Chapter Seven: This Is Exactly What I Fear

Prodigal Son Without a Care

Chapter Seven: This Is What I Fear

Ha! This time, Tian Hao was delighted beyond words! He had managed to catch a legendary, soaring stock at rock bottom. He had long known that Xiao Tianci had feelings for his daughter—this was precisely why he could make use of his help. Yet, he had never even considered marrying his daughter off to him. Who did he think he was?

At best, he was just a well-paid employee—no more than a loyal dog. But to think even such legendary things could happen took him by surprise. At this moment, Tian Hao was immensely proud of his own decisiveness and reputation.

Right now, Xiao Tianci hadn’t yet stepped into the role of a true tycoon; he still harbored feelings for his daughter, and this matter was sure to succeed.

Xiao Tianci’s reaction was as though he’d been struck by lightning; upon hearing these words, he almost had a heart attack and nearly choked on his own saliva.

Seeing Xiao Tianci frozen in astonishment, Tian Hao squinted his eyes and feigned displeasure. “What’s the matter, Tianci? Do you think my daughter Nier isn’t good enough for you?”

Flustered, Xiao Tianci waved his hands. “How could that be, Uncle Tian? That’s not what I meant, you know I truly care for Nier.”

“Tsk... then that’s settled! What are you hesitating for?”

With a wry smile, Xiao Tianci protested, “But Uncle Tian, this sort of thing...”

To marry Tian Ni was a dream Xiao Tianci had entertained countless times, but now that it was suddenly being proposed, though his heart brimmed with joy, he felt thoroughly ill at ease. Tian Ni herself probably had no idea that the “brotherly” Xiao Tianci she got along so well with had been secretly in love with her all along.

Before inheriting his fortune, Xiao Tianci was merely a high-level professional, still worlds away from the aristocracy. As for the so-called elite, his understanding was little deeper than what could be gleaned from the news. Now, caught up in the situation, he couldn’t see that Tian Hao was arranging the simplest of political marriages to secure the greatest possible future benefit for himself. Xiao Tianci’s mind was filled with thoughts of Tian Ni, his longing so overwhelming that even if he had any reservations about Tian Hao’s methods, they were instantly drowned out.

Noticing Xiao Tianci’s hesitation, Tian Hao pressed on, “What’s there to hesitate about? You two know each other well, and I trust you completely. I’d have no worries entrusting Nier’s happiness to you. As for Nier, don’t worry, I’m her father—I know her best! You two have always been close, only separated by a thin veil of unspoken feelings. A perfect match in every way! Let me tell you, if you pass up this chance, there won’t be another. If you look down on our humble family now that you’ve inherited wealth, that’s fine too. From now on, consider us strangers—don’t bother looking for Nier again.”

He even put on a stern face, pretending to be upset. Seeing this, Xiao Tianci grew anxious. Normally clever, he was as lost as anyone in matters of the heart. Though Tian Hao was a seasoned operator, his methods were simple enough, but for Xiao Tianci, who cared so deeply, even the most basic goading and reverse psychology worked like a charm.

Tian Hao’s words had left him both elated and anxious. He knew Nier’s temperament, and besides, this wasn’t ancient times when marriages were arranged by parental decree. He simply wanted to pursue her, but Tian Hao’s interference had thrown him off balance. After all, if he wanted to marry Nier, Tian Hao would become his father-in-law.

Hastily explaining he didn’t mean to refuse, Xiao Tianci finally said cautiously, “Uncle Tian, what I mean is, there’s no need to rush things. Nier and I need some time to adjust, you understand? I just think...”

To Xiao Tianci, marriage was the fruit of love and emotion. In his heart, he could see that Tian Hao’s sudden change of attitude was closely tied to his new status. But he hadn’t truly grasped the essence of the situation: for someone like Tian Hao, marriage was just a transaction. To secure this deal, he would go to any lengths—especially since its prospects were so promising.

“Tianci,” said Tian Hao, adopting a paternal tone, “I understand you young people value feelings and love. But let me tell you what love really means. If you truly love Nier, you must do everything in your power to win her heart. You know her situation—the suitors are endless. And don’t forget about Dongfang Yi. He’s been pursuing Nier for years, and lately, I’ve noticed the two of them have grown particularly close.”

Xiao Tianci’s mind buzzed. Of course he knew Dongfang Yi. Though he himself had never confessed his feelings, Dongfang Yi had always been his number one rival since university, the most persistent suitor by far. The Dongfang family was a prominent clan, and Dongfang Yi worked in the family business with outstanding results. Compared to him, Xiao Tianci felt he couldn’t best him in family background, ability, education, demeanor, or looks.

Thinking of Dongfang Yi made Xiao Tianci break out in a cold sweat, his worry and anxiety plain to see. Tian Hao fanned the flames, saying, “I’ve always had faith in you—otherwise, I wouldn’t have turned to you before. In fact, thanks to that earlier episode, the false pretense has become reality. This proves I’ve always thought highly of you, not just because you’ve recently come into money.” He felt a secret delight, perhaps even a sense of justification for selling out his daughter.

Patting the stunned Xiao Tianci on the shoulder, Tian Hao continued, “When it comes to this, sooner is better than later. Sure, you have money now, but you know Nier’s character. Once she’s made her choice, she’ll never change her mind. She’s spending more and more time with Dongfang Yi these days, and I’m worried something might happen. Besides, after marriage, you’ll have plenty of time to nurture your feelings. A night as husband and wife can bind you together for a lifetime.”

At this point, Xiao Tianci was like someone in a daze. Having accepted the initial idea, everything that followed came naturally.

Often, in certain times, places, and circumstances, events are bound to follow a particular path. To put it simply: the only thing more dangerous than not having good fortune is not having good company. Thus, ancient emperors spent their lives mastering the art of manipulating people.

On this special day, in this particular setting, the most important thing was that a ticking time bomb had been planted in his heart. Right beside him, the wrong kind of person was stoking the fire. Thus, he made a decision that would set off decades of turmoil in global affairs and finance—a decision that would leave the world forever without predictable patterns...

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