Indeed, they couldn't find any solid evidence.
Ever since suspecting Mrs. Gao, Zhan Beijue had people conduct a thorough investigation into her background.
However, the documentation was too perfect, with no flaws to be found.
He could only start from where Hu Meiling worked back then.
Unfortunately, over 30 years had passed. The bar had changed hands several times, and Hu Meiling had only worked there for a little over two months before meeting his father. The owner had no recollection of her at all.
Most of the staff were migrant workers, and information recording was not complete back then. Even if someone recognized her, they would have long since returned to their hometowns, making it impossible to trace.
This was precisely why Hu Meiling remained so composed.
She was certain that Zhan Beijue was bluffing and couldn't do anything to her.
However, she had underestimated Zhan Beijue's resolve.
Even if he couldn't find any evidence from the past, it didn't mean he wouldn't find any in the future.
Putting aside the past, he would create opportunities if none existed.
He was determined to expose these two old foxes.
If he didn't retaliate for all the trouble she had caused him, would he still be Zhan Beijue?
Seeing his ruthless words, Director Gao stopped eating and, calling the situation absurd, signaled Hu Meiling to leave.
Zhan Beijue leisurely added another remark.
"Aunt Hu, it's rare for you to meet your son openly. After all these years, don't you want to sit down and have a proper chat with him?"
"I've given you the opportunity. If you don't seize it, don't blame me, Zhan, for not fulfilling your wish."
Comparing the two, looking at Director Gao and then at Hu Meiling, their depth of character was evident.
Jiang Nanfang silently concluded.
Why was a woman like Hu Meiling able to make Zhan Beijue's father abandon his family for her back then? And why could she marry Director Gao now, have no children with him, yet be so affectionate and rise in status?
Today, she finally understood.
This woman was not only beautiful but also possessed exceptional composure and talent.
As Director Gao insisted on leaving and Zhan Beijue provocatively challenged them, Hu Meiling smiled faintly and looked at Jiang Nanfang.
"I thought I was here to be the witness today. For the first time in my life, I was so excited that I spent half the day meticulously applying makeup at home, only to come here and make a fool of myself."
"Nanfang, you don't seem like someone who would intentionally make things difficult. I thought we would become friends..."
She was smart, and Jiang Nanfang was not foolish.
Since she was unwilling to fall out, Jiang Nanfang decided to play along.
Who wasn't an actor?
"My ex-husband has a notoriously eccentric temper, and he's like this with me too. Mrs. Gao, please don't mind."
"He can have his tantrums, but we can still be friends. They shouldn't be mixed up, don't you agree?"
Mrs. Gao praised her, "You truly are a magnanimous person. I must learn from you."
"Lao Gao, why the rush? Since we're already here, let's finish the meal before we leave. Do you want me to cook another meal for you when we get back?"
Director Gao had no choice but to sit back down.
Hu Meiling couldn't help but cast her gaze towards Hu Jiasheng.
She observed him openly and carefully, her affection evident.
"I wish I had such a tall and handsome son."
"Lao Gao, don't be upset. We've had no children in our lives. If he could truly call me Mom, then Mr. Zhan would have helped us fulfill a dream."
"Sir, you don't mind me saying this, do you?"
He thought he was attending a joyous occasion, only to find himself at Zhan Beijue's trap.
It would be a lie to say Hu Jiasheng wasn't curious about his birth mother or didn't want to know about her.
Everyone has curiosity.
However, he had always stayed abroad, guarded by the old man's people, and had no opportunity.
After returning to the country, he had been busy with his livelihood and had no time to spare.
Although the situation today was unpleasant and Zhan Beijue was disrespectful, if it were true, it would also fulfill a wish of his.
His birth mother was right in front of him, yet he couldn't acknowledge her. Moreover, she was with another man.
Hu Jiasheng seemed like an afterthought, born to be superfluous.
The only benefit of his Zhan family bloodline was that he never had to worry about food or drink, but in terms of personal dignity, he was always inferior.
He could never truly like his birth mother.
Now that his wish was fulfilled, he cared even less.
"I don't know what riddle you're all playing. I only know I have unfinished work. If there's nothing else, please continue your conversation, I'll be leaving."
With that, he stood up and walked towards the exit. Hu Meiling looked at his tall figure with a hint of regret.
"You've disappointed Mr. Zhan's kind intentions. Your elder brother doesn't seem interested in being your godson."
"Naturally, he's not interested in being your godson because he's not suited to be your godson at all."
This old fox refused to admit it. Today served as a warning. There was no point in continuing the conversation.
Zhan Beijue snapped his fingers, and the private room door was pushed open, revealing six people being ushered in.
"Gentlemen, take a look. Do you recognize them?"
"Although your methods are clever, there are no secrets that last forever. I've specifically invited you two here today to give you a warning."
"From now on, I will personally investigate the wrongdoings of these six individuals. You'd best watch yourselves."
Zhan Beijue's tactic was to "beat the grass to startle the snake."
Because the other party was too composed, and too many intermediaries were used, coupled with immense pressure, the clues always broke off during the investigation, leaving him with no way to proceed.
It was better to state things directly, causing psychological shock, and then wait to observe their reactions.
As long as they showed panic or reacted in any way, he would be able to find loopholes and catch them.
Leaving the restaurant, Zhan Beijue drove, with Jiang Nanfang in the passenger seat.
Jiang Nanfang was slightly displeased with his actions today.
"You endured for so long before, and now you've suddenly lost your patience. I don't quite understand."
"As they say, merchants shouldn't contend with officials. Once you anger him, if he subtly obstructs you through regulations in the future, your company will face immense difficulties. Haven't you considered that?"
"Moreover, this is too unfair to Big Brother. After all, it's the grudges of the previous generation, and he's also a victim. He has no private dealings with Mrs. Gao, and to suddenly involve him, have you considered his feelings?"
Zhan Beijue gripped the steering wheel with one hand.
"Who is innocent? Who isn't being dragged into this for no reason? Am I not? Is Melody not?"
"If she hadn't relentlessly pursued me and nearly killed me in Switzerland, and then almost pushed Melody into a fire pit a couple of days ago, I wouldn't have bothered wasting my time talking to her."
"For someone like her who takes an inch and demands a mile, silence is condoning her actions."
"As for Hu Jiasheng, if a grown man can't endure such a small grievance, then he doesn't deserve for me to call him Big Brother."
"It's his fault for not checking carefully before being born and choosing such a mother."
There was some logic to what he said.