Meng Yao glanced at the lobby on the first floor again before getting into the elevator. Apart from the receptionist, she still didn't see anyone else.
She asked curiously, "Is everyone in the group on holiday today?"
"No, many people have taken leave and haven't come to work," the receptionist explained.
Meng Yao didn't ask further and entered the elevator.
She had never been interested in the group's affairs, only visiting for the annual meeting. Therefore, she was unaware of the group's leave policies.
The elevator went directly to the top floor. As she stepped out, she found that only a few people were working in the vast office, with more than half of the desks empty.
Meng Yao had been to her father's office a few times and remembered the way. She went straight to the CEO's office, knocked, and found Meng Qi inside.
"Sister."
"You're out of the hospital." Meng Qi looked at her, trying to appear relaxed.
Meng Yao saw that she had become much more haggard. Meng Qi, who always appeared energetic in front of others, now had sunken eyes and looked thinner.
Her eyes reddened as she said, "Sister, I'm sorry. I couldn't persuade Mom. It's all my fault."
Meng Qi said sadly, "I know everything. It's not your fault, and it has nothing to do with you. Mom, Mom was truly heartless, kidnapping you and holding you hostage. Don't you hate her?"
Meng Yao shook her head and said, "No, I don't hate her. When I learned about the terrible things she did, I was very disappointed and heartbroken. But I can't forget how she took care of us and loved us since we were little. She was always a mother I was proud of, and those memories are indelible. No matter what, she will always be my family, my beloved mother."
Meng Qi couldn't hold back her tears and hugged her tightly. "There are only two of us left in this family."
Meng Yao also felt sad and said, "What about Uncle Er? They will help us."
Meng Qi released her and sighed, "We can't count on Uncle Er. Not only will he not help us, but he also wants to contend for control of the group with me."
"When Dad was arrested, didn't he designate who would act on behalf of the group?" Meng Yao asked, thinking about the lack of employees she had seen on her way up. "Did everyone in the group take leave? I didn't see many people working when I came in."
Meng Qi sat back down at her desk, speaking with bitterness and sorrow. "Before Dad's incident, he had already handed over the group's affairs to me and transferred his shares to me, instructing me to temporarily act as the group's president. However, Uncle Er doesn't believe it and is unwilling to acknowledge it. He has brought his confidants and some employees from the group to resist me by not coming to work."
"How can Uncle Er do this? He always listened to our father, his elder brother, so obediently," Meng Yao said in disbelief.
Meng Qi, however, said as if it were expected, "It's hard to fathom people's hearts. Now that Dad has had his accident, Uncle Er feels that he is the one who should succeed the president's position."
"This position should go to the most capable. In terms of ability, Uncle Er is not as good as you."
"But many senior executives and employees in the group are on his side, saying that I am a married daughter and that if the group falls into my hands, it would be like handing the group over to Yao Feili. In fact, I had already anticipated this and reached an agreement with Dad that Feili would not interfere in any matters of the Huangfu Group. But these people just don't believe it."
Meng Yao didn't know what she could do and said, "Sister, if there's anything I can do to help you, please tell me."
"We are short-handed in the group right now. Can you help me share some of the daily schedule matters?" Meng Qi asked, cheering up.
"Okay, give me all the daily administration. I will do my best," Meng Yao said, feeling much more settled after seeing Meng Qi, her only remaining relative.
With Meng Qi still there for the Huangfu Group and their family, she believed it wouldn't collapse. At this time, they had to be united as sisters to overcome the difficulties.
...
At the same time, Tianyi and Susu were hosting a Christmas party at home.
All their friends in Lancheng had come, except for Song Jiaping.
Tianyi had been calling Song Jiaping, but no one answered. He actually felt that Song Jiaping should be the one to come and celebrate the Christmas party.
Song Jiaping had endured for so many years and finally avenged his hatred; he should definitely be celebrating.
The party had already started, but Song Jiaping was still nowhere to be seen, and they still couldn't reach him.
Tianyi went to the garden and called Song Jiaping's phone again, but it still went unanswered.
As he put away his phone, Susu also came to the garden to find him and asked, "How is it? Still can't reach Doctor Song?"
Tianyi nodded and said, "I asked the hospital, and Meng Yao has been discharged. He should be able to come. Alas, I don't know what's going on. He doesn't seem happy even after avenging his hatred."
"Doctor Song's revenge is complete, but his beloved person, like him before, has also lost her family. He must be sad for Meng Yao." Susu could understand this feeling.
Although she knew that Yang Sijie had done many wicked things, when Yang Sijie was truly punished and faced retribution, she didn't feel any joy. Instead, she felt numb.
Tianyi said helplessly, "That must be it."
Susu linked her arm with his and said, "Forget it, don't force Doctor Song. Everyone is waiting for you."
"Okay." As Tianyi was about to go inside with her, his phone rang. He saw it was Song Jiaping calling.
He picked up the phone and said, "President Qin, I'm sorry, I just saw your call."
"It's alright. Where are you now? Susu and I are hosting a Christmas party at home. Can you come and have fun?"
"Thank you, you and Susu." Song Jiaping said apologetically, "I'm at the airport and will be flying abroad in half an hour."
"Ah, you're going back abroad so soon? Why didn't you tell us in advance? We could have treated you to a farewell dinner."
Song Jiaping hurriedly said, "President Qin, you are too kind. You and Officer Su have already helped me a lot. It should be me treating you to a meal to express my gratitude. But I have some matters to attend to abroad, so I have to rush back."
"Let's not be so formal. You go back and attend to your business. We'll get together when we have the chance."
"Then that's it. Goodbye." Song Jiaping hung up. Seeing that his flight was already boarding, he glanced back at the waiting hall and resolutely walked towards the boarding gate.
Susu saw that Tianyi had finished his call with Song Jiaping and couldn't help but ask, "Is Doctor Song going abroad again? He doesn't want to stay in Lancheng for a few more days. It seems he doesn't want to stay in this sad place."
Tianyi put his arm around her and walked towards the house, saying, "His relationship with Meng Yao is too complicated. Anyone in his shoes might not do any better. We can only hope that they can each start anew and that the feuds between the two families can be completely resolved."
"Whether they can be together again now depends on Meng Yao," Susu said, hoping they could still end up together. "If Meng Yao can let go of the matters between the two families and cast everything aside, perhaps they still have hope."