"Ouch!"
Chen Haibo cried out in pain, clutching his face and looking at Director Li with an innocent expression.
"Uncle Two, why did you hit me?"
His voice was tinged with tears.
"Hmph, I hit you, you useless good-for-nothing beast!"
Director Li's anger flared as he looked at his nephew, who was like a useless lump. He raised his hand to slap him again, but ultimately couldn't bring himself to do it.
Everyone present stared, stunned by the unbelievable scene.
Director Li was supposed to be Chen Haibo's rescuer, so why was he scolding his nephew as soon as he arrived?
The whole situation was utterly confusing.
"Director Li, what kind of act are you putting on for me? This is hardly the place to discipline children," Song Qiao couldn't help but mock, his words dripping with sarcasm.
"Haha, long time no see, President Song. I never imagined my good-for-nothing nephew would provoke you. I'm truly sorry."
"It's all my fault for not disciplining him properly. I've made you look foolish, President Song."
Despite the mockery, Director Li showed no displeasure. Instead, he greeted Song Qiao with a fawning smile and a bow.
This scene left the once arrogant and overbearing Chen Haibo dumbfounded.
"Director Li, your nephew brought thugs to my company and tried to force me to sell this land for a hundred thousand yuan. Do you think I would agree?" Song Qiao tilted his head slightly, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
The smile sent a shiver down Director Li's spine.
"No, of course not. How could this land be worth only a hundred thousand yuan?"
He swallowed hard and answered Song Qiao, his voice strained.
"But I refused, and he brazenly vandalized my company in broad daylight."
"Open your eyes and look around you. These are all the good deeds of your nephew."
Song Qiao's anger grew as he spoke, his voice rising several decibels. At the same time, he pointed out the damage to Director Li.
"Yes, yes, Haibo was indeed in the wrong. I apologize on his behalf."
Director Li forced a smile and turned to glare fiercely at Chen Haibo, mentally cursing his entire ancestry.
"To commit such a monstrous act in broad daylight, has the public order in our city really deteriorated to this extent?"
"Perhaps, I should call Secretary Gao today and report everything I've seen and heard."
Song Qiao stood up as he spoke, his tone towards Director Li laced with a strong threat.
"Please, President Song, don't inform Secretary Gao."
Director Li, who had intended to gloss over the matter, broke out in a cold sweat.
"I am willing to compensate. I will cover all the damages Haibo caused here today."
"I can offer five million yuan in compensation. I only beg you not to report this to Secretary Gao."
A hint of pleading appeared in Director Li's eyes, his body trembling uncontrollably as if he were about to kneel before Song Qiao.
"Five million yuan."
Song Qiao raised an eyebrow at the offer but maintained a stoic expression.
"Since Director Li has spoken, a private settlement is not out of the question."
"However, besides the five million yuan in compensation, I have one more condition."
"Please, President Song, tell me. As long as I, Li, can do it, I will not hesitate."
Seeing that Song Qiao was willing to negotiate, Director Li's tense heart finally relaxed.
"Chen Haibo came here to cause trouble today, and his actions were too arrogant. If this spreads to the ears of my peers, I will lose face."
"Today, he must be taught a small lesson by the victim. I want everyone to know that those who offend our company will not have a good ending." Song Qiao calmly stated his condition.
"May I ask what President Song means by him..."
"Let him do as he demanded of me when he came to cause trouble. In front of everyone here, he must kneel and slap himself ten times. Then, this matter will be considered resolved by me."
"Ah, this..."
"Uncle Two, that's absolutely impossible! I'd rather die than agree!"
Before Director Li could respond, Chen Haibo struggled and jumped out. The public humiliation of twenty slaps last time was still fresh in his memory, a permanent shadow in his heart. Song Qiao's renewed demand was more unbearable than killing him.
"Insolent! This is not your place to speak. Hurry up and do as Mr. Song wishes!"
Director Li glared at him fiercely and kicked him hard in the backside, full of disappointment. Chen Haibo's face had already taken countless slaps today. Faced with his uncle's warning and the dire consequences of refusal, he could no longer withstand the pressure and finally compromised. With a thud, he knelt on the ground, closed his eyes, and began slapping himself.
"President Song, are you satisfied now? I will send the five million yuan immediately. I hope you will keep your word."
Seeing his nephew publicly humiliated, Director Li's expression was undeniably unpleasant, but he managed to maintain his composure in front of Song Qiao.
"Indeed, Director Li, do you doubt my word? If I said a private settlement, it will be. You can take Chen Haibo and leave now."
"When you get back, you must educate him well and ensure he never causes such trouble again. After all, not all entrepreneurs are as kind-hearted as I am."
"Yes, yes, I will strictly discipline him when we get back."
With Song Qiao's assurance, Director Li felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. He quickly took Chen Haibo and left the company.
"I never expected our company's new President Song to be so formidable. Not only is he skilled in martial arts, but he also has the city's police director completely under his thumb."
"Yes, with such an outstanding boss, I will definitely stay with this company."
As soon as the pair left, some of the bolder employees began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Brother-in-law, you are truly charming."
Xia Xueqing, seeing that the matter was completely resolved, rushed to Song Qiao's side and tightly hugged his arm. Her shy demeanor completely disregarded the gazes of those around them.
"Alright, Xue Qing, stop fooling around. Since everything is settled, I'll take you home now." Song Qiao glanced at the darkening sky and gently pulled his arm free, giving up the struggle.
...
Shortly after driving out, a car accident occurred on the oncoming lane. A car that looked somewhat familiar was surrounded by several other vehicles, and despite honking desperately, no one yielded.
"Brother-in-law, this car looks familiar. Could it be Ye Zhiwei's car?" Xia Xueqing, from the passenger seat, had a clearer view and voiced her suspicion.
Song Qiao's pupils contracted. He rolled down the window and peered closely. His expression suddenly changed. "Bad, something's wrong. Ye Zhiwei is probably in trouble."
He said this as he quickly got out of the car and sprinted towards the scene.