"Don't worry, I didn't mean anything else. I just feel it's not easy for a young woman like you, it reminds me of my younger self, and I want to help."
Tang Haichao explained frankly.
"I won't ask for anything in return, nor will I use this to blackmail you. If you truly consider me a friend, take it and use it first."
"Your studio isn't just yours; if you lose your job, it means a group of people lose theirs."
"But you still have a house; you can't let others end up on the streets."
For a moment, shock, gratitude, and heartache, along with a myriad of complex emotions, converged within Xiang Wan, leaving her feeling a mix of everything.
Looking at the beautiful, clean card, she, for the first time, unashamedly shed tears in front of someone.
"If we can successfully get through this crisis and the studio can still make money, I'd like to invite you to become a shareholder."
"Mr. Tang, you won't find me too clumsy to be a partner, will you?"
Tang Haichao was delighted that she accepted his help.
"Haha, why would I?"
"The live-streaming industry is so hot right now, you'll surely do great things and make a lot of money in the future. I'm more than happy to hitch a ride on your success." Xiang Wan promised him.
"Whether it's a profit or a loss, I will repay you this money..."
"Hey, since you said you'd be a partner, consider it my investment. We'll share the risks together..."
"That won't do. You haven't invested yet, so this is a loan. I will definitely repay you no matter what."
Xiang Wan asked the waiter for paper and a pen.
"I'll write you an IOU. Don't worry, as soon as I have the money, I'll repay you immediately."
With the money, she immediately called everyone, telling them to come to work as usual that day.
Then, she bid farewell to Tang Haichao.
"I need to find a new factory to buy raw materials and resume production. I won't be defeated by this setback!"
Tang Haichao stood up with her.
"This is your first time doing business in this area, and you don't understand many things, which is why you were deceived."
"How about this, if you don't mind, I'll accompany you, and I'll bring our company's legal advisor along."
That would be truly wonderful.
Having already lost millions, Xiang Wan dared not be deceived again.
---
Ke Teng was beaten by Zhan Bei Jue and ended up in the hospital again. Ke Jingyu only found out three days later.
When he tried to video call Ke Teng, the calls were never answered. The old assistant responsible for supervising Ke Teng at Huatai was evasive and dared not tell him the truth.
Ke Jingyu immediately guessed the seriousness of the situation.
He was so angry that for the first time, he smashed a cup in front of the nanny and the butler.
Then, that same day, he ordered someone to drive him to Nancheng.
Ke Teng had just returned home from a follow-up medical examination at the hospital when Ke Jingyu barged in.
Seeing Ke Teng wrapped up like a mummy, Ke Jingyu's vision went black, and he nearly collapsed.
"Ke Teng, you are my ancestor!"
"What sins did I commit in my past life to owe you so much debt that you have to torment me like this in this life!"
"First, you were suicidal over a woman, lying in bed for half a year, and now you've been beaten up like this!"
"You have no shame, but I do. Are you only satisfied when you make your father die of anger?"
Ke Teng had initially been afraid that Ke Jingyu would be unbearable upon learning the truth and wanted to hide it.
But now that everything was known, and the worst-case scenario had arrived, he no longer cared.
"Who's been badmouthing me behind your back? So boring."
"I'm a grown man. Can't I handle my own affairs? Must you lecture me constantly?"
Ke Jingyu retorted, "If you were even slightly reliable, would I have to waste so much breath?!"
"Previously, you insisted on coming to Nancheng, saying you wouldn't contact Jiang Nan Fang again and would focus on your career."
"I thought you had just recovered from a serious illness and respected your wishes, going along with everything you said. But look at you now!"
"What's wrong with me now?"
Ke Teng retorted defiantly.
"Financing is almost secured, relationships for the land acquisition are being actively facilitated, and the power company matters haven't been neglected. What more do you want from me?"
"How dare you say that? You confidently promised me on the phone that Zhan Bei Jue had no intention of competing with you for these two plots of land and wasn't actively pursuing financing. I was too embarrassed to burst your bubble, but you've underestimated him too much!"
"He simply doesn't want to fight you for this piece of meat in Nancheng!"
"There are so many cities in the country, and countless banks. He has already gone to Beicheng and secured enough funding."
"Moreover, he is currently trying to secure the demolition rights for the small fishing village, planning to buy the land and develop it."
"He is far-sighted and plans ahead, thinking much more than you! And you're here, a frog in a well, boasting to your father?"
Ke Teng furrowed his brows, some disbelief in his father's words.
"Demolition of the small fishing village? What's the point of demolishing that?"
"It's more than ten kilometers away from these two plots of land, in the middle of nowhere. What use does he have for that run-down place?"
Ke Jingyu sighed.
"I've trusted you too much, spoiled you too much, and you understand nothing. For your happiness, I even entrusted you with such a huge task."
"I thought you would take it seriously, at least do the most basic homework before planning a project, but look at the result..."
"Internal information has already been released: it's expected that in the next five years, the Nancheng subway line will be extended in a loop."
"One section of it will pass through those two plots of land and the small fishing village. Don't underestimate the small fishing village now; once the subway station is built, it will be worth its weight in gold!"
Ke Teng gasped.
"You only found out about the five-year plan now?"
"That's why they call you stupid! In our line of work, some people plan ten years ahead, let alone five. What's this?"
"Alright, alright, you should no longer interfere with this matter. Leaving it to you is equivalent to giving it away to Zhan Bei Jue for free."
"I'll arrange for someone to take you back to Shangcheng later. Recover from your injuries first, and then stay honestly in Shangcheng and handle matters there."
"You are forbidden from coming to Nancheng again. I will handle this matter personally."
Ke Teng didn't know about Zhan Bei Jue's plan to demolish the fishing village. Now that he knew, he would certainly rush to negotiate this matter.
Furthermore, the matter of the two prime land plots was still undecided, and he wasn't willing to go back halfway through.
"No, I swore to you early on that I would make a name for myself in Nancheng, and I must do it well. What do you mean by sending me back now?"
"What do you mean by that? Who starts a career and ends up like you?"
"You're beaten black and blue every other day. You've disgraced me completely!"
"Besides, don't you know your own physical condition?"
"You are the only male heir of the Ke family. If the lineage ends with you, how can I explain myself to the ancestors?"
That same old excuse, Ke Teng scoffed.
"You're still young, and I haven't forbidden you from finding a girlfriend. If you think I'm useless, have another one."
"You! I warn you, Ke Teng, if it weren't for your mother's early passing and my guilt towards you, I wouldn't be indulging you at every turn."
"Even if I indulge you, I have my limits! Today, whether you want to go or not, you have to go. The car has already been arranged. Don't force me to use force against you!"