At this moment, everyone was stunned in place by the conversation between Song Qiao and Zhao Tong.
They had initially expected Zhao Tong to fly into a rage and scold Song Qiao, never imagining that things would take such a dramatic turn.
Moreover, General Manager Zhao seemed to have a good relationship with Song Qiao, the boss of a small company, even showing him more respect than some major clients.
"General Manager Zhao, what do you mean by this?"
After a brief moment of disbelief, Lin Mu had no choice but to accept the harsh reality. His face was ashen, his eyes filled with despair.
"It means nothing, I just think you deserve a lesson."
Zhao Tong swept a glance at him indifferently, his emotions unwavering as he spoke.
"Zhao Tong, I've followed you for at least twenty years. Twenty years of hard work, if not for merit, then for the sheer effort. And now you're siding with an outsider?"
Being spoken to like that by Zhao Tong, Lin Mu was so enraged he was losing his mind.
"I must have been blind back then to follow a heartless boss like you."
"Insolence!"
Zhao Tong was already in a foul mood. Seeing Lin Mu losing his temper and saying everything on his mind, his face darkened.
"Lin Mu, don't think I'm unaware of the things you've been doing behind my back."
"Originally, I didn't want to bother with you out of consideration for your long tenure as a Zhao family employee. I never expected you to insult my brother's wife today. It's truly unforgivable."
Seeing Zhao Tong's anger, Lin Mu couldn't help but shudder.
He had witnessed his boss's capabilities firsthand. In a moment of impulse, he had completely fallen out with him.
However, the arrow was already nocked and ready to be fired. He gritted his teeth and said to Zhao Tong, "I don't know what General Manager Zhao is talking about. I'll just resign and leave. Don't frame me with other charges."
"Just consider my years of service to the Zhao family and let's part on good terms."
"Hmph, part on good terms? Do you think I don't have evidence of your embezzlement over the years? It's too late to resign now. I'll see you in court."
"Security, escort him out immediately."
Zhao Tong snorted coldly and ignored Lin Mu, gesturing for the security guards to act.
"Brother Song, I apologize for today's unpleasantness. You had to witness this."
After Lin Mu was escorted away, Zhao Tong said apologetically to Song Qiao again.
"Ah, Brother Zhao, if you keep being so polite, I'll be embarrassed!" Song Qiao waved his hand, indicating that the matter was settled.
He wasn't petty. This matter had nothing to do with Zhao Tong, and the way he handled it was very satisfactory. Naturally, he wouldn't dwell on it.
"I'm glad you're not upset, Brother Song. However, there's something I need to remind you of."
"I've heard quite a few rumors recently that you, Song Qiao, have been too conspicuous in this city. Some companies are planning to cooperate and deal with you. You must be very careful."
Zhao Tong suddenly remembered something and quietly warned Song Qiao.
"Haha, let them come. Song Qiao will be waiting with open arms, ready to face any challenge."
Song Qiao's reply was very assertive. He had long anticipated this day given how quickly his business had grown and didn't take Zhao Tong's warning too seriously.
...
When he returned home, Xia Yuqing was already waiting to hear about the outcome.
Her father had coincidentally returned from their hometown out of town, and her mother was busy cooking.
Upon learning that Song Qiao had resolved the issue, her worried mother breathed a sigh of relief.
"Xiao Song, you were indeed a bit impulsive with this matter. Regardless, you shouldn't have been the first to resort to violence."
"Fortunately, you know their boss this time. Otherwise, if they had decided to sue you, you would have faced legal consequences."
Just as Song Qiao was about to explain, his father, sitting beside him, interjected, "Old woman, stop blaming Xiao Song. That manager Lin was too much in this incident. If it were me, I would have wanted to beat him up too."
Seeing that the family was about to argue over the matter again, Xia Yuqing quickly put down the plate she was holding and walked over, making an excuse to change the subject.
"Song Qiao, there's a business gathering at the Shanshui Resort tomorrow. It's said to be organized by the Secretary. Have you received an invitation?"
Song Qiao nodded lightly, "Yes, I received the invitation call a couple of days ago. I should be going."
Xia Yuqing's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
"That's wonderful! Let's go together. I received an invitation too."
"This is a chance for our Tianhong to make a name for itself. We absolutely must seize this opportunity."
"Brother-in-law, Sister, what are you talking about? What resort? Can I come along?"
Xia Xueqing, overhearing the conversation between Song Qiao and her sister, leaned in curiously.
"If you want to go, then come with us. We can treat it as a family outing."
Seeing her sister's interest, Xia Yuqing didn't object.
"That's great! I can't believe I get to attend such a social gathering for prominent figures."
Upon hearing this, Xia Xueqing was so excited she jumped for joy.
...
The next morning, Song Qiao and the other two arrived at the Shanshui Resort, built on the mountainside on the outskirts of the city.
Xia Xueqing had never been to such a high-end recreational spot before and was wide-eyed.
"Song Qiao, I heard there will be foreign guests and the Secretary himself will be present today. Please, don't be impulsive. Otherwise, it could cause significant trouble for our Tianhong again."
Before they even reached the mountain, Xia Yuqing worriedly reminded Song Qiao.
Recently, every time there was a gathering like this, a group of inconsiderate people would show up to provoke them, which had been a constant headache for Xia Yuqing.
She had even developed a psychological complex, becoming nervous whenever such an occasion arose.
"Oh, darling, you've told me three times today. Don't worry, I'm mainly here to join the fun. As long as no one bothers us, I won't actively seek trouble."
Song Qiao chuckled and reassured his wife once more.
"Brother-in-law, I have to say, among all the invited guests I see coming and going, you're the youngest and most charismatic. The others are just greasy middle-aged men."
Xia Xueqing, dazzled by the sight, walked alongside Song Qiao, showering him with praise.
Song Qiao grinned sheepishly and patted his head proudly, "Of course. Your brother-in-law is an important guest invited today."