A man of integrity knows what he will and will not do.
Song Qiao had been in the cutthroat world of business for many years. While he had engaged in practices like wining and dining others, he had never crossed any lines.
Now, with Cheng Yuan making such an unscrupulous demand, Song Qiao would absolutely refuse, even if Xiang Piaopiao never advertised on television again.
"Boss, it's all my fault, I'm so sorry..."
As soon as they were outside, Qin Ya's eyes were red and she threw herself into Song Qiao's arms, bursting into tears.
Song Qiao smiled and gently patted Qin Ya's shoulder.
"How can this be your fault? It's clearly Cheng Yuan's hormones getting the better of him. Beating him up twice was a light punishment."
"Don't worry, even if we don't get TV ads, I have other promotional methods prepared."
After speaking, Song Qiao pulled Qin Ya back into the car and drove to the processing plant.
Though he appeared calm on the surface, his heart was a raging inferno.
He would find another opportunity for the advertisement, but if Cheng Yuan dared to interfere then, he would certainly teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget.
While Song Qiao was still seething, an unfamiliar number suddenly called.
"Hello, who is it?"
Song Qiao, still fuming, answered with some impatience.
The person on the other end paused noticeably before a somewhat taken-aback voice responded.
"Boss Song, what's wrong? Why are you so angry?"
Song Qiao's heart suddenly tightened. He hadn't expected the Secretary to call him at this moment.
He quickly forced a smile. "Secretary Gao, I apologize. I didn't know it was you calling."
Secretary Gao naturally knew Song Qiao didn't have his number and wouldn't bother him over such a trivial matter.
"Boss Song, there's no need to be so polite. I heard about what happened from Guo Jun last time. I'm truly grateful for your help; otherwise, it would have had quite an impact on me."
Song Qiao's heart leaped with joy. He replied courteously, "Secretary Gao, you are too kind. It is the responsibility of every citizen to combat illegal activities and crimes according to the law."
It seemed Secretary Gao believed he wasn't someone who acted impulsively, or he wouldn't be speaking to him so directly.
"Boss Song's awareness is truly a model for every entrepreneur to learn from."
Secretary Gao praised him again, then asked, "Boss Song, do you have time tonight? Perhaps we could have a simple meal together?"
Song Qiao understood immediately and readily agreed, stating he would reserve a table at Xinyuan.
"By the way, I noticed you seemed quite angry earlier. Are you perhaps facing some trouble? If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask."
Just as they were about to hang up, Secretary Gao suddenly remembered something and asked Song Qiao with a hint of curiosity.
Song Qiao's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected help to arrive just as he was about to retire for the night. He had been worrying about how to deal with Cheng Yuan, and this was truly a golden opportunity.
He then proceeded to truthfully recount everything he had seen and heard that morning to the Secretary.
"What? How could such a scumbag have infiltrated our propaganda system?"
Upon hearing this, the Secretary's anger flared.
"Boss Song, don't worry about the advertisement. As it happens, the director of the television station is an old comrade of mine. I'll handle this matter."
With that, the Secretary angrily hung up the phone.
After hanging up, Song Qiao felt a sense of relief and a mischievous smile played on his lips.
With the Secretary's backing, dealing with a petty individual like Cheng Yuan would be incredibly easy.
Shortly after the call, Guo Jun telephoned.
Clearly acting on his brother-in-law's instructions, he relayed the station director's contact information and the dinner invitation at Xinyuan to Song Qiao.
After thanking him, Song Qiao asked Guo Jun to introduce him to the director.
He then immediately had Old Hu drive him to Xinyuan Restaurant.
He first reserved a deluxe private room for the Secretary and then went directly to the director's room.
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Come in."
After three knocks, an aged voice came from within.
Song Qiao pushed the door open and entered.
"You?"
Cheng Yuan, still bearing a bruise on his forehead, exclaimed upon seeing Song Qiao and jumped up from his chair.
"What are you doing here? Get out!"
Song Qiao gave him a knowing smile and ignored him. He turned to a white-haired elder seated at the head of the table and smiled.
"Hello, Director Cao. I'm Song Qiao. Guo Shao must have introduced me."
He then extended his right hand politely.
"So, it's Boss Song."
Director Cao paused for a moment, then his eyes widened in realization, and he shook Song Qiao's hand warmly.
"Director, please don't believe this brat. He insisted today that I air his advertisement during prime time, and when I refused, he resorted to violence."
Seeing their interaction, Cheng Yuan mistakenly thought Song Qiao was there to complain and quickly played the victim.
"Oh?"
The director raised an eyebrow.
Guo Jun had only called to introduce the young man to him, but hadn't explained the reason. He looked at Song Qiao, perplexed, wanting to hear his explanation.
Song Qiao smiled faintly and shot a cold glare at the lying Cheng Yuan.
He then recounted the events of the morning to Director Cao truthfully.
The latter's expression grew increasingly grim as he listened. Finally, he interrupted Song Qiao's statement and coldly questioned Cheng Yuan.
"Xiao Cheng, is what Boss Song saying true?"
Cheng Yuan's heart sank. Admitting it now would mean ruin, so he quickly tried to argue.
"Director, don't listen to his nonsense. He's clearly seeking revenge on me."
His voice even held a hint of a sob, as if he had suffered greatly.
For a moment, the director was unsure.
Cheng Yuan had always performed reasonably well at the television station, and it was hard to believe he was capable of such actions as described by Song Qiao.
However, Song Qiao had been introduced by Guo Jun, and it seemed unlikely he would lie so openly.
As he was caught in this dilemma, Secretary Gao's call suddenly came through.
After a few minutes on the phone, Director Cao's expression changed drastically, and he almost dropped his phone.
Secretary Gao's account was exactly the same as Song Qiao's. This made him understand the situation clearly.
He might have doubted Song Qiao or Guo Jun, but he would never doubt Secretary Gao.
"Cheng Yuan, I can't believe you'd do such a disgraceful thing behind my back. Pack your things and get out of the television station starting tomorrow."
After hanging up, Director Cao berated him furiously and then pulled Song Qiao out of the private room.
Cheng Yuan was left standing there, alone and stunned...