Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty-Chapter 23: Hidden secrets (2)

Hua Zhen sat in silence, watching his daughter with an unreadable expression. He had expected many things from her tonight, resistance or half-truths or even defiance, but...not this.

"A merchant company?" His voice was steady, but Qingyan could see the tension in his posture.

"Yes!" she confirmed, her tone unwavering. "Nothing to worry, father. I'm running this under someone's identity, no one's going to find out, well not yet."

For a moment, silence between them longed. Then, Hua Zhen exhaled, shaking his head in disbelief.

"You..." He chuckled, though there was no mockery in it, only astonishment. "My daughter, who only spent her days embroidering and reading poetry, now controls a growing merchant enterprise?"

Qingyan. "Is it so difficult to believe this, father?"

Her father moved close. "No. This is just unexpected."

He picked up his cup of tea, and continued. "You are playing a very dangerous game, Qingyan. Truth is wealth is power that's for sure, but it also attracts enemies. If a word gets out that you are behind this..."

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She met his gaze. "If a word really gets out of this, that would be under my order, father. And I will make sure of it."

Hua Zhen tapped a finger against the desk. " I really don't know what to say, Qingyan, but I hope you succeed what you planned."

Her father sighed, but a trace of pride flickered in his eyes. But he maintained a authoritative father figure.

A Father's Warning and Encouragement

"You remind me of your grandfather," he finally said. "....He was not born into nobility, yet he rose through many strategies. He built this family from the ground up. And now, it seems you, his granddaughter has inherited his ambition."

He set his cup down, his expression growing serious. "But Qingyan, ambition without precaution is recklessness. You must be careful."

She nodded. "I will be."

Hua Zhen studied her for a moment. "You have my support. But remember this, money is only useful if it is protected. Don't let greed or arrogance blind you."

Qingyan smiled faintly. "I have no need for greed, Father. My wealth is not for luxury, it is for something far more importance."

With a slow smirk on her father's lips. "Then I pray you win the game you started, my daughter."

As Qingyan left the study, her mind was already racing.

Her father's approval was reassuring, but the real challenges are yet to come.