In stark contrast to the peaceful days at the Huo family, the Jiang and Qin families found themselves in a disastrous situation.
Huo Xiaozheng's conversation with Huo Guining that day was far from empty words.
Even as Huo Xiaozheng kept vigil at Ning's bedside, Old Master Huo had already begun making arrangements.
Between the Jiang and Qin families, the Jiang family held more influence.
The Qin family, known for their scholarly background, had seen their influence in the business world steadily decline in recent years.
After Qin Zhiyi's marriage to Jiang Suyuan, the Qin family had shown signs of recovery.
But that didn't matter.
Huo Xiaozheng had been secretly planning to absorb both the Jiang and Qin families.
However, Ning's appearance had temporarily put this plan on hold.
But now, since Ning was anxious because of it, why not expand the original plan a bit more?
Although it would require some effort, once the first step was completed, the rest could be gradually consumed.
That night, in the study of the Panlong Bay villa, Huo Xiaozheng was conducting a video conference.
"Xi Chuan, how is Jiang Corporation's project in Country A progressing?"
"The project has been approved. Next, they'll need a large amount of capital for turnover."
Huo Xiaozheng said in a deep voice, "I see. Keep a close eye on their movements."
Xi Chuan couldn't help but speak up, "Mr. Huo, the project in Country A is something you put a lot of effort into securing. To just hand it over like this..."
Huo Xiaozheng leaned back in his chair, "It doesn't matter. Just do as I say."
Xi Chuan nodded.
...
After being threatened with death by Huo Xiaozheng that day, Qin Zhiyi's first reaction upon recovering was to demand they call the police.
But Jiang Suyuan stopped her.
"Why not? You almost died!" Qin Zhiyi shouted emotionally, "Huo Xiaozheng had murderous intent!"
Jiang Suyuan swallowed hard, his throat still hoarse from the cold wind that had rushed into it on the rooftop that day.
"Zhiyi, this is what we owe his daughter."
Qin Zhiyi screamed as if she had gone mad, "That's what Jiang Hui owed them! We were just kept in the dark!"
Recalling Huo Xiaozheng's parting words that day, Jiang Suyuan said weakly, "Zhiyi, I'm sorry."
Qin Zhiyi was stunned, "What do you mean?"
Faced with Qin Zhiyi's clear gaze, Jiang Suyuan couldn't bring himself to speak.
He lowered his head, "Zhiyi, it was Huo Xiaozheng who was kept in the dark, not me. Do you understand?"
Qin Zhiyi's voice trembled, "Are you saying that when Jiang Hui did this, you... knew about it?"
Jiang Suyuan nodded helplessly.
"I was so jealous at the time. I was jealous of the bond between you two, jealous of Huo Xiaozheng's excellence."
Jiang Suyuan confessed self-deprecatingly, "When Jiang Hui was planning that incident, although I didn't participate, I knew about it beforehand and didn't stop it."
Qin Zhiyi collapsed onto the sofa, drained of strength.
Jiang Suyuan hurriedly went to support her.
Qin Zhiyi mumbled, "How could this happen... how could this happen..."
This was perhaps the greatest stain on Jiang Suyuan's life.
He never imagined that a moment of jealousy back then would turn Huo Xiaozheng's daughter into a sacrifice in their war.
Now, both he and Huo Xiaozheng were left wounded.
"So, Zhiyi, I can't call the police," Jiang Suyuan said painfully.
If Huo Xiaozheng had tried to kill him for Qin Zhiyi's sake, he would have reported it without hesitation.
But since it was for his daughter, he could only accept the consequences.
That day, before Huo Xiaozheng left, he had said to him, "If you're still human, you should know what to do."
Jiang Suyuan thought this was probably the first step in being human.
Qin Zhiyi, with tears in her eyes, said, "Are we supposed to carry this guilt with us for the rest of our lives? What about my child? What will happen to them?"
Jiang Suyuan tenderly wiped the tears from her cheeks, "It won't be like that. This time, let's consider it as if I've already died once, atoning for that sin."
"From now on, we'll stay out of each other's way, okay?"
Qin Zhiyi nodded helplessly and collapsed into his arms, crying.
Despite these words, Old Mr. Qin couldn't swallow this insult.
For a scholar, nothing matters more than face.
It was during the Spring Festival when he was scolded by a 5-year-old child and then confronted by Old Master Huo. This was an insult he absolutely couldn't accept.
Considering Qin Zhiyi's pregnancy, Old Mr. Qin decided to discuss the matter with Jiang Suyuan.
At present, the Huo family's influence in South City was on par with the combined forces of the Jiang and Qin families.
Their business territories were also almost evenly split.
"Did he win the bid for that piece of land in Yun City?"
Jiang Suyuan and Old Mr. Qin sat face to face, with a tea table between them.
"Yes, the price was much higher than what the local government offered."
Old Mr. Qin asked, "Oh? Why is that?"
Jiang Suyuan shook his head and guessed, "Probably for the sake of his frail daughter."
"Since he's handed us leverage, why don't we help him out a bit?"
Jiang Suyuan, who had just convinced his wife to stay out of Huo Xiaozheng's way, was confused: What leverage? Help with what?
Old Mr. Qin, frustrated, said, "You've been competing with Huo Xiaozheng for so many years, and this time he's walked all over you. Are you really content with that?"
Jiang Suyuan pressed his lips together, "I'm not content, but I don't want revenge."
Old Mr. Qin thought: Useless! Like mud that can't be used to patch a wall!
Old Mr. Qin wanted to act alone, but his resources wouldn't allow it.
"Suyuan, I heard you need capital for that overseas project?" Old Mr. Qin suddenly changed the subject.
Jiang Suyuan nodded, "Yes."
Old Mr. Qin fell silent. He elegantly poured himself a cup of tea and took a slow sip.
Jiang Suyuan immediately realized that Old Mr. Qin was using the previously agreed-upon investment to threaten him.
He became alarmed, "Dad, what do you mean?"
Old Mr. Qin finished his tea leisurely before speaking, "The current situation isn't good, and I don't have much liquid capital on hand."
"Since you won't help me get my revenge, I'll naturally have to take matters into my own hands."
"In that case, I'll need to use some money to grease the wheels."
Jiang Suyuan stood up abruptly, "Dad, we can't do that. I've already signed the contract for the project in Country A, and I'm just waiting for your funds to come through..."
Old Mr. Qin had pinched exactly this weak spot.
He smiled triumphantly, "So, what's your attitude now?"
Jiang Suyuan hesitated, thought it over, and still refused.
"Dad, let it go, please. Can I apologize on behalf of the Huo family?"
Old Mr. Qin's face immediately darkened, "Have you made up your mind to side with Huo Xiaozheng?"
"Have you forgotten how Huo Xiaozheng has been suppressing you all these years?"
Jiang Suyuan wanted to say that over the years, he and Huo Xiaozheng had been going back and forth, and it wasn't a matter of who was suppressing whom.
But clearly, Old Mr. Qin in his fury wouldn't listen to such words.
Seeing his firm attitude, Old Mr. Qin became enraged and threw his teacup at him.
His head, not yet fully healed, now bore a new wound.
Upon learning of this, Huo Xiaozheng immediately ordered Xi Chuan to contact Jiang Suyuan, expressing interest in investing.
Huo Guining, who had been frowning while eating her medicinal meal, looked puzzled.
Huo Xiaozheng stroked the small tufts of hair sticking up on her head, smiling without a word.
