Chapter 108 Swallowing the Bitter Pill

Chapter 108: A Bitter Pill to Swallow

At a single dinner meeting, Fu Nanyu not only compelled the Xie family to plead with the Fu Corporation to reinvest in the venture project but also forced them to cede the Yunluo Bay land as compensation.

The head of the Xie family swallowed this bitter loss in silence, unable to utter a single word. He had initially believed he was seizing a great advantage, only to realize that the other party had merely been waiting to witness their humiliation.

While other failed projects might only result in financial losses, this venture project was government-backed. Any mishap could jeopardize half of the Xie family's assets.

It was clear that Fu Nanyu knew the Xie family couldn't manage the project alone. He had cut off their escape, then calmly stepped aside, poised to reap the spoils.

The head of the Xie family offered a self-deprecating smile, remarking pointedly, "Mr. Fu, indeed, the new wave washes over the old."

Having navigated the business world for decades, this was the first time he had been outmaneuvered and cornered so thoroughly by a junior. Such a defeat would infuriate anyone.

Fu Nanyu picked up his wine glass, took a light sip, and said calmly, "I only know that ill-gotten gains, once swallowed, will eventually rot in one's gut."

Without a glance at the Xie family head's darkening expression, he checked his wristwatch, stood up, and declared, "Apologies, I have prior engagements and must depart. Please feel free to continue. If the Xie family still wishes to negotiate, kindly contact my assistant to schedule an appointment."

He was returning to the company to pick up his wife.

After he left, only the Xie family head and Xie Qinghe remained in the private dining room. The Xie family head, leaning on his cane, rose and, without a word, slapped Xie Qinghe across the face as he passed, angrily rebuking him:

"You'll bring ruin to this family because of that woman. Challenging the Fu family before you've even found your footing—have you lost your mind?"

Xie Qinghe's face stung from the slap, but he remained silent, enduring the reprimand.

When Ji Yunyin had revealed the project's inside information, he had anticipated this outcome. Yet, he still proceeded, overestimating his own abilities to confront Fu Nanyu for Ji Yunyin's sake.

He found himself unable to refuse any of Ji Yunyin's requests, and perhaps there was also a hint of his own selfish motives at play.

Fu Nanyu never concealed business matters from Lu Jingtang. Instead, he often taught her how to handle situations, broadening her horizons.

Lu Jingtang knew the venture project had encountered issues, so she wasn't surprised to see Xie Qinghe at the Fu Corporation.

What she didn't expect was for Xie Qinghe to suddenly call out to her, especially in front of Special Assistant Qin.

Xie Qinghe stopped her and said, "Lu Jingtang, I'd like to talk to you."

As soon as he spoke, Qin Xianzhao raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lu Jingtang.

Lu Jingtang guessed he might want to discuss Ji Yunyin, and she was curious too, so she replied, "Alright, let's talk at that café over there."

"Special Assistant Qin, you can go back to your duties first."

Lu Jingtang knew he would undoubtedly report this to Fu Nanyu, but it was broad daylight, not some clandestine affair. She had nothing to feel guilty about.

As they entered the café, Lu Jingtang suddenly turned around and asked Xie Qinghe to go in first while she hurried to the convenience store next door to buy oden.

After selecting what she wanted, she turned and saw Xie Qinghe standing beside her, seemingly preparing to take out his wallet to pay for her.

She immediately said, "No need, no need. I'll handle it myself. I have an employee discount."

With that, she quickly scanned the code to pay. Xie Qinghe's hand paused mid-action as he watched Lu Jingtang, her eyes sparkling with delight as she looked at the oden, a faint, wistful smile in his eyes.

They sat down in the café, and Xie Qinghe asked her what she wanted to drink. Lu Jingtang waved her hand and said, "No thanks. I don't really like coffee."

Xie Qinghe could tell she wasn't just being polite, so he casually ordered a drink for himself.

Lu Jingtang ate her oden, waiting for him to speak, but Xie Qinghe either stared blankly at the table or gazed at her, making the atmosphere as awkward as a funeral.

She tentatively asked, "Mr. Xie, if there's nothing else, should I get going?"