The Patriarch of the Zhu family smiled and looked at Zhu Ling'er dotingly.
"Who do you think you are, talking without thinking?"
"The Shi family currently has the upper hand, and they want to gain more leverage!"
This was understandable.
After all, the Shi family's ambition was not limited to just the Xie family.
Therefore, the Shi family head was thinking several steps ahead.
They were unwilling to allocate more resources to the Zhu family because they wanted to deal with the Xie family first and then target the Zhu family!
"Dad, since you know, why bother talking nonsense with him?" Zhu Ling'er asked with some confusion.
This time, the Zhu family head did not explain, only chuckled.
As they spoke.
The gift was opened by Zhu Ling'er.
It was a Pixiu made of warm jade.
It looked crystal clear, and rather beautiful.
However, to the Zhu family head, who had seen countless treasures, it was obvious that the Pixiu was not of high value.
It was likely made from scraps.
"Just this thing?"
"The Shi family truly has no sincerity!"
Zhu Ling'er placed the Pixiu in her palm and played with it for a moment, pouting in disappointment.
The Zhu family head smiled. "Perhaps our attitude is not that important to the Shi family head."
This was why the Shi family head was so negligent!
Zhu Ling'er's eyes darted around. "Since the Shi family has no sincerity, why don't we help the Xie family then?"
"Oh?" The Zhu family head raised an eyebrow.
No one knew a daughter better than her father.
The Zhu family head knew very well that Zhu Ling'er was not that kind-hearted!
Facing her father's suspicious gaze, Zhu Ling'er became uncharacteristically shy.
She swayed her father's arm and pouted, acting spoiled. "It's just that Doctor Zhou is quite interesting. He's with the Xie family, so let's help the Xie family."
The Zhu family head chuckled.
It was quite unusual!
Although Zhu Ling'er often liked to tease people, not everyone could catch her eye!
She would usually lose interest after one or two rounds of teasing.
But this Zhou Yu, Zhu Ling'er had been thinking about him since the banquet ended.
She even wanted the Zhu family to help the Xie family because of Zhou Yu.
This was the first time he had seen such a thing with Zhu Ling'er!
"Dad, can't we help the Xie family?" Zhu Ling'er pleaded for a while, but seeing that the Zhu family head had not made a decision.
She thought it was because helping the Xie family would yield less benefit.
She could only sigh.
"It's not impossible to help the Xie family."
Just as Zhu Ling'er was about to give up, the Zhu family head said leisurely.
Instantly, Zhu Ling'er's eyes lit up!
"However, not now."
"After all, the Xie family is in a weak position. If they want our Zhu family's help, they must show their attitude!"
The Zhu family head stated unequivocally.
The Zhu family head could indulge Zhu Ling'er's whims regarding who to help.
But when it came to family interests, he couldn't let Zhu Ling'er be capricious!
It wouldn't make sense for the Zhu family to work hard for the Xie family for nothing, right?
Setting aside whether the Zhu family head agreed, the other members of the Zhu family would be the first to object!
Zhu Ling'er nodded slightly and confidently said, "Don't worry, the sincerity the Xie family gives will definitely be more than the Shi family's!"
The Zhu family head smiled without speaking.
Meanwhile.
After the Shi family head left the Zhu family.
His face was full of anger!
He had come to deliver gifts early in the morning, only wanting an attitude from the Zhu family.
In the Shi family head's opinion, he had already humbled himself.
But what was the result?
The people of the Zhu family were more arrogant than the last!
Not only did they make him wait in the reception hall for so long,
But they also had someone eavesdropping nearby!
That's right.
When Zhu Ling'er was listening behind the screen just now, she was not careful in hiding and revealed the hem of her pants.
The Shi family head saw it, but because he needed their help, he could only swallow his pride.
Thinking of the evasive response from the Zhu family head just now, the Shi family head felt a surge of anger from his dantian straight to his forehead.
"Does this Zhu family really think they can't do without me?"
The Shi family head resentfully returned to his study and began to ponder.
If neither family had any external aid, the Shi family would undoubtedly crush the Xie family.
He was only afraid that the Xie family would occupy the moral high ground.
And then offer great benefits to rally others against the Shi family!
To ensure no mistakes,
The Shi family also needed to find a powerful external ally.
Originally, the Shi family head had hoped for the Zhu family's stance.
Whether the Zhu family remained neutral or helped the Shi family, it would be beneficial for the Shi family.
But today, the Shi family head returned defeated.
He had to find another way!
As the Shi family head was pondering, Shi Lifeng arrived.
"Brother, I... I'm sorry."
Guilt appeared on Shi Lifeng's face.
Although the Shi family head had said that protecting her was for the consideration of the Shi family.
Shi Lifeng knew that sibling affection still played a significant role!
After a night of listening to others' analyses.
Shi Lifeng also knew how disadvantaged the Shi family was now.
Seeing her brother return in a huff and immediately retreat to his study.
Shi Lifeng felt even more guilty!
"Lifeng, you're here?" The Shi family head snapped back to attention, looked up, and greeted her.
Shi Lifeng sat down opposite the Shi family head and asked worriedly, "Brother, have you thought of what to do?"
"If it's really impossible, then send me to the Xie family to apologize!"
"I can die, but the Shi family must not fall!"
"Dèshuāng and Shàohuá are still waiting for us to save them!"
The first part of her words touched the Shi family head greatly.
However, as he listened further, the Shi family head's expression became more and more unpleasant!
So Shi Lifeng wanted to sell herself, and in the end, it was still for the Zhang family's sake.
As expected, a married daughter is like spilled water!
"We already protected you, what's the point of sending you back now?" The Shi family head rolled his eyes.
Shi Lifeng rubbed her fingers and asked, "Then is there anything I can do now?"
The Shi family head originally wanted Shi Lifeng to just stay quiet, which would be the greatest help.
But before he could speak.
A flash of inspiration struck the Shi family head's mind!
Yes.
The Zhu family was no longer an option.
But there was the Shadow Organization!
With Shi Lifeng here, she could be the bridge!
If they cooperated with the Shadow Organization, would they still fear a mere Xie family?
By then, no matter who helped the Xie family, the Shi family would achieve a crushing victory!
It would be best if the Zhu family helped the Xie family, then the Shi family could swallow both of them in one go.
Thinking of this, the Shi family head looked at Shi Lifeng with intense fervor.
Shi Lifeng was creeped out by his gaze.
She took a small step back, chuckling dryly, "Brother?"
In her heart, she cursed, "This is bad."
Could this look in the Shi family head's eyes mean he really intended to hand her over to the Xie family?
Shi Lifeng regretted it now.
If she had known, she wouldn't have spoken up earlier...
"Isn't the Zhang family a first-class family in Yunhai City? Tell me in detail how your brother-in-law was arrested by the Dragon Group."
The Shi family head, with a smile on his face, pushed his chair towards Shi Lifeng.
From his demeanor alone, it was clear he had ill intentions!