Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2460 - 2396: Using Authority to Pressure Someone
Previously on Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s...
Chiang Xiao felt a jolt of surprise.
As expected, Hu Xiangyong persisted in asking her to create the painting.
Yet, after listening to Meng Xinian's breakdown, her enthusiasm for painting had completely faded.
"The teacher didn't commit to it for me, right?"
Liu Guoying replied with clear frustration, "Naturally not—how could I possibly decide that for you? Still, hadn't you previously said you were willing to do the painting for him?"
"I did mention wanting to paint it earlier, but I've shifted my thoughts now and no longer wish to."
"You're really wavering like this..."
"It's nothing major; I only switch my stance with folks I don't care for."
If it bothered him, he could try to snap at her—provided he managed to reach her.
Having Hu Xiangyong always watching her closely spelled trouble.
Chiang Xiao believed it was time to stir up some difficulties for him.
With that idea in mind, she dialed Jiang Yingqiong's number.
"Aunt, suppose I suspect someone's origins are murky and untrustworthy, and he's a merchant who's just arrived to invest and set up stores—what steps can I take?"
Jiang Yingqiong was struck by how straightforward Chiang Xiao sounded this time.
It felt almost like a straightforward grievance being aired.
"What exactly strikes you as off about him?"
"I'm not entirely sure myself, but couldn't we get authorities to investigate him?"
"That's certainly feasible; after all, investing and launching businesses involves plenty of regulatory bodies—should I reach out to them on this?"
"Please do, and thank you so much, Aunt!"
Chiang Xiao offered her thanks without delay.
She was essentially testing the waters of leveraging influence to handle such matters.
In any case, Hu Xiangyong clearly harbored some shady dealings.
Even ignoring the rest, his supposed plot to assassinate Meng Xinian back in Country Y alone warranted him facing backlash, leaving Chiang Xiao free of any guilt in complicating his life.
Moreover, with his ventures only just beginning, a figure like him surely skipped over all the required legal channels—Chiang Xiao refused to buy otherwise.
Once probes and scrutiny kicked in, flaws were bound to surface.
As long as issues emerged, that would suffice.
Throwing obstacles his way, and preferably pushing him to pack up and depart, would mark the ideal result.
Having set some hurdles in his path, Chiang Xiao sensed a wave of satisfaction.
But soon enough, a memory surfaced, prompting her to smack her forehead in realization.
She had intended to head to the hospital alongside Meng Xinian the previous evening to see how Meng Chaojun was doing, yet Meng Xinian's absence derailed that, and later, their deep dive into the Talisman Diagram discussion caused them to overlook Meng Chaojun entirely.
By this point, his care regimen ought to have been finalized.
Plus, Chiang Xiao wanted to gauge Meng Chaojun's response to the potion after two days of use, so she hastily freshened up and hurried over to the hospital.
Old Meng had spent the last two afternoons by his son's side at the hospital too.
Eventually, he summoned Meng Sheng to handle Meng Chaojun's needs.
Old Meng had considered phoning Chiang Xiao at first, but fearing it might irk her, he held off from calling over these couple of days.
This afternoon, following his rest, he arranged for a driver to bring him to the hospital, though he got held up right at the entrance before going in.
"Old Meng, it's been ages—do you still recall who I am?"
This steady voice rang a faint bell for Old Meng.
He lifted his gaze and spotted the man wearing a subtle, knowing smile.
A man in his middle years.
Old Meng could sense it was a middle-aged fellow, thanks to his sharp instincts.
For he paid little heed to facial features, instead studying people's gazes.
The eyes of this man lacked the vibrant spark often seen in the young.