No one was more surprised to see Xia Yuqing than her husband, Song Qiao.
He had received specialized swimming training in the past, giving him excellent water survival skills. He quickly managed to pull Xia Yuqing from the water.
To prevent his wife from catching a cold and developing lasting health problems, he promptly carried her into a bedroom within the villa and retrieved a brand-new set of clothes from the wardrobe for her to change into.
"Song Qiao, isn't this a bit inappropriate? This isn't our home, after all."
Xia Yuqing blushed slightly as she looked at the clothes in front of her, which appeared to be quite valuable.
This villa belonged to the CEO of Xinkai Capital, and Song Qiao and Ye Zhiwei were merely renting it. How could they presume to use the owner's belongings?
If anything were to go wrong, Song Qiao would likely find himself in even more trouble.
"Silly girl, these clothes were already bought for you. Not only that, but this entire villa is ours, it has nothing to do with the CEO of Xinkai Capital."
Song Qiao smiled gently, explaining to his wife as he unhesitatingly began to unpack the clothes.
"Hurry and change, don't catch a chill."
"What did you just say? This villa is yours?"
Any sense of gratitude Xia Yuqing had felt towards Song Qiao moments before vanished instantly.
"My husband's words are becoming increasingly unreliable; he's blowing smoke up my…"
This villa had to be worth at least twenty to thirty million yuan. Even selling Tianhong Media entirely wouldn't fetch half that amount.
Yet, Song Qiao here had the audacity to claim he had bought it. It was utterly preposterous.
Song Qiao seemed accustomed to his wife's skepticism.
He didn't bother to explain further, only urging her to change quickly.
Just as Xia Yuqing was about to advise her husband to be more grounded, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.
"Miss Xia, are you alright? May I come in?"
It was Ye Zhiwei's voice.
Xia Yuqing immediately changed her clothes and opened the door with a slight blush.
Ye Zhiwei had received instructions from Song Qiao the previous day to allocate several projects to Tianhong under the guise of Xinkai Capital's CEO.
This presented them with a convenient opportunity to interact.
Soon, Xia Yuqing became deeply engrossed in the conversation, forgetting all about Song Qiao's claim of owning the villa.
After all, it seemed far too unrealistic to her.
...
Meanwhile, in a secluded private teahouse in Jiang Province.
Two white-haired elders sat facing each other, calmly sipping their tea.
The elder seated in the main position had eyes that gleamed with sharp intelligence, and his every movement exuded the dignified bearing of a superior.
This man was none other than the true power broker of Jiang Province, Provincial Governor Zheng Shan.
A prominent figure often seen in the news, possessing power that could shake China with a mere stomp of his foot.
"Elder Zheng, what is the matter that required you to summon me here today?"
The elder opposite him could no longer contain his curiosity and finally asked.
"Ah, Old Xu, I need your help with something."
Zheng Shan calmly placed his teacup down and sighed with a hint of weariness.
"Oh? What kind of matter requires you to personally explain it to me?"
Xu Chong's eyes flickered with deep curiosity.
The Provincial Governor rarely asked for favors, and when he did, it was likely a matter of earth-shattering importance.
"There's an enterprise from the United States that has been engaging in malicious monopolistic competition here, causing immense suffering to merchants throughout the province. Yet, their actions comply with the law."
"Perhaps you, as the former Chairman of our province's Chamber of Commerce, could personally intervene and help me deal with this 'Mike'?"
After speaking, Zheng Shan looked at Xu Chong with anticipation.
"Heh, I am old now, and such matters are beyond my capabilities. How about I recommend a talented individual to you? Song Qiao from Yang City. I'm sure he can help you resolve this difficulty."
Xu Chong replied indifferently.
"Oh? I've never heard of this name. Is he very capable?"
Zheng Shan frowned, contemplating for a moment, and asked Xu Chong with a hint of surprise.
"This young man has great potential, even stronger than I was in my prime. You can send someone to investigate and see if he truly possesses such ability."
Xu Chong offered no further explanation, continuing to recommend Song Qiao to Zheng Shan.
This piqued Zheng Shan's interest in Song Qiao. He waved his hand, summoning his secretary.
"Go and investigate this person named Song Qiao. I need his complete file within a day."
...
Xia Xueqing had believed victory was within her grasp.
However, when her sister fell into the water, her brother-in-law did not hesitate for a moment.
He leaped directly into the icy water to save her.
This immediately instilled a sense of defeat in her, and jealousy towards her sister.
But it also ignited her competitive spirit even more.
From then on, she began to invite her brother-in-law out for meals and shopping every few days.
Today, they had arranged to meet at a specialty restaurant.
As soon as they had ordered their dishes.
A sharp shout suddenly came from outside.
"Bitch, still trying to hide? Get over here!"
At the same time, a disheveled woman, pursued by a group of men, ran from an unknown direction.
Song Qiao was initially reluctant to get involved. But upon looking up, he frowned.
The woman being pursued was none other than Sister Wan, whom he had met briefly at the Emperor's Bar that day.
Although their acquaintance was not deep, her sister was the woman of his friend.
It seemed he had no choice but to help.
Song Qiao hesitated for a moment before finally stepping forward to shield her.
"Kid, scram! I advise you not to meddle in other people's business."
The leader of the group, seeing this, immediately became enraged and fiercely rebuked Song Qiao.
"Hmph, you men bullying a woman, aren't you ashamed?"
Song Qiao scoffed, showing no fear.
"What the hell do you think you are, interfering here?"
Seeing that his intimidation had failed, the other party grabbed a stool from nearby.
"Kid, I'm giving you one last chance. My name is Jiang Yi, from Tongmen in Modu. If you know what's good for you, get out of the way."
Upon hearing this, Sister Wan also grew fearful. She was about to step forward but was gently restrained by Song Qiao.
"I don't care who you are. This woman is my friend. I suggest you don't make a move here today."
Jiang Yi paid no heed to the warning. With both attempts at persuasion failing, he lost all patience and immediately led his men to attack Song Qiao.
However, it seemed like only an instant before Song Qiao, like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, had laid all six men on the ground.
He then calmly dusted his hands and said dismissively,
"I thought you were someone significant, but you're all so easily defeated."
Jiang Yi's anger flared intensely; he was clearly not convinced. He snarled, "Kid, you'd better not leave. Wait for me to call for backup if you dare."
"Provoking our Tongmen, I will make your life a living hell."
"I refuse to believe you can protect that woman forever."
Xia Xueqing was about to step forward and urge her brother-in-law to calm down, but Song Qiao was unconcerned by the threat.
He glanced indifferently at Jiang Yi and said with a nonchalant expression, "Feel free to call for your people. I'll be waiting right here. I'm not going anywhere."