309: Chapter 309 Zhou Family Shows Weakness 309: Chapter 309 Zhou Family Shows Weakness Tangyu squinted at Zhou Tao with a smile, while Zhou Tao’s expression was unusually cold and ugly, as if his face had died, unable to convey any emotion.
His physical wounds had healed, but the wounds in his heart were scarred and terrifying.
What young man hasn’t been frivolous?
With his status, hadn’t he played with countless women?
He had relations with his father’s secretary because she seduced him, and Zhou Tao couldn’t resist her advances, naturally leading to a careless liaison.
With his cousin, it was completely an accident, a drunken debacle at a party.
Moreover, his cousin was quite promiscuous, known for having many men outside, utterly unrestrained.
As for his aunt by marriage, it was all because Zhou Tao was too lustful, driven by lustful desires.
His uncle was often abroad, sometimes not returning home for a month.
A woman in her thirties or forties is like a famished tiger; unsatisfied, his aunt had to secretly seek men outside.
One day, Zhou Tao discovered her by chance, leading to an intimate encounter between them.
As for the elder son of the Sun Family’s wife, that was purely Zhou Tao’s lustful appetite taking over.
Of course, before the act, Zhou Tao had no idea she was the wife of the Sun Family elder son; otherwise, he wouldn’t have had the guts to proceed.
These four incidents, after completing them, Zhou Tao was somewhat fearful and regretful, pressing these secrets deep into his heart, believing nothing would come of them, thinking his actions had been flawless.
However, unexpectedly, he had been photographed.
If it was just known without proof, Zhou Tao could have completely denied it, but with the photos present, he felt powerless.
Even now, Zhou Tao hadn’t recovered his senses, unable to comprehend how he was caught on camera?
This could be deadly.
Moreover, the earliest incident had happened over a year ago.
Even if it had been captured, why were the materials only being released now?
And why did they appear in Tangyu’s hands, leaving him utterly puzzled?
Seeing Tangyu looking smugly at him, Zhou Tao felt an urge to rush up and bite him to death, truly driven to murder.
The most hateful part was that he had paid a great price to have Doctor Xiao cure him, thinking that he could crush Tangyu utterly, but unexpectedly, the other party suddenly released this crippling move, infuriating Zhou Tao to the point of almost vomiting blood.
In the luxuriously elongated Lincoln, resembling a small private room, the wealthy sure knew how to enjoy themselves.
“I won’t beat around the bush,” Zhou Hequan said with a sinister face, “give me a price.” If possible, he would love to tear Tangyu into thousands of pieces.
His Zhou Family, since when had they been humiliated to such an extent?
If it were any other approach, Zhou Hequan would have strongly retaliated, but this matter had made him show weakness and fear.
Yesterday, under his pressing, Zhou Tao had confessed everything, revealing that the wretch had also been involved with his cousin and aunt by marriage.
This was a huge family disgrace; once it got out, it would likely trigger a heated controversy and a tsunami of discussions in Donglin City.
Who knew how many people would revel in seeing such gossip about the Zhou Family?
If debated further, the Zhou Family’s reputation would be utterly destroyed, and not to mention anything else, the stocks of the Zhou Family’s company would definitely plummet.
At that point, the Zhou Family would lose all face and be unable to show themselves publicly.
Such an impact, needing at least a year to recover, would become a permanent stain for the Zhou Family.
This was a consequence the Zhou Family couldn’t afford.
The pressure from public opinion was too terrifying.
The financial loss was secondary; Zhou Tao could bear that.
But the loss of reputation would make the Zhou Family’s future path difficult, potentially leading to their decline.
Starting a major conglomerate was incredibly challenging, but destroying one was much easier.
Yet, Tangyu merely scoffed disdainfully, “Your Zhou Family has indeed produced a capable person.
To commit such beastly acts not just once or twice, not just with one or two people.
”
Zhou Tao’s gaze towards Tangyu was incredibly frosty, and Zhou Hequan’s face turned ashen.
When had anyone ever slapped him in the face like this?
“I hope you do not test my limits,” Zhou Hequan said harshly.
Tangyu also grew angry: “I think it is you who are testing my limits!
I’ve let your son Zhou Tao off time and again, but what about him?
Time and again, he has sought trouble with me.
It is said that ‘nothing comes of three attempts.’ Don’t you think it’s your son Zhou Tao who is constantly testing my limits?
Do you really think I’m such an easy target?”
Zhou Hequan’s face darkened, knowing that it was Zhou Tao who had instigated this issue, but unfortunately, the world wasn’t fair.
It has always been the case that the strong dominate the weak, and power speaks.
Could the dignity of those in power compare with that of a beggar?
“I am offering you all a chance to talk nicely, so don’t test what little patience I have left.
Otherwise,” Tangyu said coldly, “you should be clearer about the potential losses to the Zhou Family more than I am.
I don’t care; the company isn’t mine, I’m just working for someone else.
It’s just one case, it won’t cost much.
Don’t provoke me, really, if you push me too far, the one to suffer will definitely be you.
I believe, these photos I have, there are plenty who would clamor for them.
Not to mention much, selling them for two or three million should be doable, which just about covers your profits for the new product case.” With these words, Tangyu coldly issued a warning, effectively threatening them.
They were still clueless at this point, still thinking I was afraid of them, which was truly laughable.
Zhou Hequan was extremely annoyed, but at this moment, he didn’t dare to take any risks.
“Haha, Mr.
Tang, calm down, I was only joking just now, please don’t take it seriously.
We visit today personally with sincerity.
Some misunderstandings may have occurred previously, and on behalf of my unfilial son, I apologize to you.
Whatever your demands may be, just state them, and I will fulfill them if possible.
In all affairs, leave some room for flexibility, for days of future harmony.
I hope Mr.
Tang can show leniency this time.
I will definitely discipline my son more strictly and ensure he won’t trouble you again.” Zhou Hequan managed a strained, insincere smile, showing weakness as he spoke.
“The words I like to hear, I’m not a troublemaker, but that doesn’t mean I’m afraid of trouble.
I don’t initiate conflicts unless provoked; if someone provokes me, they can’t blame me.
I don’t want the money, as I refuse to make myself a blackmailer.
However, I will keep the photos and not give them to you.
If you don’t bother me in the future, I ensure these photos will remain only with me.
But if you provoke me again, don’t blame me for being rude.
My conditions are simple, and I believe you know what to do without me having to tell you.
Other than that, I have nothing more to say to you,” Tangyu said.
Zhou Hequan couldn’t rest easy knowing someone else had the photos.
Taking this risk was something he couldn’t afford; no one wants their fate in someone else’s hands.
“Mr.
Tang, I know what to do and can assure you this new product case will be handled by Xinxin Culture and Art.
Furthermore, all future collaborations on new products will be given to Xinxin Culture and Art.
As for the photos, I sincerely hope, Mr.
Tang, that you could reconsider and hand them over to us.
Money is not an issue, and I will ensure you won’t be on the losing end.
Please, name your price,” Zhou Hequan said.
With a slight smile, Tangyu said, “I’ve said before, I won’t name a price.
I’m not lacking money now; a few million more wouldn’t make a difference.
Don’t take others for fools.
If I handed over the photos that easily and you denied everything after receiving them, I’d have no way to hold you accountable.
Trust is mutual, and frankly, I don’t trust you.
Thus, it’s better to keep the photos with me, I can trust slightly more this way.
I believe you don’t trust me either; even if I gave you the photos, you can’t guarantee I don’t have more copies.
Therefore, there’s no need for a transaction now, unless we can really trust each other at some point.
However, rest assured, I am a man of principles; if I said I won’t leak them, they absolutely won’t reach a third party.
Of course, that’s under the condition you don’t provoke me again; otherwise, I guarantee your Zhou Family won’t have an easy time,” Tangyu traced the corners of his mouth with a smile.
Zhou Hequan’s mouth twitched; indeed, the young should not be underestimated—effective at playing hardball, Zhou Tao wouldn’t stand a chance.
“If there’s nothing else, I need to go back for breakfast.
By the way, here are some photos for you to keep; they are well taken,” Tangyu said casually as he tossed an envelope.
As soon as Zhou Hequan felt the envelope, he realized it contained several photos, which extinguished his last bit of hope.
If it had only captured Zhou Tao with that despicable person, then letting it leak might have been manageable, and he believed he could suppress its impact.
But **** photos were another story; they couldn’t be controlled.
Zhou Tao’s complexion also turned pale; what he feared most was not the photos with his cousin and aunt but those with the Sun Family’s eldest daughter-in-law.
Sun Wukong from the Sun Family was a fierce character.
If the Sun Family got wind of this, it would indeed lead to a storm.
With Sun Wukong’s character, Zhou Tao might never dare to leave the Zhou Family house again.
“Master, Lin Group’s CEO Lin Guotai is outside, asking you to open the door,” a voice came from the speaker.
Zhou Hequan’s expression darkened.
Lin Guotai had come?
For Tangyu?
Tangyu was also slightly startled.
Why had Uncle Lin come?
“Open the door!” Zhou Hequan commanded gruffly.
The car door slid open, and indeed, there stood three figures outside; Lin Guotai was between two bodyguards right outside the car door, his face bearing a trace of anger as he stared inside.
Tangyu hopped out of the car and stood beside Lin Guotai, smiling: “Uncle Lin, long time no see,” he remarked, having indeed not seen him for a while.
Lin Guotai looked Tangyu up and down, expressing concern, “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Tangyu replied.
Lin Guotai’s gaze turned sharp as he stared inside at Zhou Hequan: “Hmm, Zhou Hequan, you’ve really stooped low, bullying a junior, don’t you feel ashamed?”
Zhou Hequan’s face also turned ugly at Lin Guotai’s reproach; he hadn’t bullied Tangyu, it was just the opposite, but he was at a loss for words: “Brother Lin, please don’t misunderstand, I was just talking to him.
Look, he is fine, how could I possibly bully him?”
“Hmm, nice words, but setting up such a grand scale just to ‘talk’?
If there was something to discuss, you could have just talked to me.
What business does an old man like you have talking to a young man?
You aren’t trying to bully him, then why all this pageantry?
If I hadn’t arrived timely, would you still be talking so kindly?
Zhou Hequan, when did you become so despicable?” Lin Guotai didn’t believe him and scolded again.
Zhou Hequan felt as if his face had been slapped several times, and he really had no good explanation for this.