kingnovel Chapter 2050 Going out would be suicide!
Chapter 2050 Going out would be suicide!
Ten minutes ago, there was an undercurrent of tension in the front yard due to the arrival of the Zong family, but the atmosphere in the west wing was equally heavy.
Qian Houjin almost slumped in his chair, the tea in his hand had long since gone cold, but he didn't dare to take more than a few sips.
The cold sweat on my forehead kept coming back up after I wiped it away, and the back of my clothes was also soaked and stuck to my body.
Why is Song Cijiu here and not leaving?
Ugh, what terrible luck I have! How did I end up with such a persistent plague?
Qian Houjin was in a terrible predicament, unsure whether to stand, sit, leave, or stay.
At this moment, Song Cijiu sat opposite him, still calm and composed, slowly sipping his tea. Occasionally, he would glance at him with a calm and unwavering gaze, but it was more terrifying to Qian Houjin than any harsh rebuke.
"Third Master Qian," Song Cijiu said, not knowing how many times he had looked at Qian Houjin. His voice was gentle, yet it carried a chilling penetrating power. He looked at the other man's teacup, seemingly puzzled, "Is your tea cold? Shall we get you another cup?"
"No, no need, Second Master Song... I, I'm not thirsty!" Qian Houjin hurriedly waved his hand, his voice hoarse.
Seeing that Song Cijiu had already picked up the teapot, he quickly covered his own teacup and shook his head, saying, "I like to drink it cold, and I'm not thirsty..."
"Not thirsty?" Song Cijiu smiled slightly. "I see you're sweating a lot! Your mouth is dry, how could you not be thirsty?"
"I, I'm used to it! I'm used to it, haha!" Qian Houjin hurriedly picked up his sleeve to wipe his sweat again.
Seeing his expression, Song Cijiu smiled slightly: "I think Third Master Qian is anxious, isn't he? The liveliness in this courtyard is more attractive than tea."
Qian Houjin's heart skipped a beat, but he forced a smile and said, "Second Master Song, you're joking. I've just been sitting for a while and I'm a little bored! The front yard is so lively, it's inevitable that people will notice me, so I just glanced at it a couple of times, it's nothing..."
"A bit stuffy, huh?" Song Cijiu leaned forward slightly, his gaze seemingly casual, yet sharp as a knife: "Third Master Qian just said that he came here today purely to admire Li Xiangnan and make some friends, and that it has nothing to do with the other members of the Ten Families of Yanjing, nor does he know what the Shangguan family's attitude is. I'll believe that for now..."
Qian Houjin nodded hurriedly, "Yes, yes, yes, Second Master Song, you are wise, I, Qian Houjin, am absolutely not lying!"
“However,” Song Cijiu changed the subject, his tone still calm, but it made Qian Houjin’s heart jump, “I think I just heard some noise outside the courtyard gate, like some important guests have arrived. Since Third Master Qian is feeling a bit stuffy, why don’t we go for a walk? I’ll accompany you.”
Upon hearing that Song Cijiu wanted to accompany him out, Qian Houjin's face stiffened. He quickly shook his head, slightly loosened his collar, and forced a smile onto his face: "Oh, thank you for your concern, Second Master Song! I'm much better! Much better. There's no need to go out; it's quite cold outside!"
Song Cijiu's gaze was fixed on the other person's face. Seeing that Qian Houjin was so slick and had not fallen for his attempts to test him, he stopped pretending and asked directly, "But I heard the voice announcing the distinguished guest just now, it sounded like the clan's!"
Qian Houjin's face drained of color instantly, his lips trembled, and his eyes darted around erratically. "The...the Zong family? I didn't quite hear you...maybe, maybe..."
"Oh? Didn't you hear me?" Song Cijiu looked at him with a half-smile. "The Zong Wangshan family head's loud voice can be heard several streets away. Master Qian is sitting in this west wing, only a few dozen steps from the courtyard gate. How could he not hear me? I'm afraid most Zong families wouldn't come to the Li family's wedding banquet. If anyone is going to come, it's probably only Zong Wangshan!"
"I...I,I..." Qian Houjin was speechless, cold sweat streaming down his forehead.
Standing behind him, his son Qian Shenquan saw sweat pouring down his father's head like rain, and he was both shocked and frightened.
The arrogance on his face was long gone, replaced by trembling fear.
The reason is nothing more than the work of Song Cijiu, who was sitting opposite me.
He never expected that coming here with his father for a casual meal would lead him to meet such a big shot as Song Cijiu.
What distressed him was that the other party had completely suppressed his father's aura, and he, as the son, was powerless to do anything about it.
What's even more frustrating is that Song Cijiu doesn't go anywhere; he just sits in this room with the two of them, making him and his father feel like they're facing a formidable enemy. Facing a powerful family like the Song family, they can't use any of their tricks!
He wanted to slip away!
He didn't want to wait and see any grand spectacle.
The biggest variable today is Song Cijiu, and this is before the wedding banquet has even started. Heaven knows what other things the Qian family didn't expect might happen!
He really wants to leave!
Just as he was pondering this and feeling uneasy, Song Cijiu said unhurriedly, "The Zong family and your Qian family both belong to the Ten Families of Yanjing. You must have had quite a few interactions with each other, right?"
Qian Shenquan touched his nose and chuckled, thinking to himself, "Of course, I'm an old friend of the Zong family's youngest daughter." Seeing his father hesitate and about to answer, he restrained Song Cijiu's imposing manner, cleared his throat, and was about to speak when his father, Qian Houjin, suddenly stomped on his toe.
Song Cijiu tilted his head and looked at the two of them, his eyes narrowing: "Since Zong Wangshan is personally attending the wedding banquet, shouldn't Third Master Qian, as a colleague who arrived earlier, go out to greet him? Say hello? It would also show that your ten families are... united and harmonious!"
"No, no need!" Qian Houjin nearly jumped up from his chair like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He glared at his son, his voice trembling. "Second Master Song, I... I'm actually not very familiar with the Zong family! Really! Let them do what they want, I... I won't go out and join the fun, so as not to disturb Doctor Li's hospitality. We'll have a quick meal and leave once the banquet starts!"
How could he possibly go out!
As soon as he went out, he met Zong Wangshan. What did they say? How did they say it?
Song Cijiu is sitting in the room now, watching and listening. He can't whisper anything to his son, nor can he give his son any instructions or make any contacts!
Once they get out there, any conversation or even a glance with Zong Wangshan could become leverage to solidify suspicions that they colluded and conspired against each other!
If Song Cijiu hadn't been there today, or if he hadn't been present, Qian Houjin might have been able to exchange a glance with Zong Wangshan privately, but now...
Going out would be suicide!
"Not familiar?" Song Cijiu gave a soft "oh," his eyes becoming even more playful. "We're listed among the ten families, yet we're not familiar? Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe that, Third Master Qian. Or... is it that Third Master Qian is afraid that there are some things he can't say to the Zong family head in front of me?"
"No! Absolutely not!" Qian Houjin was sweating profusely, wishing he could swear an oath. "Second Master Song, I, Qian Houjin, swear to heaven that I came here on my own today! I had absolutely no agreement with the Zong family! I didn't know they would come! If I had known... I wouldn't have come!"
"If you have a clear conscience, why are you afraid to meet them?"
Song Cijiu's voice suddenly turned cold. Although it wasn't loud, it carried a chilling pressure. "Qian Laosan, I, Song Cijiu, am sitting here to support the Li family and to give face to all the guests who have come to offer their congratulations! I'll ask you one last time, is the Qian family friend or foe today? You, Qian Houjin, are you sitting here to drink the celebratory wine, or do you have other motives?"
"If you don't even have the courage to go out and meet your colleagues, how can I believe what you just said?"
These words pressed on relentlessly, completely cornering Qian Houjin!
If you don't go, it means you have something to hide, that you're admitting to having ulterior motives, that you're not giving Song Cijiu face, and the consequences would be unimaginable!
However, going there would likely lead to an even more awkward and dangerous situation!
Qian Houjin's face was ashen, his eyes darting back and forth between Song Cijiu's unquestionable face and his own trembling hands.
He knew he had no other choice.
"I, I'll go..."
He squeezed out two words through gritted teeth, his voice unrestrained, as if he had used all his strength.
With his son Qian Shenquan's frightened support, he stood up shakily, his legs weak and almost unable to stand.
Song Cijiu slowly stood up, took the last sip of tea, and said calmly, "Then I'll go out for some fresh air with Third Master!"
Qian Houjin's vision went black, and he almost fainted, but he could only grit his teeth and persevere.
The door to the west wing creaked open.
Qian Houjin, pale as a sheet and with unsteady steps, practically shuffled out, leaning on his son.
He forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, his eyes darting around, avoiding any direction.
Behind him, Song Cijiu strolled out with unhurried steps, his face still bearing that gentle and aloof smile, his gaze calmly sweeping across the courtyard.
Almost at the same moment they stepped out of the room, Li Xiangnan led Zong Wangshan and his two sons through the hanging flower gate and into the courtyard.
The two groups of people just happened to bump into each other!
All eyes were immediately drawn to the two groups of people who had suddenly met.
On one side were the Zong family father and son, who had just been invited in with an aggressive demeanor.
On one side are the Qian family father and son, forced into a desperate and miserable situation.
In an instant, Qian Houjin's face turned deathly pale.
Immediately afterward, he noticed the astonishment on Zong Wangshan's face, which was quickly replaced by a complex expression.
There was surprise, confusion, scrutiny, and a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Qian Laosan?"
"You...why did you arrive early?!"
Qian Houjin was struck as if by lightning, his whole body trembled violently, he suddenly raised his head and looked at Zong Wangshan in great fear, his mouth wide open, but he could not make a sound.
A glint flashed in Song Cijiu's eyes, and the faint smile on his lips seemed to deepen slightly...