Xia Yuqing was so angered by everyone that she couldn't speak, her face ashen as she stood in the conference room, her heart filled with despondency.
When a wall crumbles, everyone pushes. The moment she encountered a slight setback that affected the company's development, the shareholders who had been so polite to her every day had all changed their demeanor.
Song Qiao, with his arms crossed, watched everyone calmly throughout, not saying a word.
Only after the shareholders had vented their anger did he speak, "You all are experienced figures in the business world, having seen much. Why are you all so impatient now? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at by outsiders if this gets out?"
"Mr. Song, stop speaking from a position of comfort. If the company goes bankrupt, you'll probably lose everything too."
Boss Bai's anger, which had just subsided a little, was reignited by Song Qiao's words.
"This entire matter originated from your wife. You need to give us an explanation."
Song Qiao glanced at him with a half-smile, a hint of impatience in his expression.
"How about this, I'll make a bet with Boss Bai?"
At these words, the furious Boss Bai froze, unable to comprehend Song Qiao's intentions.
After a long pause, he retorted sarcastically, "What bet? A bet on when your company will go bankrupt?"
"Let's bet that you'll all be slapped in the face shortly. I've already resolved Meng Jiao's issue."
Song Qiao's expression remained impassive, his tone as calm as ever.
"Hmph, even now, you're still bragging without a shred of proof. A bet is a bet, let's see how you'll handle it then."
Stirred up by Song Qiao, Boss Bai seemed to have lost all reason and agreed without thinking.
"However, if you lose, you'll have to leave Tianhong, and then you'll have to cede twenty percent of your shares."
After agreeing to the bet with Song Qiao, a subtle, cunning smile appeared on Boss Bai's lips. He thought to himself, Tianhong is surely isolated now, relying entirely on Xiang Piaopiao for support. If I can seize this rare opportunity, I'll definitely gain more influence in the future.
"Alright, it's a deal. But if you lose, you'll have to kneel and kowtow to my wife in front of everyone."
Seeing the other party take the bait, Song Qiao remained unhurried, leaving the shareholders present unsure of his true capabilities.
After finalizing the bet with Boss Bai, Song Qiao waved his hand, calling for his assistant and instructing her to bring Meng Jiao's agent into the office.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Meng Jiao's agent approached Song Qiao cautiously, bowing almost to the ground.
"Mr. Song, Miss Meng has sent me to express her sincere apologies to you. Furthermore, to compensate you and Mrs. Xia, Miss Meng hopes to cooperate with your company. She is willing to shoot promotional advertisements for you free of charge."
After the agent finished speaking, the entire room fell silent. Even Xia Yuqing was surprised by the timeliness and sincerity of the apology.
The shareholders, after a full minute of stunned silence, exchanged glances, their eyes filled with astonishment. A top celebrity was actually sending her agent to apologize to a relatively unknown small company like Tianhong. It sounded almost unbelievable.
Song Qiao nodded at the agent and accepted Meng Jiao's apology. He thought that women like Meng Jiao, who are opportunistic and currying favor, would immediately grovel once they realized they couldn't afford to offend him after learning of his power and background.
"Wife, I think we should accept Meng Jiao's offer. After all, our company is indeed lacking some well-known celebrities. Although Meng Jiao's character isn't the best, she has considerable fame."
Although Song Qiao had already agreed internally, he turned to ask his wife for her opinion.
"That would be for the best."
Despite her reservations about Meng Jiao, Xia Yuqing made the most rational choice for the company's sake.
At this moment, while the shocked crowd looked on, only Boss Bai's face turned a dark shade of green. His spirits plummeted. He hadn't expected Meng Jiao not only to not pursue the matter but to send someone to apologize personally.
"Boss Bai, how is it? Are you satisfied with how this matter has been resolved?" Song Qiao asked mockingly after dismissing the agent.
"Mr. Song, Mr. Song, I've lost this bet."
Boss Bai's face flushed and then turned ashen, but faced with irrefutable evidence, he could not deny it.
"Then let's fulfill our bet. I believe Boss Bai is a man of his word and will not go back on his promise."
Song Qiao, not content with Boss Bai's apology, pressed his advantage.
Hearing this, Boss Bai's expression darkened further. However, he was clearly in the wrong. After a moment's hesitation, he gritted his teeth and fell to his knees before Xia Yuqing with a thud.
"Ms. Xia, I was wrong just now. I apologize to you."
His voice trembled, clearly having lost all face in front of everyone. Xia Yuqing, always soft-hearted, saw Boss Bai's state and quickly bent down to help him up, gently comforting him, "Boss Bai, you're too kind. Let's let this matter pass. We still have to work together and prosper in the future."
Song Qiao watched this with satisfaction, feeling a sense of relief. Everything had gone according to his plan. Now that his wife had played the gentle role, he believed these shareholders would be more compliant and truly admire Xia Yuqing.
"Hmph, this doesn't prove anything about Ms. Xia's ability."
Just as the situation was about to conclude, the eldest shareholder spoke up nonchalantly. With Boss Bai, who was on their side, having lost face so completely, if he couldn't regain some ground, Song Qiao and his wife would likely hold absolute sway in future shareholder meetings.
"Oh? So, according to Mr. Ma's opinion, you wish to test Ms. Xia's abilities?" Song Qiao asked provocatively with a slight smile.
"Mr. Song, I'm only thinking of the company's best interests."
"How about letting Ms. Xia negotiate a collaboration with the Chen Group? If Ms. Xia succeeds, then I, Ma Rulong, will have no complaints whatsoever and will pledge my allegiance to Ms. Xia."
Upon hearing this, the other shareholders chimed in with their agreement.
"Ms. Xia, if you want us to respect you, then accept this task!"
"Alright, I accept on your behalf. I believe Ms. Xia indeed has the capability. I'll take on this challenge for her."
Just as Xia Yuqing was flustered by the situation, Song Qiao smiled knowingly and agreed to their request without hesitation. Xia Yuqing, standing beside him, was about to speak when he gently waved her hand to stop her.