Out of the bar, the driver, Old Hu, was already waiting in the car. Song Qiao gave an instruction, preparing to send Gao Mengmeng home.
"Brother Song, I'm truly sorry. I didn't expect this to happen today, and I ended up making you so angry."
Gao Mengmeng said somewhat apologetically in the car.
"It's alright. There are always inconsiderate people everywhere. You need to be careful in the future and try not to associate with these spoiled brats."
Song Qiao waved his hand, indicating he was fine, and then cautioned her with a touch of unease.
"Mm, Zhao Ye's father had business dealings with my father before, which is why I felt embarrassed today..."
Gao Mengmeng hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Brother Song, we didn't have enough fun this time. How about we arrange another date?"
"We'll see then. I'm quite busy lately and might not have the time."
Song Qiao replied vaguely.
A flicker of barely perceptible disappointment crossed Gao Mengmeng's eyes. Just as she was about to try persuading him further, the car had already arrived at her doorstep.
She didn't feel it was appropriate to pester him further at that point.
...
Song Qiao was already feeling somewhat drunk, and coupled with his bad mood, he simply pulled the covers over his head and fell asleep as soon as he got home.
The next morning, he was woken up by a call from Xia Xueqing.
"Who is it?"
Without looking at his phone, he groggily answered the call, his tone clearly tinged with impatience.
"It's me, brother-in-law. You're still not up, are you? The sun is already high in the sky." Xia Xueqing's somewhat alluring voice came through the phone.
Before Song Qiao could respond, she continued, "Do you have time now? If so, how about we go to the park?"
Song Qiao had intended to refuse, but he couldn't come up with a suitable reason.
Moreover, he was feeling rather depressed and didn't want to focus on work for the next couple of days.
"Alright, wait for me at your place. I'll get ready and be there soon."
Song Qiao agreed and hung up the phone.
Xia Xueqing on the other end was surprised that her brother-in-law had agreed so readily today, and her heart leaped with joy.
"Keep going. It seems my efforts are paying off. In a few more days, I'll definitely be able to win him over."
She encouraged herself mentally, her face beaming with a triumphant smile.
Song Qiao drove to the park entrance and immediately spotted the beautifully dressed Xia Xueqing, holding a parasol and waiting for him.
Xia Xueqing was exceptionally elegant today, with light makeup and her hair cascading naturally. A powder-blue skirt accentuated her curvaceous figure.
Song Qiao's eyes lit up at the sight, as if he were seeing a younger version of Xia Yuqing before him.
Then, his expression turned somewhat unnatural. After getting out of the car, he asked with a hint of displeasure, "Xueqing, isn't your attire a bit too avant-garde? Don't forget you're still a student."
"Oh, brother-in-law, why are you like my sister, so conservative? We're out to have fun today, aren't we?"
"If I dressed like an old lady, wouldn't that embarrass you, brother-in-law?"
Xia Xueqing chuckled lightly, feigning a hint of playful indignation.
Seeing this, Song Qiao nodded helplessly and didn't retort further.
"By the way, brother-in-law, I heard from my sister about yesterday's celebration. Those old guys were really going too far."
Xia Xueqing said, clenching her small fists.
"But you were truly magnificent, brother-in-law. You not only slapped Xia Haibin in the face publicly but also responded so forcefully to the shareholders."
Song Qiao chuckled lightly and said calmly, "They brought it upon themselves. I merely did this to make them realize their place and know who the real boss is in the company."
Looking at Song Qiao's calm demeanor, Xia Xueqing raised her eyebrows and praised him, "My brother-in-law is truly mighty and domineering. I hope you beat them black and blue later!"
As she spoke, she waved her thumb in front of Song Qiao.
"But brother-in-law, your confidence is really through the roof compared to before."
After praising him, Xia Xueqing couldn't help but tease.
Song Qiao didn't wish to elaborate and merely smiled, then fell silent.
"Brother-in-law, there's a new commercial street that just opened behind the park. How about you accompany me for a stroll?"
Xia Xueqing clearly sensed Song Qiao's low spirits today and quickly changed the subject.
Song Qiao hesitated for a moment. For some reason, he didn't want to refuse Xia Xueqing today.
"Alright then, let's go for a walk. But I have to rush back to the company this afternoon."
"Ooh yeah, that's great! If I see any clothes I like, don't be stingy, brother-in-law."
Xia Xueqing was thrilled that Song Qiao had agreed so readily and almost jumped with excitement.
"Of course, no problem at all."
Song Qiao agreed with a smile.
As they walked, Xia Xueqing seemed to have made up her mind and casually linked her arm through Song Qiao's.
Song Qiao immediately stiffened, his expression becoming somewhat awkward.
However, this time he only struggled slightly before ceasing to resist further.
Xia Xueqing's heart rejoiced.
It seemed the conflict between her sister and brother-in-law yesterday was significant, and this had finally given her an opportunity.
After they shopped for a while, Xia Xueqing was the first to complain of being tired, which made Song Qiao feel rather amused.
Although Xia Xueqing appeared more mature than some students her age, she hadn't fully awakened the innate talent for shopping that women possessed.
Finally, with no other option, they watched a movie together and only left the cinema around lunchtime.
"Ring ring ring"
As soon as they stepped outside, Song Qiao's phone rang.
"What is it, Zhiwei?"
The first words Song Qiao spoke made Xia Xueqing's expression falter slightly, but she quickly regained her usual composure.
"Song Qiao, the matter of re-establishing an investment company that you mentioned has been completed."
Ye Zhiwei's voice sounded weary, clearly indicating she hadn't slept much in the past couple of days.
"So quickly?"
Song Qiao's heart was filled with joy. He hadn't expected Ye Zhiwei to be so efficient.
After all, the procedures for establishing a company were quite tedious.
"Yes, Mo Ling's attacks are becoming more ferocious. This is our only option, so it had to be expedited."
"Now that the branch company has just been established, and it will be taking the brunt of the fire for our Blue Sea, it's inconvenient for me to appear there directly."
"See if you have time now. I need you to go there and provide some support for me."
Song Qiao, being an experienced businessman, immediately understood Ye Zhiwei's intention.
As the CEO of Blue Sea, her every move was closely watched. His presence, on the other hand, wouldn't attract as much attention.
"No problem. Tell me the address, and I'll head over right away."
Given that the fate of two companies was at stake, Song Qiao naturally agreed without any hesitation.