Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 237: If You Don’t Want It, I’m Taking It

Chapter 237: Chapter 237: If You Don’t Want It, I’m Taking It

"What?" Miao Xuanxuan’s eyes widened as she stared at her father, unblinkingly and almost foolishly.

Miao Qingyuan, feeling somewhat guilty, said to Miao Xuanxuan, "Xuanxuan, Dad knows that this is very immoral, using my own daughter to strive for benefits, but you should also know that if I were a man who disregarded everything for the sake of profit, you two, being so beautiful and resembling your mother, my elder brother might seek support from a major wealthy family through a marriage alliance."

"But I did not do that. I loved your mother, but I equally love my daughters. I cannot let my daughters marry men they do not like or lead unhappy lives. I can tell that Song Xiaodong gets along well with both of you, and whoever ends up with him will likely not make a mistake. Am I right?"

Miao Xuanxuan nodded subconsciously but then immediately shook her head and said, "Dad, you don’t have to do this, Dongzi is a very approachable person..." As she spoke, Miao Xuanxuan suddenly lost her conviction.

When she used to fool around with Song Xiaodong, he indeed seemed easy to talk to, but after everything that happened at the Ding family’s, she realized that this was because they hadn’t crossed Song Xiaodong’s bottom line. Once that line was crossed, the man was not so amiable anymore.

Patting Miao Xuanxuan’s shoulder, Miao Qingyuan said, "Xuanxuan, I know this puts you in a difficult position. I’m just entertaining this idea, not forcing you. A man like Song Xiaodong is indeed worth entrusting your life to; with my years of experience, I can see that."

"Dad... actually, even if we don’t date, my sister and I can be friends with Xiaodong, and he would still help us, just like he said today that he would invest the money he got from the Ding family into our company."

Miao Qingyuan shook his head and replied, "Capital is just one aspect. The potential behind Song Xiaodong is what’s most important. Such potential cannot be leveraged by just being friends. To oppose your mother’s family, money isn’t the main issue. It’s something I might never achieve in my lifetime, so now we can only hope in Song Xiaodong."

Miao Xuanxuan hesitated, then asked, "Dad, what kind of family is my mother’s family? Why are they so unreasonable?"

Miao Qingyuan’s mouth twitched, hatred flashing in his eyes, and he took a deep breath before saying, "Right now, it’s better you do not know. Knowing about it won’t do you any good. When we’re strong enough, I will tell you everything. For now, knowing this is enough."

Miao Xuanxuan smiled wryly and said, "But I really want to know about my mom’s affairs."

Clasping his fists, Miao Qingyuan replied, "If one of you truly marries Song Xiaodong one day, then I will tell you."

Miao Xuanxuan pouted and could only suppress her curiosity.

After Miao Xuanxuan left, Miao Qingyuan sat in his study for a long time, his expression changing unpredictably. It was uncertain how much time passed before his face grew more and more somber. He clenched his fists tightly, and two lines of old tears ran down his face. Yet, his expression was incredibly resolute, as if he had made some excruciating decision.

Leaving the study for the living room, Miao Xuanxuan saw that Song Xiaodong was not there and asked, "Where’s Dongzi? Did he run off?"

Miao Qingqing replied with a bitter smile, "After what my dad said, it’d be weird if he didn’t run. If it were me, I’d be scared off too."

Miao Xuanxuan laughed and said, "Congratulations, congratulations, you’re about to get married."

Miao Qingqing’s face darkened as she retorted, "Get married? Dad’s just overthinking it, okay?"

"Really? But you know how Dad is; once he sets his mind on something, it won’t be easy for you to change it,"

Miao Qingqing sighed and said, "What can I do about it? Can I tie him up and force him into marriage?"

"Eh, are you saying that if you could tie him up, you’d agree to marry him?" Miao Xuanxuan winked, a teasing smile on his face.

"Ah?" Miao Qingqing was taken aback, then her cheeks flushed with a hint of red, and she said sternly, "I was just making a comparison; even if he agrees, I might not. Marry someone just like that, out of the blue? Am I crazy?"

Miao Xuanxuan squinted his eyes and said, "Really? You truly don’t think marrying someone like Dongzi is a good choice? Dad has high standards. These past few years, who knows how many men have pursued us, but have you seen Dad’s reaction? He rejects them outright, almost as if he’s about to chase them away with a stick personally. This is the first time he’s given his approval, and I’m telling you, you might not get another chance like this."

Miao Qingqing shook her head gently and said, "Even so, that just won’t do. I’m set on my career, Xuanxuan..." Miao Qingqing suddenly stared at Miao Xuanxuan and said, "Why do I feel like you’ve been probing me this whole time?"

Miao Xuanxuan’s gaze shifted, avoiding eye contact, and Miao Qingqing immediately said, "See, I knew it!"

Miao Xuanxuan lifted his chin proudly and said, "That’s right, Miao Qingqing, I’m telling you, if you don’t agree, then I’ll make my move."

"Really?" Miao Qingqing looked at Miao Xuanxuan in surprise.

Miao Xuanxuan clenched his fist and said, "Of course, it’s true. Anyway, you better think it over. If you want to be with Dongzi, then I won’t say anything. But if you don’t want to, I won’t hold back."

A smile appeared on Miao Qingqing’s face as she said, "Fine, then I’ll leave this matter to you. Later, I’ll tell Dad to let you marry him."

"Just don’t regret it," Miao Xuanxuan stood his ground.

"No regrets." Miao Qingqing took Miao Xuanxuan’s hand and sat down, saying, "It’s rare for you to truly like someone, how could I not support you? Besides, there’s nothing real between me and Song Xiaodong, just a few misunderstandings. Don’t worry, I will wholeheartedly bless you two."

Miao Xuanxuan was slightly embarrassed by Miao Qingqing’s words, giving an awkward smile and said, "I was just joking with you, I wanted to give you a little nudge."

"Is that so?" Miao Qingqing chuckled and said, "Do I not know you? Like him, then go for it. As you said, Dad rarely approves of a man getting close to us, so you better seize the opportunity."

Miao Xuanxuan took a deep breath and clenched his fists, saying, "Alright, since you’ve given up, I won’t hold back. I will definitely win him over."

Miao Qingqing chuckled and said, "Then let me congratulate you in advance." As she spoke, a twinge of reluctance surged in her heart, but she immediately shook her head to cast aside the frightening thought.