Chapter 41 - 2#

Qin Ye took his lover’s hand, “We were still discussing how to break through the locked door without alarming the enemy, but we didn’t expect you to make a move first, helping us coordinate from the inside.”

Yu Zhen didn’t dare to take credit, looking at Jing Shun with the relief of having survived a disaster, “It was Jing Shun who was clever—he guessed you were already outside as soon as he saw Gou Bao.”

And he knew very well that Jing Shun had told him to hide just now to protect his own safety at the expense of his own.

Qin Ye followed his lover’s praise, “Mr. Jing is indeed bold and meticulous.”

If it had been any other hostage, seeing someone close to them not appear at the rescue scene and having to listen to such deliberately cold sarcasm, they would probably have lost their psychological anchor and broken down on the spot.

But Jing Shun was different—

Not only did he instantly grasp their rescue intentions, but he even cooperated in playing along to disrupt Yang Wei’s emotions?

Although Qin Ye had already been impressed by Jing Shun on the cruise ship, the other’s performance tonight made him look up to him even more.

The lead police officer stepped forward in time, “Mr. Chi, Mr. Qin, all the bandits inside and outside have been arrested. We’ll return to the police station to hand over the case first.”

Qin Ye responded, “I’ll have both parties’ lawyers cooperate with you.”

“Alright.”

The officer nodded, saying to Jing Shun and Yu Zhen, “You two, we’ve arranged for police officers to accompany you. Go to the hospital for a medical check-up and get your injuries assessed, so we can determine the charges for the criminals later.”

Jing Shun and Yu Zhen exchanged glances and both nodded.

Wei Di, having learned that the scene was handled, was finally allowed in.

He looked around and walked straight to Chi Gui, “Sir, should the project launch be postponed or continue?”

It was already past midnight, so a decision had to be made.

Chi Gui’s gaze was deep, and he made the final call, “Proceed on time. Notify Ms. Zhang to make sure Zhang Aode attends this morning. Also, negotiate with the police on that matter…”

Chi Gui laid out his plan in front of acquaintances.

Some things needed to be settled later.

Qin Ye raised an eyebrow, “Then I’ll sit out the next bit of excitement for now. I trust Mr. Chi’s handling won’t disappoint me. Once they’re sent to prison, I’ll find someone to properly ’entertain’ them.”

“Of course.”

Gou Bao couldn’t understand what the adults were chattering about. It obediently lay beside Jing Shun, seeing Eone under the pile of lumber, wagging its tail vigorously.

“Awwooo~”

“Woof!”

Eone heard its call, stood up on the lumber, and actively stuck out its tongue to lick Gou Bao.

Gou Bao got even more excited, “Woof!”

Big bro!

Your Bao did a great job today!

Jing Shun couldn’t help but smile, but he still worried about his dog’s wounds, “Are there any pet hospitals open at this hour? The baby’s injuries need treatment.”

“It’ll be taken care of, but your injuries need treatment too.”

Chi Gui responded, then suddenly lifted Jing Shun horizontally.

Jing Shun had lost his means of transport and wasn’t being coy now. He habitually wrapped his arms around Chi Gui’s shoulders, “Going to the hospital now?”

“Yeah.”

Chi Gui carried him away from the others, then quietly asked, “Weren’t you scared tonight?”

Jing Shun relaxed, leaning against the man’s arms, inexplicably feeling at ease, so he smiled, “I knew Mr. Chi would definitely come to save me, so I wasn’t afraid.”

Even if they weren’t real lovers in name, they had already surpassed the ordinary contractual relationship.

At least they could be called “friends,” the trustworthy kind.

…

The sky was fully bright as this unexpected kidnapping case came to an end.

Chi Corporation’s project launch was scheduled for ten in the morning, with fifteen minutes until the official start.

Zhang Yazhi, as Chi Gui and Chi Corporation’s special partner in Macau, was also involved in the process of this project launch.

The restroom door opened, and assistant Ai Ling hurried over, “Boss, your father has brought a bunch of media reporters. They’re all crowded at the entrance of the launch venue. Do you want to go take a look?”

“Such a big show?”

Zhang Yazhi’s eyes showed a hint of mockery, but she still walked out in her high heels.

The father and daughter locked eyes, neither looking pleasant.

Zhang Yazhi saw Zhang Aode surrounded by a group of financial reporters, “Dad, you came, but why bring so many media friends?”

Her half-brother, Zhang Mingxuan, popped up, “Big sis, this is your first project launch after taking over the Zhang Group. Even though it’s making wedding clothes for Chi Corporation, Dad is still very supportive!”

“He brought all these media friends to cheer you on and build up your reputation.”

“…”

Zhang Yazhi glanced at him, not politely, “Who told you to speak?”

“Enough. As the older sister, is this how you talk to your younger brother?”

Zhang Aode clicked his tongue, ordering arrogantly, “I’m spending my own money to boost your profile—isn’t that good? Have your assistant arrange good shooting positions!”

Zhang Yazhi’s slender brows furrowed, but remembering the instructions from Chi Gui’s assistant, she held back.

“Ai Ling, bring them in.”

“That’s more like it.”

The project launch started right at ten.

Zhang Mingxuan saw the empty seat in the center of the front row, “Dad, looks like Chi Gui was affected? Not even a shadow of him?”

“How could he still be in the mood to come?”

Zhang Aode, recalling the email reply he received early that morning, was confident—

What is Chi Corporation, anyway? And who does Chi Gui think he is, some small fry? Dare to step all over him twice?

Now that he had Chi Gui’s weakness in hand, he could finally force the other to bow and admit defeat.

Zhang Aode looked at the many media lenses behind, whispering, “Have you confirmed with them? Keep an eye on Jing Shun. No mistakes until the launch is over.”

Zhang Mingxuan said, “Rest assured! I’ve been in contact with them the whole time—no problems!”

Zhang Aode said nothing more, watching his eldest daughter speak confidently on stage, looking forward even more to what was coming next—

Once the Chi Corporation representative took the stage to announce the withdrawal from the project and secretly ended the resource exchange with Zhang Yazhi, it would teach this insolent daughter of his a proper lesson!

Soon, Zhang Yazhi finished her brief and crisp opening speech on stage.

She introduced the guests, “Next, let’s welcome the current chairman of Chi Corporation, Mr. Chi Gui, to the stage! Applause!”

Chi Gui walked calmly onto the stage amidst applause.

His already outstanding figure looked even more striking in his suit, instantly making him the focal point of everyone’s gaze.

Zhang Mingxuan was a little surprised, “Dad, why is Chi Gui still here?”

He thought that after such a big incident, the other party wouldn’t be in the mood to attend the launch. Could it be that he had been in the backstage the whole time?

Zhang Aode silently studied Chi Gui’s expression, feeling something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Chi Gui’s voice was steady, instantly taking control of the room.

He adjusted the standing microphone slightly and glanced around at the guests and media below, “Please bear with me. Before officially launching the 0202 Dock Project, there’s something I need to address publicly.”

“Last night, my partner was kidnapped by thugs at the Pet Park in Liantang District, and I also received an anonymous threatening email—

“The sender demanded that I and Chi Corporation behind me abandon this project at today’s launch, or my partner’s life and safety would not be guaranteed.”

At the same time, the content of that anonymous email was displayed on the large screen behind Chi Gui.

Oh my god!

How could this be!

The attendees at the launch buzzed with discussion, clearly not expecting this kind of opening.

The media reporters who came sensed a huge story and quickly aimed their cameras at Chi Gui, who was speaking.

“Ever since Chi Corporation competed for the 0202 project, Chairman Zhang has repeatedly obstructed us, even declaring that Chi Corporation wouldn’t get a share in your territory.”

Chi Gui showed no fear of the cameras, directly pointing his accusation at Zhang Aode below the stage, “Although this email is anonymous, in my book, it’s surnamed Zhang.”

A single stone stirred a thousand ripples.

Was Chi Gui openly tearing up face?

Was this kidnapping related to the Zhang family?

Zhang Aode, having seen big scenes before, kept his composure and even managed a smile, “Chairman Chi, you can’t make such jokes lightly.”

He sat steady as a mountain, retorting, “If I really wanted to obstruct, why would I have my eldest daughter lead Zhang Group to cooperate and pave the way for you?”

Just as he finished, Zhang Yazhi turned around and countered, “Dad, as I recall, the relationship between us father and daughter isn’t that close, is it?”

“…”

“You are you, I am me. Our intentions never seem to align, so don’t lump us together.”

Zhang Aode hadn’t expected his own daughter to be the first to embarrass him publicly, and his face stiffened.

Some guests nearby whispered, “Exactly, everyone knows the Zhang family father and daughter have never gotten along. When did they ever stand on the same side?”

“I heard that at the Ji family’s cruise banquet, Chairman Zhang had a gambling fit and used the 0202 project as a bet, then lost the game and reneged?”

“Yes, I know that. Chairman Chi even made him kneel and apologize on the spot. If there’s no grudges between them, I wouldn’t believe it.”

“…”

The murmurs reached his ears.

Zhang Aode was reminded of the humiliation that day, and his expression turned unpleasant.

Zhang Mingxuan, seeing his father at a loss, spoke up, “Big sis, isn’t your elbow bending a bit too far outward? Could it be that you and Chairman Chi really have a relationship like the rumors say?”

He emphasized the last three words with extreme ambiguity.

Zhang Yazhi, hearing this slanderous remark, stood up, pushed aside the empty seat next to her, and walked over to Zhang Mingxuan.

— Slap!

A clean, crisp slap.

Zhang Mingxuan was stunned, “What are you doing!”

Zhang Yazhi stepped back to a safe distance, her expression fierce, “Since your parents can’t teach their son properly, I, as your older sister, will give you a proper lesson!”

She glanced at the silent Zhang Aode and continued sarcastically, “Zhang Mingxuan, speak and act with evidence! On ordinary days, you don’t seem so eager to defend Dad. Now you’re pretending to be filial?”

“Isn’t that interesting?”

Zhang Mingxuan rubbed his swollen cheek and shouted back, “Relying on a screenshot of an anonymous email to pin it on Dad? Is that evidence? It’s clearly slander and defamation!”

Chi Gui seemed to find this amusing, repeating, “Master Zhang, that’s quite a tough mouth you have.”

Zhang Aode stared at Chi Gui on stage, a mix of unease and confusion swirling in his heart—

Where did Chi Gui get his confidence?

Jing Shun was still in their hands! Did he have to see blood before knowing regret?

He held back his hotheaded younger son and pretended to be calm, smiling as he reminded, “Chairman Chi, there’s a saying: ‘Leave some leeway in everything for future encounters.’ Surely you understand such a simple principle?”

Chi Gui naturally understood the threat hidden beneath, a cold gleam flashing deep in his pupils.

He lightly turned his eagle ring but didn’t rush to respond, waiting to see how far this father and son pair would take their brazenness.

Zhang Aode thought his warning had worked and took the opportunity to stand up, “Everyone listen well. I, Zhang Aode, have lived for over fifty years, always conducting myself uprightly and fairly. If I didn’t do it, no one can smear me!”

He spoke with conviction, as if he didn’t take Chi Gui’s mudslinging seriously at all.

Wei Di, standing by the stage, heard this speech and even his perpetually poker-faced expression showed a hint of disdain:

Some people really won’t give up until they reach the Yellow River!

Facing countless eyes, Zhang Aode decided to quit while he was ahead, “Fine. Since this launch doesn’t welcome me, I’ll leave!”

But before his words faded, a resounding question came from the entrance of the hall:

“Is that so? Since Chairman Zhang has a clear conscience, why are you in such a hurry to leave?”