Chapter 6 A Bet Is Made

Xiao Churan’s declaration left the entire Xiao family in shock. Everyone thought she must have gone insane! Was this really the right time to show off? Standing out now could only lead to disaster. The Emperor Group was the largest company in Jinling—why would they ever consider collaborating with a small family like theirs? No matter who went to negotiate, failure was inevitable. Xiao Hailong sneered, “Churan, do you really think you can secure a contract with the Emperor Group?” Xiao Weiwei, Xiao Hailong’s younger sister and Xiao Churan’s cousin, also mocked her. “Churan, look at your status and then at theirs. You're just making a fool of yourself. Don’t embarrass the Xiao family!” Others chimed in, “Exactly! If she gets kicked out by the Emperor Group, the Xiao family will be the laughingstock of Jinling!” Hearing this, Xiao Churan’s cheeks flushed red with humiliation. Ever since marrying Ye Chen, her standing within the family had plummeted. She and even her parents had become targets of ridicule. If she could successfully secure the Emperor Group project, she believed her position in the family would be stabilized—and her parents would finally regain some dignity. But facing so much scorn, even her resolve began to waver. She shot a frustrated glance at Ye Chen. Why did I ever listen to him? I should have stayed quiet... Old Lady Xiao was also furious at the scene unfolding. She had asked several times, but no one dared to step forward. Now that Churan volunteered, these ingrates were only trying to bring her down! Although she had never favored Churan, at least now, Churan was showing some courage, unlike the others who only knew how to drag her down—especially her beloved grandson, Xiao Hailong, who was a complete disappointment. Because of this, Old Lady Xiao’s attitude toward Churan shifted significantly. She immediately declared, “Since the others don’t dare take the responsibility, enough with the nonsense! Churan will handle the negotiations with the Emperor Group!” Xiao Churan had no choice but to grit her teeth and say, “Grandma, don’t worry. I’ll do my best.” Xiao Hailong snorted and mocked, “Doing your best won’t save you from failing and embarrassing the family.” Ye Chen chuckled and asked, “Xiao Hailong, why are you so eager to see Churan fail? Do you really think the Xiao family isn’t worthy of partnering with the Emperor Group?” Xiao Hailong didn’t expect Ye Chen, the so-called family waste, to dare speak during the meeting—and even turn the focus onto him. Seeing Old Lady Xiao’s expression darken slightly, Xiao Hailong quickly explained, “That’s not what I meant! I just think Churan can't possibly succeed.” Ye Chen smiled and asked, “What if she does succeed? Want to make a bet?” Xiao Hailong scoffed, “Fine! What’s the bet?” Ye Chen proposed, “If Churan secures the contract, you must kneel before me in front of the whole family, kowtow three times, and loudly admit you were wrong. If she fails, I’ll kneel before you and do the same. How about it?” “Hahaha!” Xiao Hailong burst into laughter. “You’re digging your own grave! Fine, I’ll bet with you!” Ye Chen nodded in satisfaction. “Everyone here is a witness. Whoever goes back on their word, may they lose their father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother!” He deliberately emphasized “grandmother” to make sure Xiao Hailong wouldn't dare renege—cursing Old Lady Xiao would be unforgivable. Xiao Hailong agreed immediately, confident he would never lose. Laughing, he said, “Everyone here is a witness! I’ll be waiting for your kowtow!” Xiao Churan frantically signaled at Ye Chen to stop, but he pretended not to see. Old Lady Xiao didn’t pay much attention to the bet. All she cared about was whether the Xiao family could enter the Emperor Group’s partnership list. If that happened, she wouldn’t care if Xiao Hailong had to call Ye Chen ‘father’! She announced, “This meeting is adjourned. Churan, you have three days to secure the contract. Dismissed!” --- Back at home, Churan’s parents immediately lashed out. Her mother, Ma Lan, was beside herself with panic. “Churan, have you lost your mind? How could you listen to that useless Ye Chen and agree to such a thing?!” Her father, Xiao Changkun, also scolded Ye Chen, “Ye Chen, you worthless fool! You’re ruining my daughter’s future!” He continued angrily, “If Churan fails to land the Emperor Group contract, she’ll be ostracized by the family! And you’ll have to kneel and kowtow to Xiao Hailong in front of everyone! I’ll lose all face because of you!” Ye Chen replied seriously, “Dad, Mom, if Churan succeeds, won’t all our problems be solved?” “‘Succeed’? Don’t make me laugh!” Xiao Changkun shouted. “Do you even know how powerful the Emperor Group is? Why would they ever care about the Xiao family?” Ye Chen smiled calmly. “You never know. I believe Churan can do it. She’ll definitely win that contract.” Ma Lan sneered, “You believe? What are you, the Emperor Group’s boss? You’re just a useless good-for-nothing talking big!”