Chapter 189 – Lu Xiangjun, If You’re Here, Don’t Think of Escaping

Chapter 189 - Lu Xiangjun, If You're Here, Don't Think of Escaping

"Brother Yao."

Shen Qing rushed over, her eyes trembling as she supported Jian Yao, who had been shot in the chest.

"Who told you to shoot?" The unfamiliar man slapped the foreign police officer across the face when he saw Jian Yao wounded.

In the next second, the gun was in the hands of the unknown man. He aimed it menacingly at the police officer's head. "If anything happens to him, all of you will accompany him to his grave!"

Gu Shaoqian's gaze darkened upon hearing this. His eyes were filled with animosity as they fixated on Jian Yao, who was leaning against Shen Qing. So what if he had found a backer? Jian Yao was still doomed to die.

However, Gu Shaoqian's cruel smile froze on his face soon after.

This was because Jian Yao stood up as if nothing had happened, and there was no bleeding from his chest wound.

Staring at Jian Yao's lively appearance, Gu Shaoqian's eyes widened in disbelief. "How is this possible? How can someone be shot without bleeding? Without dying?"

Of course, Jian Yao didn't bleed or die. He was wearing a bulletproof vest.

With utmost attention, Shen Qing examined Jian Yao's bulletproof vest, reassured only when she confirmed he was unharmed. "Thankfully, the bulletproof vests in this era are of decent quality," she sighed with relief.

Jian Yao gave her a quizzical look, sensing that Shen Qing's manner of speaking sometimes carried an 'advanced' air not characteristic of this era.

Despite having personally witnessed that Brother Yao was unharmed, Shen Qing couldn't help but stand on tiptoe to carefully inspect his condition with reassurance.

Having encountered official scientific explanations online in her previous life, she knew that while bulletproof vests could indeed stop bullets, they were unable to dissipate the sheer force of the impact. Consequently, many who wore them would still suffer broken ribs when struck in the chest by a bullet.

A gentle and fair fingertip softly caressed the spot on his chest where he had been struck.

Shen Qing was afraid of fracturing his ribs, so she didn't dare to apply any force during the examination. As her fingers tried to slide under his collar for a more thorough check, Shen Qing's wrist was suddenly caught.

Lowering his head, Jian Yao gazed into her dark, solemn eyes, a hint of amusement flickering across his face. "I'm really fine. You predicted that I might get injured by a metallic weapon today, so I wore a bulletproof vest."

Initially, Jian Yao hadn't connected Shen Qing's mention of metallic weapons with bullets. It wasn't until he received a call about Shen Qing being falsely accused of killing a foreigner and seeking comfort in a stranger's arms that this memory resurfaced.

Thus, he had reminded the unfamiliar man to bring out two bulletproof vests. To his surprise, Shen Qing's prediction had indeed come true.

Seeing that Jian Yao was unharmed, the stranger also breathed a sigh of relief.

The foreign police officers' weapons were now seized by the unfamiliar Sir brought by the mysterious man.

"Master, it was Gu Shaoqian who ordered them to fire just now," Zhong Ziguang's voice echoed from the side.

Shen Qing regained her composure and noticed that Zhong Ziguang had somehow approached Gu Shaoqian's car unnoticed.

He reached out to snatch the walkie-talkie from Gu Shaoqian's hand. "He used this walkie-talkie to give orders to those foreign police."

As Gu Shaoqian tried to evade, his bodyguards rushed down from the vehicle to block Zhong Ziguang.

"Drive," Gu Shaoqian seized the opportunity to command the driver.

Just as the driver stepped on the accelerator to flee with Gu Shaoqian, an SUV suddenly rammed into their luxurious car, bringing it to an abrupt stop.

Dazed from the impact, Gu Shaoqian watched as Huoniu leaped out of another vehicle.

His bodyguards, originally intent on protecting Gu Shaoqian, were now confronted by Huoniu, who charged straight for their target – capturing the king to defeat the army.

Gu Shaoqian's pupils constricted in alarm, hastily instructing his bodyguards to intercept Huoniu.

Unbeknownst to all, Dapu Hei also rushed over from the side, joining Huoniu in overpowering the bodyguards that Gu Shaoqian had brought.

Taking advantage of the bodyguards' distraction with Huoniu and Dapu Hei, Gu Shaoqian attempted to escape from the opposite direction. However, as he turned around, he was blocked by an unfamiliar man.

The stranger, accompanied by a team of officers, surrounded Gu Shaoqian. He took the walkie-talkie from Gu Shaoqian's hand, his gaze darkening. "Young Master Gu, care to explain how you possess a police walkie-talkie and can give them orders?"

Spotting Shen Qing approaching, Gu Shaoqian lifted his chin slightly, maintaining the demeanor of an aristocratic heir. "Sorry, until my lawyer arrives, I have the right to remain silent."

As Shen Qing drew closer, Gu Shaoqian's eyes flickered with disdain. "Caught red-handed, yet you still refuse to admit your guilt," Shen Qing said with a wry smile. "Colluding with these foreign police to falsely accuse innocent Hong Kong citizens – your lawyer won't save you from this crime. My lawyer can still bring you to justice."

Faced with Shen Qing's mockery, Gu Shaoqian gritted his teeth, his face turning ashen. "Is that so?" Fixing his gaze on Shen Qing, he suddenly chuckled. "Then I shall wait and see."

Gu Shaoqian didn't believe Shen Qing had the capability to retaliate. In the past, both he and the Gu family hadn't taken Shen Qing seriously, allowing her to pull strings behind their backs.

Now that they were both taking a more aggressive stance against Shen Qing, the mere act of freezing her assets in the bank would be enough to break her.

With a teasing glint in his eyes, Gu Shaoqian watched Shen Qing, anticipating the moment when she would be cornered, forced to swallow her pride and beg for mercy in front of him.

Gu Shaoqian cast a disdainful glance at Shen Qing, who was standing protectively by her side, and huffed softly.

He completely ignored Jian Yao's presence and turned to the unfamiliar man, saying, "Inspector Xing, I know you've recently been transferred back to Hong Kong. You might not be fully aware of the situation here yet, so you rushed to defend someone recklessly."

Suddenly, Gu Shaoqian leaned closer to Inspector Xing with a mocking smile, "Inspector Xing, no matter what your relationship is with Jian Yao, as the Commissioner of Police, if you openly shield a criminal who has a warrant out for their arrest and a search warrant issued, I doubt you'll hold onto your position for long."

As he spoke, Gu Shaoqian's gaze flickered towards Shen Qing, laced with a subtle threat.

"Not your concern, Young Master Gu," Inspector Xing replied coolly, lifting the walkie-talkie he had snatched from Gu Shaoqian. He stared at him critically, "Young Master Gu, perhaps you could explain how the police walkie-talkies ended up in your possession, and how you managed to corrupt this group of people?"

"As the Commissioner of Police, I did not issue any warrants for their arrest or search."

Inspector Xing's gaze was sharp. His position was akin to the top dog in the Hong Kong police force, and he had every right and authority to investigate Gu Shaoqian and those colluding foreign police officers.

"I have nothing to say!" Gu Shaoqian declared arrogantly.

"Inspector Xing, there's no need to ask – it must be the Gu family that bribed these foreigners to come after Mr. Shen," Octopus, another journalist, arrived on the scene, indignant. "In Hong Kong, the Gu family is notorious for cozying up to foreigners."

Octopus pointed at one of the foreigners trying to sneak away and shouted loudly, "That one there, he doesn't look like an officer, but he seems familiar."

Octopus was astonished. "Isn't he the Secretary to the Governor?"

Both Gu Shaoqian and the Secretary's expressions changed.

"So the Gu family has the support of the Governor's office, no wonder they can act so arrogantly in Hong Kong," Shen Qing sneered. "In front of all these media reporters today, I hope, Mr. Secretary, you can give me, the victim, an explanation. Why do you have the authority to issue an arrest warrant and a search warrant against me?"

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding," the secretary quickly said, realizing the situation was turning sour. "I'm not close to Second Master Gu at all. I just came here to see the commotion."

"Quite an interest you have, Mr. Secretary, to witness the chaos in my home," Shen Qing mocked. "Not to mention that you arrived with Gu Shaoqian at the same time, in the same car..."

The secretary's expression shifted once more.

Aware that he needed to distance himself from the secretary, Gu Shaoqian also adopted a cold demeanor and said, "You must have mistaken, Mr. Secretary didn't ride in my car. Indeed, we're not well-acquainted."

Gu Shaoqian had indeed picked up the skill of lying with a straight face from spending time with Su Qilan. After all, none of these journalists had captured them in the same vehicle, so he could say whatever he wanted.

"Shen Qing, I can also sue you for defamation based on what you just said," Gu Shaoqian glared at Shen Qing with an imposing presence. "You'd better apologize for your words, or I reserve the right to pursue legal action against you."

"Oh wow, I'm so scared," Shen Qing scoffed sarcastically.

"Gu Shaoqian shouldn't dare to threaten my master. She has evidence to refute your slander," Zhong Ziguang stood tall before Shen Qing, his chest puffed out. "My master is a genius and would never wish ill on others without reason, nor would she forge evidence to harm someone."

"Exactly, Miss Shen, don't you have the proof they're slandering you?" Badatong's eyes sparkled as he looked at Shen Qing. "Please reveal the evidence now."

The tape Shen Qing had given Jian Yao was actually her conversation with the foreigner Evans.

In those exchanges, Evans specifically mentioned Gu Chengfu's plot against him.

"Miss Shen, I have no choice now but to sell you the shares of the Tsim Sha Tsui abandoned building project. If I don't act promptly, Gu Chengfu might kill me and seize these shares afterward..." Evans' fearful voice echoed from the recorder, "As long as you agree, we can sign the contract immediately."

When Shen Qing initially recorded this tape, it was a shot in the dark. She wanted to document the events in case something unexpected happened.

Little did she know that playing this tape now would not only prove that the airport assassination attempt was linked to Gu Chengfu but also demonstrate that she had no involvement in the foreigner's death. Furthermore, it would establish that her acquisition of the Tsim Sha Tsui property shares was entirely legitimate.

This contrasted starkly with Gu Shaoqian's accusations, where he had arranged for someone to report to the ICAC, claiming that she had obtained the shares through illegal means.

Gu Shaoqian's face contorted with disgust, and the Secretary of the Governor's Office was equally surprised that Shen Qing possessed such evidence to clear her name.

If he had known this Mainlander could turn the tables in dire straits, no amount of money from the Gu family would have lured the secretary into this mess.

When Sir Xing looked at Shen Qing with admiration, it was no wonder Jian Yao was so devoted to her. If he had encountered such a gem of a girl, brimming with talent and beauty, he would have been even more smitten than Jian Yao.

Realizing now that he was here to assist, Sir Xing knew his role was to provide support.

With this tape as evidence, not only could Sir Xing lawfully arrest Gu Shaoqian, but also Gu Chengfu, openly and without reproach.

Even Gu Shaoqian, who had fantasized about Shen Qing begging for mercy, was now clad in silver handcuffs.

As Gu Shaoqian was being taken away by Sir Xing, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, looking at Shen Qing standing on the sidewalk with a calm gaze.

Upon seeing Shen Qing's fingers entwined with Jian Yao's, he let out a self-deprecating smile.

It was only now that Gu Shaoqian finally understood there was truly no affection from Shen Qing towards him; he had been deceiving himself all along.

This realization felt like a massive stone weighing down on Gu Shaoqian's heart. Seeing him staring at Shen Qing, Jian Yao stepped forward with a cold expression, positioning himself to block Gu Shaoqian's view of Shen Qing.

Gu Shaoqian laughed at himself again. With his cuffed hands, he fished a pearl earring from his suit pocket and dropped it on the ground.

The pearl earring bounced up and landed on Shen Qing's instep. She looked down in surprise to realize that this was the very pearl earring she had lost the day before.

She hadn't expected Gu Shaoqian to have found it?

As Inspector Xing took Gu Shaoqian away, Badatong rushed to follow with his camera, "Inspector Xing now has the evidence. When will you arrest Gu Chengfu?"

Badatong was truly fearless for the sake of sensational news.

He was willing to bet that once he captured the footage of Gu Chengfu being taken away by Inspector Xing, it would create a sensation throughout Hong Kong.

He already had a catchy headline in mind: #Father and Son from the Gu Family: A Household of Trash#.

After everyone had left, Shen Qing planned to deal with the issue of her company's frozen bank accounts.

Just as she called out for Awen, she saw the girl's knees buckle, and she knelt on the ground, "Oh my God, Mr. Shen, your life is really thrilling."

Awen's legs had gone weak from the commotion, but when she lifted her head to look at Shen Qing, her eyes were shining brightly, and her face was lit with excitement, "Mr. Shen, you're like the ultimate heroine. You can always find a way out of such dangerous situations."

If anyone else had been in their shoes, faced with search warrants and arrest warrants, they would've been terrified. Who could remain as calm and rational as Mr. Shen in handling all this... Those damned foreign police officers had even fired at them, yet nothing had happened?

"Mr. Shen, you truly are remarkable." As Awen was helped up from the ground by the Filipino maid, she still gazed at Mr. Shen with admiration. "Working with you, my future is boundless."

"That's right," Zhong Ziguang raised his head proudly. "My master is the beacon of righteousness, someone even the Goddess Guan Yin would dream of protecting."

"Slightly exaggerated," Shen Qing chuckled at Zhong Ziguang and Awen's reactions. Jian Yao's thin lips curled slightly, relieved to see her in good spirits.

After they returned home, they all had something to calm their nerves before delving into the main matter.

Awen continued, "Mr. Shen, now that you have evidence to prove your innocence, once these documents are submitted to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, your frozen assets should be unfrozen promptly."

"How long approximately will it take?" Shen Qing asked.

"Around seven working days," Awen replied.

"Can't it be expedited?" Shen Qing inquired further.

"That's already the fastest we can rush it through our bank," Awen explained. "Otherwise, it would take around fifteen days to a month. Moreover, your land loan application might not be approved anytime soon."

Shen Qing frowned, considering the substantial funds required for the initial development of the bell tower and Rongwan Village project - billions were needed at the very least.

With their existing fifty million in the account now frozen and bank loans pending approval, suppliers within the company were waiting impatiently for payment. The shortage of funds had indeed invited a multitude of troubles.

Seeing Shen Qing's troubled expression, Jian Yao asked, "How much more do you need?"

The amount needed was substantial, and Shen Qing couldn't keep relying on Jian Yao indefinitely. Even if Brother Yao was wealthy, she feared exhausting his resources with constant borrowing.

Noticing Shen Qing's silence, Jian Yao understood that she was thinking about his well-being. His dark eyes softened as he pondered how much more he could afford to lend her.

Shen Qing had initially planned on the lottery company's dividends arriving soon. However, Brother Dragon called to inform her that the lottery company's funds were also frozen due to her being the legal representative. As she was under investigation, all assets in her name would be seized.

This incident enlightened Shen Qing; it was unwise to put all eggs in one basket. In the future, she would preferably distribute her ownership across various companies, operating through a holding company structure, and replace herself as the legal representative with someone trustworthy.

"You're quite capable too, to catch the old man off guard despite all that's happened." Brother Dragon's voice brimmed with delight, showing no trace of anger over the frozen lottery company funds. "Considering how you always help me embarrass Gu Shaoqian and that old man, tell me, how much do you need? I'll lend it to you."

Shen Qing suddenly felt she had excellent friends who would willingly step up to assist her in times of need.

"Thank you, Brother Dragon," Shen Qing sincerely expressed her gratitude. "But things haven't reached a desperate stage yet."

She smiled and said, "I can get money from other sources."

Brother Dragon raised an eyebrow, feeling that Shen Qing not borrowing from him meant she didn't consider him a friend.

Hastily smoothing things over, Shen Qing first affirmed that she had long regarded Brother Dragon as a close friend.

After expressing her gratitude once more, she continued, "Since you're thinking for my sake, I'll do the same for you. You're also in a precarious situation within the Gu family, surrounded by threats. Keep your money for yourself; when I really hit rock bottom, I'll come to you without you even needing to ask."

One should empathize with others.

In the past, she did view Brother Dragon as a naive gangster to manipulate. But people have hearts, and he consistently had her interests at heart. Could she really be hard-hearted towards him?

Brother Dragon was deeply touched by her sincere words.

After hanging up the call, still twirling his Buddhist beads, he instructed his underling, "Go find me a few Chinese dictionaries."

The underling was surprised. After his boss's recent bout of meditation, had he suddenly developed a love for learning?

Nonsense. Brother Dragon admired how Shen Qing spoke logically and often dropped profound wisdom. He realized that reading truly held value.

At least it allowed for a more flexible perspective on the same issue, and using four idioms in a single sentence felt impressively erudite.

Unbeknownst to himself, Brother Dragon harbored a subconscious admiration for Shen Qing's cultural prowess.

By 'getting money from elsewhere,' Shen Qing meant getting it from He Wenzhi.

She owned twenty percent of Song Jinji, so it was only reasonable for her to provide the cash when needed.

When He Wenzhi received Mr. Shen's call, she had just climbed out of bed.

She glared at her husband, Song Guangfeng, who was sprawled lazily on the bed before getting dressed and leaving the bedroom. She took the phone from the maid's hand.

"Mr. Shen, how much do you need?" Upon hearing that Mr. Shen was short on funds, He Wenzhi, far from being stingy, offered help. With Song Jinji's profitable state, there was ample money in the company's accounts that could be used as dividends for Mr. Shen.

"Temporarily, I'll need five million," Mr. Shen said, hoping for a bit more in case of any unexpected situations.

"No problem at all," He Wenzhi nodded, assuring him, "I'll instruct my accountant to transfer it to you right away."

"I need the cash," Mr. Shen, relieved by He Wenzhi's promptness, added, "With the company's funds frozen, I won't be able to access the money through the bank account immediately."

"Understood. The five million in cash will be delivered to your company before noon," He Wenzhi promised, hanging up the call and immediately dialing her finance department to prepare the cash for Mr. Shen.

After disconnecting the call, He Wenzhi gazed at the date circled in red on her calendar.

It was the calculated ovulation period given to her by her private physician. As the daughter-in-law of the Song family, if she wished to solidify her position as the CEO of Song Jinji, she needed to give birth to an heir for the Song family.

There was no other choice, as her status within the Song family relied entirely on her marriage certificate with Song Guangfeng.

Now that Song Jinji had turned its fortunes around and business was thriving, there were even more eyes watching her than before.

Despite having no emotional connection with Song Guangfeng, He Wenzhi had to consider her future. This was the predicament women often faced in such circumstances, and it was the only way for He Wenzhi to firmly establish herself within the Song family.

After all, He Wenzhi didn't want her hard-earned success to be inherited by someone else in the end.

In the future, when she was old, Song Jinji could only be inherited by her children. Song Jinji would sooner or later be transformed under her, He Wenzhi!

Putting down the calendar, as He Wenzhi descended the stairs and entered the living room, the maid had already prepared a nourishing soup.

"The young madam, this is the health soup that Madam asked me to prepare for you," the servant said, presenting the soup to He Wenzhi and also placing a bottle of folic acid for pregnancy on the side.

He Wenzhi knew that her mother-in-law had always been concerned about her relationship with Song Guangfeng, and even more so about when she could bear an heir for the Song family!

The men from the Song family's main branch were unreliable, indulging in drinking, gambling, horse racing, and women. In the past, it was her mother-in-law who had tirelessly supported Song Jinji, preventing its collapse.

Now, it was He Wenzhi, the daughter-in-law from the main branch, who was keeping Song Jinji afloat. She was guarding against the second branch of the Song family seizing control of the company from their hands.

With a stoic expression, He Wenzhi picked up the fertility-enhancing soup and sipped it meticulously. As she did so, her mother-in-law approached with a freshly pruned potted plant, asking, "Has Guangfeng not woken up yet?"

"No," He Wenzhi shook her head.

Every time she was ovulating, her mother-in-law would have someone bring the partying Song Guangfeng back home to share a room with her.

At times, He Wenzhi felt that Song Guangfeng was nothing but a breeding boar raised by the Song family, useful only when their women needed him for his warmth.

Neither she nor her mother-in-law were women who indulged in romantic love. They cherished the taste of money and power more than men.

"I had a master consult your fortune. He said you're destined to win this month," He Wenzhi's mother-in-law placed a meticulously pruned potted plant before her. "It doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl; it's just that the road ahead won't be easy for a daughter."

The men of the Song family being incompetent didn't matter; they still thought highly of themselves and often interfered in business matters.

Song Jinji had always relied on women, and He Wenzhi's mother-in-law was well aware of how challenging it was for women to navigate the world of commerce.

He Wenzhi silently swallowed her folic acid supplement.

Seeing this, her mother-in-law smiled and asked, "I heard you've instructed the accountant to prepare five million in cash for Shen Qing?"

"Yes," He Wenzhi nodded. "I believe Mr. Shen isn't meant to remain in obscurity. Given time and opportunity, she'll soar to great heights."

"Soaring to great heights? That's easier said than done," He Wenzhi's mother-in-law chuckled. "She's currently competing against the Gu family. With Gu Chengfu's character, he won't let her have an easy time."

After a moment of silence, He Wenzhi shared, "I just received news that both Gu Chengfu and Gu Shaoqian have been taken away by the police. Shen Qing has foreign evidence that can prove Gu Chengfu's corruption."

"So evidence is just evidence because you say so?" He Wenzhi's mother-in-law laughed again. "If Gu Chengfu couldn't handle such a trivial matter, how could he have risen to his current position from being a nobody?"

"You're still too young," He Wenzhi's mother-in-law sighed. "Western education might have taught you about equality among people, about laws and fairness. But have you ever pondered if this world is truly fair?"

"Do those Western capitalists truly treat everyone equally? The conflict between Shen Qing and the Gu family has now become a personal rivalry between Shen Qing and Gu Chengfu!" He Wenzhi's mother-in-law, bred in an esteemed family and with decades of experience in the business world, often had a more perceptive and incisive understanding of people and situations than the average person.

"Shen Qing currently holds twenty percent of the shares in Song Jinji. Believe it or not, the moment you deliver the money to her, the Gu family will start causing us troubles..."

He Wenzhi's expression froze. "But one mustn't go back on their word." This was something she had learned from Mr. Shen — in business, integrity was crucial for longevity.

"Not that I don't want you to send it, but I think this is an opportunity for you to reclaim that twenty percent stake." He Wenzhi's mother-in-law continued, "Though it might seem like taking advantage of the situation, it's truly the best course of action for the Song family and Song Jinji."

Taking the potted plant on the table, she analogized, "Running a business is much like pruning a bonsai. One must know what to keep and what to let go."

He Wenzhi fell silent again, gazing at the meticulously trimmed plant, because she knew her mother-in-law was right – Shen Qing was now the withered branch that needed pruning.

For a moment, He Wenzhi oscillated between 'exploiting vulnerability' and 'offering aid in a crisis,' unsure of how to proceed.

On the other hand, Shen Qing, cheered by the news that He Wenzhi would send money, sat contentedly at the dining table, enjoying her meal.

Due to the report from the mute sister-in-law about the situation in Country Chao, it was said that Lu Xiangjun had boarded a flight back to Hong Kong in the wee hours of last night.

It was quite amusing, really. Lu Xiangjun had no desire to return to Hong Kong, preferring to bask in her luxurious life as an earl's wife abroad. However, she was coerced by Su Qilan into returning, which led to her reluctantly boarding the plane at the very last moment of the deadline.

Calculating the time, the aircraft carrying Lu Xiangjun should have already landed at the Hong Kong airport.

As expected, Lu Xiangjun's actions aligned with Mr. Shen's anticipation. With a foul expression, she descended from the plane.

This time, Lu Xiangjun had concealed her return to Hong Kong from her parents and her earl husband, claiming that she merely needed some time to clear her mind.

How could Lu Xiangjun possibly be relaxing on this trip back? Her heart was weighed down with turmoil.

Recalling how she was forced by Su Qilan to take a night flight, leaving her so enraged that she couldn't even sleep on the plane, the pent-up anger intensified once her feet touched the ground of Hong Kong.

This fury reached its peak when she encountered Su Qilan at the hospital.

"You're half-dead anyway, so why bother calling me back?" asked Lu Xiangjun, wearing sunglasses. Her khaki-colored windbreaker accentuated her tall and slender figure, accompanied by a Western female maid by her side.

The police officer standing guard outside the ward was stopped by two foreign bodyguards.

Despite secretly returning to Hong Kong without informing her Earl husband, Lu Xiangjun had not held back in exerting her authority. She carried herself with the full grandeur of an Earl's wife.

From the airport to the hospital, it was the Governor's driver who chauffeured her. Thus, arranging a meeting with Su Qilan was a simple task for her...

"Spare me your taunts and get me out of here," Su Qilan said irritably from her bed. "I've had enough of being under constant surveillance."

Lu Xiangjun looked down at her, her sunglasses hiding her gaze, but her tightly pursed red lips and impatient expression revealed her immense frustration when facing Su Qilan.

"You don't want to come and get me?" Su Qilan paid no heed to Lu Xiangjun's emotions. "Then let my father have a word with you."

"Be quiet," Lu Xiangjun snapped. In both the Lu family and the Earl's residence, she was accustomed to everyone catering to her every whim.

Now that Su Qilan had found leverage against her, she dared to threaten her repeatedly?

Fixing Su Qilan with a fierce glare, Lu Xiangjun hissed, "Don't think I can't handle you and your father."

"You can do whatever you want to us, but if anything happens to me, your secret won't remain hidden," Su Qilan chuckled. "Mother, I told you, we're mother and daughter. Not only do we share the same mindset and tactics, but we also carry a joint secret on our shoulders."

...

Just before noon, Shen Qing received a call from Qin Shili, informing her that Su Qilan had been taken away – under the order of the Governor's residence, no less. They claimed there were numerous mysteries surrounding Su Qilan and that she had even narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.

According to the hospital's doctors, Su Qilan's heart had almost been pierced. Though she had undergone surgery, she was now left with a severe condition.

Furthermore, Su Qilan had confessed voluntarily and behaved well in detention. Based on the facility's regulations, a prisoner with a severe illness like hers could be granted parole...

Shen Qing wasn't surprised at all. She had seen this kind of parole trick countless times in Korean dramas.

Those tycoons, born into wealthy families, always employed seemingly 'legitimate' methods to extricate themselves from trouble.

In the 1970s, before Hong Kong's return, Su Qilan, backed by her connection as Countess Lu Xiangjun, could have easily pulled off such maneuvers in Hong Kong. It was consistent with both Su Qilan and Lu Xiangjun's ruthless personalities to achieve their goals.

What Shen Qing hadn't expected was that after returning to Hong Kong, Lu Xiangjun had kept her actions hidden from Qin Shili, instead bringing Su Qilan directly to the Victoria Hotel.

Shen Qing instructed Huoniu to find unfamiliar faces to monitor Su Qilan and Lu Xiangjun at the Victoria Hotel.

Then, she called Octopus: "I have a super explosive news story. Do you want to hear it?"

"Are you kidding me? How come you have so many explosive stories in your hands, big guy?" Octopus felt incredibly fortunate. He had just exclusively revealed the scandal of Gu Chengfu and Gu Shaoqian, the father and son, bribing foreign police officers to commit misconduct in Hong Kong.

Now, the big guy was giving him even more news. Octopus was moved to tears: "I feel like I'm destined to be the best paparazzi in Hong Kong's history books."

Listening to this, Shen Qing chuckled before sharing his own explosive story with Octopus: "Before marrying Shao Jingwen, Gu Shaoqian had already signed a marriage certificate with Su Qilan. Moreover, Su Qilan's parole was due to her mother, who is a countess, returning to Hong Kong specifically to bail her out..."

"Damn it, these fake foreigners are truly despicable," Octopus said angrily. Despite all the wrongdoings Su Qilan had committed, she could escape justice because of her mother's noble status? It was outrageous.

Such infuriating news prompted Octopus not only to expose it himself but also to collaborate with other righteous journalists to do so.

"I'll arrange for people to protect you," Shen Qing assured.

Octopus knew that after revealing so much about the Gus, they would certainly retaliate against him.

But he wasn't afraid, for he was Hong Kong's best paparazzi.

Besides, if he were scared, he wouldn't have helped the lawyer, Eevee, who was falsely accused of killing a foreigner, clear their name over a decade ago.

How could the world solely be shrouded in darkness?

As Qin Shili had mentioned, even the longest nightmare must eventually come to an end.

Shen Qing had utilized these news reports to force out Lu Xiangjun, who had sought refuge behind the scenes. Now that she was back in Hong Kong, how could he allow her to so effortlessly pull Su Qilan out of the shadows?

Lu Xiangjun still believed herself to be cunning and stealthy in her endeavor to retrieve Su Qilan from Hong Kong. She had no intention of lingering there any longer, having purchased a flight for two o'clock in the afternoon, preparing to return to Country Chao to resume her lofty position as Countess.

But how could Shen Qing possibly let her leave Hong Kong so easily?

While Octopus TV and Jade Channel were breaking their exposé, He Wenzhi, after much internal struggle, arrived at Mr. Shen's villa with a suitcase brimming with cash.

Upon seeing He Wenzhi as the one delivering the money, Mr. Shen was somewhat taken aback.

"Mr. Shen, this is ten million," He Wenzhi said, unlocking the suitcase and placing it before him.

Her assistant, following closely behind, promptly opened his own suitcase and placed it before Mr. Shen as well.

Mr. Shen gazed at the two full suitcases of cash, then at the solemn expression on He Wenzhi's face. He suddenly chuckled softly. "Miss He, I suspect your visit today with such a substantial amount of money is not solely about giving me this money."

Mr. Shen demands fifty million, yet He Wenzhi offers one hundred million.

In this world, where would one find such a fortunate fall from the sky?

"He Wenzhi, as Mr. Shen has pointed out, my visit today indeed has ulterior motives." Knowing that Mr. Shen was an astute individual, she didn't beat around the bush but went straight to the point. "I wish to purchase the twenty percent stake in Song Jinji that is currently held by Mr. Shen."

Shen Qing raised an eyebrow. "Right now?"

Observing his calm smile, showing no trace of anger for her betrayal, He Wenzhi also chuckled. "Of course not."

Though her mother-in-law's approach was effective in securing her position as the CEO of Song Jinji, He Wenzhi had once betrayed a partner, Mr. Shen, in the past.

Back then, Mr. Shen, putting aside past grievances, didn't crush her completely. Instead, he fairly won 20% of Song Jinji's shares from her through a betting agreement.

Now that Mr. Shen was facing difficulties, if she were to betray another partner and take advantage of his vulnerability, it would make her utterly despicable.

After much deliberation, He Wenzhi decided to act according to her true intentions!

Furthermore, He Wenzhi agreed with Mr. Shen that in business, one should learn to spend four for every six earned. When the business earns profits, it's essential to share them with others to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Pointing at the ten million in the box, she said, "This is the maximum liquid capital Song Jinji currently has. I've brought it all for Mr. Shen."

Shen Qing asked, "What about you?"

He Wenzhi smiled again. "Mr. Shen, don't worry. If I could deliver ten million to you, I must have assessed the risks for the company. Though we're facing some difficulties, losing this money won't lead to our bankruptcy."

Just as Mr. Shen was touched by her sincerity, He Wenzhi continued, "But I hope, given my genuine intentions, Mr. Shen can agree to one thing."

"I'm listening," he nodded.

"Ten years from now, when I've turned Song Jinji into a public company, I hope Mr. Shen will support me in reclaiming that 20% stake."

He Wenzhi explained, "Mr. Shen is aware that without those 20% shares in your hands, once the company goes public, my equity will be diluted, and I won't be able to secure my position as the CEO of Song Jinji."

Before Shen Qing could respond, she added, "At that time, I'll purchase your shares at a price 20% higher than the market value."

A 20% premium over the market rate - this was the most sincere offer He Wenzhi could think of after much contemplation.

Observing the ambitious He Wenzhi, determined to take Song Jinji public, Mr. Shen chuckled with delight. "Deal."

He Wenzhi had chosen to offer help when her funds were frozen, and Mr. Shen naturally held this reliable partner in high esteem. "When the time comes, just acquire the shares from my hands at market value."

She picked up the milk on the table, pouring a cup for herself and one for He Wenzhi. Smiling warmly, she said, "I'd like to congratulate you in advance, hoping that all your endeavors will be successful!"

"Thank you, Mr. Shen!" Seeing Mr. Shen substitute wine with milk, He Wenzhi was deeply touched, assuming that he knew she was trying to conceive and thus deliberately avoided alcohol.

In fact, it was a lovely misunderstanding. Mr. Shen had initially intended to have the housekeeper open champagne for celebration. But the mood seemed incomplete with the champagne unopened, so he decided to toast with milk instead.

In business, the emphasis lies on loyalty and generosity, not necessarily in drinking to celebrate!

While Mr. Shen and He Wenzhi engaged in a health-conscious gathering, Lu Xiangjun sat with Su Qilan as if they were foes.

"When this matter is over, don't come looking for me," Lu Xiangjun told Su Qilan impatiently. "If you had my abilities, you would understand that what you desire should be seized by yourself."

"But Mother, how can you lecture me so grandiosely without considering that your status as Countess and your position today are due to your identity as the daughter of the Lu family?" Su Qilan sneered. "Now that you're living comfortably, you want to abandon your daughter? There's no such fortunate thing in this world."

Lu Xiangjun glared at Su Qilan with frustration, but eventually, under the threat, she reluctantly wrote down her phone number for Su Qilan. "If you have anything in the future, you can call this number." Pausing, she issued a warning. "But don't call for trivial matters. If you can't handle it yourself, don't meddle in things beyond your capabilities."

With that said, Lu Xiangjun left the fuming Su Qilan and headed for the airport.

Unexpectedly, upon arriving at the airport and just as she was about to board, she was suddenly surrounded by a group of journalists who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, causing her to miss her boarding time.