As all matters were settled, everyone returned to their respective posts.
Song Qiao sat in his office, sorting out the various affairs of the Huajiang Group.
Most of the work was handed over to Gao Meng, as she was his disciple.
This would also give her more experience.
The young girl accepted this gladly, keeping all the rules and regulations firmly in mind.
She handled each directive with ease.
Song Qiao was deeply gratified by this.
By the time he finished his tasks, it was almost noon. Song Qiao remembered he should call Ye Zhiwei to explain the situation.
After all, the Huajiang Group was acquired by her.
His phone was by his desk, so he dialed the number.
"Hello, this is Ye Zhiwei."
"Hmm?"
"Ah? Song Qiao, apologies, I didn't check the number. Why are you calling me?"
"Nothing much, just that the group's matters are almost settled. I wanted to let you know."
They chatted for a few moments on the phone.
Although Ye Zhiwei feigned nonchalance, Song Qiao could easily tell she was preoccupied.
He knew the reason, likely due to Uncle Qiang's serious illness.
However, Song Qiao didn't know how to comfort her.
If Ye Zhiwei learned the truth, she would likely find it even harder to accept.
Ring, ring.
As their conversation ended, Mo Ling's call came in right after.
"Master, you really are busy!"
Gao Meng, who was nearby handling official duties, pouted in dissatisfaction.
It seemed the ringing had interrupted her train of thought.
This made Song Qiao feel both amused and exasperated.
"Stop it! This is important business."
Upon answering the call, Mo Ling's voice, as usual, was calm yet carried an undeniable authority.
"Since the Huajiang and conglomerate matters are settled, hurry up and attend the Security Department's assessment!"
"How did you know my matters were settled?"
Song Qiao was slightly surprised but then suddenly thought of something.
"Are you spying on me?"
"It's necessary protection!" Mo Ling corrected.
This was always her excuse, and Song Qiao found it truly helpless.
"Alright, alright. Have Xu Rou come pick me up."
After hanging up, Gao Meng, who had put down her work at some point, leaned in.
She excitedly exclaimed, "The Security Department's assessment? I want to watch!"
Seeing her excited expression, a mischievous smile flickered across Song Qiao's lips.
This frightened Gao Meng. She looked down at her toes and mumbled meekly.
"What are you going to do? Can I really go?"
"You can!"
Before Gao Meng could express her joy, Song Qiao took a step forward.
He slowly cornered her against the wall, placing one hand on the wall in a cheesy "wall push."
He looked down at Gao Meng with amusement and a wicked grin.
"But you have to pay for it with your body."
Thump, thump, thump.
Huddled in the corner, Gao Meng could even hear her own racing heart.
The blush on her cheeks spread all the way to her ears.
Biting her lip gently, she mustered her courage, closed her eyes tightly, stood on tiptoe, and gave Song Qiao a light kiss on the lips.
Then, with a crimson face, she pleaded, "Can this be exchanged first?"
"Exchanged first?"
Song Qiao was instantly amused and readily agreed.
"Let's go! Together!"
Not long after, Xu Rou arrived by car.
On the way, Song Qiao couldn't help but tease her again.
Xu Rou knew this was inevitable, especially since he had specifically requested her to pick him up.
What good intentions could he possibly have?
"I suggest you focus more on your own assessment."
"After all, this assessment..."
Xu Rou stopped speaking at this point.
Song Qiao understood her implication but maintained his nonchalant demeanor.
"What, have you heard some rumors?"
Xu Rou did not reply, concentrating on driving the master and disciple to the assessment location.
It was a large courtyard with an old wooden plaque above the gate.
"Tian Xing Jian? Is this where the assessment is held?"
Song Qiao looked up and casually asked about the three powerful characters above.
Xu Rou nodded in affirmation, offering no further explanation.
Gao Meng, however, felt the stern atmosphere of the courtyard as soon as she got out of the car.
Especially the pressure unique to martial artists, which made her sigh that the Security Department's assessment was indeed not a casual affair.
However, she wasn't worried about her master.
She simply stared at the courtyard gate, her heart filled with infinite hope.
Noticing the longing in Gao Meng's eyes, Song Qiao smiled.
"Train hard, and you too can become a member of the Security Bureau like your master."
"Got it!" Gao Meng stuck out her tongue, looking very cute and lively.
Seeing this, Song Qiao couldn't help but have a mischievous idea, thinking he should tease her properly tonight.
The three paused at the entrance for a moment, then stepped into the courtyard.
As soon as they entered, this trio of one man and two women drew everyone's attention.