139: Chapter 139: She Returned to the Country Early 139: Chapter 139: She Returned to the Country Early Lou Ruozhi and Tang Sirou, though both were shot, faced no life-threatening concerns; only excessive blood loss.
Both were unconscious when they were shot, hence initially felt nothing.
However, upon awakening, things changed.
That night, after the anesthesia wore off, they were awoken by pain.
Having been pampered and privileged from childhood, they had never suffered such severe injuries.
As soon as Lou Ruozhi woke up, unable to bear the burning pain of her wound, she asked the doctor for painkillers, which took a long time to relieve her.
In the hospital room, only Lou Ziang was keeping watch over her.
“Ziang, has the bad guy been caught?”
She only asked after her senses returned.
Lou Ziang, sitting on a chair nearby, glanced at her, “No, I heard he escaped.”
“Escaped?” Lou Ruozhi furrowed her brows: “Then…
what about Jiang You?”
Lou Ziang, with a smile that was not quite a smile, said: “Oh, so you still remember her.”
Listening to his off-tone tone, Lou Ruozhi said irritably: “How is she really?”
Lou Ziang: “I don’t know, the police didn’t say.”
He truly did not know.
He knew that Jiang You was at the scene and was taken as a hostage, all of which the police mentioned casually; beyond that, nothing more.
Then, he stood up, “Alright, you should rest well, I’ll go next door to see Sirou.”
He had just taken a step when he stopped, saying, “By the way, my dad came here during your surgery, but since you were alright, he went back to the company.
He was afraid you’d get angry seeing him, so he wanted you to recover first, and he would visit in a few days.”
At the mention of Lou Guohui, her expression turned complex.
She never expected that this man, who deeply loved her, could be unfaithful behind her back.
Ever since that charity dinner, she had become a laughing stock in their circles.
Though no one dared openly discuss it due to her identity, there were many whispers behind closed doors.
She had never suffered such humiliation in her life.
And all this, thanks to her husband.
How could she not hate, how could her heart not turn cold!
Tang Sirou was in the adjacent hospital room.
Similarly, she had asked Lou Ziang about Jiang You.
She had just realized that if something happened to Jiang You, the little favorable impression Jiang Yan had of her would completely vanish.
Moreover, if he found out that it was she who had pushed Jiang You towards the felon, her plans might dissolve into nothing before even starting.
Unknown to her, Jiang Yan already knew about it.
Lou Ziang stared at her suspiciously, taking several more looks: “Heh, since when do you and mom care so much about Jiang You?”
“What exactly happened at that time?” Lou Ziang slightly narrowed his eyes.
Both of them asking about this upon waking was indeed strange.
Tang Sirou felt vaguely guilty, her eyes darting around: “After all, she is my aunt’s daughter, and your half-sister, so naturally, she is my sister too.
I was just concerned about her.”
Lou Ziang didn’t believe her, his thin lips curling slightly: “Is that really so?”
–
The next day.
8:30 AM.
In the Jiang Group’s conference room, the atmosphere was somber and sorrowful.
Jiang Zhongzhen sat at the head of the conference table.
His expression was stern, yet tinged with sadness: “I believe everyone here has seen the news about the chairman, so I need not say more.
We are all deeply pained by this, it’s a loss of a brilliant talent.”
“Setting aside company positions, as Jiang Yan’s uncle, I too feel heartache for my nephew.
His business acumen was once in a century, and our Jiang Group losing such a great leader is indeed our greatest loss.”
No one responded, everyone looked at each other.
Following that, he continued: “However, such a large company cannot be without a leader for a day.
Thus, as the vice chairman, it is my duty to take on this responsibility, taking over all the previous works of the chairman.”
As soon as this was said, unrest started brewing among those seated below.
Jiang Zhongzhen knew very well that not everyone here supported him.
He looked around the room impassively: “Ladies and gentlemen, any questions?”
Everyone fell silent.
At this moment, a vice president of a branch company spoke up, “Vice Chairman Jiang, we are not denying your management ability, but we feel this does not conform to the bylaws.
Even if the chairman really is in trouble, according to the law, the first heir should be the chairman’s wife.
Is it somewhat inappropriate for you to abruptly take over the entire company’s management authority?”
As soon as he finished his words, everyone started discussing again.
“Right, Vice Chairman Jiang, currently, you indeed hold the highest position next to the chairman, but you can’t just take over the chairman’s duties with a single statement.”
“Yes, there should be an official appointment notice stamped with the chairman’s seal, right?
That way, all of us would feel more secure, given that the chairman manages the lifeblood of the entire company.”
“…”
The chatter among the crowd continued.
Jiang Zhongzhen sat upright with a serious demeanor and indifferently said, “Would you gentlemen like to check your e-mails first?”
Hearing this, everyone picked up their phones and opened their e-mails.
The administration department had already sent the email to everyone’s inbox five minutes ago.
Inside the inbox, there was already a red-headed document lying there.
Upon opening it, some people were stunned, while others showed a dismissive expression.
Jiang Zhongzhen, appearing very aged, said, “Gentlemen, any questions?”
People looked at each other.
Even if there were any issues now, they wouldn’t dare say much, as the appointment notice was right there.
Seeing that no one had any objections, Jiang Zhongzhen continued, “Alright, since no one has any objections, let’s move on to announce another matter…”
Meanwhile, Lou Family’s stock price was plummeting drastically.
Lou Family was completely powerless to counteract.
“Mr.
Lou, it’s bad news.
There’s news online exposing current financial issues within the company, and the other party directly presented evidence,” the assistant rushed in, sweating profusely.
Lou Guohui frowned and with a very unpleasant face, sharply retorted, “The company’s financial status has always been normal.
How could there be any issues?”
The assistant was startled, wiping the sweat from his forehead, “I just checked with the finance department, and there indeed is an issue with the funds in the company’s account.”
“What kind of issue?”
“It’s just…
there are only ten million in the account now,” the assistant said, trembling.
Lou Guohui was completely stunned.
“Bang!”
A loud noise erupted.
Lou Guohui slammed the table and roared, “What’s going on?
Explain clearly!”
The assistant hesitated.
“Speak!”
The assistant got scared again, and bit the bullet, “The finance department said, the money was transferred out by the young master, invested into a foreign company.”
Lou Guohui’s dark eyes widened instantly, “Are you sure?”
The assistant nodded, no longer daring to speak.
Who would have thought that the young master would empty the company’s finances, not to mention what he intended.
Also, these father and son don’t seem to have an enmity, logically, the young master shouldn’t be behaving like this.
But the fact was as such.
On the other hand, Lou Ziang, who was at the hospital, had also seen the news and immediately rushed back to the company.
“Dad.”
Lou Guohui looked at him with a dark gaze, “Why did you move the company’s money?
I don’t care how you do it, now, immediately, get the money back.”
Lou Ziang was also stunned by the incident, he had been very secretive, how could someone have found out?
“Dad, I can’t get it back for now.”
Lou Guohui instantly felt as if his head was ablaze with flames.
With a fierce expression, he shouted, “You unfilial son, do you know that you are dragging the entire company down with you?”
Lou Ziang was very calm, “Dad, don’t worry, the company won’t have any issues, I have already cooperated with Jiang Family, they will transfer five billion to the company’s account today, and then all the problems will be resolved.”
“What?” Lou Guohui thought he had heard wrong, “When did you start cooperating with the Jiang Family?”
He, as the chairman of the company, was completely unaware of this.
Lou Guohui had indeed seen his capability when he let him join the company for training, so for some projects, his approval was not required, he could decide on his own.
He had been planning on cooperating with Jiang Group from early on.
Lou Guohui came back to his senses, slightly squinting those eyes weathered by the years: “Jiang Yan would never agree to cooperate with the Lou Family, who did you discuss this cooperation with?”
“It’s not just Jiang Yan in the Jiang Family; he isn’t the only one in the Jiang Family,” Lou Ziang replied.
Then, Lou Guohui thought of the online news about Jiang Yan’s death abroad.
“Is Jiang Yan’s incident abroad related to you?”
Lou Ziang did not answer him.
But as they say, fathers know their sons best.
After all, Lou Ziang was personally groomed by him, so as a father, he naturally understood Lou Ziang’s character.
The office fell silent abruptly.
After a moment, he said in a deep voice, “Have you cleaned up all the loose ends?
Are you sure people from the Jiang Family can’t find out?”
Lou Ziang said, “Dad, don’t worry, I’ve handled it.
Although there are many branches in the Jiang Family, besides Jiang Yan, the only one who can call the shots is Jiang Zhongzhen.
So, the rest are either powerless or just women and children.
Do you think they could find out?”
“Moreover, Jiang Zhongzhen is on our side, and I discussed this cooperation with him.
Now that Jiang Yan is dead, the Jiang Family can only be led by Jiang Zhongzhen.”
Upon hearing this, Lou Guohui still felt worried: “Are you sure that old fox Jiang Zhongzhen is reliable?”
He had been dealing with Jiang Zhongzhen for decades and knew him better than anyone else.
“Father, I never engage in uncertain ventures,” Lou Ziang said confidently, “Just as you said, there are no friends or allies on the battlefield.
To have a reliable ally, one must grasp their fatal weaknesses.”
Jiang Zhongzhen had already boarded this pirate ship by agreeing to cooperate with him, even if he wanted to get off, he wouldn’t be able to cleanly.
Lou Guohui looked at him and expressed his satisfaction.
But just a few minutes into his satisfaction, an assistant rushed in hastily.
“Mr.
Lou, something bad has happened,” the assistant said in panic.
Lou Guohui’s expression darkened instantly as he sternly asked, “What happened now?”
“Just now, five companies have decided to terminate their contracts with us, and those who haven’t had the chance to renew their contracts also said they won’t sign with us.”
The assistant spoke quickly, but every word was clear.
The faces of Lou Guohui and his son changed drastically.
On the other side.
“Master, I’ve already instructed them,” Jiang Feng reported to the man standing in front of him, “The funds that vice-chairman Jiang was supposed to wire to the Lou Family have also been intercepted by our people, he won’t find out about it.”
The man’s handsome features were unreadable, then he responded.
Last night, Su He returned to the country early.
She left their son with him in Country Y, because his injuries shouldn’t be moved too much.
Xiao Si was changing his bandages, seeing his discontented face, he said, “I say, you look like you’ve been dumped.
It’s just because your sister-in-law returned early, so what?
What if she wants a divorce from you someday, are you going to sulk for the rest of your life?”
Jiang Yan’s deep, cold eyes glanced at him, unfortunately, Xiao Si didn’t see it as he was bending over, earnestly tending to the wounds.
After all, he is a very professional doctor.
He continued, “When you two got married, I was thinking, both of you have such stoic faces, how are you going to live in the future?
But it turns out, the next day you both went your separate ways, not seeing each other for four years, it’s no wonder your sister-in-law kept the child from you.”
“She probably doesn’t have much feelings for you, otherwise, what woman without saying a word, hides the birth of a child from her own husband, and keeps it hidden for four years?
Not even TV dramas dare to play it out like this.”
“You are quite lucky though, without experiencing anything, you contributed a sperm, and four years later, you have a son.
Didn’t your sister-in-law ever bring up divorce?”
He suddenly asked curiously.
Jiang Feng occasionally coughed quietly at his side, trying to remind him, but Doctor Xiao just kept chattering.
Instead, Xiao Si thought he had a sore throat and asked concernedly, “Assistant Jiang, is your throat uncomfortable?
I’ll check it for free later, guarantee you’ll be cured by tomorrow.”
Jiang Feng: “…”
Nevermind, there’s no helping it.
“Then donate this mouth of yours!” the man’s sharp voice resonated in his ears.
Just then, he finished changing his bandages.
Looking up, he met the man’s icy cold gaze.
Xiao Si was not afraid of him now, he was just like a wounded leopard, seeming aggressive, but actually not very threatening.
As he packed up his tools, he clicked his tongue, “Looks like she did mention it, my guess was pretty accurate, huh?”
“You wouldn’t be considering not divorcing her, and thus you gave her all your properties, would you?”
He had heard this from Wan Muqi, and it had shocked him at that time.
Jiang Yan’s assets were immeasurable, yet he gave them to Su He without even blinking.
Indeed, this alone is enough to show how important Su He is to him.
According to Wan Muqi, once they get divorced, Jiang Yan will be left with nothing.
This man is ruthless towards himself; it’s even riskier than a great adventure.
Seeing that he did not reply, he had no choice but to continue gossiping: “I have a question, since you’ve always liked Su He, why did you separate from her for four years after getting married?”
Jiang Yan glanced at him coldly: “Want to know?”
Xiao Si, with a gossipy look, nodded, “Tell me, brother, I’m all ears.”
The man’s thin lips twitched, his cold voice said: “But I don’t want to say!
Jiang Feng, throw him out.”
Xiao Si: “…”
Damn!
Jiang Feng sighed, looked at Xiao Si: “Doctor Xiao, you’d better leave by yourself.”
He had a look of reluctance to make a move, giving you some respect.
Xiao Si: “…”
“Jiang Yan, this is called crossing the river and tearing down the bridge, using me and then discarding me.”
“I paid a high fee for your services, shouldn’t I use you?”
“…”
Su He took a flight at seven in the morning, then went home to change clothes before heading to Jiang Group.
No one knew of her return, just as if she had disappeared for the last few days.
In the conference room of Jiang Group.
The matter Jiang Zhongzhen wanted to address was cooperation with the Lou Family.
The other senior executives of Jiang Group expressed their surprise upon hearing this.
Because Jiang Group had never collaborated with the Lou Family, and even the former chairman, Jiang Yan’s father, although he married a daughter from the Lou Family and the families were related by marriage, they had never cooperated.
Jiang Group and Lou Family were like two separate households, each developing on their own without impacting each other.
However, no matter how well the Lou Family did, they couldn’t catch up with Jiang Group, since both Jiang Yan and his father were business prodigies.
Jiang Yan was even better than his father; under his leadership, Jiang Group could be described as skyrocketing to the very top.
“Vice Chairman Jiang, all the companies under Jiang Group have never had any cooperation with the Lou Family, and now you suddenly announce the intention to collaborate with the Lou Family, are you sure the Jiang Family will agree?
Old Madam Jiang probably won’t agree either,” someone asked.
Old Madam Jiang was also part of the company’s management at one point, but gradually she stepped back, yet people still remembered her.
The people present were either long-time employees or had families who had been with Jiang Group for generations, and had grown up immersed in this environment; they all knew Zhong Min.
At that moment, Jiang Chao spoke up: “President Lin, Vice Chairman Jiang is the eldest son of the Jiang Family, and now Jiang Group is managed by him.
My grandma is old and no longer handles these matters, so Vice Chairman Jiang naturally has the authority to decide.
Previously, it was due to Jiang Yan’s grudge with the Lou Family that there was no cooperation.
Now times have changed, a monopolistic company won’t go far, and our cooperation with Lou Family is just to benefit everyone and make more money.
You have no reason to stop me, right?
Previously, it was Jiang Yan’s folly to not make money; surely you don’t want to continue that way?”
The attendees frowned upon hearing his words.
“Manager Jiang, I think you’re still too young!
What do you mean by a monopolistic company won’t go far?
Jiang Group has been established for over seventy years, and naturally, it has numerous partners, but now most companies have become subsidiaries of Jiang Group.
Jiang Group is strong and has solid foundations, it has never needed to rely on any company to survive!
The old environment was even more challenging, and the older generation has made it through, so what now, is it no longer possible?
Is it that right after taking over company management, you admit you don’t have the capability to lead Jiang Group further?” a senior executive sharply said.
Then someone else said: “Manager Jiang, what you said is not right.
Under the leadership of Jiang Yan in recent years, Jiang Group has advanced rapidly.
Looking around, which company can compare with Jiang Group now?
There isn’t one, right?”
“And furthermore, the old chairman once declared that Jiang Group would never cooperate with the Lou Family, are you trying to go against the old chairman’s last wishes?”
“…”
Jiang Zhongzhen did not expect this matter to receive so much opposition.
“Bang!”
Just then, the door to the conference room was pushed open.
Everyone turned to look.
Among those present, aside from the Jiang father and son who recognized Su He, others had never seen Su He.
But, they recognized Wan Muqi and Jiang Qi.
One was Jiang Yan’s right-hand man, the other was Jiang Group’s senior legal advisor.
Su He walked in wearing black wide-legged trousers and a white shirt, with a tall figure in high heels.
Her long hair draped over her shoulders, her makeup exquisite, and her demeanor cold and noble, she exuded a commanding female presence.
The aura she emitted crushed everyone present in the room.
She stood there with an imposing yet graceful and dignified air, looking down at everyone, her voice coolly stated: “Everyone, apologies for my tardiness.”
After saying that, she introduced herself again: “I am Jiang Yan’s wife, Su He.”
“…”