Chapter 750 Madam Shi Makes a Move

Although Madam Shi appeared overly sharp-tongued, the Tao family's situation was indeed dire. Madam Shi was simply more direct about it. Others, though they didn't voice it, viewed Tao Jie and the current Tao family with the same attitude. What could they do if you bullied them? Could Tao Fan climb out of his grave and deal with me? Obviously not! When a wall falls, everyone pushes it. Not to mention, many people had coveted Tao Fan's position when he was alive, and many others disliked him. They had simply been too afraid of his strength to show it. Tao Jie understood the current predicament perfectly, which was why he had acted more respectfully towards Madam Shi than ever before. He hadn't expected to still be subjected to such insult and mockery! Tao Jie secretly clenched his fists, a ball of rage burning within his chest! But soon, his fists quietly loosened again. The fire in his heart seemed to gradually subside. Despite his anger, he hadn't lost all his reason. He knew very well that he couldn't afford to offend this woman! Madam Shi's husband was Shi Zhong, the deputy director of the Ministry of Security in Modu. Even when his father was alive, he could only maintain a friendly relationship with the man. The current Tao family dared not show him the slightest disrespect! Even though he was being so insulted and mocked, Tao Jie knew he could only endure it! "Tsk ~" Madam Shi glanced at Tao Jie with disdain, sneering. "A softie! It seems Tao Fan's son is also quite useless." After mocking Tao Jie, Madam Shi turned her attention back to Song Qiao. Noticing he was staring at her with a dark expression, Madam Shi was almost infuriated. She arrogantly berated him, "What are you looking at?" "Why aren't you kneeling down for me yet? Or do you want to face the consequences!" Song Qiao, having been too engrossed in admiring the pin-up photos earlier, only now realized what had happened. It seemed he had accidentally bumped into her? He had indeed been at fault, and should at least offer an apology. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention earlier." Song Qiao smiled and nodded at Madam Shi. "Insincere! Not genuine enough!" Madam Shi was greatly angered by Song Qiao's perfunctory apology. She pointed at his nose and furiously rebuked him, "I told you to kneel down and apologize!" "Who told you to stand there?" Seeing the situation escalating, Jiang Rou quickly stepped forward to mediate. However, before she could even speak, Madam Shi, thoroughly provoked, lashed out at her. "Get lost! Who do you think you are?" "Do you think you have any right to speak here!" Before she could utter a word, Jiang Rou was subjected to a barrage of insults, her expression darkening. Madam Shi's scolding grew louder, her language becoming increasingly vulgar. This also attracted more onlookers. However, most of them were simply there to watch the spectacle, standing by at a safe distance. No one dared to step forward and intervene again. After all, Madam Shi was in a fit of rage, and no one wanted to invite her wrath. With no one to disrupt her, Madam Shi reigned supreme at this birthday banquet! She began to scold people one by one, her foul language relentless and varied. Perhaps tired from her tirade, she turned her attention back to Song Qiao. She repeated, word for word, "Kneel down for me!" You want me to kneel? Hmph! Song Qiao snorted, annoyed by her persistent nagging. He tilted his head to look at Madam Shi, suddenly finding her face somewhat familiar. "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before. Whose subordinate are you?" Madam Shi, with her imperious demeanor, disdained to answer Song Qiao's attempt at ingratiation. She had already decided that she needed to teach him a lesson! "Madam Shi." At this moment, a voice came from the crowd. Everyone turned their heads sharply, curious to see who dared to be the brave one to step forward while Madam Shi was still enraged. The crowd parted, revealing Cheng Dong, the host of the gathering. Cheng Dong walked slowly forward, humbly greeting everyone as he passed. He nodded slightly at Madam Shi, offering a fawning smile. "Oh, Madam Shi, why would you get so angry?" "Young Jie is still young and ignorant. If he said anything to offend you, please, for my sake, let it go, alright?" As he spoke, Cheng Dong clasped his hands together above his head, making a plea gesture. "Madam Shi, these children are all hot-blooded youths. You can't possibly expect them to kneel and embarrass themselves in public, can you? How will they be able to face anyone after this, Madam Shi?" Hmph! Madam Shi nodded slightly and then looked at Song Qiao, snorting, "I'll let you off this time for the sake of Guild Leader Cheng. If I see you again, I won't spare you!" Although the situation was finally resolved, Tao Jie's expression did not improve much. It was well-known that the Tao family had always been the absolute pillars of the Tongmen branch in Modu. Cheng Dong was merely a deputy guild leader under the Tao family. In the past, if anyone dared to disrespect the Tao family, Cheng Dong would have been insignificant. Yet today, Madam Shi ignored the Tao family and only acknowledged Cheng Dong. It was like refusing to recognize the emperor and only recognizing a minister. This made Tao Jie wonder if the two of them had colluded to deliberately orchestrate this, intending to suppress the Tao family in front of everyone and promote Cheng Dong. Cheng Dong, unconcerned with Tao Jie's thoughts, walked up to Song Qiao with a smile. He said, "My dear young friend, regardless, guests are guests. I, Cheng, welcome your presence, but I would still advise you not to be too reckless in the future. This is for your own good, as many people here are not to be trifled with." Cheng Dong's advice, though seemingly well-intentioned, carried an underlying tone of condescension. Others might have frowned or felt annoyed, but Song Qiao couldn't help but chuckle. He suppressed the urge to laugh and nodded emphatically. "Oh, thank you, Boss Cheng, for your reminder. I will certainly bear your teachings in mind today." Cheng Dong nodded with some satisfaction and continued to praise him in a condescending manner, "A promising youth indeed." *Pfft* Song Qiao quickly pursed his lips and watched Cheng Dong leave. The four of them found a quieter corner, and Tao Jie voiced his suspicions. Jiang Rou raised an eyebrow, looking puzzled. "Tao Jie, aren't you overthinking it? I think Madam Shi might just have been in a bad mood. After all, at her age, she's nearing menopause." Jiang Rou believed that Madam Shi, knowing it was someone's daughter's birthday celebration today, didn't want to cause a scene over a minor issue that would affect the event. So, when Cheng Dong stepped in to mediate, she took the opportunity to back down gracefully. While this explanation seemed reasonable, the thought that it was Cheng Dong who resolved the issue made her feel somewhat displeased. Seeing the dejected expressions of the other three, Song Qiao couldn't help but smile and reassure them, "Don't worry, the lost face will be regained!"