Chapter 956 - 922: Yielding
Qiao Yuanjiang showed a bitter smile: "Dad, if it weren’t for the Qiao Family, I wouldn’t have come back on purpose. I know you care about Rulong and have high expectations for him, but he has changed a lot since that incident in Dongzhou."
Elder Qiao said nothing. Qiao Yuanjiang thought his words had an effect and advised earnestly: "You often say everyone must be responsible for their actions, Rulong has grown up, he should recognize the responsibility he carries and not act impulsively, first thinking of the Qiao Family’s reputation."
"Do you think he has affected the Qiao Family’s reputation?"
Qiao Yuanjiang nodded: "If he hadn’t been unchecked, how would he come to divorce with Qingya? Causing trouble for you and Uncle Ye..."
Elder Qiao’s cold gaze forced Qiao Yuanjiang to swallow his words.
Qiao Yuanjiang said: "Dad, I shouldn’t bring up the past, but now Rulong is standing up for Zhao Feiyang, pushing Tang Jingwei to the brink. Do you know about Jishi Investment’s acquisition of Changxing Hospital?"
Elder Qiao glanced briefly at the materials on the table, indicating that it’s all laid out here, why are you stating the obvious?
Qiao Yuanjiang said: "If others cling to this issue and expand its impact, it might end badly."
Elder Qiao said: "I’ll have a good talk with Rulong."
Qiao Yuanjiang secretly sighed in relief—his father saying this meant intervening in the matter, hopefully making Qiao Rulong more restrained.
Elder Qiao continued: "Now, let’s talk about your relationship with Tang Jingwei."
Qiao Yuanjiang laughed: "Dad, I’ve explained before, I’ve known him for many years, from when I was in Ning’an."
Elder Qiao said: "For such a person you came to me repeatedly, if I’m not mistaken, this is the first time you’ve been so concerned about someone else’s matter."
Qiao Yuanjiang’s heart raced: "Dad, I’ve never had many friends."
"When did you start befriending businessmen?"
Qiao Yuanjiang said: "Dad, rest assured, I won’t stumble economically" and quickly added, "nor in personal conduct."
In the system, avoiding problems in these two areas generally prevents major errors.
Elder Qiao still felt uneasy; his eldest son was overly invested in this matter. Knowing his son best, if Qiao Yuanjiang acted purely out of friendship it would be trivial, but what if Tang Jingwei was coercing him? Maybe he was holding something over him, thus reluctantly approaching him?
Elder Qiao said: "Yuanjiang, taking the initiative and being forced into action are very different, if someone dares to blackmail you once, there will quickly be a second time, you understand my meaning."
Qiao Yuanjiang dared not meet his father’s eyes, realizing he might have seen through him; he squeezed out a smile and said: "Dad, your concern is misplaced, it’s the decades-long friendship."
Elder Qiao pointed to the materials on the table: "Giving you these things implies a threat to the Qiao Family, stay away from such people."
Zhao Feiyang’s face had reduced swelling, but both eyes were severely bruised, dark circles making him look like a panda, causing great dismay to someone who cares about his appearance.
However, his mind was now clear. Zhao Feiyang contemplated the origins and consequences of this issue, realizing a terrifying reality: someone was using it to suppress Tang Jingwei.
Zhao Feiyang worried that the matter might escalate out of control, with Jishi attempting to acquire Tang Jingwei’s shares at such a low price, inevitably leading to numerous issues; if Changxing Hospital’s value diminished this much, he would undoubtedly be held responsible for management failure, since Hua Nian’s investment of thirty billion in Changxing is traceable, and should the shares shrink to ten billion, it’s unquestionably his fault.
Tang Jingwei’s intent was also clear; he knew Zhao Feiyang had dealings with Jishi Investment. Although Zhao Feiyang was very cautious, one slight oversight could spell trouble if Tang Jingwei seized the opportunity.
Just as Zhao Feiyang hesitated whether to talk to Qiao Rulong about not pushing Tang Jingwei too far...
Qiao Rulong approached him, informing him Tang Jingwei agreed to transfer shares to Jishi Group, with a price concession of one billion, which is significantly different from Jishi Group’s initial offer of ten billion but closer to Tang Jingwei’s initial thirty billion quote.
While Zhao Feiyang sighed in relief, he felt puzzled. According to his thoughts, twenty or twenty-five billion would be reasonable, though asset depreciation could be attributed to Hua Nian’s debt crisis—why did Qiao Rulong concede when holding all the advantages?
Qiao Rulong didn’t tell Zhao Feiyang the truth; the matter had already alarmed his grandfather, who discovered Jishi Investment’s manager was Qi Shuang. Although Qiao Rulong held no shares, fooling the old man wouldn’t be easy.
Elder Qiao sternly reprimanded him, despite not knowing Ye Qingya’s intimidation case; if Elder Qiao was aware, his fury would be unstoppable.
Throughout the proceedings, Qiao Rulong grasped the significance—fire can’t spread unchecked, or he’d too face consequences, though failing to achieve his goals, the twenty-nine billion price remained reasonable, essentially making Hua Nian’s investment in Changxing Hospital futile.
Qiao Rulong’s reasoning was reasonable: "Feiyang, Tang Jingwei sought help from my uncle, they’ve been friends for years, with my uncle speaking up, I owe him this courtesy."
Zhao Feiyang said: "Actually, even if you hadn’t spoken, I planned to leave some leeway for them, having cooperated once. Now Hua Nian’s situation looks grim; if we were the straw that broke the camel’s back, there’s a chance they might retaliate."
Qiao Rulong nodded: "Now there’s no problem with Changxing Hospital at all."
Zhao Feiyang said, "No, there’s still the city’s approval to consider. Although Tang Jingwei has agreed to transfer, there is still 20% of the shares held by the city."
The issue Zhao Feiyang mentioned was hardly worth mentioning to Qiao Rulong, who said indifferently, "Don’t worry about it, I’ll speak with Secretary Wang."
Feeling relieved, Zhao Feiyang suddenly felt that the beating he endured was not in vain.
Qiao Rulong said, "This money won’t have any effect on Huayuan. Feiyang, you should focus on managing Changxing well and strive to get the new hospital built as soon as possible."
Zhao Feiyang said, "Thanks for your help this time, or else..."
Qiao Rulong laughed, "No need for formalities between us. I’ve reviewed Changxing’s materials; actually, Huayuan has been hindering Changxing’s development. Jishi’s funds won’t be an issue; your construction progress should also be expedited."
Zhao Feiyang said, "I’m planning to go back tomorrow."
Looking at Zhao Feiyang’s disheveled appearance, Qiao Rulong reckoned he wouldn’t show his face for a while even if he went back, so kindly advised, "No need to rush, you can rest for a few more days."
Zhao Feiyang said, "I miss my son."
Qiao Rulong didn’t say anything, knowing every father’s heart is tender. He asked with concern, "How is Tianxing now?" Zhao Tianxing was his godson, and he even named him.
Zhao Feiyang smiled, "He’s doing well."
Qiao Rulong also laughed, "I’ll go to Dongzhou to see him in a few days." He wasn’t just being polite. The last time he saw Zhao Tianxing, the child was skinny and small. Thinking of that child, Qiao Rulong felt a surge of fondness.
At this moment, Xu Ying came over with soup she had prepared for Zhao Feiyang.
Having finished this matter, Qiao Rulong didn’t intend to stay long. He smiled at Xu Ying, "Thank you for your effort."
Xu Ying put down the container and escorted Qiao Rulong to the door. After he left, she prepared to serve soup to Zhao Feiyang.
Zhao Feiyang said, "You don’t have to bother. By the way, aren’t you going to the calligraphy and painting exchange event today?"
Xu Ying, while serving soup, said, "I went, but it wasn’t interesting. Thinking you’re alone in the hotel without anyone to care for you, I decided to come see you."
Zhao Feiyang took a look and couldn’t help but laugh, "It’s bone broth again. Do you believe that eating certain foods complements specific body parts?"
Xu Ying said, "Trust me, I’ve looked into it. There’s reason behind it: bone broth contains a lot of calcium, protein, and bone linkage protein, all of which provide nutrition and promote healing of fractures."
Zhao Feiyang said, "Do you know humans can’t absorb more than half of the calcium element?"
Xu Ying said, "Though I study psychology, my university major was also in medical sciences. Calcium is mainly absorbed in the form of combined calcium salts through the intestines, kidneys, sweat, and urine, absorbing the body’s calcium. Humans can absorb 30% of the calcium they ingest daily. Adults need roughly 360mg of calcium daily, so you should ingest at least 1g of calcium daily."
Zhao Feiyang laughed, "I admire your seriousness in everything you do."
Xu Ying thought to herself, it’s important to distinguish whom this is for. I’m serious about your matters, but unfortunately, you never noticed. She and Zhao Feiyang are like parallel lines, accompanying each other yet never having the chance to intersect.
Zhao Feiyang finished the bowl of bone broth, and Xu Ying gave him another bowl.
Zhao Feiyang lamented, "Too much of a good thing! I’ve already supplemented with 1g of calcium."
Xu Ying said, "500mg, I’ve calculated accurately."
Zhao Feiyang had no option but to have another bowl.
Xu Ying asked, "Feiyang, how are you planning to resolve Tang Tianyi’s issue?"
Zhao Feiyang said, "After thinking it over, I still plan to let him off."
Xu Ying showed a look of delight, "Really?"
Zhao Feiyang nodded, "After all, we’ve collaborated once. Tang Jingwei may be ruthless, but I can’t be unjust."
Xu Ying gently said, "Allowing some space lets peace prevail, and yielding opens a broad horizon. Tang Jingwei’s ability to start two large listed companies from scratch proves he’s very capable; there’s no need to turn against him."
Zhao Feiyang thought coldly, the enmity was formed long ago. This forbearance only delays the conflict. Tang Jingwei won’t be grateful for letting Tang Tianyi off, and he won’t give up his resentment towards Tang Jingwei for abandoning Changxing. Someday, they’ll still end up on a collision course.
The second Chapter has just begun; here’s a page.
