Although Xu Chao's attitude seemed sincere, it was a result of the training instilled in aristocratic families.
It was impossible for outsiders to discern his true thoughts through his expressions.
However, Gao Meng, despite her young age, was remarkably clear-headed.
She didn't need to observe; she could deduce that Xu Chao would certainly not be convinced and she had no idea what he was thinking.
But none of that mattered. What was important was the attitude of the Xu family elders, those who truly held power.
Xu Luyuan's stance revealed a great deal.
Yet, to be honest, she was also completely baffled, unsure of what was happening.
The lofty Xu family, their influential figures, were apologizing to her, and they seemed so urgent?
What on earth had happened?
When in doubt, ask the master.
So, she looked at Song Qiao with a face full of confusion.
But what did Song Qiao know at this moment?
He didn't know the specifics, but he surmised that Gao Meng had somehow involved herself in something that made the Xu family apprehensive.
Otherwise, why would a family that always held their heads high lower their dignity and rush to apologize to a young girl so urgently?
Thus, he simply smiled at Gao Meng and said, "It's fine, continue as you were!"
Hearing Song Qiao's words, Gao Meng came to her senses.
Although she hadn't been with Song Qiao for very long, her intelligence and perseverance had led to rapid growth.
Especially in Song Qiao's methods of handling things, his way of acting, she had learned some of it.
So, she said calmly, "Alright, I understand your meaning. In the future, discipline this brat properly. Otherwise, with his loose tongue, he might lose his life one day and drag the family down with him! If he ever crosses my path again, he won't be so lucky!"
Xu Chao was enraged. He had been beaten, and yet he was considered lucky?
But seeing his uncle's relieved expression, he couldn't say anything.
All his confusion could not be voiced at this moment.
This was not the time to discuss such matters.
Therefore, Xu Chao was filled with incomprehension, making him feel uncomfortable. He truly didn't understand why his uncle had such an attitude.
Their Xu family was not in decline!
On the contrary, the Gao family, which was barely considered a first-tier family, was now in disarray.
Moreover, Gao Meng was just a suppressed figure.
Although she seemed a bit arrogant now, it wasn't in terms of business or connections.
Gao Meng was still an ostracized figure who had suffered setbacks.
With her, such an insignificant person, what could she possibly stir up?
Of course, it had to be admitted that Gao Meng had become the central figure today, causing a huge scene here, and simultaneously offending people from the Gao, Zheng, and Guo families.
Wouldn't that make her even more likely to be universally condemned?
He couldn't figure it out, he really couldn't figure it out!
Despite still being perplexed, Gao Meng completed the exchange with Xu Luyuan perfectly.
Only then did Song Qiao speak, "Since you can do this, it's acceptable. That's all for now."
With that, he elegantly led Gao Meng and Li Bingqing away.
Xu Luyuan, with Xu Chao in tow, respectfully watched Song Qiao and the others until their figures disappeared.
Only then did Xu Luyuan say to Xu Chao, "Come with me!"
Xu Chao quickly followed, head bowed obediently.
After a few steps, unable to contain his unwillingness and confusion, he quietly asked his uncle, "Uncle, what was going on today? How could you..."
Xu Luyuan's steps didn't falter. He turned his head slightly, glanced at Xu Chao, and was about to speak when he stopped.
Then, he looked around, ensuring they were in a deserted area, before speaking with relief, "I am speaking to you with utmost seriousness now. You must engrave this in your heart!"
Xu Chao was startled. Was it that serious?
"Yes! Please tell me, I'm listening!"
"I warn you, do not provoke Song Qiao, and do not provoke Gao Meng. Absolutely not. If you do, it will not just be your own life at stake, but you will also implicate our Xu family. If you dare to act recklessly, forget about your parents; even I will not be able to save you! At that time, we might not only fail to protect you, but we might even tie you up and hand you over, begging for their anger to be appeased and for leniency for our Xu family."
This time, Xu Chao was truly frightened.
Fine beads of sweat appeared on his brutish face.
How could this be?
This was even more exaggerated than offending an emperor!
However, all his confusion was dispelled by this pressure.
Inside the hotel.
It was a scene of disarray.
It wasn't just the aftermath of people leaving, but an aura of decay.
Zheng Fei slowly regained consciousness.
He saw Gao Run groaning nearby and quickly rushed over to check on her condition.
At the same time, he shouted loudly, "Help! Someone, quickly!"
Finally, some subordinates appeared.
Zheng Fei immediately ordered them to take Gao Run to the best hospital so she could recover.
Su Fan also examined Gao Run's condition and shook his head, saying, "She cannot recover. What Gao Meng used was a severe technique that not only damaged her bones but also her nerves and meridians. So much time has passed, coupled with excessive blood loss, she cannot return to her former state."
Zheng Fei's expression turned even uglier.
Gao Zhonghai witnessed this scene and pleaded loudly, "Cousin, you must save Gao Run! Her... her condition..."
Su Fan glanced at Gao Zhonghai, then at Gao Run, and sighed, "She brought it upon herself. It's all her own doing."
Zheng Fei showed a look of unbearable pain.
He still instructed his subordinates to quickly take Gao Run away.
Gao Zhonghai quickly followed.
Now, only Zheng Fei and Su Fan remained.
Su Fan thought for a moment, then looked at Zheng Fei and suddenly smiled.
This abrupt laughter startled Zheng Fei.
What was going on?
Was his predicament something to laugh about?
Was even Su Fan going to mock him?
How outrageous!
However, he quickly understood that Su Fan was his true ally.
He must have a reason.
Indeed, Su Fan then said, "You don't need to be so dejected. The final victor is yet to be determined!"
Zheng Fei's face brightened immediately, and he asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"Gao Meng's backer is, in fact, Song Qiao. And Song Qiao's reliance lies in his identity within the Security Department. As long as he's kicked out of the Security Department, he'll be a toothless tiger, easy to handle, won't he?"
"Yes! That's true! Do you have a way?" Zheng Fei asked eagerly, suddenly enlightened.
It seemed Su Fan had a plan.
This was truly wonderful.
He was truly impatient to see Gao Meng and Song Qiao's downfall immediately.
"Didn't I say, kick Song Qiao out of the Security Department? Song Qiao is going to participate in the Security Department's assessment these next two days. I can just take care of things then. After that, the rest is up to you. By then, whether you want to crush them or mold them, it will be up to you!" Su Fan said, with a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Zheng Fei, filled with immense hatred at this moment, rejoiced, "Excellent, then this matter is up to you. As long as you get him out, the rest is up to me!"
Originally, he only wanted to annex the Gao family and seize their assets.
He hadn't expected that this little girl, Gao Meng, would hold two-thirds of the family's fortune.
Initially, with Gao Run's intervention, the matter was almost settled. He hadn't expected her to escape, and then Song Qiao to interfere, forcing him to endure for now.
But when he considered the Xu and Guo families, he felt the situation was greatly unfavorable.
These two major families might intervene, thwarting his plans.
No, Gao Meng could not be allowed to live.
Otherwise, his schemes might fail, and it might even cost him his life.
Gao Meng must die!
But the prerequisite for killing her was that her backer, the scourge Song Qiao, must fall.