These words stunned Wu Meng, leaving her frozen in place.
For a moment, she wished she could find a hole to crawl into for Song Qiao.
What kind of courage and confidence did it take to say such a thing?
This Song Qiao was truly unreliable, trying to persuade the city mayor to join his side.
Even if the other party was being exceptionally courteous, they would likely refuse.
As expected.
Gao Yuan's expression became somewhat awkward upon hearing Song Qiao's request.
After a long hesitation, he shook his head with a wry smile at Song Qiao.
"Little Song, I can agree to other matters, but this one is not up for discussion."
"Our Gao family has been investing in Mo Ling for years. Her Glorious Group is well-funded, their investment directions are sound, and they have brought considerable profit to our Gao family."
"On the other hand, the Ye family is barely holding on with Ye Zhiwei alone; there's no discernible future."
"As investors, ultimately, we are seeking profit, you see…"
Gao Yuan's words were polite, but Song Qiao immediately understood his meaning.
Essentially, he looked down on the scale of Blue Ocean Industry and believed Ye Zhiwei lacked the capability to bring him sufficient returns.
Gao Liang nodded in agreement beside him, saying, "Little Song, I think you should reconsider this. After all, choosing sides impacts the fundamental interests of the family."
Wu Meng, standing nearby, quickly tugged at Song Qiao's sleeve, whispering, "Song Qiao, please don't say anything more. Secretary Gao and the others must have their own difficulties."
As the saying goes, disrupting someone's financial path is akin to killing their parents. Song Qiao's current request for Secretary Gao to side with the Ye family seemed to be exactly that.
Song Qiao wasn't overly disappointed, as he had anticipated the Gao family's refusal.
After all, from an outsider's perspective, almost everyone believed Ye Zhiwei couldn't compete with Mo Ling and Li Bingqing.
Seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages is human nature; Gao Yuan's refusal was a normal reaction.
He was silent for a moment, then nodded and said indifferently, "Since Secretary Gao, your minds are made up, I won't press further."
"However, I will still stand with Ye Zhiwei. We will win this contest."
"Secretary Gao, you might want to consider reducing your investments somewhat during this period. It could potentially minimize your losses."
Gao Liang and Gao Yuan exchanged glances. While they verbally agreed, their eyes conveyed a sense of skepticism.
Song Qiao's strength was formidable, but it was unlikely he could truly manage a commercial battle of this magnitude.
The probability of Ye Zhiwei losing this competition was at least eighty percent. Even a top business tycoon might not be confident in a comeback.
Song Qiao detected their dismissive attitude, but with things having reached this point, further words would be meaningless.
After a few more pleasantries, he cited other matters to attend to and took his leave.
…
As soon as they stepped outside, Wu Meng immediately questioned Song Qiao,
"Are you telling me you took the wrong medicine this morning? You're just a figurehead for the CEO of Xinkai; where do you get such confidence to win over Secretary Gao?"
"Now look, not only did you hit a wall, but you've also left Secretary Gao with a very unstable impression."
"If Yu Qing were here, she'd probably be complaining about you causing trouble everywhere again."
"Can't you be more dependable? How can you possibly defeat the wealthy families like Mo Ling's if you continue like this?"
Wu Meng grew more agitated as she spoke, wishing she could grab Song Qiao by the ear.
Seeing her flustered and incessant chatter, Song Qiao couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle.
"Why are you laughing? Am I wrong?"
Seeing his attitude, Wu Meng pouted, her expression one of sulky displeasure.
"You actually look quite cute when you're angry."
Song Qiao grinned and couldn't resist teasing her again.
"You…"
Seeing Song Qiao's continued nonchalant demeanor,
Wu Meng's face turned bright red, and she stamped her foot in anger.
She was about to rush forward and punch him.
However, like the capricious weather in June, the situation changed in an instant.
Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall from the sky.
Song Qiao and Wu Meng couldn't react in time and were instantly drenched.
"Hurry up and find a place to shelter from the rain."
Seeing Wu Meng still not reacting, Song Qiao grabbed her and they ran to the bus stop.
"Whoosh."
Upon reaching shelter, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
They looked at each other's bedraggled state and burst into laughter.
Wu Meng, who had been angry moments before, had completely set aside her earlier displeasure.
"Song Qiao, I'm a little cold."
In the cold wind, Wu Meng couldn't help but shiver.
The heavy rain had soaked her through, and now the cold wind was making her tremble.
Song Qiao smiled and pulled her into his embrace.
"It's warm here. If we hug, we won't be cold."
Wu Meng was startled by this sudden action, her face changing dramatically, and for a moment, she couldn't react.
She tried to struggle, but she was no match for Song Qiao's strength. After several attempts, Song Qiao firmly held her back with his arms.
"You hooligan!"
Wu Meng rolled her eyes at Song Qiao reproachfully, then finally snuggled contentedly into his arms.
Feeling his warm chest, Wu Meng's body seemed to warm up.
She curled up completely in Song Qiao's embrace.
Listening to Song Qiao's steady heartbeat, her little face was flushed, and she dared not look him in the eye.
"Still cold?"
Song Qiao shifted slightly, lifting her up and leaning her against the bus shelter, using his body to shield her from the cold wind.
Wu Meng shook her head, pouting, and remained silent.
After a while.
"You old lecher, always taking advantage of me."
With that, she lightly stomped on Song Qiao's foot.
"Ouch."
This ungrateful woman!
Song Qiao gasped, then looked up at Wu Meng's puffed-up expression and couldn't help but let out a laugh.
"Hahaha, you look so adorable like this."
As he spoke, he reached out and gently pinched Wu Meng's nose.
In the cold wind, Wu Meng's face was like a glowing ember.
Seeing her fierce gaze, Song Qiao awkwardly scratched his head, then toned down his teasing, restraining himself from further provoking her.
It seemed as if heaven itself was deliberately playing tricks on them.
The rain continued without stopping, and by evening, it still hadn't ceased.
Song Qiao glanced at the sky, then at Wu Meng in his arms.
He hesitated for a moment, then leaned close to Wu Meng's ear and whispered,
"Ahem, how about we get a room?"