The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 5 - 5 5 The Su Family's Trial

5: Chapter 5: The Su Family’s Trial

“So, you only remember the disowned son like me when you’re in a pinch,” Su Changfeng stated with a slight smile, interrupting the woman’s words. “It’s because you’ve realized this disowned son still holds some value.”

“Changfeng, how could you speak like that?” Ji Hong countered, shaking her head. “I understand these past three years have been difficult for you.”

“But it was the Old Madam’s decree that forced you out; no one else could have intervened. You can’t…”

“Blame you, right?” Su Changfeng found the statement amusing. “You acknowledge my suffering over the last three years, but you’ve never once considered my life for the past two decades and more.”

Ji Hong remained silent, her expression unyielding, which caused Su Canghai’s features to darken further. “No matter how well I perform or how hard I strive, it’s never enough to counter my elder brother’s mere words.”

“I could subsist on scraps, yet no one ever considered my feelings.”

“If the Su Family hadn't faced misfortune, would you have ever recalled that a Su Changfeng even existed in this world?”

“From beginning to end, I have always been treated as an outsider by the Su Family.”

“Stop this talk!” Ji Hong exclaimed, her voice catching with emotion. “It is my fault…”

“What is the point of discussing who is right or wrong? Even the deepest wounds eventually leave scars,” Su Changfeng remarked, his gaze distant. “I am here today because she expressed her desire to no longer endure bullying. Therefore, tell me explicitly, why have you sought me out?”

Composing herself, Ji Hong softly explained, “The matter is this: the Su Family intends to establish a company in Hai City, and you will assume the role of general manager.”

“Oh? This must be the Old Madam’s strategy, wouldn’t you agree?” With a cold chuckle, Su Changfeng immediately grasped the Su Family’s true objective. “Even at this critical juncture, she still intends to test my capabilities?”

Ji Hong’s silence served as an unspoken confirmation of Su Changfeng’s deduction. “Very well, I shall demonstrate my worth to her then.”

Rising from his seat, Su Changfeng stated calmly, “I will make her realize the true strength of the Su Family’s disowned son.”

As Su Changfeng departed, Ji Hong retrieved her cell phone from her handbag and dialed a sequence of numbers. “Mom, the matter has been handled.”

“Heh, I am eager to witness his alleged capabilities,” an aged voice responded with a frigid snort. “I pray he does not bring shame upon the Su Family. Otherwise, I will disinherit him completely, even if it means donating all the family assets to charity!”

Ji Hong offered no reply, merely letting out a soft sigh. In truth, her expectations for Su Changfeng were not particularly high. Had her eldest son not been imprisoned, she might never have traveled to Hai City to see her younger son in her entire life.

Under the Su Family’s meticulous arrangements, news akin to a nuclear detonation rapidly dominated the front pages of Hai City’s Business News: the prestigious Su Family from Beijing was poised to enter the Hai City market, actively seeking cooperative ventures. As China’s preeminent real estate conglomerate, their arrival threatened to trigger a significant reshuffling within Hai City’s business landscape!

Subsequently, the Su Family’s Hai City branch, Waterfront Real Estate, officially commenced operations. With remarkable swiftness, they secured a vast tract of undeveloped land in the Western District, proclaiming their ambition to construct Hai City’s second central business district. The Su Family’s formidable influence was beyond question.

Upon the dissemination of this news, Waterfront Real Estate’s headquarters became inundated with prospective visitors. The allure of a substantial, long-term business partnership proved immensely tempting, compelling everyone to vie for this golden opportunity and partake in the Su Family’s lucrative endeavors.

As a proprietor of building materials, the Tang Family naturally harbored a keen desire to secure a stake. Concurrently, whispers began to circulate, speculating whether the esteemed Beijing Su Family was the same enigmatic benefactor who had dispatched extravagant betrothal gifts during the family banquet a few days prior.

However, before these speculations could gain significant traction, they were summarily dismissed by all parties involved. The reason was simple: every member of the Tang Family who attempted to engage in business with Waterfront Real Estate was met with rejection, failing even to gain entry past the threshold.

Tang Group, Central Meeting Room.

“The current situation is exceptionally dire; do you comprehend the gravity?” Old Madam Tang, seated at the head of the table, addressed the anxious faces of the Tang Family’s descendants with profound solemnity. “We must secure a collaboration with Waterfront Real Estate. This represents a golden opportunity for our Tang Family to ascend to the ranks of Hai City’s paramount noble families. Should we falter now, this chance will be lost forever!”

“Mom, these attempts have been unsuccessful; they refuse to even meet with our representatives!”

“Yes, Grandma, the people at Waterfront Real Estate carry themselves with a rather significant attitude.”

“After all, who wouldn’t have a lofty air about them when they’re the Su Family from Beijing?

Such a multitude of hopefuls are practically queuing up, eager to gain their favor!”

“Perhaps the enigmatic benefactor who sent gifts to our household isn't connected to the Su Family at all…”

A chorus of sighs and headshakes emanated from the group, igniting further irascibility in Old Madam Tang. “Silence, all of you!

Look at your dejected countenances!

Gird yourselves and take turns keeping vigil at the entrance of Waterfront Real Estate!

I simply refuse to believe this lucrative partnership is not meant for us!”

Exchanged glances filled the room, yet no one dared to voice an objection.

To be relegated to waiting at another’s doorstep, was that not humiliation enough?

However, who among them would dare defy the Old Madam’s decree?

“Grandma, I propose we allow Qiulu to undertake this task.”

Tang Xiangdong, his brow furrowed in thought, caught sight of Tang Qiulu lingering quietly in a corner. He seized the moment. “She’s not particularly occupied these days, and the rest of us are tied up with pressing matters. It would be an excellent opportunity for Qiulu to gain some practical experience.”

This suggestion was met with immediate, albeit superficial, approval from everyone present.

Of course, their spoken assent was merely for appearance's sake; inwardly, each person took malicious pleasure in picturing Tang Qiulu’s subservient destiny.

But Tang Qiulu, her attention fixed on her phone screen, paid them no mind.

A text message from Su Changfeng was displayed, containing but eight concise words: “Recommend yourself for a meeting with Waterfront Real Estate.”

What could this possibly signify?

Witnessing the failures of everyone before her, could she genuinely succeed in securing this cooperation?

Tang Qiulu found herself unable to decipher the intention.

“Qiulu, what are your thoughts on this?”

Old Madam Tang, seizing the opportune moment, directed her attention to Tang Qiulu.

“Grandma, I will go.”

Tang Qiulu responded.

She understood perfectly that she possessed no alternative.

“Such a swift agreement, do try not to falter once we’re not looking,”

Tang Xiangdong sneered, his objective having been met. “Should our Tang Family forfeit this chance due to your negligence, you alone will bear the consequences!”

“Perhaps we should dispatch two assistants with her?

To ensure she remains diligent in her efforts.”

“A sensible idea, after all, her capability in managing affairs is questionable.”

The relatives continued their discussion, oblivious to Tang Qiulu’s increasingly disgruntled expression.

“Very well, it is decided.

Dong Lin, proceed to the marketing department and select two individuals.”

Old Madam Tang then addressed Tang Qiulu, “Having companions join you is beneficial, ensuring you don’t overexert yourself.”

This was hardly about preventing overexertion; it was thinly veiled surveillance!

Tang Qiulu’s fists tightened. Despite sharing the Tang Family’s blood and occupying a seat in the very meeting room, she was consistently treated as an outsider, subject to their every command!

“I shall absolutely secure this cooperation with Waterfront Real Estate, just you wait and see!”

Recalling Su Changfeng’s cryptic message, Tang Qiulu impulsively declared aloud.

The instant her words ceased, the meeting room descended into a profound silence, followed, after a three-second pause, by an eruption of laughter, as if the most comical jest had just been uttered.

“Tang Qiulu, are you quite well?

Are you perhaps experiencing some undue pressure?”

“I always suspected her methods lacked principle; it seems her mind may also be slightly askew.”

“Go on with your boasting. With absolutely no progress on this deal, you claim you can finalize it?”

Tang Xiangdong, who had initially intended to join the chorus of mockery, suddenly recalled something. A faint smirk touched his lips.

She was walking right into his carefully laid trap. Why not seize this moment to decisively expel Tang Qiulu and her immediate family from the Tang lineage?

This would simplify the future division of assets, eliminating an unnecessary claimant!

“Very well, Tang Qiulu. Since you possess such unwavering confidence, how about we strike a wager?”