her family, her life. But you? Right now, you’re nothing but a burden. You couldn’t even handle Shi Qiansui without Yin Yin stepping in for you. There’s an old saying—‘A marriage should be between equals.’ Have you heard of it?”

At that moment, Elvis, who had remained mostly silent, clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white. A second later, she exhaled slowly and released her grip.

Then, in an icy, cutting tone, she added, “What right do you have to stand by her side?”

In an instant, Qiao Ziman’s temper shot through the roof. What, do they think I’m made of cotton?

She was this close to snapping.

But then—Yin Yin’s voice echoed in her head.

No conflicts. No fights.

Qiao Ziman took a deep breath.

Then another.

Then another.

She silently recited a Buddhist mantra three times, forcing the raging fire in her chest back down. When she finally opened her eyes, she abruptly cupped her hands around her ears, turned to Elvis, and shouted dramatically: “What did you say? WOMEN HOLD UP HALF THE SKY? I know that!”

Elvis: “???”

Elvis’s eyes darkened, fury bubbling beneath the surface. “I’m talking to you about something serious!”

“Huh? You said you fully support us?” Qiao Ziman nodded earnestly. “Thank you, thank you!”

“You—!”

This little brat! She was too quick-witted.

Chi Qilan raised a hand, stopping Elvis before she exploded. Then, she softened her tone, attempting persuasion instead. “One million is not a small amount. It’s more than enough to improve your current lifestyle. Think it over carefully. Besides, you two have only been together for a short time. Breaking up now wouldn’t cost you anything.”

Qiao Ziman turned to her with a thoughtful expression. “President Chi, are you saying Yin Yin is an exceptional woman?”

Chi Qilan was taken aback. “…Yes?”

Qiao Ziman sighed, shaking her head. “Then how come she’s only worth a million?”

Chi Qilan blinked in surprise. “Are you saying I’m offering too little?”

A sly smile curled at the corners of Qiao Ziman’s lips. She held up five fingers. “No deal unless it’s five million.”

Elvis’s gaze turned venomous, as cold and sharp as a snake’s.

“Don’t be too greedy!” she hissed.

Qiao Ziman cupped her hand around her ear.

“You’re offering U.S. dollars?” she asked innocently.

Let’s see if I can drive you mad.

Ignoring Elvis’s fury, she turned back to Chi Qilan and resumed negotiating. “President Chi, five million isn’t that much, is it? Yin Yin told me herself—she owns a bar, two restaurants, three cars, four properties, and five million in savings. Why would I trade an entire forest for a single tree?”

Qiao Ziman casually crossed one leg over the other, completely at ease. “Take your time and think it over.”

Chi Qilan lowered her gaze in thought.

Sensing an opportunity to fan the flames, Qiao Ziman added with a relaxed sigh, “Yin Yin is so capable—she’ll make way more than five million in the future. And what’s hers is mine, right? Ah, I, Qiao Ziman, have always had a poor appetite, but I do love a good soft meal.”

Chi Qilan’s eyes flickered. After a brief pause, she reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and placed it on the table.

“Fine,” she said. “There’s five million in here. The password is Yin Yin’s birthday. You—”

Before she could finish her sentence, Qiao Ziman snatched the card at lightning speed and stuffed it into her pocket. “I know.”

Chi Qilan’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “You two have progressed that quickly? She’s already given you her birthday as a password?”

But she quickly dismissed her own curiosity. “It doesn’t matter. Just remember what you said today—leave Yin Yin.”

Qiao Ziman blinked, looking entirely innocent. “Huh? When did I promise that?”

Chi Qilan: “???”

“You’re going back on your word?”

Qiao Ziman shrugged. “What I actually said was, ‘No deal unless it’s five million.’”