Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!

Chapter 46: Do You Want to Be My First Love?

Chapter 46: Do You Want to Be My First Love?

At this moment, in the Qin family's main residence, just as Qiu Tu had predicted, all five branches of the Qin family were gathered, arguing non-stop behind closed doors.

The most intense argument was between Qin Zhengguang and Fourth Master Qin.

Initially, upon receiving the notice about a family meeting to discuss the future of the Qin family, Fourth Master Qin was pleased, believing that Qiu Tu had indeed taken his bribe and handled the situation as promised.

However, when he heard from Qin Zhengguang that Qiu Tu had pinned all the collected evidence of crimes on him, he was dumbfounded.

In that instant, he wanted to interrupt Qin Zhengguang and ask, “What? What did you say? Qiu Tu said all those things were my doing? Is he insane?”

But he dared not. After all, none of the Qin family members knew that he had betrayed them. Over the years, despite their internal conflicts, the Qin family had always adhered to one principle: unity against external threats.

If it were revealed that he had sold out the Qin family to Qiu Tu, the family itself would target him before the Investigation Department even had a chance.

So, he could only sit in his chair, dumbfounded, listening to Qin Zhengguang recount the events in Yan Chen’s office.

He stood up, his face full of disbelief, and asked Qin Zhengguang, “Did I hear you right?”

“You want me to take the blame for everything?”

“How many lives do I have to take on so many charges?”

“I’m your own brother!”

Qin Zhengguang's face was full of conflict. He sighed deeply and said, “It’s not that I want to do this.”

“Qiu Tu has you by the throat. Even if we offer up someone else, the department won’t believe it.”

“Since you’re already caught, taking the fall for everything is better than us all going down together.”

Fourth Master Qin slammed the table and stood up, glaring at Qin Zhengguang, “What are you saying!”

“You want to watch your own brother burn?”

He glanced at Qin Heng and then back at Qin Zhengguang, shouting, “I knew it. Ever since Father died, you and Big Brother have looked down on me and Third Brother.”

“After all, you’re politicians, big shots in New Realm City. While Third Brother and I are just businessmen, and I’m involved in shady businesses.”

“You despise me, and I tolerated it because Father divided the family this way! But now something has happened, and you want me to take the blame? I refuse!”

As the argument heated up, Qin Heng, the family patriarch, coughed twice and spoke sternly, “Enough, both of you.”

He looked at Fourth Master Qin, speaking gently, “Fourth Brother, Second Brother reported this to me at noon. We discussed it at length, and this is truly the best outcome.”

“I know it’s unfair to you.”

“But it’s for the family.”

Seeing Fourth Master Qin about to retort, Qin Heng raised his hand to silence him and added, “Rest assured, we recognize your contributions to the family.”

“So, if you take the fall, I promise your two sons will hold section chief positions in the Municipal Council or the Investigation Department when they come of age.”

“And your businesses. Third Brother will give you a third of his legitimate businesses to ensure your family’s expenses.”

“As for your safety, tonight, I will personally meet with Yan Chen to secure a guarantee.”

“I will ensure you’re not tortured and that your life is not in danger.”

“So, please, endure this for the family. When the time is right, we’ll find a way to get you out.”

Fourth Master Qin’s face changed rapidly upon hearing this.

At that moment, Qin Shu, the head of the third branch, suddenly stood up and protested, “Wait a minute. Big Brother, why should I pay for Second Brother and Fourth Brother’s mistakes?”

“I’ve been doing my business properly, and now I have to give away a third of it?”

“I already contribute half of my income to the family every year. What will I have left?”

“I don’t agree!”

And so, a new round of arguments began.

But what no one knew was that while they were arguing, Fourth Master Qin's communicator suddenly vibrated.

He secretly took it out and glanced at it.

In that instant, his face darkened rapidly, but he quickly regained his composure.

Meanwhile, brewing the Cataclysm Potion was both troublesome and straightforward.

It was troublesome because the pharmacist needed to understand the properties of all the Cataclysm materials and the timing for using the “Starlight King's Servant” four types of herbs, ensuring their harmonious interaction.

Knowing when to add which herb, when to stir, and when to take it off the heat was crucial.

But it was straightforward because once these steps were memorized, most of the process was automated, requiring minimal supervision from the pharmacist.

So, Shen Lingshuang had ample time to pester Qiu Tu.

After setting a timer for the next stirring, Shen Lingshuang tiptoed into the living room and watched Qiu Tu, who was sitting on the sofa with his hands behind his head, seemingly deep in thought.

After watching quietly for a while and feeling bored, she finally spoke up, “Hey, Qiu Tu~”

Qiu Tu snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her.

Shen Lingshuang asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Qiu Tu replied nonchalantly, “Just thinking.”

Shen Lingshuang’s eyes twinkled mischievously, “Shall we chat?”

Qiu Tu asked, “About what?”

Shen Lingshuang grinned, revealing her cute little canine teeth, “Do you have a girlfriend?”

Qiu Tu was taken aback, then gave her a meaningful look, “That depends on whether you want a chance or an answer.”

Qiu Tu’s cheeky words nearly overloaded Shen Lingshuang’s brain.

Her eyes glazed over as her mind raced, trying to comprehend his words.

She leaned forward, cautiously asking, “Did you ever have a girlfriend before?”

Images of the ten or so girlfriends from his past life flashed through Qiu Tu’s mind, but he shook his head, “No.”

“They were just friends I got along well with.”

“They taught me about love.”

“Later, we parted ways because of differing views.”

Qiu Tu raised an eyebrow, “Why? Do you want to be my first love?”

Shen Lingshuang’s eyes glazed over again, her mind struggling to process his words. She understood each sentence, but together, they didn’t make sense.

Love tutors? Friends I got along well with?

What does that even mean?

Too flustered to respond, she covered her face and ran back to her room to continue brewing the potion.

Watching her retreat, Qiu Tu chuckled. Teasing such a pure girl was genuinely fun.

Then, with his hands behind his head, he continued to patiently wait for the changes within the Qin family.

Tick-tock. Tick-tock. As the clock on the wall swung back and forth, time passed by.

Halfway through Shen Lingshuang’s potion brewing, the urgent ringing of a communicator broke the silence.

Riiiing! Riiiing!

Qiu Tu took out his communicator, looked at the caller ID, and smiled. As expected, he had been waiting for this call.

He answered the call, not even greeting before Fourth Master Qin’s furious curses erupted, “Qiu Tu, you bastard!”

“You and your #@%!”

“Fuck #...!”

Being a gang leader, it was natural for him to have a bad temper, so Qiu Tu wasn’t bothered and just listened quietly.

After a minute of cursing, Qiu Tu finally spoke during Fourth Master Qin’s pause for breath, “Are you done, Fourth Master? Do you want to curse some more?”

“You can curse all day and night, but can you kill me with your curses?”

Hearing Qiu Tu’s words, Fourth Master Qin’s anger flared up again, “You son of a…!”

This time, Qiu Tu didn’t indulge him and hung up.

After hanging up, Qiu Tu kept the communicator in hand, counting down with a smile, “Three, two, one.”

Right on cue, the communicator rang again.

Qiu Tu answered and said, “Fourth Master, calm down. I know you’re angry, but let’s talk.”

“Things may not be as bad as you think.”

Perhaps Qiu Tu hanging up on him made Fourth Master Qin realize the situation, or maybe his earlier outburst had vented some of his anger. This time, he remained silent for a couple of seconds before speaking, no longer cursing.

His tone carried the authority of a gang leader, “Qiu Tu, you’ve played your cards well.”

“You took my money, took my leads, and then sold me out. You’ve got a dark heart. Aren’t you afraid I’ll take you down with me?”

Qiu Tu laughed, “Fourth Master, you’re mistaken.”

“Leads were gathered from my own investigation; the money was your bribe to stop me from investigating you. I’m an agent, and you’re a gang leader. We’re not the same, so there’s no betrayal.”

“I reported every detail of our interaction to the director, so you can’t threaten me.”

“And besides, can you afford to make this public?”

“You’re already in a tight spot. If the Qin family finds out you’re the traitor, do you think you’ll survive?”

Heavy breathing came from the other side of the line. After a few

deep breaths, Fourth Master Qin laughed angrily, “Well, well, well. No wonder you’re a top agent, or should I say, Deputy Chief Qiu! Your tactics are impressive.”

“But why did you message me if you already sold me out?”

Qiu Tu sighed, “Fourth Master, you misunderstand.”

“I never betrayed you, nor forgot our deal.”

“I just thought your original plan was too unrealistic, so I changed it.”

“If I’m not mistaken, you weren’t planning and pushing this alone, right?”

“Your accomplice should be Third Master.”

Fourth Master Qin’s breathing hitched.

Qiu Tu chuckled, “Don’t be surprised. No one betrayed you.”

“It’s a simple deduction.”

“Commissioner Qin’s health is poor, and he has no sons to inherit the family legacy.”

“So, the old patriarch paved the way for Qin Zhengguang, connecting him with Director Yan.”

“This gave the Qin family two backup plans.”

“If Commissioner Qin recovers, he continues leading the family with Qin Zhengguang assisting him.”

“If he doesn’t, Qin Zhengguang takes over the family business.”

“The old patriarch considered the entire family, but he forgot everyone has personal interests.”

“You and Third Master are also his sons. Why should the first and second branches inherit, while you’re sidelined?”

“So, you’re dissatisfied and unwilling to accept it.”

“You want to control the family, so you aim to take down Qin Zhengguang.”

“Conveniently, he gave you the opportunity.”

“Before he died, the old patriarch warned you not to engage with the RUF. But the benefits were too great.”

“Qin Zhengguang couldn’t let go of this connection.”

“So, you went along, secretly gathering evidence while continuing the cooperation.”

“You knew that if you could bring Qin Zhengguang down, Commissioner Qin would have to choose a new heir to secure the family’s future.”

“And only you and Third Master are direct relatives, so either of you would achieve your goal.”

“But the plan had to be executed during New Realm City’s early days.”

“During its initial phase, power structures are unstable, and many positions are vacant. As an established local power, the Qin family still holds significant influence, earning the Municipal Council and the Investigation Department’s respect. So, even if you change the heir, the family can adapt smoothly.”

“If you miss these two years, the Municipal Council and the Investigation Department will solidify their rule, most positions will be filled by various factions, and taking down Qin Zhengguang will hardly yield the desired positions, possibly leading to the family’s decline.”

“So, you’ve been waiting for the right moment and a scapegoat willing to face Commissioner Qin’s wrath.”

“And then you noticed me.”

After explaining, Qiu Tu smiled and asked, “Am I right, Fourth Master?”

Despite the situation, Fourth Master Qin didn’t admit to the conspiracy. He snorted, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I called you because of your message.”

“You said you could save me?”

Author's Note