Jian Yanqing didn’t talk for long before hanging up.

Tao Xihong immediately dialed another number. When the other party answered, she gave clear and concise instructions, “Xiao Zheng, call the bank. I need to withdraw cash from my account tomorrow.”

Xiao Zheng was her financial advisor. He asked, “President Tao, how much?”

Tao Xihong didn’t hesitate, “All of it.”

Upon hearing this, Tao Xinglai became extremely nervous, “Mom, what’s wrong with Dad? Do we need money? Can money solve it? How much do we lack? I’ll gather it!”

Jian Xi, who had just entered the room, also heard, “Lack of money? Did the other side make a demand? The cards are all with me; I’ll go withdraw now.”

Tao Xihong paused, looking at her two children, and said, “None of you should move. Xiaoxi, He Ran is the head of the household. No matter what happens in the future, you must discuss with him, seek his opinions, and mutual respect is fundamental to marital harmony.”

She then turned to Tao Xinglai, her tone softening, “You’re like a child who hasn’t been weaned yet. Your sister, at least, has He Ran. What about you? Mom really can’t feel at ease.”

“Don’t worry so much. Actually,” Tao Xinglai was a bit embarrassed, “I can have someone soon too.”

Jian Xi poked his shoulder, “Hey, don’t mess around. Even if Qiao Shu isn’t a movie queen but an ordinary girl, you can’t play with someone else’s feelings.”

“What are you talking about? So shameless.” Tao Xinglai almost disliked his sister, “I’m not playing with feelings, at most, I might fool around a bit physically.”

After saying that, he burst into laughter himself, “Hahaha.”

Maybe he realized how low his IQ was.

With worries pressing down, a warm daughter and a lively son actually made Tao Xihong feel a bit relieved. However, if something really happened to Jian Yanqing, money would definitely be needed soon. After weighing her options, Tao Xihong still decided to face the difficulties together.

“Xinglai, how much can you get?”

“A few million. My payment for this movie hasn’t come through yet.”

“Xiaoxi, discuss with He Ran.”

“We’ve already discussed it. The money in the card can be unconditionally used for the family.” Jian Xi said, “There’s two million inside. I’ll call the bank right now to schedule a withdrawal for tomorrow.”

Tao Xinglai: “Holy crap, can Brother-in-law really earn that much? Is it Mengmeng’s dowry?”

Jian Xi rolled her eyes at him, “He’s always been very capable. What’s on your mind is what you see.”

This statement had deeper meaning. Tao Xinglai suddenly understood and inferred, “No wonder, I’ve only ever seen Brother He’s thuggish qualities.”

Jian Xi: “Besides, Mengmeng’s dowry can be earned again, but there’s only one father. No matter what, we must protect him.”

A myriad of emotions surged within Tao Xihong. At this moment, silence spoke louder than countless words.

Tao Xinglai said he was going to the bathroom, closed the door, and called Qiao Shu.

She quickly answered, “Second time you’ve proactively called me. Hello.”

“Don’t show off your English on me; I’m illiterate.” Tao Xinglai habitually quipped.

“Hehe.” Qiao Shu’s laughter sounded like pearls falling on a jade plate.

Tao Xinglai’s ears felt hot, “What are you laughing at?”

“Laughing at how you’re such a fool.”

“Shit, how am I a fool?!” Tao Xinglai was furious.

“I’m naturally like this.”

“So am I.”

The next second, both spoke in unison, like a perfectly synchronized duet.

Tao Xinglai felt awkward, “Why are you so honest? I was sacrificing myself to liven things up.”

Qiao Shu laughed until she was breathless, “What’s up?”

“To chat.”

“There’s nothing good to chat about. Let’s talk about something else.”

“Alright, lend me some money.”

Tao Xinglai nervously put forth his audacious request.

He had come to borrow money from Qiao Shu, just in case something big happened with Dad, better to be prepared.

Qiao Shu seemed stunned as well, “Tao Xinglai, aren’t you the ethereal male fairy untouched by worldly affairs?”

“Can’t fairies fall into the mortal world? Will you lend or not?”

“Yes.”

This time, it was Tao Xinglai’s turn to be stunned, “So straightforward, aren’t you going to ask how much?”

“How much is worth it.” Qiao Shu slowly opened her mouth, “Dowry, shedding some blood is expected.”

Tao Xinglai found it hard to express, “How can you be so manly as a girl?”

Qiao Shu’s laughter grew deeper, “I even have abs.”

Isn’t this blatantly seducing?

Tao Xinglai felt hot all over, imitating a broadcaster’s voice, “Speak human language.”

Qiao Shu hummed, “I like you.”

“You’d better not speak human language.”

“I really like you.”

Through the phone, one could imagine Qiao Shu gently biting her lips, “Do you feel anything?”

Tao Xinglai held his heart, “I’ll send you my card number. Tell me when you need the money, and don’t back out.”

Qiao Shu: “Oh, you’re so cold.”

Tao Xinglai coughed, “It’s because you’re too passionate. Never mind, I’m hanging up.”

“Wait.” Qiao Shu secretly curved her lips, as if sending electricity into his ear, “Since the dowry is here, when will you give in to me?”

Tao Xinglai’s face flushed suddenly, “Let me tell you, it’s not that I don’t know how to be a thug, but mainly because you’re a girl. I have gentlemanly manners. You can’t handle it, men’s lewd…”

The word “jokes” got stuck in his throat.

Qiao Shu hung up on him with great personality.

Tao Xinglai thought he might not be able to sleep tonight, with Old Jian on the left brain and Qiao Shu on the right.

Family affection felt a little heavy, and love came a bit suddenly.

This sudden weight was deadly.

In the living room, Jian Xi was browsing online comments.

Negative reviews for Jiexi Daily Chemicals were escalating. The apology Weibo post on the official blog was dominated by content like “Hope the company goes bankrupt and everyone celebrates” in the top dozens of hot comments.

And there was a continuous stream of likes and forwards.

Without Tao Xihong saying anything, Jian Xi knew that chaos reigned supreme within the company.

The most lethal issue wasn’t internal unrest, but rather that one or two major project investors had proposed withdrawing their funds. Foreign capital placed significant importance on corporate reputation and public opinion; this turmoil meant Tao Xihong hadn’t slept a full night.

The finance department had just called again; project funding couldn’t be followed up, and several suppliers were dissatisfied. Later, those suppliers directly called Tao Xihong, voicing complaints openly while covertly threatening.

Finally unable to hold back, Tao Xihong exploded, “Stop it! Best if you don’t deliver goods starting tomorrow! Dare to challenge me, and I’ll make sure you don’t get a penny of settlement!”

The voice on the other end also rose, and Jian Xi sitting nearby could hear the tension.

Tao Xihong’s nerves were stretched to the limit, “Go ahead and try if you don’t believe me!”

She threw the phone onto the sofa, massaging her temples and leaning back against the sofa.

Jian Xi quickly consoled her, “Mom, please stay calm and take care of your health.”

Tao Xihong pinched the bridge of her nose; fatigue and helplessness no longer hidden. She said, “Once the funds are cut off, the company won’t survive.”

When she looked up again, her eyes were red.

Jiexi Daily Chemicals was the fruit of her decades of hard work; how could she easily let go?

Jian Xi also felt distressed, her ten fingers clutching her skirt tightly.

This night, the family of three stayed in the living room, counting each minute as the clock ticked by.

Until the sky began to show a pale light, and Jian Yanqing had not returned all night.

The house was filled with an extremely oppressive atmosphere. At 7:30, Tao Xihong’s phone suddenly rang.

It was as if a signal had been given; everyone tacitly understood that news at this hour would likely be the worst possible outcome.

Jian Xi even got up, took her bag, and prepared to go out and withdraw money.

Tao Xinglai also found Qiao Shu’s number and was about to dial.

“Investment?” Tao Xihong’s voice suddenly rose, still hoarse from a sleepless night, “Zhengan Group?!”

The assistant on the other end excitedly repeated, “Yes, President Tao, it’s indeed He Lao’s Zhengan Group!”

As if in a dream, Tao Xihong didn’t dare to be careless, “Repeat the entire matter to me accurately.”

The assistant: “Five minutes ago, we received a call from the general manager of Zhengan Group, explicitly stating their intention to invest in Jiexi Daily Chemicals’ current three major projects. Specific details require detailed communication with you.”

Tao Xihong remained calm, asking coolly, “Do they have identity verification? We can’t afford to make hasty decisions now.”

“Yes, yes,” the assistant replied, “A letter stamped with Zhengan Group’s official seal has already been scanned and faxed to our headquarters. The signatory is none other than He Lao, He Zheng’an.”

As she spoke, Tao Xihong walked towards the door, “Alright, I’ll be at the company in fifteen minutes. Notify all department heads to immediately convene an emergency meeting. Inform the administrative department to prepare for reception with the highest standards.”

After hanging up, Tao Xihong turned to her two children and said, “Xiaoxi, you and Xinglai go to the bank first. Wait for my call anytime.”

Tao Xinglai hurriedly asked, “What happened, Mom? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Tao Xihong sighed deeply, “Finally, some good news has arrived.”

The sudden investment by Zhengan Group was like a breath of spring for a rotting tree. This enterprise was extremely famous, mainly dealing in agricultural products—rice, wheat, vegetables, and more. It was a major supplier of grains in the central and eastern regions and made significant contributions to the national granary every year.

Its several technology research centers were exemplary models in implementing the national policy of modernizing agriculture.

He Zheng’an had turned a business into a spirit, earning great respect from government leaders.

Tao Xihong didn’t explain much further and hurried to the company.

At the door, she suddenly stopped, turning back with a frown, “Is He Zheng’an…”

Hearing this name, Jian Xi’s heart raced violently, confirming her suspicions, “He’s He Ran’s father.”

Tao Xihong was silent for a moment, seemingly digesting this information.

Another urgent call from the company prompted her to leave home.

On Jian Yanqing’s side,

The supplementary materials of the whistleblower exposed every detail, reconstructing the so-called “using public resources for private gain” in the Yufeng Garden bidding case. Witness statements, physical evidence, timelines—even precise down to the hour and minute.

Jian Yanqing explained clearly and logically, his words leaving no loopholes, vastly differing from the presented materials.

According to procedure, the investigative team would transfer the case to the higher-level procuratorate.

“Mayor Jian, please understand.”

Jian Yanqing nodded slightly, “I will fully cooperate unconditionally.”

If the rapid establishment and thoroughness of the Special Investigation Team hinted at the powerful backing behind it, then now it was clear what the opponent’s goal was.

Jian Yanqing could foresee that soon, the whole city would be in turmoil, and his lifelong integrity would be destroyed in an instant.

Just then, a knock on the door sounded.

A person in uniform rushed in, whispering something into the ear of the head of the investigation team. The team leader’s expression changed dramatically from calm to turbulent in less than a minute.

Jian Yanqing remained composed, his back straight, unaffected by external disturbances.

Soon, the team leader left with that person and instructed subordinates to suspend the transfer procedures.

________________________________________

Jian Xi and Tao Xinglai waited at the bank, sitting anxiously on the first row of sofas in the VIP room.

“He Ran must have gone to seek reinforcements. I adore him,” Tao Xinglai made a cross over his chest, “It must be him who convinced the old man.”

Jian Xi couldn’t reach He Ran by phone, and there was no reply to her text messages, which worried her, “Their father-son relationship isn’t very good.”

“You’re afraid He Ran will suffer?”

“There’s no such thing as suffering between father and son,” Jian Xi feared that He Ran would endure grievances and do things against his will.

So his business trip was actually to find the old man.

“Fortunately, we have Brother-in-law. At least Mom’s company is saved.”

No sooner had Tao Xinglai finished speaking than Jian Xi’s phone vibrated violently.

Her heart raced like charging cavalry.

Had the notification come? Did something happen to Dad? Did they need money to smooth things over? Was there really no hope?

In this moment, her thoughts swirled.

She trembled as she reached for the phone, looking at the screen.

To her surprise, the caller was Jian Yanqing.

Jian Xi’s voice quivered, her tone altered, “Dad?!”

Tao Xinglai clenched his fists, fingers digging into his palms, hardly daring to breathe.

Jian Xi’s brows relaxed, transitioning from tense to serene.

“What did he say? Is Dad okay? Tell me quickly, I’m so worried!” Tao Xinglai couldn’t hold back and kept asking questions.

Jian Xi lowered her hand, incredulously turning to look at her brother—”Dad said he’s home, nothing happened, everything’s fine.”

They rushed home quickly. Tao Xihong received the message and arrived earlier than them.

“Dad, Mom!” Tao Xinglai burst through the door, “My goodness, it’s really Old Jian, he’s back!”

Though tired, Jian Yanqing’s eyes shone with joy, “Kid.”

“Dad, Dad, let me touch you! My goodness, body temperature 36.5 degrees, perfectly standard.” Tao Xinglai was thrilled, “Alive, alive.”

Jian Xi’s tears welled up, “Dad, how did everything suddenly become alright?”

Tao Xihong also found it strange, “Yes, Old Jian, have they finished investigating?”

Jian Yanqing couldn’t explain clearly for the moment, “Someone intervened in this matter. From what I know, it’s an old general with high prestige in the military district.”

“My goodness, how prestigious must he be to quell the storm so quickly!” Tao Xinglai blinked, unable to imagine.

Jian Yanqing: “It happened suddenly; I haven’t received more specific information yet.”

Tao Xihong’s worries eased, “Anyway, being safe is the most important thing.”

Silent Jian Xi quickly recalled something, suddenly remembering an incident.

“Xiaoxi?” Jian Yanqing noticed her unease.

“Dad.” Jian Xi slowly raised her head, her voice slow, “I heard He Ran mention that Mengmeng’s grandfather used to be a soldier. Could it be… he helped us?”

This flash of insight seemed to connect all events into a coherent thread.

Tao Xihong’s company received funding from Zhengan Group, and Jian Yanqing was suddenly released from intense pressure.

It must have been He Ran’s father, He Zheng’an, who helped.

At this moment, the doorbell rang, a crisp “ding dong.”

Tao Xinglai moved swiftly, “I’ll get it!”

The doorknob turned, the gap widened, and Tao Xinglai exaggeratedly shouted, “Brother-in-law! You’re back!”

Jian Xi’s heart jolted.

Tao Xinglai’s tone became even more intense, “Oh my God! Why are your knees bruised purple?! Did you try some special position or something?!”