Jiang Chu Bi immediately understood Xing Zheng's meaning. Zhao Jiang He, like many people, did not trust those he befriended during his rise to prominence. Even though she had managed to lower his guard, Zhao Jiang He was not entirely open with her. Only if she remained by his side during his downfall and even offered assistance would Zhao Jiang He truly consider her one of his own.
When it came to manipulating power and people's hearts, no one could match Xing Zheng. As long as Lin Mei, the obstacle, was out of the way, their plan could proceed with unparalleled smoothness. "I understand."
Xing Zheng extinguished his cigarette, scooped up Lan Lan in his arms, and brought the furry ball close. Lan Lan's large, dark grape-like eyes gazed at him with an air of innocence, immediately reminding him of the person who haunted his dreams. Once he had dealt with everything, he would capture her and teach her a good lesson for daring to kiss another man in front of him!
Upon returning to Nan Jiang, Lin Mei still needed to undergo regular physical examinations. In addition to gynecological tests, several basic health checks were added. Xu Ying also scheduled his check-up for the same day, and they went to the hospital together, each undergoing their respective tests.
After completing her examination, Lin Mei waited for Xu Ying outside the general surgery department. Unexpectedly, she ran into Zhao Jiang He.
Zhao Jiang He appeared hurried and did not see her. Lin Mei watched as he walked out with a doctor, asking as they walked, "When is the surgery scheduled?"
The doctor stated a date, and Zhao Jiang He then asked, "Will the surgery ensure no recurrence?"
The doctor naturally could not guarantee this, saying to him, "The patient's condition is quite complex. His mental state is unstable, and the medication he has been taking for years relies on liver metabolism. If he continues to take the medication, recurrence is highly likely."
Lin Mei frowned and hid herself behind a wall. Mental instability, could it be that the person needing surgery was someone from the Run Cheng Sanatorium? His... father?
Zhao Jiang He had brought the person back so openly, seemingly no longer afraid of being discovered. Indeed, after Zhao Corporation snatched that project from Rong Shi, it had taken off, its stock price soaring and setting a miracle in recent years.
Lin Mei had previously read analyses suggesting that if the project progressed smoothly, it would only take two years for Zhao Corporation to replace Rong Shi's position in Nan Jiang City. It was likely that Zhao Jiang He was confident of this.
What Lin Mei did not expect was that the following week, Zhao Corporation's laboratory project was found to be in violation of regulations, halted by the authorities, publicly criticized, and the responsible personnel were taken in for investigation.
With the emergence of such a scandal, Zhao Corporation's stock price began to plummet. On the first day, it hit the daily limit. Many of Lin Mei's colleagues had bought Zhao Corporation's stock and lost everything.
In the following days, during meals in the cafeteria, everyone discussed the investigation into Zhao Corporation. The stock continued to fall, dropping below its initial offering price. Someone said, "Zhao Corporation is finished this time. I heard from my friend that they're going to go bankrupt and liquidate in a few days."
"What, that soon?" came a voice of disbelief. "The investment world is truly unpredictable. I thought Zhao Corporation could turn the tables and surpass Rong Shi!"
"I thought so too. How badly Rong Shi lost that laboratory project!"
"Did Rong Shi deliberately lose, knowing the project was problematic, to avoid getting involved in the mess? Now they're staying out of it!"
In the financial world, there were never any undefeated generals. With Zhao Corporation's downfall here, everyone could only sigh at the unpredictability of fate. Within Zhao Corporation, however, chaos reigned. The company's major shareholders demanded compensation from Zhao Jiang He, and core employees began to resign. Zhao Jiang He had no significant fixed assets; all the company's funds had been poured into the laboratory project...
As the building began to crumble, Zhao Rong, who was in Australia, also rushed back. His weathered face was etched with extreme severity, his slightly flared nostrils betraying his inner rage.
"Short-sighted fool, you have the blood of an idiot flowing in your veins, you're not fit for public display!" Zhao Rong cursed as he exited the airport.
At that moment, Zhao Jiang He was in his office, smoking and feeling agitated. Jiang Chu Bi unexpectedly came to see him. They usually met privately, and Jiang Chu Bi had never appeared in his office before. "What are you doing here?"
At such a critical juncture, others would be eager to distance themselves from him. Their identities were already sensitive, and her presence made it even more inappropriate.
Jiang Chu Bi walked up to Zhao Jiang He, snatched the cigarette from his hand, took a puff, and smiled at him with captivating charm, "Can't I come?"
"To do what, to mock me?" Zhao Jiang He chuckled sarcastically. "Do you regret being with me? Xing Yan or Xing Zheng, either one is better than me, right?" His tone was laced with unconcealed jealousy.
Although Jiang Chu Bi knew this, it was the first time she had heard him express it so directly, indicating that the laboratory project had broken down his emotional defenses.
Jiang Chu Bi embraced Zhao Jiang He, her fair, slender fingers stroking his back, as if flirting or comforting him. "Jiang Corporation and Rong Shi are a community of interest. I cannot cooperate with you in the name of the company, but I believe I can continue to 'invest' in you in my personal capacity."
"Invest?" Zhao Jiang He had not expected Jiang Chu Bi to say this to him. "Invest in what?"
"I've mortgaged some of my stocks, funds, and properties. I've been busy with this matter for the past few days," Jiang Chu Bi took out a bank card from her limited edition bag. "Here is eight hundred million. Compared to Zhao Corporation's losses, it's a drop in the bucket, but it's enough to start some new projects. Take it for now to tide you over."
Zhao Jiang He hesitated to take it. Although he tried his best to control himself, he couldn't hide his inner surprise. Jiang Chu Bi noticed and said, "Take it."
Zhao Jiang He took the card, pulled Jiang Chu Bi closer, and leaned down to kiss her. "I really didn't expect you to help me."
Jiang Chu Bi responded to him, her words earnest and affectionate, "You are the man I love. If not you, then who?"
Although Zhao Jiang He did not reply further, Jiang Chu Bi understood his attitude from his actions. After this ordeal, Zhao Jiang He would undoubtedly be completely open with her. Xing Zheng's plan would likely be completed soon.
As Zhao Jiang He and Jiang Chu Bi held each other tightly, his assistant knocked on the door and nervously informed Zhao Jiang He, "Mr. Zhao, Chairman Zhao is here..."
Zhao Jiang He's expression turned cold again. He instructed the assistant to invite him in. Jiang Chu Bi asked, "Who?"
"Uncle," Zhao Jiang He told Jiang Chu Bi, "You go to the lounge and wait."
Jiang Chu Bi became worried. "Is it Uncle Zhao Rong? Did he see the news..."
"Yes, he probably did," Zhao Jiang He said. "You go in first."
Jiang Chu Bi went to the lounge, pressed her ear to the door, turned on her voice recorder, and waited for the commotion outside.
Zhao Rong stormed into the office. The moment he saw Zhao Jiang He, he slapped him without a word, his voice filled with insults, "Just like your good-for-nothing father! A dog that can't be brought to the table! You kept talking about bringing down the Xing family, but in the end, you brought down the Zhao family!"