"Huh? So you're the legendary number one talented woman of China?" The other party's face showed a flash of surprise, then performed an English aristocratic greeting toward Cecilia Gu. "Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Quentin King, and my father is the third son of the family."
Cecilia Gu was embarrassed. Number one talented woman of China?
Who even came up with that title?
What did she ever do to deserve such a name?
If there's really a title like 'the number one talented woman of China,' it should belong to Yun Nuo, not her.
Before Cecilia could protest, Quentin King continued, "It's truly an honor to meet you here. May I ask you for some advice?"
Cecilia immediately turned to glance at Mrs. King.
Mrs. King actually seemed to shrink back, too scared to speak.
Hmm? There was definitely something off about this Quentin King.
Too bad Leon King wasn't here, or she could've asked him what was going on with Quentin King.
"What, is that not allowed?" Quentin King looked at Cecilia with a hurt expression, and Mrs. King seemed to shrink back even more.
Cecilia glanced speechlessly at Mrs. King and said, "Of course, it's fine. I wouldn't call it advice—let's just learn from each other."
"There's a garden over there with a lovely view. Would you like to take a look?" Quentin King asked with a smile.
"Alright." Cecilia nodded, glanced at Wendy who was following at a distance, and left with Quentin King after bidding farewell to Mrs. King.
Mrs. King stood there in a daze, her eyes filled with anxiety, but she didn't dare to stop them.
Cecilia walked side by side with Quentin King toward the garden.
Cecilia was only three months pregnant, and thanks to her good care, there were no visible signs of pregnancy.
However, after walking for a while, she started to feel tired.
Wendy saw Cecilia supporting her waist and immediately came forward to help her.
Quentin King noticed Cecilia's movement and immediately looked apologetic. "Sorry, I was careless. I forgot you were pregnant! After all, you're so perfect, no one would guess you've already had a child."
Cecilia just responded coolly to Quentin King's compliment, "I really don't deserve such praise. If you don't mind, can we sit and talk?"
"Of course." Quentin King, ever the gentleman, helped Cecilia over to a huge parasol, pulled out a chair for her, and personally took a teacup from the servant to place in front of her.
Honestly, this young man was the very definition of a dreamboat—and he had that mysterious, reserved vibe going on.
Even Cecilia couldn't help but sneak a couple more glances at him.
"My uncle is really lucky—he got to know you before I did." Leon King said thoughtfully, swirling his teacup as he looked at Cecilia.
Cecilia took a sip of tea and said, "Let's just get to the point. No need for riddles. You were waiting for me there on purpose, weren't you?"
Lin King's eyes sparkled behind his glasses—they might have hidden his gaze, but not his ambition.
"Are you here to help my uncle?" Lin King asked in a low voice.
Cecilia's lips twitched. Uncle... Well, yes, Lin King and Quentin King were about the same age, but Quentin was technically his uncle.
"Yes." Cecilia didn't deny it.
"So that's how it is." Leon King's gaze darkened. "Then, was it your support that helped my uncle make his move against the King Family recently?"
Cecilia let out a bitter laugh. She'd been caught red-handed and could only nod. "Yes."
"I knew it. My uncle's always been so timid—how did he suddenly get so bold? If you're backing him up, that makes sense." Leon King nodded. "My uncle really did find himself a good ally."
"Honestly, the one helping him most is himself." Cecilia said seriously. "Julian King isn't as useless as you think."
"Yeah, he fooled all of us." Leon King tilted his head slightly. "That kind of patience—I can't match it."
"Then, if you don't mind me asking, who's winning right now?" Cecilia couldn't help but ask.
"That's a tough one." Leon King laughed softly. "If anyone else asked me, I wouldn't answer. But since it's you, I'll tell you. My uncle can turn things around, sure. But to win it all? That's tough."
Cecilia looked at Leon King thoughtfully.
"It's true—with the Yin Family backing him, my uncle does have a lot of cards to play. But for years, the King Family has always been in the hands of my father and uncles. To just flip the table? Impossible." Leon King wiggled his fingers and flashed a toothy grin. "Back when Mr. Yin took full control of the Yin Family, it took him six years. My uncle thinks he can snatch our territory in just a fraction of that time? No way. We're not as easy to deal with as those foolish Yin board members."
Cecilia couldn't help but cough lightly.
"Ah, sorry, maybe I went a little too far." Leon King apologized, though his face clearly said he meant every word.
"So, are you here to warn me?" Cecilia looked up at Leon King.
"It's not so much a warning as... an invitation to switch partners." Leon King pointed to himself. "My father may be the third son, but among the next generation, I'm the top contender. If nothing goes wrong, the King Family heir will skip the second generation and go straight to me. So, Miss Cecilia, why not work with me? Anything my uncle can offer, I can give you. And what he can't, I can too."
Cecilia burst out laughing. "Alright, tell me—what can you offer?"
"For example..." Leon King suddenly leaned in, leaving less than half a meter between them. Cecilia could see every detail of his face.
Just as Cecilia was about to pull back, Leon King lowered his voice. "For example, everything the King Family owns in China."
Cecilia's body instantly stiffened.
"The King Family may be based in England, but we're still Chinese. Any Chinese family has assets back home, right? Plus, my current grandmother is a true Chinese woman." Leon King smiled brightly. "If my uncle fails, do you think that grandmother will bet on me instead?"
Cecilia retorted immediately, "Come on, Julian King is her own son. Of course she's going to back him!"
Leon King raised his index finger and waggled it. "Nonono. My grandmother... she's selfish! If she weren't, my uncle wouldn't have had to keep a low profile all these years. Back in the day, she beat a strong rival to marry into the King Family. Oh, Miss Cecilia, when you go back to China this time, you'll meet that rival and her son."
Cecilia took a deep breath and said, "We're not getting involved in your family feud. Our partnership with Julian King is purely based on mutual interests. I'm not interested in your family drama. Besides, Julian is Zixuan's fiancé, so of course I'll help him. Sorry, but I have to refuse your offer."
Leon King looked at Cecilia with curiosity. "Really not even a second thought?"
Cecilia met his gaze calmly. "Do you think the Yin Family is short on money? Do you think I care about the King Family's assets in China? Mo Zixuan is my close friend, my sister. Protecting her happiness is my responsibility. Your wealth, your status, your conflicts—they have nothing to do with me. Anyway, it's been nice chatting. Goodbye!"
Cecilia stood up and left quickly with Wendy's help.
Leon King watched Cecilia's back, then slumped into his chair, muttering to himself, "What an interesting woman! Feelings? What are feelings? She actually chose feelings over profit? Heh... She's someone I can't help but want to figure out..."
Leaving the garden, Cecilia spotted Charles Yin from afar.
Cecilia hurried over to Charles Yin and told him everything that had just happened in the garden.
"Leon King?" Charles Yin raised an eyebrow. "He's definitely interesting. If Julian King hadn't risen up, the King Family heir would skip the second generation and go straight to the third. Clearly, Leon King has won Mr. King Sr.'s favor, so he has the best chance."
Charles Yin continued, "But now Julian King is stepping out of the shadows and showing his strength. So the future's still up in the air. If Leon King is coming to you for an alliance, it means Julian's been hitting them hard lately! Otherwise, he wouldn't be so desperate."
Cecilia nodded. "That's what I think too."
"Alright, it's their family business—we're not getting involved." Charles Yin smiled and gently tapped Cecilia's nose. "Helping Julian King means we're helping Mo Zixuan, and that means we're indirectly helping the Mo Family. We owe the Mo Family a big favor, so of course we'll pay it back. This money, these interests, I can afford it."
Cecilia laughed, and the two of them walked hand in hand down the corridor.
They chatted as they walked, the gentle breeze making their hearts feel warm.
Talking about the upcoming talent show, Cecilia had plenty of ideas and started discussing them with Charles Yin right away.
No matter how Cecilia wanted to play, Charles Yin was always indulgent.
It was just a game—she could play however she liked.
Meanwhile, in N City, Ethan Yin was drinking at a bar.
Ma Yingying stood across from him, her face full of mockery. "She said she'd pick a wife for you through a talent show, and you actually agreed?"
Ethan Yin glanced at Ma Yingying. "What are you doing here?"
Ma Yingying crossed her arms. "Bro, I'm here to make up with you. We're siblings, aren't we?"
"Go ahead, what scheme are you up to now?" Ethan Yin wasn't fooled and shot back.