Chapter 18: Ning Qingxue's Plight

Translator: Tim Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

Although a mid-sized family, the Beijing-based Ning family had fallen on hard times. The old man Ning's retirement due to illness had weakened the family, creating a tense atmosphere at their current family meeting—one devoid of joy or happiness.

"Will Qingxue, that girl, still not change her mind?" After a long silence, the fifty-something man at the head of the table slammed his fist down and asked. He was Ning Zhongze, the current head of the Ning family, eldest son of the old man Ning, and governor of Beijing's River District.

In a sprawling international city like Beijing, a district governor held more sway than some vice-governors from other provinces. However, even in Beijing, a district governor was hardly a significant figure. With the old man Ning's retirement and Ning Zhongze himself in his fifties, district governor was likely the pinnacle of his career unless a miracle occurred.

"Brother, it's not up to her anymore," said a middle-aged man seated to Ning Zhongze's right. "Third Brother manages Ning Family Medical Materials, and he understands our predicament. Our largest supplier, the American Sika Company, is now controlled by a woman from the powerful Song family—a lethal blow to us."

He continued, "Since Father's retirement, we've lost our political leverage. Another commercial setback will cripple us. Though Song Shaowen is known for his promiscuity, the Song family remains influential. A marriage alliance would revitalize our business and potentially advance Brother's career."

Ning Zhongze sighed, waving his hand. "Zhongwei, I understand. While an alliance with the Song family is advantageous, Song Shaowen is unreliable We should discuss this with Third Brother. After all, Qingxue is his daughter."

"Brother, Fourth Brother is right," agreed Ning Zhongshou, the second brother, seated to Ning Zhongze's left. "This is a matter of life and death for the family. We're only asking Qingxue to marry into the Song family. It's insignificant compared to the family's survival. Qingxue should understand, as should Third Brother. She handles the Beijing business; she should see the bigger picture."

"Father, Second Uncle, and Fourth Uncle are right," added Ning Xili, Ning Zhongze's eldest son. "Shaowen's promiscuity is common among young men; they often change after marriage. This is for Qingxue's good. He's certainly better than that paralyzed man from the Ye family. Besides, Shaowen has long harbored feelings for Qingxue. He won't mistreat her."

Ning Zhongze remained silent before finally stating, "I'll speak with Zhongfei and Zhongshou. Huili will work on Qingxue. The wedding must occur in October; November 1st is fast approaching."

A young man at the end of the table opened his mouth, but seeing the head of the family had spoken, he remained silent. This was Ning Yang, Ning Zhongze's younger son, the only one opposed to this hasty marriage. Immediately after the meeting, he sought out Ning Qingxue.

Though Ning Qingxue's previous public statements suggested she was constrained by the family, she simply preferred seclusion. Her personality was reserved, and she disliked socializing. Since her dismissal from Ning Family Medical Materials, she remained mostly at home, seeing few besides her best friend, Li Mumei.

Li Mumei was not only Ning Qingxue's former assistant at Ning Family Medical Materials but also her best friend and cousin. Of the Ning family, Ning Yang was perhaps the only one with whom Ning Qingxue still maintained a relationship. However, burdened with his own concerns, he rarely visited. His arrival today filled Ning Qingxue with foreboding.

"Brother Yang, long time no see!" Li Mumei greeted, having been in conversation with Ning Qingxue. Ning Yang's grim expression spoke volumes, yet he didn't evade the subject.

"Qingxue, your life is in your own hands. I can help you leave the country. A family's future shouldn't be secured through a woman's marriage." Ning Yang's primary purpose was to help Ning Qingxue escape; he knew the true nature of Song Shaowen.

Ning Qingxue's face went pale. Despite her public declarations, she was still a commodity to be traded by her family.

"Qingxue" Li Mumei whispered, concern evident. An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Even with Ning Yang's assistance, escaping abroad would be difficult, and even then, she would likely be brought back.

"Cousin, don't worry. I'll start making arrangements. Mumei, Qingxue will need your help," Ning Yang said, hurrying away. He knew his uncles would prevent her departure if they learned of his plan.

Seeing Ning Qingxue's stony expression, Li Mumei felt immense sympathy. Her beauty had robbed her of freedom. Everyone in Beijing's social circles knew Song Shaowen's reputation—a man juggling affairs with numerous women, frequently photographed with them. Only the Song family's power and influence kept this shameful truth largely concealed.

He was also known for his cruelty; he often discarded women, sometimes with devastating consequences. A promising actress who refused his advances had her legs broken and was thrown into a brothel, ultimately driven to suicide. In Beijing's elite circles, he was known as "the Demon."

"Qingxue, I have an idea, but it would ruin your reputation and make you undesirable for this awful marriage" Li Mumei began, her voice faltering.

"What is it? Tell me!" Ning Qingxue urged, willing to do anything to avoid Song Shaowen.

Li Mumei sighed. "Use your 'shield' again. You've publicly declared yourself Ye Mo's woman. Everyone knows it's an excuse, but if something were to happen between you and Ye Mo"

Seeing Ning Qingxue's shocked expression, Li Mumei hastily clarified, "I don't mean that kind of 'something.' You know he's incapacitated. He can't do anything to you. But if you suddenly married him, lived together, and allowed a journalist to photograph you together—the Song family would refuse you."

Ning Qingxue's eyes brightened, but she remained silent.

Li Mumei, understanding her friend's intentions, continued, "Ye Mo, a typical spoiled rich kid, cares about appearances. After you broke off your engagement, he still sought a high-class girlfriend to maintain his image.

"But do you know her response? She asked him, 'Young Master Ye, can you even perform?' He supposedly fainted in anger. He's oblivious to his expulsion from the Ye family, and likely struggling financially. I already gave him 20,000; he accepted without hesitation. Another tens of thousands, and he'll happily play along for the money and the image boost."

Ning Qingxue sighed. "My reputation is already ruined. It's just will the Song family retaliate against him?"