Chapter 272: Refusing the Marriage Alliance

"Haha, so that was your concern. Mr. Chen, you needn't worry. When I mentioned long-term cooperation, what I was hoping for was a marriage alliance. I've done my research on you, and your character and abilities are both quite excellent. If you're willing, the young lady of the Xiaoye Clan will become your wife. Her name is Xiaoye Huazi. She is my youngest daughter."

At this, Xiaoye Erfu paused, a proud smile gracing his lips as he continued, "With her as your devoted wife, Mr. Chen, your company is sure to flourish. At that point, the Chen Group's market value might even surpass that of the Xiaoye Family!"

Chen Qingdi found Xiaoye Erfu's proposal utterly absurd.

A marriage alliance?

'This is fucking insane!'

Chen Qingdi shook his head with a wry smile. "Mr. Xiaoye, Miss Huazi and I have never met. This is highly inappropriate. If you wish to partner with me, there are many other ways. I'm open to discussing anything but this."

Xiaoye Erfu's expression darkened at the direct refusal, but he didn't let it show, maintaining a faint smile.

"Heh, you're an interesting man, Mr. Chen. Or do you feel the Xiaoye Clan isn't worthy of you? As for Huazi, you can rest assured. She won't mind any of this in the least. You must be drunk and misunderstood what I was saying. No matter. We'll discuss it again tomorrow."

With that, Xiaoye Erfu let out a cold snort and turned to leave, his displeasure evident.

That night, Chen Qingdi tossed and turned, mulling over Xiaoye Erfu's proposal.

To any outsider, the offer would have seemed like a dream come true. Most people would have eagerly accepted without a second thought, but Chen Qingdi had no intention of doing so.

After a sleepless night of deliberation, Chen Qingdi remained firm in his decision to refuse the marriage alliance.

"Mr. Xiaoye, I thank you for the honor, but I already have two women and two children in my life. If I were to accept your terms, it would be incredibly unfair to everyone involved."

Early the next morning, Chen Qingdi went to Xiaoye Erfu's room to deliver his polite refusal.

Xiaoye Erfu was already washed and dressed, sitting on the sofa.

Upon hearing Chen Qingdi's words, Xiaoye Erfu nodded slightly and said with a gentle smile, "Mr. Chen, I understand your concerns. This is indeed a tricky issue, but…"

Chen Qingdi raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Xiaoye, please speak freely."

Xiaoye Erfu stared into Chen Qingdi's eyes for a full minute before finally speaking. "Mr. Chen, as a woman from the Outer Island, Huazi won't be concerned about these things. Even if you have other women after you're married, she won't mind in the slightest. On the contrary, she would be even more supportive and appreciative, as that is how a man's charismatic value is truly demonstrated. What do you think?"

"You're not wrong, Mr. Xiaoye, but I have no need for that," Chen Qingdi replied without a moment's hesitation.

Xiaoye Erfu's expression turned completely frigid, and an icy glint appeared in the depths of his eyes.

"Are you certain you wish to persist, Mr. Chen?" Xiaoye Erfu stared at Chen Qingdi, his voice turning chilling. "No one has ever dared to refuse my request. Not even the great financial magnates would be so bold. Mr. Chen, are you sure you're not courting death?"

"If you insist on putting it that way, Mr. Xiaoye, then this negotiation is over," Chen Qingdi said, standing up bluntly. "There's nothing more to discuss." He turned and walked toward the door.

'Although he was eager to partner with Xiaoye Erfu, that was as far as he would go. When it came to a marriage alliance, he would rather fight his battles alone!'

As he watched Chen Qingdi's retreating back, the killing intent in Xiaoye Erfu's eyes intensified.

This was the most stubborn man from Huaxia he had ever met.

Chen Qingdi had just pulled the door open when two men in black suits blocked his path.

"Get out of my way!"

He barked out the order, a powerful aura erupting from him, causing the temperature in the room to plummet!

The two men in black suits exchanged a look, then took a step to the side.

Chen Qingdi stepped out. But just then, the sound of approaching footsteps reached him, and a moment later, a slender, beautiful woman appeared before his eyes.

She wore a white dress, her long hair cascading to her waist. Her skin was so flawless it seemed as if it would bruise at a touch. Her delicate features, combined with a pair of large, luminous eyes, gave her an endlessly captivating charm.

The woman now stood gracefully before Chen Qingdi. Looking past him to Xiaoye Erfu, she said, "Father, let me speak with Mr. Chen."

So, this was Xiaoye Erfu's youngest daughter, Huazi.

She had a pure, pretty face, and her large eyes seemed to hold boundless wisdom. Full of youthful vitality, she possessed an incredibly powerful appeal.

Xiaoye Erfu glanced at his daughter, then at the stubborn Chen Qingdi. He sighed softly and waved a hand. "Fine. I understand. You two talk."

Once Xiaoye Erfu had left, Chen Qingdi spoke. "Hello, Miss Huazi."

His tone was distant, and he even addressed her formally as "Miss Huazi."

Xiaoye Huazi looked at Chen Qingdi and said, "Mr. Chen, did you sleep well last night?"

Chen Qingdi nodded. "Well enough. Thank you for asking."

Xiaoye Huazi was a clever woman. Unlike her father, she wasn't aggressive. Instead, she spoke with a warm smile.

"Mr. Chen, my father's actions may have upset you, but please don't take it to heart. My father has rarely been refused in his entire life. An experience like this is… unfamiliar to him, which is why he said what he did. In truth, he has a great deal of respect for you. Otherwise, he never would have presented you with such a partnership opportunity."

Xiaoye Huazi's voice was soft and pleasant. Her words were soothing to hear. 'This Xiaoye Clan really knows how to handle people,' he thought with grudging admiration. 'No wonder her father was able to build the Xiaoye Family into such a powerhouse.'

However, Chen Qingdi wasn't buying it. "You've put it very well, Miss Huazi," he said. "However, I still hope your father refrains from acting that way again. Because from my perspective, that wasn't respect. It was a blatant threat."

"I don't understand, Mr. Chen. Why must you refuse my father's offer? Is it possible… you're dissatisfied with me?"

As she spoke, Xiaoye Huazi blinked a few times, her expression turning aggrieved.

Her gaze was liquid and pitifully beautiful. It was a look that would stir a protective instinct in any man.

Unfortunately for her, Chen Qingdi didn't lose his composure. He simply shook his head and replied politely.