"Hmm…"
A flicker of mockery crossed Zhang Sumei's eyes as she spoke again, "Brother, you still owe us 100,000 yuan, and now you're asking for a million? That debt has been hanging over us for three years. When Xiao Ming got married, we came to collect it—but you brushed us off with a simple 'no money.' Now you want to borrow a million? How long do you think this will take to repay?"
"Sister, don't worry. Just one year, I promise. Our Qishan is now the head of the sales department at Wanjuyuan under Hongda Group. He earns tens of thousands in commissions every month. In a year, with a little extra effort, we'll pay you back immediately!" Qiuqin Ma jumped in as soon as Sumei finished speaking.
"Well, congratulations then! Qishan certainly seems to be doing well for himself!" Changhe Su offered his praise.
"Oh, it's nothing compared to your Xiao Ming!" Qiuqin smiled sweetly. "But, brother-in-law, about that money…"
"Oh! Money? A million yuan—that's quite a sum. I've never even seen that much money in my life!" Changhe sighed, genuinely meaning it.
"Brother-in-law, don't kid around…" Zhang Suyou began but was abruptly cut off.
"My father isn't joking. Can't you tell he doesn't intend to lend it?" Su Ming's calm voice interrupted.
All eyes turned toward him.
The expressions on Suyou's family of three shifted slightly, though they tried to maintain their forced smiles.
Ming, however, remained cold and detached.
To him, their grins were hollow masks hiding ulterior motives.
"Xiao Ming, you're back! Come here, let your auntie take a good look at you. My, what a handsome young man you've become!"
"And this must be your girlfriend! What a lovely girl—far prettier than that Li Na!"
Qiuqin showered them with compliments, her tone dripping with insincerity.
But Ming's expression didn't waver in the slightest.
Fan Qianqian mirrored his indifference, offering not even the faintest smile to Su Ming's uncle's family.
"Xiao Ming, look, your cousin only needs another million yuan. Could you lend us that amount?" Suyou spoke up.
Ding! Choice triggered!
Option 1: Agree to lend the money, give out one million yuan, reward: ten million yuan.
Option 2: Refuse to lend the money, reward: Misfortune Card (Note: The Misfortune Card can be used to cause three days of bad luck for a specified target. Non-lethal!)
Upon hearing the system prompt, Ming didn't hesitate and selected Option 2.
Then, he spoke, his voice firm, "Uncle, there's no need to say more. You borrowed 100,000 yuan from us before. When I needed the money for my wedding, my parents came to ask for it—and you simply turned them away with a 'no money.'
"Now you need money, and I happen to have it. You plan to repay the 100,000 and then borrow a million? Hmph… Clever calculations, but do you really think it's possible?"
Suyou and Qiuqin's fake smiles froze on their faces.
At this moment, Ming's cousin, Zhang Qishan, chimed in, "Cousin, stop pretending. You've already packed up three million yuan via courier, and now you're coming after us for that measly 100,000? Are you really that desperate for such a small amount?"
Hearing this, Ming almost laughed out loud in anger.
"I'm not desperate, but that's my parents' hard-earned money. You're the ones who owe it, and yet you act like you're in the right?"
"Enough of this nonsense," Qishan snapped. "Just say whether you'll lend it or not. If not, consider us strangers from now on!"
"Hey! Who talks like that? Is this how you beg for money?" Fan Qianqian couldn't stand it anymore.
"No!" Ming spat out the word sharply.
Ding! Congratulations, host. Option completed. You've received a Misfortune Card, which has been stored in your personal space. (Note: The Misfortune Card can be used to cause three days of bad luck for a specified target. Non-lethal!)
"Fine! You said it, Su Ming! Don't regret it later. You may have money now, but I, Zhang Qishan, am no less capable than you!"
"Let me tell you something—the headquarters values me highly. I might get promoted to Hongda's main office soon. By then, a few million will mean nothing to me."
"That's right, Xiao Ming. Think carefully. If you lend it now, we're still family, and we can work things out together."
"But if you refuse now, when Qishan makes it big, don't come crying to us!" Qiuqin added, her voice laced with thinly veiled threats.
"Sister, brother-in-law! You're hearing this, aren't you? Don't say I didn't warn you. Fortunes change, and times shift. Don't underestimate those who are poor today. Think carefully!" Suyou pressed further.
At this point, the true nature of Suyou's family was laid bare for all to see.
Ming felt a wave of nausea rise in his stomach, almost making him retch.
"We've thought it through. No, we won't lend it. Please leave. You're not welcome here."
"Fine! Su Ming, you're something else!"
"Mom, Dad, let's go. These poor relatives aren't worth keeping. They're destined to stay poor forever! Truly, desperation breeds resentment. Ugh!" Qishan stormed toward the exit.
Ding! Choice triggered!
Option 1: Teach Zhang Qishan a painful lesson, reward: Small Vitality Pill (Note: The Small Vitality Pill enhances vitality, strengthens the body, and clears hidden ailments. Immediate effect!)
Option 2: Let it go and allow them to leave, reward: Title, 'You're a Good Person!'
Ming's anger flared as the system's prompt sounded.
He glanced at the options and immediately chose Option 1.
Taking out the Misfortune Card, he locked onto Qishan and silently activated it.
In the next instant, the card disintegrated.
Simultaneously, Qishan, who had been walking briskly toward the exit, suddenly stepped on a patch of loose gravel.
Rip! The sound of fabric tearing echoed as Qishan's legs split apart awkwardly, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Ah!" A piercing scream filled the air.
Qishan tried to push himself up with his hands, but they slipped on the slick surface.
"Ah!" Another scream escaped his lips as his face slammed into the unforgiving concrete, leaving him bloodied and disfigured.
Suyou and Qiuqin rushed over to help him up.
"What kind of cursed place is this? Why did I ever come here? Damn it!" Qishan cursed through gritted teeth, clutching his injured face.
Ming's gaze turned icy. "Seems the lesson wasn't harsh enough. You still have the energy to spew filth."
"Su Ming, don't you dare gloat! You'll regret this someday. Don't come crawling to me when you're in trouble!" Qishan roared, his voice trembling with rage.
"Don't worry. That day will never come."
Ming turned to Fan Qianqian and whispered something. She nodded, pulling out her phone and dialing a number.
"Snow Sister, Su Ming wants you to fire someone named Zhang Qishan. He's the sales manager at Wanjuyuan."
She hung up without waiting for a response.