Chapter 393: Narcissism
So, Xue Chengdong said with a smile,
"Alright, Brother Qin. As long as you truly have the skill, I can take you to have a look when the time comes."
Qin Tuo nodded and smiled. A faint idea was forming in his mind: ’Could this newly discovered mineral vein contain a large number of Spirit Stones?’
If that was really the case, he might have no choice but to fight for them when the time came.
When it came to acquiring Spirit Stones, Qin Tuo wasn’t about to let anything stand in his way!
However, Xue Chengdong’s tone shifted, carrying a hint of a warning as he said:
"Brother Qin, let me be blunt. Once you’re there, you’re responsible for your own life and death. My Xue Family will take no responsibility!"
Xue Chengdong’s tone was somewhat merciless, causing Huang Junkai to frown. He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of displeasure.
But Qin Tuo felt it was nothing. It was actually better that Xue Chengdong said this upfront.
So, Qin Tuo nodded and said,
"Don’t worry, President Xue. Of course, I understand!"
Xue Chengdong smiled. It was good that Qin Tuo understood.
To be on the safe side, he couldn’t help but add another reminder:
"Also... Brother Qin, tomorrow is the day of the excavation. The other three families will definitely be heading up the mountain as well. When the new vein’s mining site is truly discovered, a vicious battle will be unavoidable!"
Qin Tuo was well aware of this. After all, neither the other two major families nor the Xue Family itself would be willing to give up on this new mineral vein.
So, Qin Tuo immediately stated his position, saying,
"President Xue, after we go up the mountain, we will not cause any trouble for your Xue Family."
Hearing Qin Tuo say this, Xue Chengdong could only give a helpless smile.
If Qin Tuo didn’t understand him, there was nothing Xue Chengdong could do.
Qin Tuo and Huang Junkai prepared to take their leave, planning to accompany them up the mountain the next day.
However, Xue Chengdong stopped them and said with a smile,
"Gentlemen, to thank you for saving my daughter’s life, I must host a banquet for you tonight. Please, don’t refuse!"
Seeing Xue Chengdong’s sincerity, Qin Tuo nodded and agreed.
As for Huang Junkai, he had been looking for an opportunity to get closer to the Xue Family, so of course he was willing to attend the banquet.
When it was time for the banquet, Qin Tuo and Huang Junkai arrived at the Xue Family’s dining hall on time.
Upon stepping into the dining hall, they were both slightly taken aback by the scene before them.
Even Qin Tuo, who was worldly and had seen much, couldn’t help but marvel. ’The Xue Family is truly rolling in it!’
’Are all mining families this wealthy?’
As far as the eye could see, the dining hall alone was the size of a typical villa—an extravagant sight.
Furthermore, the large table in the center of the hall was crafted entirely from expensive marble!
The floor was also made of poured marble, and above, the ceiling was adorned with a dazzling array of grand crystal chandeliers. It was the very definition of luxury.
Despite being the scion of a prominent family, Huang Junkai looked like a country bumpkin, constantly glancing left and right, gasping in admiration.
Qin Tuo went forward, found a random seat, and sat down, making small talk with Huang Junkai.
A servant from the Xue Family approached them to serve tea and water.
Xue Chengdong also appeared in the hall, greeting Qin Tuo and Huang Junkai with a cheerful smile.
However, the banquet had not yet officially begun; it was clear that some guests had yet to arrive.
Qin Tuo didn’t mind. To him, this banquet was just a formality.
’The most important thing is to thoroughly investigate that new mineral vein after heading up the mountain tomorrow!’
Just then, everyone in the hall suddenly looked up, their eyes brightening.
Curious, Qin Tuo couldn’t help but glance over as well and saw that Xue Qingqing had arrived.
Xue Qingqing had clearly dressed up for the evening’s banquet, wearing an elaborate gown that made her seem to glow. She looked like a noble princess, inspiring admiration in all who saw her.
When Xue Qingqing saw Qin Tuo looking at her, she blushed, suddenly feeling a little shy.
But then she boldly strode forward and took a seat right next to Qin Tuo.
This scene left many members of the Xue Family staring, dumbfounded!
Xue Chengdong noticed this as well, but he simply maintained his broad smile and said nothing.
Watching Xue Qingqing sit next to Qin Tuo, Huang Junkai was overcome with envy.
Qin Tuo himself, however, had no reaction. He didn’t even spare Xue Qingqing a second glance.
Xue Qingqing unabashedly sized up Qin Tuo. After a moment, she shook her head and said,
"Qin Tuo, you look way too young. You don’t look like someone who could have saved me at all!"
Her words clearly had a hidden meaning, but Qin Tuo simply ignored her.
Seeing Qin Tuo ignore her, Xue Qingqing couldn’t help but think he must be feeling guilty.
So, Xue Qingqing gave a self-satisfied smirk and huffed,
"I was right, wasn’t I? You must have been lying. Why else would you not dare to even look at me?"
Beside them, Huang Junkai broke out in a nervous sweat, desperate to stand up and explain.
But since Qin Tuo hadn’t answered, it wasn’t his place to openly interject.
Qin Tuo shot Xue Qingqing a cold glance and said casually,
"Believe what you want. And the reason I’m ignoring you is that I already have a girlfriend. It’s nothing else."
Xue Qingqing wasn’t angered by his words. Instead, her face filled with astonishment.
She stared intently into Qin Tuo’s eyes and said,
"I wouldn’t have pegged you as the faithful type. But I’m curious, is your girlfriend as pretty as me?"
Only then did Qin Tuo casually glance at Xue Qingqing before replying coolly,
"Sorry, but I think she’s much more beautiful than you."
Xue Qingqing was immediately displeased. Her expression fell in an instant.
As a great beauty known far and wide, she was certain Qin Tuo must be bluffing!
’Maybe he’s just saying that to save face?’
Besides, Xue Qingqing was actually quite narcissistic; she deeply believed that no woman in the world could possibly be more beautiful than her.
Of course, Xue Qingqing did indeed have the looks to back up her narcissism!
"Hmph. Qin Tuo, I don’t believe you. You’re definitely lying through your teeth."
Xue Qingqing said, somewhat unhappily.
But Qin Tuo didn’t reply, clearly having no intention of engaging with her.
Seeing that Qin Tuo was still ignoring her, Xue Qingqing couldn’t help but stomp her foot and sulk.
Just then, someone else walked in.
It was a middle-aged man in a gray Tang suit, striding confidently into the hall.
Following behind this middle-aged man was a group of young disciples with extraordinary auras!