Chapter Twelve: The Billion-Dollar Betrothal Gift (Part 2)

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The Prodigal Son Without a Home - Chapter Twelve: A Hundred Billion Betrothal Gift (2)

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Though their acquaintance was brief, Xiao Tianci already deeply admired their intelligence network, so he wasn’t surprised by how much they seemed to know. Just as Xiao Tianci was about to reply, his phone rang again. To his astonishment, it was a call from Tian Ni. He froze—he hadn’t expected her to call at this moment.

The ringtone sounded twice more before Xiao Tianci, as if abruptly awakened from a dream, hurriedly answered.

Tian Ni’s voice came through the line: “Have you always had a secret crush on me?”

Faced with such a sudden question, Xiao Tianci felt as if he’d been struck by lightning.

“Mm.” Slightly blushing, his heart pounding, and a bit ashamed, Xiao Tianci still answered as quickly as possible. He’d imagined countless times confessing to Tian Ni, “I’ve liked you for a long time, ever since the beginning.” Yet, today, she was the one to take the lead.

“Do you want to marry me now?”

This time, the question was even more direct. Xiao Tianci felt sweat begin to bead from his pores. He’d always been known for his composure—debates at school, business negotiations, social engagements—he’d never faltered. Yet today, he realized he was still inexperienced. No wonder the elders always said there’s always someone better out there.

Though the situation was startling and unbelievable, Xiao Tianci still blurted out between breaths, “Yes, I…”

But before he could say more, Tian Ni interrupted again, “Alright then, I want a betrothal gift of fifteen billion. Can you do that?”

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“A betrothal gift… fifteen billion…” What on earth did that mean? Xiao Tianci was utterly perplexed by her request and couldn’t make sense of it. In the past, never mind fifteen billion—even one billion would have been out of reach. Now, though he could manage it, Tian Ni’s inexplicable demand made him want to ask for an explanation.

“Well… money isn’t a problem for me now, but…”

Tian Ni gave him no chance to ask questions. She spoke again, “Can you or can’t you?”

“I can.” With only two choices, Xiao Tianci had no choice but to agree, though he felt uneasy. Even though Xu Guowei boasted so much, Xiao Tianci still didn’t fully understand the so-called Xiao family inheritance. He thought it should be fine—whatever, he’d agree first and figure it out later.

There was no anger or emotion in her voice; it was as if she were discussing something unrelated to herself. “Alright, then. Get ready to come to my house and propose.”

Before Xiao Tianci could reply, the call ended; she had hung up. Xiao Tianci stared at the phone in his hand, turning over the recent conversation in his mind. A thousand questions swirled in his heart. “Ni’er agreed, but the tone of her voice… And though she’s straightforward, how could she make such a decision so easily? What is this, exactly? This must be a Guinness World Record for getting married. And why does she want fifteen billion? Why does she need the money?”

These questions flashed through Xiao Tianci’s mind, but he found no answers for the moment.

After the call, Xiao Tianci stood there lost in thought, while Xu Guowei patiently waited before him. Only after a while did Xiao Tianci remember that Xu Guowei was still there, awaiting his instructions.

Since Xu Guowei had just said he could find a professional company to handle the arrangements, Xiao Tianci decided not to worry about these things—after all, he knew nothing about them.

Though Xiao Tianci had already signed a few documents, the actual inheritance papers had yet to be signed. According to Xu Guowei, several private jets were on their way. Xiao Tianci had asked why so many planes were needed; surely one would suffice for delivering the paperwork. Xu Guowei explained that, having been confirmed as the sole heir of the Xiao family, Xiao Tianci would henceforth receive the most stringent protection. His entourage would include all necessary personnel—from medical staff to fitness trainers, nutritionists, image consultants, and secretarial teams.

Of course, these were just the basics; soon, his personal needs and preferences would be fully accommodated.

Looking at Xu Guowei, Xiao Tianci considered the situation. Though Xu Guowei would now follow any of his instructions, fifteen billion was no trivial sum. Before officially inheriting the fortune, could he even access such funds? He’d never studied the law in this area and only knew as much as he’d seen in novels or on TV.

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What worried Xiao Tianci most was that, although he’d never experienced it himself, he’d heard and read plenty about people who, after inheriting a fortune, couldn’t simply do as they pleased. What about him?

“Mr. Xu, I have a question. I haven’t officially inherited the estate yet, but I urgently need to use a large sum of money. Do you think that’s possible?” As he spoke, Xiao Tianci’s confidence waned, though he would never let it show in his expression or tone.

Knowing when and how to speak is an art, especially in negotiations. Anyone who’s managed a business or led negotiations understands how crucial tone and facial expression can be. Such seemingly minor details often determine the outcome—even if this wasn’t a negotiation, the same principle applied in dealing with people.

Xu Guowei’s professional reply carried a certain weight as he said coolly, “According to procedure, it’s not possible.”

Hearing this, Xiao Tianci’s expression faltered, his spirits sinking. He thought, “I just agreed to Ni’er, and now I’m finished.” For years, no matter what troubles he faced in business, nothing ever made him afraid—only Tian Ni could break through his defenses.

Seeing Xiao Tianci’s sudden dejection, Xu Guowei continued, “Of course, there is another way.”

Xiao Tianci quickly asked, “What way? Tell me!”

“If the amount isn’t too large, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Just as Xiao Tianci was about to rise in excitement, he sank back down—after all, fifteen billion was no small sum.

At Xu Guowei’s level, he could read Xiao Tianci like an open book. He went on, “As long as you’re confirmed as a direct descendant of the Xiao family, you have access to fifty billion US dollars for discretionary use. You can withdraw it at any time. If you need less than fifty billion, there’s no issue. If you require more, you’ll need to wait until the formal inheritance process is complete… Of course, there are further details…”

There was no need to say more. “Heh…” Xiao Tianci laughed at himself and thought, “Once again, I’ve made a fool of myself. As if this isn’t enough—truly, even the way the wealthy speak is extraordinary.”