Chapter 165: Ma Qingshan of Xiangcheng

Heyuan District, Caiyuan Street.

This was where Ma Qingshan from Xiangcheng had grown up. It was also his current home. For years, he’d run a store on this street to support his family. His business was neither good nor bad, but it earned enough to keep them comfortable without worry.

When Jiang Xincheng saw the man known as the future “Reincarnation of Zhuge Liang,” he was sweeping the ground. Holding a small broom, Ma Qingshan swept slowly and carefully in front of his store, leaving no speck of dust behind.

Ma Qingshan’s shop looked clean too. Both inside and out, it was neat and tidy, giving off a pleasant feeling. Especially when compared to the other nearby shops, the cleanliness stood out even more.

“Looking to buy something? Come on in!”

Ma Qingshan lifted his head and smiled at Jiang Xincheng, who had approached the door.

Honestly, Ma Qingshan was handsome. He had a broad forehead, large eyes, and a gentle face, carrying the elegance of an educated intellectual. But the sharp glint and sense of deep thought flashing occasionally in his eyes hinted that this middle-aged man was far from ordinary.

No one knew at that moment that this man, quietly running his small store, would later found the illustrious Xuanyuan Family. He would rise as one of the world’s most powerful figures, commanding terrifying influence.

After Ma Qingshan spoke, Jiang Xincheng smiled slightly and entered the shop. He began selecting items.

One item… two items… three items… four items… ten items… fifty items… a hundred items…

Ma Qingshan’s expression shifted. He started with a wide smile, then it became calm. Gradually, it turned cold. He didn’t look pleased at having a big customer who would make him a hefty profit. Instead, he seemed troubled.

“Even if you buy everything in here, I won’t leave with you,” Ma Qingshan frowned. “I won’t run your company.”

Jiang Xincheng took down a bottle of cooking oil. “Why not? Your store is practically empty now. If you’re free, you could help me manage my company.”

Ma Qingshan replied, “Because after you clear this stock, I’ll just restock more. So I won’t be ‘free’.”

“Then restock, and I’ll buy it all again. Simple solution,” Jiang Xincheng said with a chuckle.

Ma Qingshan’s face fell. “How can I even run my business like that? I worked hard to build a little reputation. If you do this, who else will buy from me later?”

“I keep buying, you keep earning money without unsold stock piling up. Isn’t that good?” Jiang Xincheng asked.

Ma Qingshan shook his head. “That might earn me ten times more than now… but only for a while. Once you’re sure I won’t go with you, you’d stop buying. Then my shop would truly have no other customers.”

“So why not come with me?” Jiang Xincheng suggested meaningfully. “My company is large. You’d earn far more than this shop. Plus… there are other rewards.”

Ma Qingshan studied Jiang Xincheng carefully. His eyes flickered briefly before he shook his head again. “Many sought me after I retreated here. They offered great terms too. But I never accepted. Don’t try tempting me with wealth—I can resist that. Other rewards? Power maybe? Not interested.”

“As for beautiful women,” Ma Qingshan paused, a faint smile touching his lips. “I’m married. Not interested. Honestly? I don’t lack money now. Don’t crave power. Have no need for other women. So please leave. Don’t disturb my quiet life.”

“And while I have some reputation here in Xiangcheng,” he continued, “many managers in the Shenxia Alliance are more famous and capable. No need to bother with just me—”

Before Ma Qingshan finished his sentence, a clear, cold voice sounded from outside: “Ma Qingshan! Stop acting like you’re above worldly needs! The truth is, you need money now. You lack power. And yes, you desperately need me—the ‘beautiful woman’ you mentioned.”

Following this icy voice, a beautiful, petite woman walked in, holding a baby. She had an oval face and large eyes, wearing black capri pants and a white T-shirt.

This lovely woman was Ma Qingshan’s wife, Wang Yan. Jiang Xincheng had met her a few times in his past life. She was gentle and wise, faithfully managing their home and family for decades alongside Ma Qingshan. This unwavering support allowed Ma Qinghan to fully focus on steering the Xuanyuan Family to glory.

Behind every successful man stands a great woman. Wang Yan was undoubtedly that woman behind “Reincarnation of Zhuge Liang.”

She first carried the baby into the inner room. Then, she brought out a teapot and cups, poured tea for Jiang Xincheng, and smiled warmly.

“Please sit, sir. Ignore whatever nonsense Qingshan just said! I’ll speak to him. He’ll agree.”

“Thank you, Sister-in-law,” Jiang Xincheng replied. He watched Wang Yan grab Ma Qingshan firmly. Moments earlier, Ma Qingshan wore an air of pride. Now, he looked completely deflated as she dragged him to the back room.

“Yanyan, what are you doing?” Ma Qingshan whispered urgently. “I’ve told you countless times! I won’t return to that world! You didn’t experience the disaster last year—but I did. We nearly died! My brother died because of me! And I lost my Primordial Force permanently! That lesson is too raw to forget!”

Wang Yan gazed at him steadily. Tears slowly filled her bright eyes. “I won’t beg you with words again. I’ve done that too many times. You counter with clever arguments every time. Instead, let me tell you how things really are.”

“Last month, your parents were hospitalized. To get them admitted, we spent half a year’s savings greasing palms! Even then, they nearly got turned away from the hospital. You know why.”

Her voice began to tremble. “Mengmeng caught a cold last week. Not one hospital dared take her! She could have died from the fever if I hadn’t knelt and pleaded!”

She wiped a tear. “And our parents—your in-laws? Thugs harass them for no reason. When they set up their street stall, inspectors appear daily to chase them away! They’ve smashed their stall multiple times! If they weren’t so old, those bullies would have beaten them up!”

Wang Yan broke down. “I don’t chase vanity! I’m no ambitious person! I’m just a woman wanting safety! Fairness! I want my family living peacefully, without fear! Without being targeted!”

She continued, voice thick with tears, “Sometimes, backing down won’t bring peace. Toleration won’t guarantee safety! Stepping back only works against reasonable people. The Chenggang Group isn’t reasonable!”

“If this goes on… step back again… tolerate again… I dread what they might do next!” She took a ragged breath. “Oh, I forgot to tell you… Today, the spoiled sons of Chenggang executives cornered Mengmeng and me. If we hadn’t been on a crowded street… they would have taken us.”

Her expression hardened as she stared at Ma Qingshan. “So here’s my stance: If you refuse to face this—if you keep hiding like a turtle hoping Chenggang will forgive—then I’m leaving tomorrow. Mengmeng and I go to Xiyang City, to my brother’s place.”

With those final words, Wang Yan turned and walked out of the room without looking back. She was returning to offer Jiang Xincheng more tea.