During their recent conversation, Madam Shen had been avoiding Song Qiao. She only spoke with Mo Ling, confiding in her about her unease. She averted his gaze and kept her distance from him. Song Qiao, however, didn't rush to confront her, merely observing as if watching a poor performance.
Once Mo Ling departed, all of Madam Shen's efforts proved futile. Before leaving, Mo Ling had pulled Song Qiao aside, informing him about a traitor within Madam Shen's inner circle. It was then Song Qiao understood that Mo Ling's words to Madam Shen weren't entirely true; the intention of falsely stating she wasn't the assassination target was to mislead the traitor.
"Heh, don't worry!" Song Qiao was completely unconcerned. He looked at Madam Shen then, displaying a standard smile that showed all eight of his white teeth. Madam Shen, however, felt he was like a ferocious wolf, its white teeth bared menacingly.
Yesterday, she had been furious with Song Qiao for accepting so many gifts, for causing her to expend valuable time and energy, and for humbling herself to curry favor with him. Yet, he was so unappreciative. In her anger, she had conceived the idea of manipulating public opinion. She intended to use Park Xu's swift defeat by Song Qiao to push Zhang Longsheng into the spotlight of South Korean public discourse. As the direct participant, Song Qiao would immediately stand opposed to Zhang Longsheng, becoming his arch-nemesis. If Zhang Longsheng wished to retain his title as South Korea's top expert, he would have to defeat Song Qiao. Song Qiao was indeed formidable; if he could successfully defeat Zhang Longsheng, she could reclaim her family's ancestral plaque. Even if Song Qiao died, she would suffer no loss.
However, when facing Song Qiao, her confidence wavered. The image of Song Qiao and Mo Ling fighting together against assassins was still vivid in her mind. She also recalled the scene a few days ago when Song Qiao, facing assassins himself, had saved her. Everything indicated that Song Qiao was no benevolent soul. Therefore, as she faced him now, her heart pounded relentlessly.
"Madam Shen?" Song Qiao, ignoring her thoughts, spoke directly.
"Ah? What?" Madam Shen started, surprised.
"Heh, Madam, we need to have a good talk."
"Talk... talk about what? There's nothing... to talk about, is there?" Madam Shen stammered. She truly didn't want to face Song Qiao right now.
"Is that so? Then goodbye. Oh, and I'm taking my bodyguards with me." With that, Song Qiao beckoned to Chen Chen and Wei Feng. The two immediately bowed to Song Qiao, "Yes!" Song Qiao turned and walked away. Chen Chen and Wei Feng followed closely.
"Hey, wait!" Madam Shen panicked, rushing forward to grab Song Qiao's arm. "Don't be so hasty, we can discuss anything!"
"What is there to discuss?" Madam Shen's eyes pleaded, "Let your men stay. I, I agree to your terms... whatever your demands may be."
As soon as she said this, Song Qiao didn't respond, but Wei Feng's head shot up, looking at Madam Shen and Song Qiao. To be honest, although Madam Shen was nearly forty, the bloom of youth was not entirely gone; she was still alluring, even possessing a certain charm that could strongly attract certain individuals, like Wei Feng. He slightly parted his lips, then closed them, his throat working. How he envied Boss Song! He wished he could be in his place.
Then, he heard Song Qiao say, "Alright, shall we go inside to talk?"
"Good, good, please!" Madam Shen reluctantly let Song Qiao and his companions enter the house. Madam Shen was quite capable of handling things. As soon as they entered the room, she asked Song Qiao to sit down and immediately instructed Cui Haoze to prepare tea for them.
"Yes!" Cui Haoze agreed and went to the adjacent room to prepare. Song Qiao wasted no time and got straight to the point: "Madam Shen, can you explain what you've done now?" Madam Shen was taken aback; she hadn't expected Song Qiao to be so direct. Stammering, she could only weakly say, "Mr. Song, this... I... what are you implying?"
Song Qiao sneered, "Do I need to continue? The trouble you've stirred up, don't think you can hide it from me! You incited public opinion, pushed me out to fight Zhang Longsheng, aren't you trying to frame me?" He slammed the table as he spoke. *Bang!* Madam Shen trembled, lowering her head, twisting her hands together, unable to look at Song Qiao. "I'm sorry!" She stole a glance at Song Qiao but stopped herself. Seeing the Rolex on his wrist, the one she had given him, she still felt indignant, sneering inwardly, "Do you think my gifts are free for the taking?" Though she was currently facing reprimand, if she could find a way to tie Song Qiao to her cause, that would be enough. Thinking this, she took a deep breath, knelt on the floor, and begged for forgiveness, "I'm sorry, Mr. Song, I was wrong about this matter!" Song Qiao looked at her, remaining silent.
Just then, Cui Haoze entered, a tray with tea in his hands. He gently placed the tray on the table. "Mr. Song, please enjoy. This is a fine tea from your country, Dong Ding Oolong!" He respectfully placed a teacup before Song Qiao. Song Qiao picked it up, noting its deep red color and fragrant aroma. He inhaled deeply, closed his eyes, as if savoring it. Cui Haoze placed another cup before Madam Shen, seemingly oblivious to her prostrate state.
Song Qiao teased, "Heh, this little Korean is quite good at serving people!" Cui Haoze was offended and thought inwardly, *Drink it if you want, or don't.* He felt Song Qiao was mocking him for being Madam Shen's kept man. Song Qiao glanced at him again, but instead of drinking the tea, he put down the cup and said to Madam Shen, "Alright, don't be like that, get up." Madam Shen gracefully rose and sat upright. "Thank you for your magnanimity!"
"Don't rush, I'm not that magnanimous. An apology and comfort won't mend my wounded feelings. You must compensate me before this matter can be put to rest. As for whether to accept Zhang Longsheng's challenge, we'll see." "Yes! How much compensation do you want?" Madam Shen asked. At the same time, she reached out, picked up the teacup, and was about to bring it to her lips.
"Slow!" Song Qiao's hand stopped her. Madam Shen raised an eyebrow, about to inquire. Then she heard Song Qiao say, "Let him drink first!" Madam Shen understood; this was a test for poison. Or perhaps Song Qiao suspected Cui Haoze?
"What, you suspect me?" Cui Haoze's face was filled with anger. "How could I possibly poison it!"
"Why shouldn't I suspect you? Anyone who follows Madam is worth suspecting!"
"Hmph, my loyalty to Madam is as clear as day." Turning, Cui Haoze angrily said to Song Qiao again, "I would never poison it... if I were to poison anyone, it would be you!" Song Qiao looked at him with a half-smile. Cui Haoze froze, only then realizing what he had said. He quickly turned to Madam Shen, "M-Madam, please believe me, I would absolutely not poison it!" Madam Shen, however, now had a suspicious look on her face, her eyes filled with caution. She recalled Mo Ling's earlier words about a traitor in her midst and said, "You drink a cup!"
"Madam, you, you don't believe this Song fellow, do you?" Sweat beaded on Cui Haoze's forehead. "Drink it, you've worked hard, you're even sweating!" Madam Shen pushed the cup towards him. "..." Cui Haoze's face darkened. He extended a trembling hand and took the cup. The tea spilled from the cup, scattering on the table and the carpet.