Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Are You Sure?

"Very well, we will proceed according to your decision," the steward said politely.

Afterward, he took his leave, though inwardly he looked down on Xu Qing a little more.

Opportunities to curry favor with the young mistress were rare, yet Xu Qing failed to seize them, truly squandering the genuine affection the young mistress held.

Not far from them, Tan Qiutong and her companions were unaware of these developments and were currently troubled by the matter.

Once the Bai family made a decision, it was difficult to persuade them to change their minds.

But the current situation was as if a duck within their grasp had suddenly flown away, leaving her with a complex mix of feelings. Even her eternally impassive, coldly beautiful face showed traces of worry.

Although Ding Changqing had been harshly scolded, for the sake of appearances he returned and said, "My father has agreed. I believe good results will come soon."

Regardless of whether good results came, the Tan family could not find any trouble with the Ding family.

"That's wonderful! As expected of Young Master Ding—having you here truly puts one's mind at ease!" Secretary Liu quickly responded.

Tan Qiutong also expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Young Master Ding."

"It's nothing but a small matter," Ding Changqing smiled.

Although he did not know who had been assisting Tan Qiutong behind the scenes, since that person had not stepped forward to claim credit, if this turn of events was a lucky coincidence, he would not hesitate to accept it.

Ding Changqing glanced at Xu Qing with a hint of disdain.

No matter who had helped the Tan family, it certainly had nothing to do with this man living off a woman.

At that moment, Xu Qing was conversing with Lin Xia.

"You mean... you saved the young mistress Bai and Elder Bai, and that's why the Bai family entrusted you with control over this project?" Lin Xia asked, astonished.

But thinking of Xu Qing’s medical skills, she felt it was only natural that he received such a reward.

Human life is priceless, and for the Bai family, this 500-million Deepwater Bay project might not even be significant.

"Yes," Xu Qing nodded.

Seeing Lin Xia merely marvel at his experience without questioning why he did not hand the Deepwater Bay project to Lin Group, Xu Qing felt a flicker of gladness at her understanding.

Just then, Tan Qiutong’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out to see a call from the project manager at Tan Group.

“President Tan, Frostsnow Group has decided to award the Deepwater Bay project to our Tan Group and has chosen you as the project leader.”

Hearing this, Tan Qiutong’s heart stirred with excitement, though she tried not to show disbelief.

Frostsnow Group selecting them as the project leader meant their audit had passed!

"Are you sure?" Tan Qiutong asked calmly.

“Of course, no falsehood. Soon the Bai family will announce this good news. Just wait!” the project manager said before hanging up.

Tan Qiutong tried to suppress her joy, keeping her expression composed, but inside she was thrilled.

The secretary had previously been anxious, believing the loss of the Deepwater Bay project was irreversible. Yet now, not only did the Bai family not retract the project, they directly appointed her as its leader.

It felt like a dream, utterly unreal.

She quickly calmed herself, attributing this turnaround to Ding Changqing’s phone call, which had helped them avert disaster.

Yet she was puzzled—was it really possible for the Ding family to change the Bai family’s decision with just one call?

“President Tan, is there good news?” Secretary Liu asked cautiously.

Though President Tan often showed no emotion, Secretary Liu could read her mood from subtle expressions and sensed she was much happier than before.

Tan Qiutong nodded, "Our project manager just called to say I have been named the leader of the Bai family’s Deepwater Bay project."

Upon hearing the news, Secretary Liu looked toward Ding Changqing and said, “Thanks to Young Master Ding! He truly is omnipotent—just one word and the trouble was resolved!”

“Much obliged, Young Master Ding,” Tan Qiutong said.

Though slightly surprised, Ding Changqing’s expression quickly returned to normal as he smiled, "No need to thank me; it was a trivial matter."

He hadn’t expected such luck this time—after the scolding, he wasn’t blamed unjustly.

Still, he wondered who had done the good deed anonymously and allowed him to take credit.

“Xu Qing, I think you’ve heard now—the difference between you and Young Master Ding!” Secretary Liu said triumphantly, looking at Xu Qing as if she had orchestrated everything.

She sneered, "You could only get in here by tagging along with Miss Lin. What abilities do you really have? Miss Lin, aren’t you ashamed to be with someone like him? Or is it that even if he’s a live-in son-in-law to your family, your small clan doesn’t mind?"

Lin Xia, angered, was about to retort but was stopped by Xu Qing.

Xu Qing showed no sign of irritation; his expression remained indifferent as he shook his head at her.

“You, a mere secretary, just know how to bully others by relying on your connections! Your breath must reek—haven’t brushed your teeth in days, have you?” Lin Xia scolded furiously.

She knew Xu Qing preferred to keep a low profile and didn’t want to argue or prove anything, so she said no more, though her annoyance lingered.

Xu Qing’s willingness to share this news with her was a sign of trust, which warmed her heart.

Seeing Xu Qing remain silent, Secretary Liu grew even more arrogant, nearly pointing her finger at him.

“Xu Qing, you only know how to hide behind women, don’t you? I bet you’re too aware of your own shortcomings to speak up. If you were even half as capable as Young Master Ding, you wouldn’t be so quiet!”

Xu Qing had intended to stay low-key and avoid conflict with a mere secretary, but that did not mean he would tolerate insults.

His expression darkened, and his gaze sent a chill down Secretary Liu’s spine.

“What makes Young Master Ding so capable?” Xu Qing asked coldly.

Even Tan Qiutong was surprised; in three years, she had never seen this expression on Xu Qing’s face.

It was as if the Xu Qing before her now was not the man she had lived with and known all this time.

“…Young Master Ding just makes one phone call, and our group passes the audit, and the Bai family confirms awarding the Deepwater Bay project to Tan Group. Isn’t that impressive?” Secretary Liu said, though a flicker of fear betrayed her bravado.

Xu Qing retorted, “How can you be so sure that it was him who did this?”

Lin Xia wanted to curse Ding Changqing for shamelessly taking credit for Xu Qing’s achievements, but she restrained her anger and felt a surge of injustice on Xu Qing’s behalf.