The office.
Song Qiao hung up the phone, turned to look at Gao Meng, his face full of smiles.
"How about that, didn't I tell you I was innocent?"
Song Qiao had used the speakerphone when he answered the call, so Gao Meng, standing beside him, had heard the entire conversation clearly.
The person on the other end was reporting to Song Qiao, explaining that through various technical means, it had been confirmed that the news about Song Qiao was all false.
Moreover, they had used all sorts of methods, including diplomatic channels, to get the relevant news outlets to retract their articles and issue statements of apology.
At the same time, various measures were employed to cool down the situation, diverting public attention away from Song Qiao to prevent further impact.
Song Qiao expressed his admiration for their swift action, stating he would thank them at an appropriate time.
The other party quickly declined, saying it was an honor to do these things for him.
After a few more words, they hung up.
"Now you believe me, don't you? For powerful departments, resolving such matters is quite easy."
Gao Meng pouted and shot Song Qiao a sideways glance, "Hmph, saying it so easily. Isn't the root of everything you, messing around everywhere, which gave certain people an opportunity?"
Song Qiao shook his head helplessly, women's thoughts were truly so hard to fathom.
His previous behavior seemed to be gloating, but in reality, he was worried for himself.
However, after the situation took a turn for the better, she immediately shifted gears and started blaming him.
Why was his life so difficult?
Alas, having too many women was also a trouble.
But, they could only be considered his confidantes…
As for what to do now, there was only one way…
Having made up his mind, his face fell, and he put on a pained expression.
All the previous smugness vanished, replaced by bitterness, and he even let out a long sigh.
"Alas, I was too naive, I always thought that as long as my innocence was proven, there would be no more trouble. But I never expected this. No one understands me…"
"Continue, I'm watching how you act…" Gao Meng's face still held a look of disdain.
"I'm telling the truth. I truly have no feelings for that Madam Shen, we were just going through hardship together." Seeing that Gao Meng was unmoved, his eyes darted around, and he changed his approach.
"Although she was very forward and wanted to throw herself into my arms, my heart is with you, so I resolutely refused."
"Even if she had a gentle personality, coupled with a pretty face, a good figure, especially with a fuller chest, a slender waist, and rounded hips, with long legs…"
Gao Meng abruptly turned around, glaring at Song Qiao slyly, her teeth gritted, "You're describing it so vividly, with such emotion, then say more, I'm listening!"
Song Qiao smiled, "Since you want to hear, then I'll say more?"
"Pah! Do you have any conscience?"
"Heartbroken, you still don't know if I have a conscience? Right now, my heart beats only for you. If you don't believe me, listen!"
Saying that, Song Qiao extended his arms towards Gao Meng and, ignoring her resistance, pulled her into his embrace.
"Listen to what? I just wanted to ask, what's that perfume on you? It's from that Korean woman, right?"
"Heh, the perfume is indeed from that woman, but this only shows my self-control, remaining unfazed when faced with temptation!"
"Who would believe that? Just keep lying to me…"
They chatted and flirted with each other.
Gao Meng glanced at the time and said to Song Qiao, "Oh dear, isn't it almost time? Should we go now?"
Song Qiao looked at her with a smile, "Are you in such a hurry to get there? Why don't you get angry here first before we go?"
Gao Meng rolled her eyes, "What, afraid I'll deal with you and embarrass you later?"
"How could that be? I really haven't done anything wrong, and you are sharp-eyed and magnanimous, like a prime minister with a broad mind that can fit warships…"
"Stop, stop, stop, why are you so spineless?"
"…"
They went downstairs, laughing and chatting, and drove off.
Soon, they arrived at the stronghold where the branch was located.
It was a luxurious villa.
The overall style was New Chinese, which, compared to the box-like buildings they had seen all the way here, had a completely different charm.
As evening approached, the lights lit up one by one,
making the villa even more distinguished.
However, the guests who had arrived seemed quite diverse.
Some were rough characters, some were dressed in suits, and some appeared to be scholars.
A motley crew!
As soon as they parked their car in the open space outside the villa, they saw Teng Haibo welcoming guests at the entrance.
The moment the two of them stood there, Teng Haibo spotted them from afar. He said a few words to the person he was talking to and then hurried over.
"Mr. Song, your arrival is truly an honor we can only dream of!"
His words drew sideways glances from the surrounding people. They were surprised that one of the strong contenders for the position of branch master was humbling himself so much to flatter this young man.
Many people were already secretly taking note of Song Qiao.
And Teng Haibo's flattery continued, as if he were praising Song Qiao as the most powerful person in the world.
Song Qiao waved his hand, "That's enough, you don't need to flatter me like this. Save your energy to compete with your rivals!"
As they spoke, the three of them walked into the villa.
At this moment, dozens of banquet tables were already set up in the large courtyard.
It was hard to tell whether they were choosing a branch master or just having a feast.
Many members of the Tongmen were already present.
Some were standing around chatting, while others were already seated at the tables.
As Song Qiao and Gao Meng entered, led by Teng Haibo, a sudden commotion erupted in the courtyard.
The eyes of many seemed to hold hatred, while others sparkled with gossip.
They cast their gazes towards Xia Haibin.
Xia Haibin, who was talking with two elders at the moment, noticed the unusual gazes of everyone around.
He turned his head and immediately saw Song Qiao and Teng Haibo, his expression changing instantly. He "thumped" and stood up.
"Teng Haibo, what do you mean? How dare you let him come? Have you forgotten the blood feud between us and him?"
It turned out that Xia Haibin's father had been killed by Song Qiao.
As he spoke, he secretly resented and vowed to get rid of Teng Haibo if he had the chance.
Of course, his greatest hatred was for Song Qiao.
His eyes turned red, and gritting his teeth, he strode towards Song Qiao.
He looked ready to fight at any moment.
Several gang members followed Xia Haibin, their murderous intent palpable.
Seeing this, Gao Meng tightened her arm around Song Qiao's.
Song Qiao simply patted her hand gently, signaling her to relax.
Then, he calmly said, "Your father colluded with foreign enemies, betrayed national interests for personal gain, and endangered national security. As a Chinese citizen, I naturally could not stand idly by when I saw this!"
Xia Haibin pointed his finger at Song Qiao and angrily rebuked, "Song, justice is in the hearts of the people. Don't try to twist the facts. Many of my fellow disciples and brothers in the Jianghu know that my father was not that kind of person!"
As he spoke, his gaze swept through the crowd.
In the crowd, some were excited, some frowned, and some were lost in thought.
Song Qiao simply smiled calmly, "Heh heh, twist the facts? Isn't that what I learned from you?"
As soon as he said this, the surrounding crowd erupted in an uproar.
Their gazes towards him became even stranger.
What was going on? Someone was actually admitting to twisting facts and distorting black and white?
This young man didn't seem to have any mental problems!