"Hello, is that Xiao Song?"
The moment Song Qiao got into the car, the secretary suddenly called.
"Secretary Gao, is there something you need at this late hour?"
Song Qiao asked, driving, with a hint of confusion.
"It's nothing much, really. I'm planning to host a business gathering in a couple of days, inviting outstanding entrepreneurs from our city."
"We'll all discuss the future economic development of our city together."
"I wonder if you, Xiao Song, would be interested in coming to support me."
After explaining the situation, Secretary Gao invited Song Qiao with a smile.
"Secretary Gao, I have quite a few things going on at home lately, so I might not have the time."
Song Qiao used to be quite interested in such gatherings, but as his business grew and he made more friends, these events no longer held any substantial meaning for him.
"Ah, Xiao Song, you can't refuse! I was really looking forward to having a drink and a chat with you."
"Besides, apart from our usual acquaintances, there will be several businessmen from out of town visiting our city for inspections. Perhaps you might even find some opportunities for collaboration."
Fearing Song Qiao's refusal, Secretary Gao played on their friendship and tempted him with potential benefits.
With no other choice, Song Qiao reluctantly agreed.
...
"Brother-in-law, you're finally here!"
The moment Song Qiao parked, Xia Xueqing, who had been waiting by the restaurant entrance for a long time, rushed forward.
She had put on exquisite makeup today, looking much more mature than usual, her every movement exuding a charming grace.
Song Qiao frowned slightly and said calmly, "Sorry, there was a bit of traffic. Shall we go in now?"
"Okay, okay, I'm starving!"
Xia Xueqing nodded like a pecking hen and, taking Song Qiao's arm, was about to lead him into the restaurant.
"Xueqing, didn't you say you were trying to lose weight a while back? Why are you suddenly craving a late-night snack tonight?"
Song Qiao subtly dodged Xia Xueqing's intimate gesture and deliberately found an excuse to change the subject.
"Oh, I just got a craving, Brother-in-law. You don't dislike me for being a bit plump, do you?"
Xia Xueqing murmured coyly, not showing any embarrassment at Song Qiao's rejection.
"I've booked a private room here. You treated me last time, so let me treat you this time."
As they walked, Xia Xueqing chattered incessantly, seemingly oblivious to Song Qiao's somewhat awkward expression.
"This private room is the one I booked. We have something to discuss, so please dine in the main hall outside. I'll cover whatever you order."
Just as Xia Xueqing excitedly led Song Qiao to the entrance of the private room, a gorgeously dressed middle-aged woman emerged from within, her tone full of arrogance.
"But I booked this room first."
Seeing the woman's attitude, Xia Xueqing's brow furrowed.
"So what? I already offered to treat you as compensation."
The middle-aged woman, seeing Xia Xueqing arguing with her, became even more impatient with her already arrogant demeanor.
"Who cares about your treat? We booked this room, so why are you taking it?"
Xia Xueqing wasn't one to be pushed around. After saying that, she shoved the woman aside and, pulling Song Qiao, walked straight into the private room.
"You, fine, I'll pay you then."
At this moment, the indignant woman followed them in, took out a wad of cash from her pocket, and disdainfully threw it on the table in the private room.
"I am Chang Xue, Assistant to General Manager Zhou of the Brilliant Group. I hope you don't embarrass yourselves."
Upon hearing this, Song Qiao, who had been in a nonchalant mood, immediately frowned.
"Brilliant Group."
He murmured the name inwardly, a flicker of barely perceptible ferocity in his eyes.
The chairman of this company, Mo Ling, was the one who had sent people to assassinate Ye Zhiwei that morning.
Hearing the name of the company, Xia Xueqing hesitated and glanced at Song Qiao. The Brilliant Group was renowned nationwide for its industrial production.
This made her feel a bit hesitant. After all, there was no need to get into such big trouble just for a meal.
"Get out."
To her surprise, Song Qiao showed no reaction to the name of the company. He merely cast a calm glance at Chang Xue and said in a level tone, "Get out."
Ever since he learned of their identity, Song Qiao was determined not to yield the private room to them.
"What?"
"You dare tell me to get out?"
"Do you know who I am? I'm from the Brilliant Group. You're treating me like this, you blind fools."
Hearing Song Qiao's words, the woman's reaction was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She began to roar furiously at Song Qiao.
However, the more she mentioned the Brilliant Group, the more his face darkened.
"You two poor losers have no idea what's good for you. People like you shouldn't even be eating in a private room?"
Saying this, she went crazy and rushed to the table, knocking over the dishes that had just been served onto the floor.
"Ah, what are you doing?"
The hot dishes splattered with soup, startling Xia Xueqing.
"Hmph, you little b*tch, if you don't give me the private room, you won't be eating here today."
Chang Xue said, and then proceeded to stomp on the fallen dishes on the floor.
"I'm telling you, you'd better get out of this private room right now, or you'll be going against our Brilliant Group, and you won't be able to bear the consequences."
After venting her anger, Chang Xue pointed at Song Qiao's nose and said arrogantly.
"You're asking for death."
Song Qiao, who had only harbored some animosity towards the Brilliant Group earlier, was now furious.
"You're so arrogant, I don't even know if you belong to Brilliant, or if Brilliant belongs to you."
Song Qiao said sarcastically, then stealthily moved behind her and locked the private room door.
"Hmph, you look down on the Brilliant Group, don't you? Just you wait. When you get home, you'll be seeking revenge."
Chang Xue, seemingly not noticing the sarcasm in Song Qiao's tone, continued to speak smugly.
"I really shouldn't be reasoning with someone like you, who wastes food."
Song Qiao glanced at her with a helpless look, then suddenly picked up the food that had been spilled on the floor.
"If you don't eat your own mess with your own mouth, you won't be leaving this private room standing."
"Hmph, who do you think you are, lecturing me like this..."
Before she could finish, Song Qiao, to Xia Xueqing's stunned gaze, grabbed Chang Xue's hair and shoved the food he was holding into her mouth.