Seeing Song Qiao emerge from the conference room, Cheng Ran hurried forward to greet him.
"Are you leaving already?"
Song Qiao didn't reply, instead asking with confusion, "Why are you waiting at the door?"
Cheng Ran lowered her head and mumbled weakly,
"Who knows if you'll suddenly run off again like last time."
Looking at her, Song Qiao realized he had indeed been neglecting her these past two days.
"How could I? People from Huajiang are still coming over later."
"Even if I were to run, I'd have to finish helping you with things first."
Cheng Ran chuckled, feeling a sweet happiness blossom in her heart.
They chatted for a while longer until Manager Su from the marketing department arrived, holding a stack of contracts.
With Song Qiao, the President of Huajiang, present, all procedures went very smoothly.
After the contracts were signed, Cheng Ran's gratitude towards Song Qiao was evident.
"Let me treat you to a meal!"
She held the newly signed contracts and said to Song Qiao with a happy face.
Song Qiao, however, frowned slightly, expressing his dissatisfaction.
"You're my wife, shouldn't you be cooking for me instead?"
"Um, well, that's true, but... how about I try?"
Cheng Ran blushed, lowered her head, and mumbled weakly.
Seeing her reaction and hearing her reply, Song Qiao instantly knew this meal was not to be eaten!
"Ahahahaha... next time! Definitely next time!"
Cheng Ran covered her mouth and laughed a couple of times, then said with a huff, "I knew you were going to run off again!"
She walked him downstairs to his car and left a faint lipstick mark on his cheek.
Song Qiao left with satisfaction, choosing to go home to check on Gao Meng.
He encountered Madam Shi at the entrance, her face downcast.
Song Qiao smiled and greeted her,
"Good day, Madam Shi."
Upon seeing Song Qiao, Madam Shi's already grim expression darkened further.
"I'm not good at all! Because of your good deeds, I'm about to be locked up and sent to prison."
Song Qiao couldn't help but chuckle at this, spreading his hands in a gesture of helplessness.
"You know Sheng Xiong's identity, and you know the crimes he committed."
"But you not only didn't report him, but you also helped him hide and conceal his whereabouts, and even, cough cough."
"In short, this has nothing to do with me."
"I am a Brigadier General in the Security Department, upholding justice. I cannot let someone like Sheng Xiong escape the law!"
Madam Shi sighed deeply. She wasn't truly unreasonable.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have advised Sheng Xiong to stop his actions earlier.
So, she understood that Song Qiao's words were correct. In the end, it was her own fault.
"But..."
Seeing Madam Shi hesitate, Song Qiao nodded in agreement.
"But Shi Zhong is innocent, right? That is indeed true."
"But even if he is innocent, you are still his wife, and Sheng Xiong was hiding in his home all along."
"The Security Department's decision not to pursue criminal charges against him."
"Merely suspending him is already a very humane decision."
Madam Shi's face changed drastically, and she finally began to explain why she was at Gao Meng's doorstep.
"I came to find you."
Song Qiao shrugged, replying with a helpless expression.
"I cannot help you, nor can I help Shi Zhong."
Madam Shi, neither rushed nor annoyed, said in a low voice,
"If you are willing to help, I can give you something."
Song Qiao narrowed his eyes slightly and didn't ask further.
Madam Shi took a deep breath, knowing she had no room for negotiation with him.
So, she could only say helplessly,
"Sheng Xiong gave it to me. He repeatedly warned me to keep it safe."
"He also said that after something happened to him, I could use this item to atone for my crimes, and perhaps I could escape this fate."
"Truthfully, I don't know what's inside."
"But I feel that since he said this, it must be useful."
Song Qiao had originally thought that Sheng Xiong's involvement with Madam Shi was merely a way to find a hiding place.
It happened that Madam Shi was also to his liking, and he could use this to get revenge on Shi Zhong.
It was a win-win situation: satisfying, safe, and incredibly cathartic.
But now, it seemed these two were truly in love!
"Give me the item, and if its value is sufficient, I will help."
Song Qiao extended a hand and reminded her again,
"You should know that at a time like this, no one can guarantee anything without seeing the item firsthand."
Madam Shi nodded. She was acutely aware that she no longer had any bargaining chips.
In fact, because of her involvement with Sheng Xiong, no one was willing to plead for her.
She rummaged through her bag and handed a USB drive to Song Qiao.
Without another word, she turned and left.
After Madam Shi departed, Song Qiao pushed open the door and entered.
Xia Yuqing had already left, and only Gao Meng was home.
After greeting her, Song Qiao immediately informed Mo Ling of the matter.
"Bring your computer over to my place."
"I have something related to Sheng Xiong here!"