Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 204: Miao Qingyuan Forces Marriage

Chapter 204: Chapter 204: Miao Qingyuan Forces Marriage

Miao Qingqing immediately said, "Dad, it’s so late today, let’s talk about this tomorrow."

Miao Qingyuan spoke indifferently, "Since everyone is here, let’s chat for a bit, I’m not sleepy yet."

Miao Xuanxuan chuckled, "Right? You two went out on a date, it’s only right for Dad to be concerned, isn’t it?"

Miao Qingqing glared at Miao Xuanxuan, then turned to look at Song Xiaodong. Song Xiaodong, with a carefree smile, said, "Then let’s chat for a while."

Everyone sat down, and Miao Qingyuan looked at Song Xiaodong and said, "What are your plans regarding Qingqing?"

Miao Xuanxuan circled behind Song Xiaodong like a muscleman, slapped him on the shoulder, and demanded, "Answer honestly, what are your plans?" But as she raised her hand, she pinched Song Xiaodong’s shoulder.

Facing Miao Xuanxuan, Song Xiaodong felt somewhat intimidated, but the main person he needed to address was still Miao Qingyuan, so he spoke casually, "I don’t have any plans, Qingqing and I aren’t really a couple."

Miao Qingyuan’s expression darkened, "That’s highly irresponsible of you to say. Now, who doesn’t know that you are Qingqing’s boyfriend?"

"Exactly! Qingqing attended the banquet as your girlfriend, and when you went to the reunion, she participated as your girlfriend. And you still won’t admit to it, do you even have a conscience?" Miao Xuanxuan accompanied each statement with a slap and a pinch, and the more she spoke, the harder she pinched, though apart from her and Song Xiaodong, Miao Qingyuan and Miao Qingqing hadn’t caught on to the subterfuge.

Song Xiaodong could only endure in silence. After all, he had almost spanked Miao Xuanxuan that day. Even though he stopped at the last moment, his relationship with Miao Xuanxuan was still somewhat ambiguous. Discussing the matter with Miao Qingqing in her presence, it would be strange if he could speak freely.

Clearing his throat, Song Xiaodong said, "Look, Uncle Miao, this is just friends helping each other out, and you want us to be together just because of this? Isn’t that a bit hasty?"

Miao Qingyuan, with a stern face, said, "Do friends really help each other out like this?"

Song Xiaodong gave a bitter smile and replied, "Uncle Miao, are you trying to force your daughter on me? Don’t you think that’s a loss for you?"

Miao Qingyuan said, "It’s not about loss. The Miao family has always had strict rules, and I’ve always led by example. Since Qingqing’s mother left us, I haven’t been with any other woman, and it’s the same for Qingqing and Xuanxuan; they’ve always maintained their integrity. I don’t want any rumors about Qingqing and you."

"That’s right! Our Miao family isn’t easily bullied. You’ve gone this far with Qingqing, and you still don’t want to acknowledge it? There’s no such cheap deal. I’m telling you, if you don’t own up, I’ll strangle you to death!" said Miao Xuanxuan as she grabbed Song Xiaodong’s neck with both hands.

Miao Qingqing’s expression darkened, and she said, "Xuanxuan, what are you doing?"

Miao Xuanxuan paused and then chuckled, "I’m just sticking up for you."

Rubbing his neck, Song Xiaodong said with a mix of laughter and tears, "Uncle Miao, this isn’t really appropriate. We shouldn’t just randomly match people up like this."

"Nonsense, what messy pairing, even though I didn’t see favorably of you before, but now things have reached this point, you must be with Qingqing. I won’t push you two to get married right away, that would be too inconsiderate, but you should be clear about your relationship. In the future, you should help Qingqing in the company. The Miao family’s business is large and requires joint effort to manage, so you need to take it seriously."

Song Xiaodong wanted to speak further, but Miao Qingyuan already waved his hand and said, "Alright, this matter is settled. As for how to proceed, you can discuss it with Qingqing. I won’t manage the specifics."

Having said that, Miao Qingyuan directly went back to his room, leaving Song Xiaodong dumbstruck.

Miao Qingqing also didn’t expect her father to be so direct, or rather, to use such a blunt method. Moreover, this wasn’t just Song Xiaodong’s problem; wasn’t she also suddenly tied down?

"Don’t take it to heart, I’ll explain it slowly to my dad later."

Miao Xuanxuan immediately said, "You still don’t understand Dad’s temper? Once he’s made up his mind, not even nine oxen can pull him back. He’s not only stubborn but also authoritarian. Do you think you can easily explain things clearly?"

Miao Qingqing’s mouth twitched. She knew exactly what kind of temper her father had. It was because Miao Xuanxuan couldn’t stand their father’s temperament that he insisted on not helping out at the company and even wanted to run away from home, which eventually forced Miao Qingyuan to let go of Miao Xuanxuan.

But clearly, she couldn’t do that. Her father had two daughters, and if one didn’t manage affairs, then she had to help her father.

Miao Qingyuan’s intentions were not known to Miao Xuanxuan, but Miao Qingqing was very aware. Over the years, the Miao family had plenty of contact with government officials, but genuine close relationships were sparse, especially with the current leaders in the city who were mostly transferred here recently. They didn’t have strong connections. Bringing Song Xiaodong closer could bridge the gap to Shen Dongyang, whose authority they urgently needed.

Rather than saying Miao Qingyuan was pressuring Song Xiaodong, it was more accurate to say he was pressuring Miao Qingqing.

Miao Qingqing knew it wasn’t right, but purely from the company’s interest perspective, it was defensible. She felt quite conflicted momentarily.

Looking at Song Xiaodong, Miao Qingqing really didn’t know what to say at that moment.

Miao Xuanxuan was looking back and forth between Song Xiaodong and Miao Qingqing, her big eyes whirling around. It was unclear what she was thinking, but her little hand had secretly pinched the flesh on the back of Song Xiaodong’s neck, refusing to let go.

Song Xiaodong felt the atmosphere was off and immediately stood up, saying, "It’s getting late, I should go."

Miao Qingqing also stood up and said, "Then I won’t see you out, we’ll talk another time."

But Miao Xuanxuan followed Song Xiaodong out, saying, "Miao Qingqing, I’ll assess this jerk for you. If he dares to deny, let’s see how I’ll deal with him."

Watching Song Xiaodong and Miao Xuanxuan walk out, Miao Qingqing frowned, then suddenly realized a problem. Her father’s demands were obviously unreasonable, yet she didn’t feel any particular resentment. Does that mean she has tacitly agreed to her relationship with Song Xiaodong? Could it be that she has unwittingly fallen for this guy?

Miao Xuanxuan and Song Xiaodong arrived at the residential area, and just as Song Xiaodong was about to make an escape, Miao Xuanxuan quickly stepped in front of him, stood up straight, and glared at him, grinding her teeth and said, "Fine then, Song Xiaodong, you played me, and now you are starting on Miao Qingqing. You sure are skilled!"