"You're blind if you stand on Ye Zhiwei's side. I think you're the ignorant one."
Mo Ling was so angered by Song Qiao that she was practically jumping. She looked like a madwoman, all flailing limbs.
"Li Bingqing, is your ally's brain not functioning properly? If not, perhaps you should take her for a check-up."
Song Qiao glanced playfully at Mo Ling's display and then turned his cold, sarcastic gaze back to Li Bingqing.
"Hmph, all talk and no action is useless."
"We'll see who's superior on the battlefield."
Li Bingqing's face darkened. With a cold snort, she grabbed Mo Ling and prepared to leave.
Song Qiao watched the two women walk away, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.
"Wu Meng, let's go too."
As he spoke, he casually took her cold little hand. Wu Meng's face instantly flushed with heat.
"Song Qiao, I didn't expect you to handle Mo Ling just now so assertively. You actually looked quite handsome."
As they walked, Wu Meng suddenly looked up, her eyes fixed on Song Qiao's face.
"Nonsense! Just a bit handsome? I was incredibly handsome!"
Song Qiao pretended to be profound, stroking his chin and imitating a wise, otherworldly figure.
"Tch, you narcissist. Say you're fat and you'll start puffing up."
Wu Meng pouted, and her small hand suddenly pinched the tender flesh on Song Qiao's waist.
Song Qiao's body instantly bristled, and he shivered involuntarily.
He instinctively shut his mouth, daring not to speak any more nonsense.
Although Wu Meng's words were cutting and sarcastic, she inwardly felt a newfound respect for Song Qiao's capabilities.
It seemed Song Qiao had some skill to be the puppet of the new Kai Corporation's chairman.
At least he wasn't a completely useless fool.
"Where are you taking me now?"
After walking aimlessly for a while, Wu Meng still couldn't figure out what Song Qiao was up to.
"Yangcheng Su Family!"
Song Qiao replied calmly, his pace quickening slightly.
"Su Daqiang?"
Wu Meng immediately understood, her eyes widening in surprise.
Not long ago, Song Qiao had a dispute with her cousin Wu Run in the mall. In a fit of anger, he had bought a shopping center from the Su family.
It had shocked her greatly at the time, and she still vividly remembered Su Daqiang's attitude towards Song Qiao.
...
Upon arriving at the Su residence, Su Daqiang had evidently been informed of Song Qiao's impending visit.
He and his son had been waiting at home since early morning.
"Mr. Song, I thought you wouldn't come today with this heavy rain. Come, please, have a seat."
As soon as Su Daqiang saw Song Qiao, he immediately got up and warmly ushered him and Wu Meng inside.
He then ordered his son:
"Xiao Zhe, what are you standing around for? Hurry and make some tea for Uncle Song."
"Dad, is this the distinguished guest you said we were waiting for?"
As soon as Su Zhe saw Song Qiao, his face instantly fell.
The previous occasion when Song Qiao had slapped him several times in public still caused a dull ache whenever the weather turned damp.
He had been looking for an opportunity to retaliate during this time, but his father had strictly forbidden it.
Now, being told to serve tea and call someone only four or five years older than him "Uncle" was something the always arrogant Su Zhe could not accept.
"How dare you! Behave yourself!"
Seeing his son's demeanor, Su Daqiang was so furious his eyes twitched.
He wished he could grab a pack of cigarettes and give his unfilial son another harsh lesson.
"Don't worry, Mr. Su, no need to be angry."
"Children always have their moments of youthful impetuosity."
"When they grow up and suffer some setbacks, they'll learn their lesson without you having to say anything."
Song Qiao waved his hand, pretending to play the peacemaker.
Su Daqiang, with guests present, didn't dare to take any physical action. He huffed and sat down, clearly displeased.
Song Qiao chuckled and seized the moment.
"Mr. Su, I've come today mainly to ask for a favor. I hope you'll consider it."
"Oh? What difficulty do you face, Mr. Song? Tell me, and if it's within my capabilities, I will do my utmost to assist you."
Su Daqiang responded calmly.
Song Qiao smiled and cut to the chase.
"I heard the Su Corporation is one of the most powerful supporters of Kyoto's Li Corporation and Glorious Group. I've come to ask you to consider withdrawing your investment from the Li Corporation."
"As for the funds withdrawn, you could invest them in Ye Corporation's Blue Sea Industry."
"I guarantee you a return several times more generous than that from Glorious Group."
"Hahaha, Song Qiao, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Before he could finish, Su Zhe couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Our Su Corporation and the Li Corporation have always been allies. You expect us to withdraw our investment with just a few words?"
"Do you think buying one of our family's shopping centers means you can interfere in the Su family's affairs? Go look in a mirror and see what you are."
Wu Meng also looked at Song Qiao with surprise.
The sliver of admiration she had just felt for him vanished without a trace.
Being rejected by Secretary Gao this morning wasn't enough, and now he'd come to the Su family.
Wasn't he tired of hitting brick walls?
Anyone with a modicum of self-awareness wouldn't make such a request.
In business, there were no father-son relationships; this was a fundamental truth of the marketplace.
Everyone now acknowledged that Mo Ling's side had the stronger position and a greater chance of winning against Ye Zhiwei.
Song Qiao's actions would only damage his reputation in their eyes.
She gently tugged on Song Qiao's sleeve, wanting him to reconsider.
"Xiao Zhe, shut up. This is no place for you to speak."
Su Daqiang glared fiercely at his son. Then, with a troubled expression, he looked at Song Qiao and said,
"Mr. Song, I cannot help you with this matter. Stance-taking concerns the fundamental interests of the family. I will not change my allegiance unless absolutely necessary."
"If you have come for this reason today, Mr. Song, please leave."
As he spoke, he calmly picked up his teacup.
His intention to dismiss them was already very clear.
Song Qiao remained expressionless; his face revealed neither joy nor sorrow at the rejection.
He paused for a moment, then leaned close to Su Daqiang and whispered,
"Mr. Su, please reconsider. Have you forgotten how the Mo family treated their supporters back in the day? Furthermore, I have Zheng Shan's backing, and tens of billions in capital behind me."
"If you agree to support us, Mr. Su, I will give you ten percent of New Kai Capital's shares after we succeed."
In just a few short sentences, Song Qiao first exerted pressure by showcasing his strength, then tempted him with an offer.
This caused Su Daqiang's expression to change several times within a few minutes.
After a long period of hesitation, he finally spoke slowly,
"Mr. Song, I have made my decision. From this moment on, the Su Corporation will withdraw all its investments from Glorious Group and fully support Ye Corporation."