After exchanging pleasantries with Zhao Tongan for a few more sentences, Song Qiao, still worried about his wife, hastily took his leave with Xia Xueqing.
"Brother-in-law, you're amazing, you actually got Young Master Zhao to speak up for you."
As soon as they stepped outside, Xia Xueqing couldn't wait to say to Song Qiao.
In her subconscious, Song Qiao was just a slightly successful individual business owner. She never expected him to have such influence, first the party secretary some time ago, and now Zhao Tong.
Either of these figures could shake the city with a stomp of their foot, yet her brother-in-law had a good relationship with them.
"Xueqing, these are secondary. Our urgent task is to return to your sister's company quickly. I suspect those investors in the company won't let this go easily."
Song Qiao waved his hand, showing no pride in Xia Xueqing's praise. Instead, a hint of worry lingered on his brow.
...
The next morning, after Xia Yuqing returned to the company, the news of Song Qiao offending the Zhao family and Meng Jiao spread like wildfire. The major shareholders who had been attracted by the investment promotion a while ago were in an uproar.
Their money had just been invested, and after this farce, it would likely be lost.
"Xia Yuqing, Ms. Xia, you must give us a reasonable explanation for this matter."
The largest investor, Mr. Bai, was already furious. As he spoke, he slammed his teacup heavily onto the table.
The loud "dong" made everyone in the conference room tremble.
Xia Yuqing, sitting in the chief seat, couldn't help but shudder. She had just received news that Song Qiao had publicly slapped Meng Jiao.
This made her heart race like an ant on a hot pan, unsure of what to do.
"Ms. Xia, the matter has already happened. I suggest you go and apologize personally as soon as possible to seek forgiveness. Otherwise, our Tianhong will be finished very soon."
An older shareholder, seeing Xia Yuqing's silence, cleared his throat and advised her.
"Yes, Ms. Xia, this is not the time to save face. Our money has just been invested; you can't let us lose it all."
As soon as the previous shareholder finished speaking, several small shareholders began to complain tearfully.
Xia Yuqing, who had never encountered such a situation, was suddenly at a loss, stammering and unable to appease everyone.
"Apologize? To whom?"
Just as everyone was pressuring Xia Yuqing, Song Qiao stormed into the conference room in a rage.
"Mr. Song, you've finally arrived."
"Why were you so impulsive? You've really ruined Tianhong this time."
As soon as Song Qiao entered, the shareholders turned their guns on him, verbally attacking him.
In fact, all the shareholders present knew very well that although Xia Yuqing was the nominal boss of Tianhong, the real behind-the-scenes boss was the current Mr. Song Qiao.
Only he could truly represent Tianhong, and since he was the one who struck the blow, his attitude was crucial.
"This matter is not our fault at all. We don't need to apologize."
Song Qiao glanced calmly at everyone and walked to his wife's side, speaking to them indifferently.
As soon as he said this, the already noisy conference room erupted.
"Mr. Song, this is irresponsible!"
"Mr. Song, please don't let your temper get the better of you."
After a few seconds of stunned silence, the larger shareholders began to persuade him frantically.
"I said this matter doesn't require an apology, and there will be no apology."
Song Qiao looked at them coldly and stuck to his stance.
What a joke! The other party had insulted his wife first. If it weren't for Young Master Zhao, he wouldn't have let it go so easily.
Now they expected him to apologize to the other party? This was sheer delusion.
"Mr. Song, I don't think we need to cooperate any further. If you can't resolve this issue, we will withdraw our investment from Tianhong immediately and minimize our losses."
Seeing that persuasion was futile, the older shareholder resorted to threats.
"Song Qiao, calm down."
Seeing that the meeting was about to end unpleasantly, Xia Yuqing quickly tugged at his sleeve, reminding him not to fall out with the shareholders impulsively over this matter.
"I said I will resolve this matter. If you insist on withdrawing your investment, I can't do anything about it."
"But you must remember one thing: withdrawing now may mean a smaller loss, but it's still a loss. If you can wait another day, I guarantee not only will your investment be safe, but you will also receive generous returns in the future."
Song Qiao shook his head helplessly, ignoring their threats, and presented the benefits he had promised to the shareholders.
This statement made several of the smaller shareholders hesitate.
When Song Qiao had invited them to invest, he had promised them quite substantial returns.
Since they didn't know the Zhao family too well, they still held some hope for Song Qiao.
"Hmph, at this point, what solution can you possibly have? I think apologizing and begging for forgiveness is the best way to resolve it."
Before Song Qiao could finish speaking, a shareholder closest to Xia Yuqing suddenly stood up and shouted at Song Qiao agitatedly.
"Song Qiao, what time is it? Why are you still putting on a brave front?"
"You know their identity, don't you? That's the Zhao family. They can make us go bankrupt with a mere flick of their fingers."
Xia Yuqing was also uncomfortable with Song Qiao's inexplicable confidence. She frowned and reprimanded him.
Her husband was simply ignorant of the immensity of the heavens and earth. With his current strength, how could he possibly contend with the booming Zhao family?
Song Qiao did not retort to his wife. He simply continued to address the shareholders:
"You all don't believe me, do you? Then give us, a husband and wife, more time. I guarantee I will give you a satisfactory answer by tomorrow morning."
"But now that the company is in difficulty, you're all clamoring to withdraw your investment."
"This kind of behavior is like a weathervane, a fair-weather friend. I, Song Qiao, would rather not have such partners who cannot share hardships with the company."
"So I advise you all to consider your actions carefully."
After speaking, Song Qiao gave the attendees a meaningful look, took Xia Yuqing's arm, and walked out of the conference room without further ado.
"Come with me to find Meng Jiao. I want to see just how capable she really is."