The system only arrives when you're old? Then let's create a super-rich family!

Qin Mao and Zhou Hongyi slowly sat back on the sofa, exhaling a long breath, their minds still buzzing.

Qin Mao's eyes were filled with complex emotions, and he was still pondering:

How many things did Dad hide from them?

He believed that the Qin family's resources were definitely not worth one hundred trillion!

But just taking out this trillion dollars would be enough to cause a huge storm around the world.

What if we bring out even more?

He suddenly dared not think about it anymore, because the more he thought about it, the more frightened he became.

A family of this size is too conspicuous.

Does the imperial family truly allow such a family to exist?

He suddenly understood why his father had never told them the truth; he was probably afraid of this aspect as well.

Keeping a low profile and concealing one's strengths is the best way to preserve oneself.

At that moment, he fully understood all of his father's forbearance and strategic planning.

Qin Mao himself offered a logical explanation for Qin Zheng's actions.

Besides the shock in his eyes, Zhou Hongyi's inner sensitivity was once again stirred, causing him to fall into internal strife.

Does he really deserve the Qin family?

But remembering Qin Zheng's past encouragement and recognition, he hesitated again.

Dad must like him too, right?

Otherwise, why make him the first trillion-dollar CEO in the catering industry?

However, the difference between this trillion and Qin Zihao's trillion is too great.

Is he considered one of the Qin family's own?

Was Qin Zheng's cultivation of him merely out of consideration for Qin Huirong, or did he genuinely acknowledge his talent?

No one noticed Zhou Hongyi's strange behavior; everyone was stunned by the trillion-dollar figure.

On the other side of the sofa, Zhou Erniu stared wide-eyed, his slightly chubby body leaning forward, his face full of fervent envy.

Duanmu Ying, who was standing next to her, was also completely stunned and subconsciously covered her mouth.

"My God! A hundred trillion in pocket money!"

On Tuesday, Niu couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, his tone full of admiration.

"Brother Hao, who exactly is your grandfather?"

If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, Zhou Erniu would have even asked your grandfather if he needed any more grandsons; he really would do anything!

Qin Zihao shook his head:

"I don't know anything about the Qin family's background either. My grandfather never told us younger generations about it."

Upon hearing this, the astute Gongshu Yi and Duanmu Hong exchanged a glance, instantly understanding each other's thoughts.

They saw through it but didn't say anything, immediately offering advice and trying to please him.

"Old Master Qin must have his reasons for doing this. Young Master Qin, you don't need to ask. He will tell you when the time comes!"

"Young Master Qin, Old Master Qin has high hopes for you. Your most important task now is to demonstrate your abilities to him and prove that you are a qualified heir, not to dwell on these questions. The Qin family will be handed over to you in the future!"

These words struck a chord with Qin Zihao.

Qin Zihao naturally knew his grandfather's expectations of him, and he nodded and said:

"I know that from now on, I will never let Grandpa down again!"

...

Meanwhile, in Beijing.

Qin Zheng leaned back in a genuine leather boss's chair, with a projected screen in front of him displaying the entire living room of the Qin residence.

A faint, knowing smile played on his lips.

He knew how to act like a wise person who "disappears after accomplishing his task, concealing his merits and fame."

Therefore, after transferring the money to Qin Zihao, he hung up the phone immediately, leaving room for everyone in the Qin residence to imagine and be convinced.

The current result is even more perfect than he had expected.

The eldest grandson regained his confidence and underwent a complete transformation.

The Duanmu and Gongshu families became completely loyal to the Duanmu and Gongshu clans.

The question of where he got so much money became a topic they refused to discuss.

Seeing that the matter on the other side was over, Duanmu Hong also took his leave. Just as he was about to turn off the monitor, he heard an anxious voice coming from the other side.

"Brother Hao! Don't forget what you promised me!"

Just as everyone had calmed down from the shock of the trillion-dollar balance and thought the party was about to end, Zhou Erniu's shout reminded them that the matter between the other party and Duanmu Hong was still unresolved.

Qin Zihao leaned back against the main seat of the sofa, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the edge of his phone, the fourteen-digit balance repeatedly echoing in his mind, his heart still pounding.

One hundred trillion in pocket money.

It wasn't until Zhou Erniu's urgent and blunt voice rang in his ears that he snapped out of his shock.

Qin Zihao's eyes flickered, and he instantly remembered the promise he had made to his brother last night.

He had just sat up straight, ready to say a few words to help his brother.

Duanmu Hong, standing beside him, spoke first, interrupting him, his posture respectful yet his stance firm.

"Young Master Qin, this is an internal family matter of the Duanmu family, so there's no need for you to intervene. Besides, I won't blame your friend."

Duanmu Hong bowed slightly, his mind constantly weighing and considering the matter.

Having just witnessed trillions of dollars arrive in his account, he had already completely submitted to the Qin family.

He originally intended to make a fuss about it, but the situation was not right now; it was clear that Zhou Erniu and Qin Zihao had an unusual relationship.

However, public and private matters must be clearly distinguished.

But he couldn't bring himself to push his most beloved granddaughter out to seek personal gain.

After all, Zhou Erniu's social class was far below theirs, and he gave off a carefree and irresponsible vibe. He didn't seem like a good match for his granddaughter at all.

If it were Qin Erniu, even if he were mediocre, he would not hesitate to facilitate the marriage and finalize the engagement overnight simply because of his Qin surname.

Or perhaps, he only allowed the two to interact after he saw Zhou Erniu rise to a high position alongside Qin Zihao.

He would never hand his granddaughter over to Zhou Erniu right now.

Right now, he doesn't want to break ties with the Qin family, nor does he want to agree to let the two of them be together, so he can only compromise and express his opinion.

On the surface, she was magnanimous and didn't pursue the matter of their private contact, but secretly she completely blocked Qin Zihao's attempts to reconcile them.

Since he wasn't going to pursue the matter further, Qin Zihao probably didn't have much to say.

Once Zhou Erniu, with Qin Zihao's help, climbs into the top circle and truly establishes himself, possessing the ability to stand on his own, he will naturally no longer obstruct his granddaughter's marriage.

After all, powerful and wealthy families believe in strong alliances.

In just a few words, he made a meticulous and thorough calculation.

Zhou Erniu, who was sitting to the side, immediately looked sullen, his round face turning red.

Even if he wasn't very smart, he could still understand the unspoken meaning behind Duanmu Hong's words.

That old Bi Deng is truly despicable.

Not pursuing the mistake does not mean approving of him;

By preventing Qin Zihao from getting involved, they were effectively blocking all avenues for him to pursue Duanmu Ying.

Zhou Erniu hurriedly turned his head, looking anxiously at Qin Zihao, his eyes full of pleading.

He finally met a girl who shared his values, was willing to sit with him by the roadside to drink milk tea, and didn't look down on his ordinary background.

This is the first time in his life he has fallen in love, and he would never give up so easily.

Moreover, with Brother Hao backed by the Tongtian Qin family and holding trillions of dollars, he is rising rapidly in rank with Brother Hao. Why is he not good enough for Duanmu Ying?

Qin Zihao saw the anxious look in his brother's eyes and understood the unspoken meaning in Duanmu Hong's words.

On one side are his good brothers, and on the other side are his family allies who have just pledged their allegiance.

He really shouldn't be too biased towards one side.

So, feeling helpless, he tried to smooth things over, speaking in a gentle tone:

"Grandpa Duanmu, it's inevitable that young people will have differing opinions, but there's no major conflict between them. Why don't we all sit down and have a good talk to try and clear up the misunderstanding?"

Duanmu Hong shook his head slightly, his attitude resolute, leaving no room for compromise.

"Young Master Qin, it's no use. The conflict between our two generations is a deep-rooted ideological divide that can't be resolved through conversation."

He was wary of Qin Zihao's identity and didn't want to strain the relationship. After hesitating for two seconds, he gave his final bottom-line promise.

"I can give you a definite answer. If this chubby kid can truly grow up in the future, stop being so irresponsible, and become capable of standing on his own and building his own network and career, I will absolutely not stop Yingzi from associating with him."

The phrase "carefree and irresponsible" acted as a fuse, igniting Zhou Erniu's long-suppressed anger.

On Tuesday, Niu jumped up from the sofa and snorted coldly:

"I've been capable of handling things on my own for a long time!"

Duanmu Hong slightly raised his eyelids, glancing at him sideways with a calm yet somewhat contemptuous look, befitting a superior.

That look was so direct it seemed to say: You?

This disdainful look completely enraged Zhou Erniu.

He abandoned his usual playful demeanor, his expression becoming more serious than ever before, and his voice resounding throughout the hall.

"Before following Brother Hao, I was struggling alone in Jiangnan! I found my own jobs and sent money back to my parents' hometown on time every month to support my family!"

"I don't spend money extravagantly, and I save money every month! My rented apartment is very tidy! I can handle all the big and small things in life, including rent, work, and social interactions, all by myself!"

"At twenty-three, I'm self-sufficient, relying on neither family nor connections, managing a stable life and handling everyday matters. Looking at young people my age, how many can do what I have?"

"Tell me, how can I not be considered capable of handling things independently?"

After saying that, fearing that Qin Zihao would misunderstand that he was denying his brother's protection, he quickly turned around and added a sentence, his tone becoming more restrained.

"Brother Hao, I'm not denying the favor you did me, but our situations are different. You have the backing of a family, while I'm starting from scratch."

Qin Zihao couldn't help but suppress a smile, and touched the tip of his nose sheepishly.

There's nothing we can do, he has a wealthy grandfather.

Born standing at the finish line, although the journey ahead may be tough, the rest is all sweet.

He is certainly not qualified to judge the standards of hard work of ordinary people.

Objectively speaking, for someone of Erniu's age, being self-disciplined, independent, and able to handle all the trivial matters of life properly is indeed quite remarkable for an ordinary person.

At this moment, Zhou Erniu's blood was surging, his youthful spirit was high, his whole body was slightly hot, and his face was flushed red.

He straightened his back, waiting for Duanmu Hong to change his mind and acknowledge his efforts.

Duanmu Hong merely looked indifferent, gesturing slightly with his chin to the three cups of milk tea on the coffee table, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

it is more than words.

In an instant, Zhou Erniu's enthusiasm plummeted to rock bottom, leaving him feeling both angry and aggrieved.

He had already learned from Duanmu Ying that the old man was extremely old-fashioned, regarding new drinks like milk tea as a scourge, strictly controlling Duanmu Ying's daily life, and forbidding his granddaughter from engaging in any trendy pastimes popular with young people.

Previously, out of respect for Yingzi, he had always restrained his temper and been polite and tolerant.

Now, the other party is repeatedly using outdated ideas to suppress him and looking down on the lifestyles of ordinary people. Zhou Erniu could no longer tolerate it.

His face darkened, and he immediately launched into a one-sided rebuttal, his tone sharp, sarcastic, and utterly merciless.

"Old baby, I was giving you some face because you're Yingzi's grandfather, but since you're so shameless, I won't hold back anymore."

"Your thinking is outdated and rigid, your ideas are even more stinking and inflexible than the foot-binding cloths of an old lady from the old society! You demonize a simple cup of milk tea into a monstrous flood with the slightest word, and you always put on a lecturing attitude of being superior to others from the upper class!"

Everyone was stunned. No one expected that the usually honest and easy-going chubby boy would dare to confront Duanmu Hong in public.

And the language was so violent!

On Tuesday, Niu spoke faster and faster, not giving anyone a chance to react.

"Every vegetable and fruit you eat on your table every day, which one isn't sprayed with pesticides, fertilized with chemical fertilizers, and treated with growth regulators? Why don't you treat these foods like poison and refuse to touch them?"

"Food additives used within the national standards are inherently harmless to the human body! Discussing toxicity without considering dosage is the most shameless fallacy! Every steamed bun, sauce, cooked food, and condiment on our tables relies on food processing aids. You eat them every meal without a care, yet you endlessly criticize young people for a cup of milk tea!"

"Clinging to outdated and backward ideas from decades ago, refusing to learn modern living standards, and unwilling to accept new things! Narrow-minded, stagnant, and hypocritical!"

On Tuesday, Niu raised two index fingers, a gesture of disdain.

"No one is forcing you to drink if you don't want to! No one is forcing your lifestyle on you! But don't use your outdated and corrupt ideas to hold everyone's lifestyle hostage!"

"At your age, your thinking is still stuck in the last century. You have no tolerance whatsoever, you don't care about standards or dosages, and you demonize anything with processed ingredients. According to your logic, drinking too much water can cause water intoxication, so why don't you just fast and abstain from grains?"

"So, the casual drinks that young people like are inherently sinful, while the food on your table, smeared with chemicals, is a completely natural panacea? What's wrong with drinking a cup of milk tea?"

He spoke a long passage fluently and eloquently.

It's all about courage!

The entire Qin family living room was completely silent.

Everyone stared wide-eyed at the chubby boy who had gone berserk.

Zhou Erniu, who is usually easygoing, kind, and loves to eat and laugh, has such a strong aura when he gets angry.

Everyone instinctively turned to look at Duanmu Hong.

As expected, Duanmu Hong's face darkened visibly, his brows furrowed, his complexion turned ashen, and his aura turned icy cold.

Sitting next to her grandfather, Duanmu Ying panicked. She nervously gripped her skirt and repeatedly gave Zhou Erniu winks and shook her head, signaling him to shut up.

Grandpa was old and extremely concerned about his reputation, and as the head of the Duanmu family, he was utterly humiliated to be publicly berated and mocked by a junior.

He didn't want Erniu's relationship with his grandfather to become increasingly strained.

But Zhou Erniu completely ignored her dissuasive gaze and only wanted to get it off his chest.

He stared at Duanmu Hong, his tone softening, revealing a hint of helplessness and understanding typical of ordinary people.

"Old man, life isn't just about enduring days and suffering."

"Adult life is never easy. Working to make a living, social obligations, supporting a family—there's pressure and hardship everywhere. A cup of milk tea costing a few dollars or a dozen dollars is the most basic emotional comfort for ordinary people. When you're tired, a sip of sweet water can relax your nerves and dispel most of your negative emotions."

"Moderate enjoyment is never a sin. In the mundane chaos of life, seizing a few simple and inexpensive little joys is all the happiness we ordinary people have."

"It's just a cup of milk tea, what's the harm in drinking it?"

"Yingzi has always been strictly disciplined by you. Have you ever considered her feelings? Do you even know what she likes? Do you even deserve to be her grandfather?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone gasped.

Being told in front of his granddaughter that he was unworthy to be a grandfather was a truly hurtful thing to say.

However, after hearing Zhou Erniu's words, Qin Mao, Zhou Hongyi, Gongshu Yi, and the others present inexplicably leaned towards Zhou Erniu.

To put it bluntly, drinking a cup of harmless milk tea is really not a mistake, especially for young people.

Isn't Duanmu Hong making a mountain out of a molehill?

At this moment, Duanmu Hong's chest heaved as he suppressed his anger and, out of consideration for Qin Zihao's feelings, merely let out a cold snort.

"You arrogant brat! No matter how reasonable you are, this is a matter for the Duanmu family! How dare you, an outsider, interfere in my family affairs?"

Qin Zihao sat in the main seat, secretly marveling at Erniu's courage.

Having publicly humiliated his future father-in-law, Erniu is now facing a difficult situation. It remains to be seen how he will handle the aftermath.

He knew in his heart that Duanmu Hong had already relented, and as long as Erniu followed him and established himself, the two would most likely be able to get married.

Unfortunately, Zhou Erniu didn't understand, or perhaps he was so angered that he ignored it.

The situation has now become completely out of control.

Seeing the situation becoming increasingly tense, Qin Zihao frowned. He was about to speak up to appease Duanmu Hong and let the storm pass.

The next second, Zhou Erniu made a move that no one in the audience expected.

He strode across the coffee table, rushed to Duanmu Ying's side, grabbed the girl's soft little hand, and held it tightly.

His eyes were firm and his voice resolute.

"Yingzi, this kind of person doesn't deserve to be your grandfather. Come with me, I'll take care of you from now on! We'll live a happy life together."

what?

Everyone in the room was stunned and speechless.

The air remained still for two seconds.

My goodness! This chubby kid is so brave!

They snatched the eldest daughter of the Duanmu family from public view! They took her directly from Duanmu Hong's hands... no, they abducted her and eloped with her!

This chubby boy used to seem so cheerful, how come he's like a completely different person now?

Qin Zihao was stunned, looking at his brother with a surprised expression.

Is this still the same Zhou Erniu he knew, always smiling and only interested in milk tea?

For a moment, an absurd sense of déjà vu even popped into my head.

Images of a wealthy Romeo and Juliet, facing family opposition, eloping for love, flashed through my mind.

Outrageous...

Duanmu Ying stood helplessly in the middle, her eyes slightly red, her face full of confusion and panic.

On one side is her biological grandfather who raised her and with whom she shares a bloodline; on the other side is her soulmate, the one with whom she has mutual affection.

She was docile and timid, and simply didn't have the courage to make a choice between the two options.

With her grandfather holding one hand and Zhou Erniu gripping the other, she was caught in the middle, feeling conflicted.

Zhou Erniu couldn't bear to see her in such a predicament, so he exerted a little force and domineeringly tried to pull the girl directly to his side.

Pulled by the two forces, Duanmu Hong's aged hand slowly loosened its grip on his granddaughter's wrist.

The empty feeling lingers in my palm.

Duanmu Ying's steps were out of control as Zhou Erniu pulled her forward.

She turned around subconsciously and met Duanmu Hong's gaze with a blank look.

At that moment, she clearly caught the complex emotions in the old man's eyes.

A hint of barely perceptible apology, and a subtle yet clear encouragement.

Duanmu Ying's mind went blank.

An apology? Did Grandpa himself realize that he was old-fashioned and had made a mistake just now?

Encouragement? Encourage her to follow Zhou Erniu? Does this mean she approves of Erniu?

Before she could ponder its deeper meaning, Zhou Erniu held her hand tightly and strode out of the main living room of the Qin family.

The two figures quickly disappeared at the end of the corridor and headed towards the central garden of Longhu Manor.

No one spoke for a long time in the hall.

Everyone who looked at Duanmu Hong, who stood alone with a gloomy expression, had the same thought in their minds.

Duanmu Hong must be furious that his granddaughter was snatched away in front of him.

However, Zhou Erniu has Qin Zihao as his powerful backer, who controls the Qin family's influence worth trillions.

Even if the Duanmu family was furious, they could only swallow their anger and dare not retaliate.

Qin Zihao was the first to come to his senses and quickly got up to comfort him, speaking sincerely.

"Grandpa Duanmu, please calm down. Erniu was young and impulsive, and acted rashly. I'll have someone bring him back right away so he can apologize to you."

Duanmu Hong shook his head slightly, concealing his emotions and revealing a self-deprecating smile.

"No need. That kid's stubborn; he won't apologize."

He straightened his cuffs, his expression returning to calm, the anger from before completely gone.

"Young Master Qin, you're too kind. This is a family matter of the Duanmu family, and a private matter for the two children. We can handle it ourselves; you don't need to interfere."

After saying that, without waiting for Qin Zihao to reply, she turned around and left the living room.

Watching his resolute departing figure, Qin Zihao rubbed his temples, his face full of headache.

When a brother's and ally's daughters elope, the most difficult role is that of the middleman.

Seeing Qin Zihao in a difficult position, Gongshu Yi stepped forward and whispered words of advice:

"Young Master Qin, both of them are currently focused on their own ideas, and there's no point in trying to persuade them. Why don't you find another opportunity to arrange for them to meet later and then sit down and have a proper talk?"

"Give them some time to calm down; perhaps there's still room for reconciliation."

Qin Mao also advised:

"Nephew, now is indeed not the right time to persuade him. If all else fails, the Qin family can provide the Duanmu family with more business resources and project compensation. Once they have received their benefits, they will naturally not make things too difficult for your friend in this matter."

These words enlightened Qin Zihao, and he nodded in agreement:

"My second uncle has considered everything carefully; this is the only way to do it."

Upon hearing this, Gongshu Yi suddenly came to his senses and a guess arose in his mind.