Hua Renda listened, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He had originally intended to use the marriage alliance with the Qi Family to save his company from crisis, but he had never expected the Qi Family to hit him while he was down with such a devastating blow at this time!
Still unwilling to accept it, Hua Renda said, "But that day, didn't President Qi say that he took a fancy to my daughter, Xiao Mo?"
Hearing this, Qi Longbing's eyes narrowed slightly, his stunning face exhibiting a touch of distant coldness, and his deep-sea-like eyes carrying a hint of mockery.
"Hua Xiaomo..." Qi Longbing spoke slowly, pausing before continuing, his magnetic voice filled with teasing, "She's simply not worth that much! President Hua..."
Then Qi Longbing stood up, one hand elegantly sliding into his pocket, as he looked at Hua Renda. "President Hua, you want to rely on Hua Xiaomo to save the Hua Clan's rapidly declining situation, but this move was a grave miscalculation!"
Perhaps he wouldn't even have to wait much longer; not only was he planning to devour the Hua Clan, but that Hua Xiaomo wouldn't escape his grasp either!
"..." Hua Renda was speechless. His face, which still carried traces of its youthful vigor, instantly paled, and his voice trembled. "President Qi... you can't be this ruthless..."
"Heh, I don't quite understand what you mean by that, President Hua," Qi Longbing said nonchalantly. "It's always been like this: when there's business, we do business. When there isn't, our personal relationship remains. The Hua Clan has reached this state... I'm afraid even if you put it up for sale, no one would want to touch this mess."
"I, Qi Longbing, am willing to lend a hand solely out of respect for Old Master Qi. Besides, once the Qi Family acquires the Hua Clan, apart from not having management rights, Hua Renda, you can still attend shareholder meetings, enjoy glory and wealth within the Qi Family, and I can even allow your daughters to work for the Qi Family. So... what's not to like?" Qi Longbing said with an indifferent smile. He looked completely at ease, as if he were some kind of savior.
Hua Renda kept shaking his head. "No, I don't believe this. Our relationship with Old Master Qi has always been quite good; he would never allow you to do this."
"Here... I have the final say," Qi Longbing's voice was slow, his face suddenly turning as cold as ice. "Think it over, President Hua. You can come find me anytime. I won't keep you. Ms. Zhang, show our guest out."
Qi Longbing watched as Hua Renda left dejectedly, a cold, cruel smile gradually forming at the corner of his perfectly sculpted lips.
"Hua Clan, Hua Xiaomo..." Qi Longbing savored these words, his smile growing colder, the wicked charm in his eyes intensifying.
Suddenly, his phone rang. Qi Longbing glanced at the number and quickly answered, "Yu Bao, how are things going?"
"President Qi, I have investigated thoroughly," a deep voice came from the other end of the phone. "That plot of land in Chaohu Alley has indeed caught someone's interest, and the price negotiations between the parties have been going on for three months now. Most of the residents there are tenants."
"Good. Whoever it is, make them give it up. I want that land," Qi Longbing's voice carried an undeniable authority.
"Understood, President Qi," Yu Bao complied, then added, "Regarding Hua Xiaomo, she is a senior at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts in City A, majoring in fine arts, and splits her time between commuting and staying near campus. Her mobile number is 1314520520. She has a close female friend named Dong Xiaoyou who works in a clerical position at Shenghuang Construction Company."
Hmm. Qi Longbing hung up the phone, a thoughtful expression on his face. He quickly jotted down the phone number. He gently massaged his temples and, glancing at a plant on his desk, was reminded of something. He pressed the intercom. "Ms. Lin, have all the meeting rooms filled with daffodils."
"Oh... okay, President Qi."
Qi Longbing elegantly stroked his forehead with one hand and chuckled softly. So she studies fine arts. And here I thought she was into martial arts!
The image of the collision flashed through his mind: her agile movements, her magnificent figure—there probably weren't many girls in the world who could match her.
And that moment of her blazing anger, her fierce actions, instantly shattering the Porsche's window...
Such a girl... who would have thought she could be a quiet fine arts student?
Action and stillness, wildness and restraint—they all seemed to combine within her, forcing one to ponder.
Qi Longbing thought, his sensual lips gradually curving into a speculative smile. Hua Xiaomo... what other secrets do you have that I don't know about?
His gaze fixed on the string of numbers on the paper, Qi Longbing tapped on the Osaka desk several times, ultimately deciding not to call.
Suddenly leaning back, Qi Longbing lazily reclined in his executive chair, legs propped up on the desk. Lighting a cigar, he chuckled coldly to himself. Average looks, a stubborn and ungraceful personality, crude, ill-tempered, and prone to violence at the drop of a hat. What man would want a woman like that...?
「...」
「Several days passed quickly.」
Tomorrow was the last day of the week, the agreed-upon deadline.
During these days, Hua Xiaomo had made the excuse of going out sketching and hadn't returned home. Her phone was also turned off. Xia Shuangming's phone was also off.
In this anxious wait, Hua Xiaomo was nearly in despair. Time was slipping away bit by bit.
"Xiao Mo, don't worry so much. Maybe I can ask my boss for a loan tomorrow," Dong Xiaoyou said, looking at her with a worried face.
Hua Xiaomo lifted her head, giving her a wry smile. "It's okay... don't worry about me." At this point, she was even considering using that money. No matter what, she, Hua Xiaomo, couldn't let others dictate her life!
The wait stretched until the final moments before the deadline.
Suddenly, Dong Xiaoyou's phone rang. Both of them froze, and Hua Xiaomo immediately shot her a look. Her own phone might be off, but Xia Shuangming would naturally know how to find her.
Dong Xiaoyou quickly answered the unfamiliar number. "Hello..."
"Miss Dong, please pass the phone to Hua Xiaomo, thank you." It was indeed Xia Shuangming's voice.
Dong Xiaoyou handed the phone over to Hua Xiaomo.
"Xia Shuangming..." Hua Xiaomo was just about to say something.
But Xia Shuangming preempted her. "I can pay you your fee in advance this time, five hundred thousand. But if you can't get 'Blue Moon' by next month, you'll have to pay ten times that amount in compensation. What do you say?" His voice sank ominously as he finished speaking.
"You really are Xia Shuangming... always eating people without spitting out the bones!" Hua Xiaomo laughed sarcastically. Even loan sharks don't calculate interest like that, do they? Ten times the compensation! That means if she doesn't get 'Blue Moon,' she'll have to pay five million!
This black-hearted bastard...
A light chuckle from the man came through the phone. "I'm not forcing you... As long as you're willing."
Hua Xiaomo gritted her teeth. "I don't believe... that I, Hua Xiaomo, can ever fail when I make a move!"
"Confidence is good. Little K, you're the best. I'm proud of you!" Xia Shuangming laughed heartily.
"Enough of your glib talk. Where's the money? Transfer it to my account immediately." Hua Xiaomo's expression turned grim.
"You have to come here and sign an agreement," Xia Shuangming said, his smile vanishing, his voice turning cold and stern.
"Do we really need to go through all this trouble?" Hua Xiaomo sneered.
"It's necessary. You should understand. The usual place. I'll wait for you." Xia Shuangming hung up quickly.
"Bastard! Son of a bitch!!" Hua Xiaomo couldn't help cursing, her amber eyes flushed red with anger.
"Xiao Mo, don't go looking for him... I feel... something bad might happen this time," Dong Xiaoyou looked at her worriedly. "Besides, the money isn't that much this time. I think I can borrow it from my boss."
"It's fine. I'll be fine." Hua Xiaomo looked at Dong Xiaoyou, forced a smile, then picked up her bag.
"I'll take you there," Dong Xiaoyou said, seeing Hua Xiaomo was determined and wouldn't be swayed. She had already picked up her car keys.
"Xiao You..." Hua Xiaomo paused, looking at her. "Just lend me your car. You rest well. I'll be back soon."
"...Then I'll wait for you to come back."
"Mhm."
Hua Xiaomo agreed, took the keys, pulled open the door, and disappeared into the pitch-black night.
「...」
Dawn broke, revealing a sky of impeccable, clear blue.
And this day was a special one.
Early in the morning, Hua Xiaomo, after asking for directions, arrived at an imposing pagoda-style building. The lobby's golden splendor was immediately dazzling.
Dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, her hair in a ponytail, and carrying a backpack, Hua Xiaomo steadied herself. Looking at the words "Qi Imperial Court," her eyes narrowed slightly, then she quickly walked to the reception desk.
"Qi Longbing of the Qi Family works here, doesn't he?" Hua Xiaomo asked.
"You...are looking for the President?" The receptionist looked at the plain-looking girl in surprise, a look of disdain instantly flashing in her eyes.
"I am Hua Xiaomo. I'm here specifically to pay him back. Is he in?" asked Hua Xiaomo politely.
"The President isn't in. Come back another day," the receptionist said, a sneer on her face. Ridiculous, paying back money? Does the President even lack money? Couldn't this woman think of a more plausible reason to get close to the President?
Hua Xiaomo, seeing the unfriendly expression on the receptionist's face, said no more, stepped back a few paces, and stood in a quiet corner.
Not long after, a golden Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith entered her line of sight. A man got out, dressed in a black suit and wearing light coffee-colored sunglasses. His entrance was like that of a celebrity, surrounded by an adoring entourage as he strode into the Qi Imperial Court.
Qi Longbing's gaze was fixed straight ahead, his demeanor aloof, ignoring his surroundings as he headed towards the exclusive elevator for the president.
Hua Xiaomo dashed out, but before she could get close to him, she was immediately stopped by security personnel. "Miss, what do you think you're doing?"
"Qi Longbing! If you don't want your money, fine! I'm leaving!" Hua Xiaomo shouted at the top of her lungs.
Qi Longbing, just about to reach the elevator, suddenly stopped and smiled. A wave of unexpected amusement and satisfaction washed over him.