No one expected such a dramatic turn of events in just a few minutes.
Lax's respectful demeanor made everyone present feel a burning sensation on their faces.
Xia Yuqing looked at everything happening before her in disbelief, her cheeks flushing with heat.
Song Qiao, whom she had always looked down upon, could now produce a hundred billion US dollars with a mere wave of his hand.
It was known that Tianhong's rapid development recently had a market value of only a little over a billion.
Song Qiao only owned a Xiang Piaopiao food processing plant, so where did all this money come from?
This left her stunned and at a loss for what to do, her initial judgment increasingly in doubt.
Not far away, Su Daqiang, who had been sitting in the center without speaking, jumped up from his stool with excitement.
His whole body trembled with emotion, and tears almost welled up in his eyes.
Song Qiao hadn't lied; he could indeed produce one hundred billion in funds.
He just never expected that the one hundred billion Song Qiao mentioned was actually in US dollars.
He hadn't anticipated that his desperate gamble of taking a stand would lead the Su family to latch onto such a powerful figure.
The Su family had been in decline, and this choice had given them the opportunity for a resurgence.
At this moment, he wished he could run to Song Qiao and kowtow in gratitude.
Simultaneously, he couldn't help but feel fortunate that he hadn't listened to his wayward son, Su Zhe.
Otherwise, he would likely be regretting it bitterly now.
...
Song Qiao smiled calmly, took the documents from Lax's hand, and signed his name.
He turned to Ye Zhiwei and said softly, "Tomorrow morning, use these funds to take down Qingyuan Group first."
"I want Zhou Yuan to understand a principle: choosing the wrong side comes with a price."
After speaking, he turned and cast a half-smile at Li Bingqing before walking off the stage.
Hearing this, Zhou Yuan's face immediately turned ashen.
With the three families joining forces, the Zhou family had the weakest foundation. Facing such a massive financial onslaught, Qingyuan Group might not even survive until tomorrow morning.
Once the news spread, a large portion of the shareholders would flee that very night.
He swallowed hard and turned to cast a pleading glance at Li Bingqing and Mo Ling.
This was his only remaining hope.
However, Mo Ling and Li Bingqing were in a precarious situation themselves, unable to protect themselves, and dared not even meet his gaze.
In an instant, the two of them had reached a consensus.
Sacrifice the pawn to save the king, and completely abandon Zhou family's Qingyuan Group.
"Brother-in-law, you're amazing."
As soon as Song Qiao stepped off the stage, Xia Xueqing cheered and rushed towards him, throwing herself into his arms.
She paid no mind to her sister's presence.
"Cough, cough, Xueqing, be mindful. This is a public place," Song Qiao said, his old face blushing, and quickly reminded her.
"Hmph, what are you so proud of? You just came up with a hundred billion."
"To tell you the truth, you underestimate the foundation of our noble families. Even with that much money, you might not be able to defeat us if our two families join forces."
"We aren't like the Zhou family with no background."
Li Bingqing, seeing Song Qiao's demeanor, snorted in defiance.
Although she spoke this way, her heart sank like it was in an ice cellar.
It had been difficult enough to persuade her family to come up with a substantial sum to deal with Song Qiao and Ye Zhiwei.
However, this money not only proved useless but also brought them a formidable enemy.
No wonder her elders had desperately tried to stop her when she decided to target Song Qiao.
"Li Bingqing, what you say now is meaningless. If you have the ability, let's confront each other head-on and see who can't hold on in the end."
Song Qiao snorted coldly, giving her a disdainful glance.
Mo Ling bit her lip tightly, remaining silent throughout.
She understood Song Qiao better than Li Bingqing and was more profoundly shaken at this moment.
Was Song Qiao really supported by some influential figure behind the scenes?
If her guess was correct, then the Li and Mo families might indeed be defeated by Ye Zhiwei this time.
"Hmph, you fool, it seems you only know how to confront head-on?"
"To tell you the truth, if our two families were to go all out, it would at best be a draw."
Li Bingqing continued to bluster, stubbornly refusing to admit that her side was already at a disadvantage.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, the dignified eldest daughter of the Li family, can you do anything besides talking tough now?"
Xia Xueqing interjected with mockery, making Li Bingqing want to stamp her foot.
As she spoke, she linked her arm with Song Qiao's, her face radiating pride.
It was as if she were boasting about her discernment to others.
Xia Yuqing, watching from the side, felt a sharp pang in her heart.
She felt a sudden sting in her nose, and tears almost welled up.
"This Song Qiao, he hid so deeply. As his wife, I was kept in the dark the entire time."
"No wonder Xia Xueqing's attitude towards him changed so much. Perhaps she already knew something before I did."
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Unable to bear the atmosphere any longer, she abruptly pushed away Wu Meng's hand and ran straight out of the banquet hall.
"Yuqing, where are you going?"
Wu Meng, who had been immersed in shock and unable to extricate herself, still couldn't believe Song Qiao was the boss of Xinkai.
Startled by Xia Yuqing's push, she just snapped back to reality.
She wanted to chase after her but had already lost sight of her.
"Song Qiao, you don't need to be too smug. Don't forget our Mo family has official backing. If you push me too far, you'll face mutual destruction."
Seeing Li Bingqing being relentlessly challenged by Song Qiao and Xia Yuqing, Mo Ling could no longer contain her anger.
She quickly strode to Song Qiao, her threatening voice laced with a hint of hysteria.
"I warn you to know when to stop and not to be ungrateful."
Song Qiao looked at her frantic appearance and felt a surge of secret satisfaction.
He casually glanced at Mo Ling and pulled Ye Zhiwei to his side.
He said sarcastically,
"Mo Ling, Miss Mo, you've said this to us more than once."
"Now, in order to save face, you're willing to gamble the foundation your Mo family relies on for survival."
"I think the one who is truly ungrateful is you!"