Chapter 2: Though Belated, the Broken Engagement Arrives

The Qiao Family Estate.

Although the Qiao parents possessed vast wealth, they had never divided their assets. In fact, they had even built a grand residence for the family, truly worthy of every member of the Qiao clan.

At this moment, the Qiao household was filled with joyous anticipation, awaiting the return of the two young ladies from their aptitude tests.

Yet, evidently, the test results arrived before the girls themselves.

The guests invited by the Qiao family found themselves uncertain whether to stay or leave.

The first branch of the family, with its immense fortune, had produced a useless member without any special abilities.

The second branch, seemingly unremarkable, had birthed an A-grade fire element user—a promising candidate for military academy if properly nurtured.

For a merchant family like the Qiaos, having a military academy prospect signified a potential leap in social status, a transformation of their family name.

However, reports from the scene suggested discord between the two branches.

Could the Qiao family be on the verge of splitting?

Would they really relinquish such a substantial asset as the first branch?

Some began to reconsider their alliances—should they continue cooperating with the first branch or shift their support to the second?

Qiao Xin returned home with her parents, her eyes wide with disbelief.

In this world, she truly had been born into the Roman era!

“Don’t be afraid, darling. No matter what happens, your mother and father are here for you,” her mother comforted her, thinking the test results had shattered her spirit.

“Mom, I’m not afraid. With you both by my side, there’s nothing to fear!” Qiao Xin thought of the gourmet system’s words, and hearing her mother’s reassurance, she finally steadied herself.

Her parents were still alive, and even if she was destined to prepare pre-packaged meals, it was something she enjoyed—so she would continue.

“That’s my good girl! If anyone dares to upset you later, you just tell them off!” her mother said with a satisfied nod.

Being the daughter of Xiao Linshuang, why should she fear anyone?

Before Qiao Xin could fully process this, she saw the entire yard filled with people. Swallowing nervously, she straightened her posture and followed her mother confidently.

Even if she was deemed useless, she would not bring shame upon her parents!

The Qiao couple entered the main hall without glancing aside. The elder members of the family had all gathered, and upon seeing them, the patriarch unleashed a barrage of scolding.

“Qiao Zhenxing, you have a useless child in your family, yet you don’t support your niece. Instead, you want to back an outsider? Have you lost your mind?”

“And you, wife, why did you strike Xiao Ru? Is it acceptable for an elder to lay hands on a junior?”

“Dad, don’t forget, the place we live was bought by my wife. If you have doubts, go ask the Xiao family,” Qiao Zhenxing replied with a sly smile, raising his eyes.

The patriarch was momentarily silenced but still shouted defiantly.

“Xiao Ru is the only descendant in our family with an A-grade aptitude. No matter what, you must support her entry into the military academy!”

“I’m already supporting all of you with my money. If you want to sponsor her, then sell this place,” Qiao Zhenxing said, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he looked around.

The others in the Qiao family instantly turned pale.

They were accustomed to a wealthy lifestyle, with all expenses covered by him. If they moved out, could they still enjoy such benefits?

“Zhenxing’s father, Xiao Ru is your niece and has A-grade talent. He wouldn’t just abandon her,” someone quickly tried to smooth things over.

Why not say something nice when asking for support?

Just then, the second uncle’s family returned, accompanied by five men.

“Uncle Qiao, since you intend for Miss Qiao to marry into your family, then the engagement between our two families is canceled,” said a man wearing glasses, carrying an air of refined arrogance.

“Uncle Qiao, my father also said I can’t marry into your family, so our engagement is off,” said another man with a sly grin, casting a contemptuous glance at Qiao Xin.

“You too?” Qiao Zhenxing asked, looking at the other three men.

They all nodded, but one man with shoulder-length hair spoke up.

“Uncle Qiao, my father said a union between our families can’t be led by a useless person. If it were Xiao Ru instead, cooperation could continue.”

“Hah! No need!” Qiao Zhenxing sneered, looking at the unsurprised second uncle and relatives. “If that’s the case, then we’ll split. I, Qiao Zhenxing, have no interest in supporting someone else’s daughter!”

Those five families were carefully chosen partners, but since they had options, he wouldn’t force them.

The second uncle wanted him to support Xiao Ru? Not a chance!

“Zhenxing, we can’t split!” the Qiao relatives grew anxious.

“Split! Why can’t we?” A group entered from outside.

“Big brother!” Xiao Linshuang, Qiao Xin’s mother, greeted the newcomers with surprise.

Qiao Xin looked over and saw a man in black military uniform striding forward, radiating an imposing aura that parted the way for the second uncle’s group.

“Xin, don’t you recognize your big uncle?” The man waved at her when she didn’t move.

Qiao Xin awkwardly approached, curiously examining him before obediently calling, “Big uncle.”

Her big uncle, Xiao Linfeng, was an officer. He had appeared only once when her parents were in trouble and the second uncle tried to seize their assets. She hadn’t expected this world’s big uncle to be even more formidable!

“Don’t worry, the Qiao family can’t afford to support our little darling, but the Xiao family can!” Xiao Linfeng declared with authority, causing Qiao Xin’s eyes to shine brightly.

Though, in truth, the Qiao family wasn’t exactly unable to afford it.

“Xiao boy, this is a matter for the Qiao family!” the patriarch couldn’t sit still.

“Have you forgotten the condition when my sister married in? After over a decade of good times, have you forgotten your promises?” Xiao Linfeng patted Qiao Xin’s head, his gaze sharp as he looked at the patriarch.

The patriarch’s face paled. “Then split!”

Their family had produced an A-grade talent; how could they fail to turn things around?

Even if the Xiao family wanted to support that useless one, they surely wouldn’t allow her to gain special abilities, right?

“This estate will remain with you. After all, my sister and the little darling will return with me to the Xiao family…” Xiao Linfeng laid out the division of the Qiao estate, making the family quietly rejoice.

Though not the majority of the estate, it was at least half.

Especially with the assets tied to those five families through marriage—having Xiao Ru there, the Qiao family’s rise was a foregone conclusion.

“Big brother!” Xiao Linshuang, clearly displeased that he was dividing half the estate with the Qiao family, called out in dissatisfaction.

Xiao Linfeng raised a hand to stop her and pulled up a property division list on his terminal, urging the patriarch to sign.

Once confirmed, it would be protected by interstellar law, and the Qiao patriarch’s hands trembled with excitement.

Signing with enthusiasm, Xiao Linfeng nodded with satisfaction. “Since that’s settled, I’ll take her away and won’t disturb the Qiao family’s celebration.”

Xiao Linfeng’s swift decisiveness made Qiao Xin’s eyes gleam even brighter.

Her big uncle was truly handsome!

“Go pack your things first,” Xiao Linfeng said, noticing Qiao Xin’s gaze, playfully pinching her cheek.

Sigh, she’s grown up—the chubbiness in her face is gone!

Qiao Xin had expected packing to be troublesome, but she watched as her parents effortlessly gathered everything from their residence. A tiny button held all their possessions!

If not for the house’s foundation, it might have been taken away entirely!

Even after boarding the starship, Qiao Xin remained in a daze.