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Jiang Chengyu’s words stunned not only Xiao Donghan but also Xie Yuncheng.
Xie Yuncheng held an empty coffee cup, which he was about to hand to his secretary for a refill.
Now, there was absolutely no need.
These past few days, the handover work for the target company had been proceeding intensely and orderly. Various problems emerged endlessly, and Xie Yuncheng had been working all night, relying solely on coffee to survive.
Now, the most troublesome patent usage fee issue was perfectly resolved, and the path for the target company for at least the next ten years was cleared. He no longer needed coffee to stay awake.
So, Jiang Chengyu’s recent trips back and forth between Beijing and Shanghai were for his collaboration with Chu Yueli.
Xiao Donghan smiled. Even though a storm raged within him, he suppressed it forcefully, his expression effortlessly composed. “Then congratulations, Mr. Jiang.”
He raised his coffee cup in a toast gesture, using it as a substitute for wine.
“Thank you.” Jiang Chengyu had a cup of strong coffee beside him, but he didn’t drink it, opting for a glass of warm water instead.
Influenced by Shen Tang, he was also starting to get used to drinking plain water.
On the surface, they were polite and graceful, but the murderous intent in their eyes couldn’t be hidden.
Everyone else in the conference room was silent, holding their breath.
Jiang Chengyu’s secretary collected all the documents on the table, quietly waiting for Jiang Chengyu’s instructions.
The lawyers from both Xiao Donghan and Xie Yuncheng’s sides involuntarily looked towards Jiang Chengyu. The sharp aura of strategic brilliance emanating from him gave a sense of invincibility.
One could easily get hurt if not careful.
After finishing his cup of coffee, Xiao Donghan excused himself.
Walking out of the conference room, he instructed his assistant, “Book me a flight to Shanghai.”
________________________________________
Downstairs, Xiao Donghan called Xiao Dongkai, “Help me represent a small case.”
Xiao Dongkai: “Don’t you have lawyers at your company? Why do you need me for a small case?”
“My people aren’t convenient to appear. It’s related to Fan Yu Film and Television Company. I want to withdraw all investments from her, pulling back all funds and minimizing breach of contract compensation.”
His tone was slightly rushed.
Xiao Dongkai frowned. “Is there a problem with the company’s capital chain?”
“No, not that. It’s for something else.” Xiao Donghan didn’t hide it from his brother. “Jiang Chengyu pulled the rug out from under me, deciding to develop new technology to bypass my patents.”
Xiao Dongkai was surprised by Jiang Chengyu’s boldness. “Aren’t you going to stop?”
“I still have cards in my hand. I have to play them all out; otherwise, who knows who will win or lose in the end.” Xiao Donghan had no time for small talk. “Have your team contact Fan Yu as soon as possible. I don’t have that much time to wait.”
Xiao Dongkai’s team was always efficient. Ten minutes later, Fan Yu received the call about terminating the contract.
Fan Yu was on her way to watch her daughter’s recording. She had just gotten out of the car when she received such a thunderbolt.
“What kind of joke are you playing? You just withdraw like that?”
Fan Yu argued with the other party for more than ten minutes, furious.
The other party was a lawyer; she couldn’t win.
The other party’s tone was firm, insisting on withdrawing the investment.
No matter what she said, it was useless.
Fan Yu pressed her hand to her chest, clearly feeling pangs of pain.
After a moment, she called her assistant. “The negative information we prepared about Chu Ran, release it the night the first episode airs.”
Yinuo couldn’t guarantee first place now, so she absolutely wouldn’t allow Chu Ran to take first place and overshadow Yinuo.
________________________________________
In the target company’s conference room, Xie Yuncheng dismissed everyone, leaving only him and Jiang Chengyu.
“How did Chu Yueli agree to cooperate with you so readily? This offends the interests of Xiao Ning Group.”
Jiang Chengyu leaned back in his chair, relaxing for a moment. “Xiao Donghan is a ruthless person; even if Chu Yueli didn’t cooperate with me, he wouldn’t get any benefits from Xiao Donghan. It’s better to cooperate with me. After all, Xiao Zhen is Tangtang’s mother. I’m not looking at the monk’s face but the Buddha’s. If he cooperates with me, I won’t let him suffer any losses.”
Xie Yuncheng rubbed his temples. “You didn’t tell me earlier.” He hadn’t slept well for days.
Jiang Chengyu: “The contract was only finalized just now.”
This wasn’t a small investment of a few hundred million. Chu Yueli’s company had held nine high-level meetings alone.
Only after weighing all the pros and cons did they decide to cooperate with him.
“Xiao Donghan stumbled today, but he won’t give up easily.” Xie Yuncheng glanced at his watch; it wasn’t even 4 PM yet. “If you don’t have anything else, I’m heading back.”
He needed to go home and sleep; he couldn’t hold on any longer.
Jiang Chengyu told Xie Yuncheng to go back and rest. He left the target company and returned to Jingxu.
On the way, he received a message from Shen Tang: [It’s the end of the month today.]
She wanted to know if the patent usage fee trouble was resolved.
Jiang Chengyu: [It’s resolved. We can bypass Xiao Donghan’s patent rights by the year after next.]
This was the best news. Shen Tang: [Then I’m going out tonight!]
Jiang Chengyu: [Okay, don’t be too late. Come home early.]
Shen Tang wasn’t going out to play; she was going to find Fan Yu.
Having her bodyguard prepare the car, she quickly left her office with her bag, encountering Yuanyuan in the corridor.
Yuanyuan hung her head, looking listless.
“Sister Tang, are you going out?”
Shen Tang answered indirectly, “Why do you look like a frost-bitten eggplant?”
Yuanyuan shrugged, her small face filled with disappointment.
Shen Tang stopped. “What’s wrong?”
“Didn’t you tell me to ask him for help and learn English from him?”
“You didn’t learn well?”
Yuanyuan was depressed. “He recommended an English learning app to me, saying that’s where he learned.”
Shen Tang burst out laughing.
Yuanyuan was also amused and laughed. She waved her hand. “Sister Tang, you go ahead with your work. I’ll go back and think carefully about how I can get close to him.”
Chasing someone was just too difficult.
________________________________________
Before Shen Tang reached downstairs, Sister Li’s call came in.
“Confirmed news, the large sum of money previously invested in Fan Yu’s company for filming dramas was withdrawn today.” Sister Li was at the show’s recording site; the fourth episode had just finished recording.
Just ten minutes ago, someone in the parking lot overheard Fan Yu arguing with someone on the phone.
It turned out that not only had the drama funding been withdrawn, but the plan to pre-determine Chen Yinuo as the winner had also fallen through.
Sister Li: “I’ve heard that the variety show conducted advertisement solicitations last week, and the biggest advertising sponsor, the company that strongly supported Chen Yinuo to win first place, is now experiencing some issues and has stated they will no longer be the title sponsor.”
The show was set to air next Friday. Now, the sudden withdrawal of the advertising sponsor under the guise of breach of contract was a devastating blow to Fan Yu.
Without the sponsor’s advertising fees, Chen Yinuo could not be fixed to win.
For Chu Ran and the other popular young stars, the competition became fair, and if they worked hard, there was still hope of getting first place.
Otherwise, the best they could achieve was second.
Sister Li: “It’s unclear what exactly happened with that company.”
Shen Tang knew that Xiao Donghan had suffered a loss from Jiang Chengyu. Now, he was recalling funds to deal with Jiang Chengyu, so he didn’t have any spare money to squander on Fan Yu.
Once Fan Yu couldn’t guarantee Chen Yinuo’s first place, she would try to trip Chu Ran up.
The incident with Chu Ran and her ex-boyfriend was a ticking bomb. Once it was revealed that she had interfered in her ex-boyfriend’s relationship and became the third party, Chu Ran’s segments on the show might be cut, which would be a fatal blow to her acting career.
After confirming that Jiang Chengyu had resolved the patent usage fee issue, she guessed that Xiao Donghan would have other moves, and any move would require a large amount of funds.
The most likely action was to withdraw Fan Yu’s funds.
So she came to find Fan Yu in advance, to preempt her and prevent Fan Yu from gaining the upper hand.
Fan Yu was in a frantic state in her office. She was originally going to see her daughter, but after receiving the call about the withdrawal of funds, she was in no mood and returned directly to the company.
Five investments were withdrawn consecutively. Although the investment agreement clearly stipulated compensation for breach of contract, the total compensation amounted to only about ten million.
Even if it was all paid to her, what then?
The project had already started, and without funds, she faced a shutdown.
The losses from a shutdown were immeasurable.
The loss was not just money; if the media sensationalized it, claiming her crew had no money to film, then her reputation and credibility would be damaged.
The secretary came in and told her to relax: “General Manager Fan, please don’t worry. Even if they withdraw their investment, the money in the account is enough to sustain our drama until filming is finished, and there will be further investments later.”
Fan Yu pressed her eyebrows, only able to comfort herself this way. Fortunately, Lu Zhifei invested in her new drama, otherwise, this mess would be hard to clean up.
The assistant knocked and entered. “General Manager Fan, Shen Tang is here.”
“What is she doing here!” Fan Yu just wanted to say, don’t let her in.
“I’m here to settle accounts with you, what else would I be doing.” Shen Tang’s arrogant voice came from the doorway.
Fan Yu had experienced Shen Tang’s tactics before; she was ruthless when she stepped on people. She motioned for her secretary and assistant to close the door and leave, so they wouldn’t watch the show.
“It’s best if you stop involving Chu Ran in this third-party situation.”
Fan Yu sneered, “You’re truly interesting. She clearly interfered in someone else’s relationship, and you’re still distorting the truth.” She was afraid Shen Tang had a recording pen, so she insisted that Chu Ran was the homewrecker.
Even if her words were recorded, they couldn’t clear Chu Ran’s name.
Shen Tang sat across from her desk and played a recording for her. “It’s okay if you don’t understand, I’ll translate it for you.”
She translated each sentence for Fan Yu.
By the end, Fan Yu’s expression was stiff.
Shen Tang turned off the audio. “I have evidence of your meeting with that reporter and videos of you giving him cash. You should pay attention to the trending topics in the next two days; you’ll definitely see it then.”
“Shen Tang, what do you want?”
“Asking the obvious.”
Fan Yu wished she could stab Shen Tang with her eyes.
Shen Tang smiled. “As long as you dare to smear Chu Ran, these things will be released to the public. If you want to bring negative attention to your daughter, then suit yourself.”
Fan Yu felt a surge of indignation. From an hour ago until now, she hadn’t taken a single smooth breath.
Shen Tang didn’t give her any time to breathe. She glanced at her phone. “In another hour and twenty-one minutes, lawyers from Casey Law Firm will come to discuss the withdrawal of funds with you.”
Fan Yu froze. “How did you know?”
Shen Tang smiled without a word.
Fan Yu’s only thought was, “Were those five investments deliberately placed by you?”
“That money belongs to Xiao Donghan, not me.”
Upon hearing it was from the Xiao family, Fan Yu felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine.
She wasn’t aware that Xiao Donghan and Shen Tang were at odds, and thought Xiao Donghan was acting on Shen Tang’s behalf to get revenge.
Fan Yu picked up her water glass and drank half of it, unable to tell if the water inside was cold or hot. She couldn’t let herself be flustered.
It was just a few investments, she didn’t care.
“Miss Shen, you might not know, but without these few sums of money, I’m fine. At most, it’s a bit regrettable. I have other investors besides Xiao Donghan.”
Shen Tang took over the conversation: “I know, and Lu Zhifei is one of them.”
Fan Yu finally felt a little relieved. “Good that you know.”
The Lu family’s power was evident; no one dared to easily cross Lu Zhifei.
Shen Tang opened her contacts and began searching for a number. “What if Lu Zhifei also withdraws her investment? Have you thought about that?”
“Heh.” Fan Yu sneered, “Don’t try to fool me. I know all about your rivalry with Lu Zhifei and your grievances.”
“So what?” Shen Tang made a call. “Ms. Lu, long time no see. I’m in Fan Yu’s office now. Please wait a moment.”
Saying that, she handed the phone to Fan Yu.
Fan Yu was stunned.
“General Manager Fan, I heard that other investors have withdrawn their funds. It seems the situation is not optimistic. I’m also preparing to withdraw my investment. Shen Tang has contacted a lawyer from Casey Law Firm for me. We’ll discuss it with you in person shortly.”
“General Manager Lu, it’s not at all what Shen Tang said. Please let me explain...”
“No need. I don’t care what the truth is. Whatever Shen Tang says, that’s what it is.”
“...”
Shen Tang took back her phone. “Thanks.”
She hung up.
Fan Yu gripped the glass water cup, unable to tell if the water inside was cold or hot.
It turned out Shen Tang had set a trap for her, and she was caught between a rock and a hard place.
Shen Tang opened her bag and put her phone inside. “Ms. Fan, you can’t play games with me. From now on, you’d better behave, otherwise, today’s situation is just the beginning.”
Fan Yu’s chest heaved, her eyes filled with resentment.
Shen Tang stood up, looking down at her. “Before, I had to use my limited funds wisely and didn’t have extra money to deal with you. But it’s different now. I have 3% of Xiao Ning Group’s shares, and I’m constantly worried about how to spend the money. In the future, for all your dramas, you won’t be able to distinguish which investments are genuine and which are just my money messing around.”
‘I’m not starting a company to fight. I want to operate properly and be a successful female boss.’ Jiang Chengyu’s voice reappeared in her mind.
Shen Tang reined in a bit of her arrogant demeanor.
However, Fan Yu was intimidated by her words.
If Shen Tang’s money interfered in such a way, her company would not be able to film dramas normally in the future. After a long time, who would still invest in her?
She could only wait for bankruptcy.
During the filming in Haitang Village, she had the confidence not to apologize because no matter how severe the consequences, Chen Nanjin was behind her, and he wouldn’t let the company collapse.
Now divorced, her company had nothing to do with him.
And her supposed backer was Xiao Donghan.
Even Lu Zhifei was now shaking hands with Shen Tang and making peace.
She had no one to help her.
After the withdrawal of funds, her drama was mostly likely going to be cancelled.
A person cornered under the eaves has no choice but to bow their head.
Fan Yu gripped the water cup. If it were made of paper, it would have been torn to shreds by now.
She gritted her teeth, giving in, “What exactly do you want?”
Shen Tang: “Sooner or later, I will make you completely become my backdrop in this circle, making you lose everything, without even a shred of your aura left.”
“I’m really looking forward to the next few episodes, seeing how Chu Ran will completely overpower your daughter.”
She picked up her bag and turned to leave.
________________________________________
Coming out of Fan Yu’s company, even the air felt fresh.
All that foul air was finally cleared. This was largely thanks to Xiao Donghan; if he hadn’t suddenly withdrawn his investment, it wouldn’t have had such a devastating effect on Fan Yu.
Shen Tang sent a message to Sister Li: [Transfer six million to Lu Zhifei from my private account.]
Sister Li: [?]
Shen Tang: [Money I owe her.]
For the investment contract with Fan Yu’s company, Lu Zhifei’s temporary withdrawal would incur at least five million in compensation, plus legal fees and interest loss on this investment during this period.
She couldn’t possibly let Lu Zhifei lose money.
Shen Tang wrote in her notepad: [I saw Fan Yu today. I’ve changed a lot, not very arrogant, just threatened her a little.
I was a good boss today.
Didn’t waste money.
I’m a kind child.
Jiang Chengyu, do you believe me?
I don’t, anyway.
Hahahaha]
________________________________________
Returning to the villa, twilight descended.
In the courtyard, Jiang Chengyu’s car was already parked on the driveway.
Shen Tang quickly went upstairs to the second floor. “Jiang Chengyu, I’m back.”
Jiang Chengyu was in his study, having just finished a video conference.
Hearing Shen Tang’s voice, he exited the interface and stood up.
Shen Tang had already reached the study door, coming to hug him.
Jiang Chengyu took half a step back. “Wait, I need to adjust.”
He was a head taller than her. Standing close, Shen Tang had to look up to see his face. “Adjust what?”
“My state.” Jiang Chengyu wrapped one arm around her. “I can’t be General Manager Jiang; I have to be your Jiang Chengyu.”
Shen Tang stood on tiptoe to kiss him. Jiang Chengyu leaned down and picked her up to sit on his desk. She took the opportunity to kiss him, using a little force, sucking on his lower lip.
Jiang Chengyu held her waist, his other hand on the table, bending his head to let her kiss him.
Shen Tang leaned her forehead against his, their noses brushing.
Too close to see each other’s eyes clearly.
Shen Tang hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time. “It’s incredibly good living in CEO Jiang’s heart. I can provoke fearlessly, and then come home to you.”
Jiang Chengyu caught the key point. “Where did you provoke someone today?”
“...In your heart.”
Jiang Chengyu kissed her, not asking further questions or lecturing. “Don’t let yourself suffer a loss.”
“No, how could I possibly suffer a loss?” She took his upper lip into her mouth, kissing him back.
Jiang Chengyu didn’t deepen the kiss. A shallow kiss was the most enticing.
“Tomorrow is Saturday.” His lips landed on the corner of her mouth.
Shen Tang’s heart fluttered from his kiss. “Are you still working overtime?”
“Not going to the office.” He kissed her again. “Come home with me tomorrow.”
Shen Tang didn’t speak. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go, but she still felt some pressure.
Jiang Chengyu coaxed her, “You’ve met my parents before, and Zhengzheng is quite familiar with you. When we get to my house, I’ll stay by your side the whole time. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Shen Tang wrapped her arms around his neck. “Why are you so eager to take me home?”
“If you’re willing to come home with me, that’s your acknowledgment of me.”
“How are you so good at talking sweet nothings?”
“Being rejected for marriage, a lesson learned through blood and tears.”
Shen Tang laughed, her lips landing on his.
“Are you going?”
Shen Tang nodded.
Jiang Chengyu reached for a box from the corner of the desk, took one out, and placed it in Shen Tang’s hand.
All the boxes at home were used up. With frequent business trips recently, they hadn’t had much time together.
Shen Tang hadn’t even torn it open yet when Jiang Chengyu’s kiss launched an assault, carrying a strong possessive desire.
From the study to the bathroom, then to the bed.
They had changed two condoms.
Shen Tang was tired and just wanted to lie down.
Jiang Chengyu let her sleep on his pillow, taking her most deeply while kissing her.
________________________________________
The next day, Shen Tang woke up earlier than usual, spending over half an hour trying on clothes in the walk-in closet.
After choosing her outfit, she came out to do her makeup. Jiang Chengyu had just woken up, with the quilt on him.
“When did you get up?”
“Just now.”
Shen Tang sat down at the vanity table.
Jiang Chengyu looked at her dress. “I haven’t seen you wear this dress before.”
She definitely hadn’t worn it before; it was an outfit kept at the bottom of her closet.
Shen Tang had met in-laws when she was acting before. Because it was acting, she wasn’t nervous at all, and she couldn’t experience the tension described in the script.
Jiang Chengyu picked up his clothes and went to shower. When he came out of the bathroom, Shen Tang still hadn’t finished her makeup.
He watched her apply makeup from the side. “Don’t be nervous. We’re just going back for a meal, staying for an hour or two. I’ve already told my mom that I have a company meeting this afternoon.”
To ease her nerves, “The semi-baked cheesecake I ‘stole’ from home the other day was made by my mom. She only learned from a pastry chef a short while ago, so it’s not that great.”
Shen Tang looked at him. “She made it for me.”
“Sort of. I told her I wanted to learn how to make it for you, but I never had time, so my mom said she’d give it a try.”
Jiang Chengyu took the lipstick from her hand and capped it. “My parents aren’t that difficult to get along with. They just don’t talk much, you’ll get used to it.”
Not talking much is good! She was most afraid of chatting with elders.
Awkward conversations.
At ten o’clock, they set off for the old family residence.
Li Zheng was also there today, bringing Fu Chenglin along.
Ever since Fu Chenglin started dating Li Zheng, his greatest fear was going to Jiang Chengyu’s house. It used to be his favorite place, where he would eat dinner every few days.
Now, his identity was different, and he felt awkward.
“Jiang Chengyu is taking Shen Tang home, what am I doing here?”
“Adjusting the atmosphere!” Li Zheng was eating nuts, leaning against him. “You’re my little uncle’s best friend. If you don’t help him alleviate his worries now, when will you? This matter shouldn’t have involved you; getting Yan Heyu to come would have solved it. But look at how unwelcome Yan Heyu is now; my little uncle wouldn’t dare to ask him, because it would just annoy Shen Tang.”
Fu Chenglin had peeled many more nuts and placed them in her hand.
“A few days ago, I heard Grandma say that Yan Heyu swapped cars with little uncle to block Wen Di, and later his dad punished him. He still stubbornly wouldn’t admit it.”
“...”
The sound of a car reached the courtyard. Jiang Chengyu had arrived.
Li Zheng got up from Fu Chenglin and sat properly.
When Shen Tang came in, she waved, “Hi, Auntie.”
Fu Chenglin looked at her. “Are you calling her Xiao Shen or Auntie?”
Li Zheng: “The auntie corresponding to uncle.”
After greeting Li Zheng, Shen Tang also greeted Fu Chenglin. This big boss of GR, the eldest son of the Fu family, was now her niece’s husband.
Madam Jiang and Old Master Jiang were in the kitchen. Hearing movement outside, they came out to look.
“Tangtang’s here.”
Shen Tang stood up. “Hello, Uncle and Aunt.”
“No need to be polite, please sit.” They went back into the kitchen.
Jiang Chengyu said to Shen Tang, “My parents rarely cook. As far as I remember, it’s been no more than five times.” The food they make might not be delicious.
He took Shen Tang’s hand. “Come on, let’s go to the kitchen to help.”
Li Zheng and Fu Chenglin followed suit.
Shen Tang’s nervousness was slowly driven away by the laughter in the kitchen. She took an apron and helped Li Zheng pick vegetables.
Fu Chenglin and Jiang Chengyu stood by the island counter talking. “In mid-next month, the current term of the Xiao Ning Group’s directors will expire, and a new election will be held.”
Jiang Chengyu nodded. “I know.”
Fu Chenglin: “At that time, various capital forces will compete again. We don’t know what the final outcome will be. Xiao Donghan wants to use this election to get his own people to secure a director’s seat.”
Jiang Chengyu saw that Shen Tang was a little far from him, so he took two steps closer to her, ensuring he could reach out and hold her hand.
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