So, when Grandmother summoned everyone and explained the situation, their reactions became even more intense!
"If you don't contribute, then your branch will not be part of the Nine Dragon Merchant Association."
Grandmother did not force them, but spoke coldly.
*Swish!*
*Swish!*
The Qin family members' faces changed instantly upon hearing Grandmother's words!
They understood which was more important: joining the merchant association or contributing twenty-five million.
"Grandmother, our branch is willing to contribute twenty-five million!"
At this moment, Qin Lan's aunt, Qin Ling, was the first to step forward and speak!
Although much time had passed, she still vividly remembered the influence Ye Fei had displayed in Longhai.
Let alone twenty-five million, even thirty million would be worth it!
These frog-like creatures, unwilling to pay but wanting to gain benefits, where else could such a windfall be found!
Qin Ling, though proud and conceited, was discerning.
Back then, when Ye Fei had struck her daughter, she was furious!
However, after calming down that night, she realized that Qin Bing's family branch's rise was unstoppable!
At such a time, it was best to maintain good relations rather than confront them!
If Qin Lan's family branch were to rise in the future, they could also benefit, couldn't they!
"Our branch is also willing to contribute twenty-five million!"
As soon as Qin Ling finished speaking, Second Aunt's branch also spoke up.
She had been present the entire time when Ye Fei was negotiating with Grandmother.
Furthermore, because she had spoken carelessly at the beginning, Ye Fei had slapped her!
However, she no longer held any resentment!
Forget being slapped, if they could truly join the association, being slapped ten times would still be worth it!
Seeing Qin Ling and Second Aunt's branches be the first to contribute, the expressions of the others present changed!
What was going on?
Weren't these two aunts usually so stingy!
At this time, shouldn't they have been the first to jump out and loudly protest!
Why did they agree so suddenly!
This… could it be a conspiracy!
However, even though they thought this, they quickly dismissed the idea!
With Grandmother present, a conspiracy was impossible!
Moreover, Grandmother had initiated this matter, and the money was to go into Grandmother's pocket and ultimately to Ye Fei's branch!
Grandmother would not collude with them to deceive the other ten branches!
Therefore, although everyone present had unpleasant expressions, they ultimately chose to contribute the money!
After all, compared to twenty-five million, joining the merchant association offered much greater benefits!
As long as one wasn't a fool, they knew how to choose!
"Good, since everyone has decided, I will send these three hundred million to Xiao Fei later, and he will help arrange this matter."
Grandmother's expression softened upon seeing everyone contribute the money.
Then, she noticed that some people's expressions were not very good, seeming pained by the twenty-five million. She then began to describe the various benefits of joining the Nine Dragon Merchant Association!
In fact, even without Grandmother's explanation, everyone understood.
Beside them, only Second Aunt's expression was not good!
Grandmother was being ruthless, disregarding all kinship!
Earlier, she had spoken kindly to Ye Fei and the others, saying that she would cover the expenses for Qin Lan and Qin Bing's branch!
But in the end!
She hadn't paid a single cent, and it was all being borne by them!
Of course, although Second Aunt thought this, she dared not voice it.
This was something only she knew. If it reached others, Grandmother would naturally know she was the one who said it.
At that time, if Grandmother were to erupt, she would be the one to suffer!
"Brother-in-law, I have to thank you again for this matter."
On the other side, Ye Fei returned home with Qin Bing and Qin Lan.
Qin Bing's gaze fell on Ye Fei, and she immediately expressed her gratitude.
"These are all minor matters. Since I will be leaving in a few days, I will settle your affairs properly before I go!"
Ye Fei glanced at Qin Bing and said with a slight shake of his head.
"Brother-in-law, are you really leaving? Can't you stay?"
Qin Bing was about to say something, but upon hearing Ye Fei's words, her attention was immediately diverted.
Thus, Qin Bing immediately looked at Ye Fei and spoke.
As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on Ye Fei.
Not only Qin Bing, but Qin Lan also looked up at Ye Fei.
However, she remained silent.
This was because her relationship with Ye Fei was rather sensitive.
Although she hadn't known Ye Fei before, they were engaged.
If she spoke at this moment, it would surely make Ye Fei misunderstand that she didn't want to break off the engagement!
In fact, if it were before, or when she had just met Ye Fei, Qin Lan would have been 100% certain she wanted to break off the engagement immediately.
But now, after interacting with Ye Fei for so many days, she no longer felt that way.
In fact, Qin Lan had a slight feeling of not wanting to break it off.
However, the moment this thought arose, she suppressed it!
"That won't do. I have seven engagements, and this is only the first. I will break off all the engagements and then come to find you when I have time."
Ye Fei shook his head and said to Qin Bing.
As Ye Fei spoke, he also glanced at Qin Lan!
In fact, when they first met and weren't very familiar with each other, Ye Fei could have said such things without restraint.
But now, because Ye Fei and Qin Lan had become more acquainted,
Ye Fei felt a little strange saying these words now.
However, Ye Fei didn't overthink it!
Because some things, even if awkward, had to be clarified!
Ye Fei was not someone who would casually let others dictate his fate!
To put it another way, even if they broke off the engagement and re-engaged, that would be acceptable!
At least that would be with his consent!
As for this engagement, he hadn't known about it at all; it was his master, that old rascal, who had arranged it for him. Ye Fei could not accept this!
Nor would he agree!
Of course, Qin Lan was unaware of this matter.
"Sigh!"
It was better that Qin Bing didn't hear Ye Fei's words. The moment she heard them, she couldn't help but sigh.
Then, Qin Bing looked up and instinctively glanced at her sister.
Although Qin Lan said nothing, was Qin Bing foolish!
Of course not. As sisters who grew up together, she understood her sister's personality very well.
Although her sister's expression was calm, her heart was undoubtedly in turmoil, a tempestuous storm!
However, even if she wanted to say something, she didn't know how to start!
"I'm going back to my room to sleep now."
At this moment, Qin Lan spoke.
After speaking, she turned and walked towards her room without waiting for Qin Bing or Ye Fei to respond.
Seeing her sister leave, Qin Bing moved her lips, wanting to say something, but the words died on her lips.
Ye Fei also looked, shook his head with a wry smile.
Did Ye Fei not understand these matters!
No, Ye Fei understood better than anyone. However, even though he understood, he feigned ignorance at this moment.
Sometimes, clarifying these matters would make it even harder for the two of them to face each other.
After all, they were the ones breaking off the engagement!
"I've been busy all day, and I'm quite tired. I'm going back to rest."
Ye Fei glanced at Qin Bing and didn't linger, yawning as he spoke.
Ye Fei was not making excuses, but was genuinely tired.
After all, he had experienced so much in one day.
Furthermore, his mind had been constantly tense, especially during Qin Lan's treatment, which had consumed a great deal of Ye Fei's physical and mental energy.
Therefore, the moment his mind relaxed, Ye Fei felt as if his legs could barely lift.