In fact, they simply couldn't find any solid evidence.
Ever since suspecting Madam Gao, Zhan Beijue had his people conduct a thorough investigation into her background.
However, her documents were too perfect, revealing no flaws whatsoever.
He had no choice but to start by investigating Hu Meiling's former workplace.
Unfortunately, over 30 years had passed. The bar had changed hands several times. Moreover, Hu Meiling had only worked there for just over two months before meeting his father, and the owner had no recollection of her.
Most of the staff then were migrant workers. Information recording was not comprehensive at that time. Even if someone recognized her, they would have long since returned to their hometowns, making any investigation impossible.
This was precisely why Hu Meiling remained so composed.
She was confident that Zhan Beijue was bluffing and couldn't do anything to her.
However, she underestimated Zhan Beijue's resolve.
Although he couldn't find any leverage from the past, it didn't mean he wouldn't in the future.
Putting aside past matters, he was determined to create opportunities if none existed.
He absolutely had to expose these two old foxes.
If he didn't retaliate after she caused him so much trouble, would he even be Zhan Beijue?
Seeing his ruthless demeanor, Director Gao stopped eating. He called Zhan Beijue unreasonable and, along with Hu Meiling, prepared to leave.
Zhan Beijue leisurely added another remark.
"Auntie 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 helping you fulfill your wish."
Comparing the two, looking at Director Gao and then at Hu Meiling, their depths of cunning were clearly evident.
Jiang Nan Fang silently reached a conclusion.
Why could a woman like Hu Meiling make Zhan Beijue's father abandon his family for her back then? And now, why could she marry Director Gao, have no children, yet appear so loving and advance her career so smoothly?
Today, she finally understood.
This woman was not only beautiful but also possessed exceptional cunning and talent.
While Director Gao insisted on leaving and Zhan Beijue provocatively challenged them, Hu Meiling simply smiled and looked at Jiang Nan Fang.
"I thought I was truly here to be the witness today. For the first time in my life, I was excited for a long time, spent half the day meticulously doing my makeup at home, only to end up making a complete fool of myself here."
"Nan Fang, you don't seem like someone who would intentionally make things difficult. I thought we could become friends..."
She was smart, and Jiang Nan Fang was no fool.
Since Hu Meiling was unwilling to openly confront them, Jiang Nan Fang decided to play along.
Who wasn't an actor after all?
"My ex-husband, as you know, has a notoriously eccentric temper. He's like this with me, so please don't mind, Mrs. Gao."
"He can throw his tantrums, but we should remain friends. They shouldn't be confused, don't you agree?"
Mrs. Gao praised her, "You truly have a magnanimous heart. I must learn from you."
"Old Gao, why the rush? Since we're already here, let's finish the meal before leaving. 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 a gaze at Hu Jiasheng.
She looked at him openly and carefully, her affection undisguised.
"If only I had such a tall and handsome son."
"Don't be upset, Old Gao. Neither of us has any children. If he could genuinely call me 'Mom,' then President Zhan would have helped us fulfill a dream."
"Sir, you don't mind me saying this, do you?"
She thought she was attending a pleasant event, only to realize it was Zhan Beijue's trap.
It would be a lie to say Hu Jiasheng was not curious about his birth mother or didn't want to inquire.
Everyone has curiosity.
However, he had always stayed abroad, guarded by the grandfather's men, leaving him no opportunity.
After returning to the country, he was too busy with his livelihood to spare any thought for it.
Although the situation today was unpleasant and Zhan Beijue had shown him little respect, if it were true, it would fulfill a long-held wish for him.
His birth mother was right before him, yet they couldn't acknowledge each other. Moreover, she was with another man.
Hu Jiasheng seemed born to be an afterthought.
His identity as a member of the Zhan family bloodline only brought him the benefit of not worrying about food or drink, but in terms of personal dignity, he was always inferior.
He certainly couldn't bring himself to like his birth mother.
Now that his wish was fulfilled, he cared even less.
"I don't know what riddle you're all playing, but I know I have unfinished work. If there's nothing else, please continue your conversation. I'll be leaving now."
With that, he stood up and walked towards the exit. Hu Meiling looked at his tall figure with a hint of resentment.
"You've let down President Zhan's good intentions. Your elder brother seems uninterested in being your adopted son."
"Naturally, he's not interested in being an adopted son because he is entirely unsuitable to be your adopted son."
This old fox refused to admit anything. Today served as a warning. Further discussion would be meaningless.
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 sophisticated, walls have ears. I've specifically invited you two here today as a reminder."
"From now on, I will personally investigate the wrongdoings of these six individuals. Be warned."
Zhan Beijue's tactic was called "beating the grass to startle the snake."
It was because the opposing party was too calm, using too many intermediaries, and applying too much pressure, causing leads to be lost mid-investigation, leaving him with no starting point.
It was better to state things clearly, creating psychological shock, and then wait to observe their reactions.
As long as they panicked or reacted in any way, he could find a flaw and seize evidence.
Leaving the restaurant, Zhan Beijue drove, with Jiang Nan Fang in the passenger seat.
Jiang Nan Fang was slightly displeased with his actions that day.
"You've endured for so long. Suddenly losing your composure, I don't quite understand."
"As the saying goes, merchants shouldn't fight with officials. Once you anger him, if he were to subtly hinder you in any regulations later, your company would face immense difficulties. Didn't you consider that?"
"Moreover, this is too unfair to my elder brother. After all, this is a conflict from the previous generation, and he is also a victim. He has no private dealings with Madam Gao, and to suddenly involve him like this, have you considered his feelings?"
Zhan Beijue gripped the steering wheel with one hand.
"Who is innocent? Who isn't being dragged into this without reason? Am I not? Is Melody not?"
"If she hadn't relentlessly pursued me, almost taking my life in Switzerland, and then almost pushed Melody into a pit of fire a few days ago, I really wouldn't bother wasting my time talking to her."
"For someone like her who takes an inch and demands a mile, silence is only enabling her."
"As for Hu Jiasheng, if a man of his stature cannot endure such a slight, then he is not worthy of me calling him elder brother."
"It's his own fault for not checking carefully before choosing his mother."
There was some truth to his words.