QTIMP -Chapter 124 Character Persona – Money Loving (Part 34)

If Si Qiu knew what Uncle Lin was thinking, she would definitely tell him this: the “crime” of using money to pressure others only exists because you didn’t offer enough money.

On her side, as long as the price was high enough, most faults could be forgiven.

Clearly, Old Master Pei understood her personality well. The moment he arrived at the small apartment, he skipped all pleasantries and went straight to practical compensation.

“I know you young people don’t like listening to us old folks ramble on, so I won’t beat around the bush. Those two wastrels caused trouble and made you unhappy. As their father and grandfather, it’s only right that I offer some compensation. It’s not that I’m asking you to forgive them. It’s just that Jingzhou has had a hard life since he was young—I don’t want those two failures to affect the relationship between you.”

As he spoke, he handed over a stack of documents: a second-courtyard siheyuan near the city gate tower, and two 100-square-meter shopfronts in Wangfujing.

Si Qiu almost couldn’t hold back her laughter. As expected of the old fox—he never mentioned punishing those two wastrels, nor did he ask her to forgive them.

Every word sounded like he was worried about Pei Jingzhou, but in reality, he was using their relationship to plead on behalf of the two troublemakers.

Si Qiu took the documents directly, carefully flipped through them, and signed the transfer contracts without hesitation.

“I’ll accept your compensation. As for my relationship with Pei Jingzhou…”

She let out a performative sigh. “Maybe we’re not suitable for each other. After all, whether it’s family background or living environment, the gap between us is quite large.”

She didn’t say the rest, but it was all conveyed through that deep sigh.

Her willingness to accept the compensation so readily was something the old master hadn’t expected—but her words immediately made his heart tighten.

Although the old master cared about those two wastrels, it didn’t mean he didn’t like Pei Jingzhou. On the contrary, it was precisely because of Pei Jingzhou’s capability that his expectations of him kept rising.

That also showed how highly he valued him and how much effort he had invested in him. Naturally, he understood his grandson well.

Back when Pei Jingzhou had his episodes, he had merely pretended not to notice. But seeing how quickly Jingzhou improved the moment Si Qiu returned, he had already elevated her status in his heart to that of a future granddaughter-in-law.

Now, hearing the underlying meaning in Si Qiu’s words—that she intended to separate—was like striking at the very weak point of the Pei family. Even if it didn’t kill them, it would deal a devastating blow.

His fingers traced the patterns on his cane as he quietly weighed his options, keeping his expression neutral.

Then, looking at the faintly desolate expression on Si Qiu’s face, he said: “The Pei Group was founded by my grandfather, a successful imperial scholar, when he returned to his hometown to start a business… And it has grown to its current scale. One could say it has lived up to my grandfather’s expectations.”

He briefly introduced the scope and scale of the Pei family’s business empire. Listening from the side, Si Qiu couldn’t help but sigh—indeed, the accumulation of generations of old money was on an entirely different level.

Then his tone shifted.

“A man’s first sign of maturity is to establish a family and a career. Jingzhou has already built his career, but he’s still one step away from starting a family. Last time, I told him that if he could marry soon, I would gift 5% of the group’s shares as a wedding present—also as security for his future wife. If she agrees to have children, then upon the child’s birth, another 5% will be transferred to her as compensation. At the same time, a son would receive 2% of the shares, and a daughter 1%.”

Si Qiu was completely stunned. She had never heard Pei Jingzhou mention this!

With such a good deal, he actually kept it from her—was that guy trying to secretly swallow her shares?!

Or…

If that’s really the case, Pei Jingzhou—you truly deserve to die!

The moment Old Master Pei saw Si Qiu’s expression, he knew exactly what she was thinking. At the same time, he inwardly looked down on his grandson—after all his careful upbringing, the boy still spent his days tangled in love and romance.

Look at Si Qiu—so practical. The moment she heard about the shares, her eyes practically lit up. Not once did she feel that offering shares to secure their marriage was an insult to their love.

If Si Qiu knew his thoughts, she would definitely say: love without a financial foundation is the real insult. Expecting love from others is nothing more than charity—no different from begging.

Only by holding things in your own hands, only by loving yourself—that is what’s truly sincere.

As long as she got married, she would gain control over a significant portion of Pei Corporation’s shares. No matter what kind of emotional fallout might happen in the future, she could accept it calmly.

Thinking of this, Si Qiu licked her lips. “Then… what if I have more children?”

Old Master Pei froze at her question, then shot her a sideways glare. “I still have over 30% of the shares in my hands. What, do you think you can give birth to more than ten children?”

Si Qiu looked a bit embarrassed. Ten-plus children was indeed a bit excessive—but that wasn’t her fault. It was the old man being stingy. If one child meant 5% of shares, she wouldn’t have to work so hard.

The old master leisurely continued, “So? When are you two planning to hold the wedding? I’ve already prepared the share transfer agreement—it’s locked in my study.”

Si Qiu slapped the tea table decisively. “October 1st. What better date is there than one chosen by the country?”

“October 1st?” Old Master Pei frowned slightly. If he remembered correctly, today was only September 22nd.

“Isn’t that a bit rushed?” he asked.

Si Qiu shot him a sideways glance. “As long as you’re willing to spend money, even if you say you want the wedding tomorrow, someone will arrange a grand ceremony for you. Setting it on October 1st isn’t for your preparation—it’s for the guests.”

Old Master Pei thought it over carefully, and it made sense. With enough money and connections, time wasn’t really an issue.

Then he shook his head again. Something felt off. “What about the wedding dress and diamond ring? Those all take time to prepare.”

Si Qiu looked at him with disdain. “What wedding dress? We’re Chinese—of course we’re having a traditional Chinese wedding.

As for the wedding attire…”

She led the old master to her walk-in closet. Uncle Lin stepped forward and lifted a red velvet cover, revealing a full set of traditional wedding garments: the groom’s official robe, the bride’s bright red ceremonial dress with wide sleeves, a phoenix crown and embroidered robes, and a red bridal veil adorned with mandarin ducks.

Under the lights, everything shimmered with solemn brilliance.

Old Master Pei’s hands trembled slightly as he reached out in the air, as if to touch them. After a long while, he tapped the ground lightly with his cane. “Good, good, good! Then we’ll prepare a traditional Chinese betrothal ceremony. We’ll escort you from your three-courtyard siheyuan to the five-courtyard residence. As for the damaged parts of your courtyard, I’ll make sure everything is fully restored—I’ll cover the cost.”

Uncle Lin added, “Old Master, I think the house decorations should begin as well. Traditional weddings require careful arrangements—things like window cuttings and ‘double happiness’ characters all need to be custom-made.”

“Right, right!” the old master nodded repeatedly. “We’ll also need red cloth and red carpets. Oh, and invitations must be sent out. For a few important figures, I’ll write them personally. The rest can be handled by others—otherwise, there won’t be enough time.”