Chapter 972 - 937: Weighing the Options

Wang Jiancheng said, "I want to persuade them to cancel the acquisition of Changxing Hospital, as only by giving up can we avoid public criticism to the greatest extent under the current circumstances."

Wang Zhengdao laughed heartily, "Worrying like a chairman with only ten percent of the shares; you indeed have a hard-working life."

Wang Jiancheng said awkwardly, "If I had known this issue would cause such big trouble, I wouldn’t have invested in Jishi no matter what."

"That’s because you trusted Qiao Rulong too much, thinking your good brother would help you make money, without realizing the juicy meat he tossed you was just bait."

Wang Jiancheng’s expression grew more embarrassed.

Wang Zhengdao wiped his mouth, stood up to leave, and patted his son’s shoulder when he passed by, "But as long as the fish is big enough, the fisherman has to give up the rod, or he might get swallowed along with it."

Wang Jiancheng blinked, and Wang Zhengdao whispered in his son’s ear, "You shouldn’t have helped Ye Qingya hide the threats from Qiao Rulong, you thought you were protecting her, but you were actually harming her."

Wang Jiancheng replied, "But I promised her."

"Then keep your word."

Qiao Rulong had just arrived at the office when he received a lecturing call from his former father-in-law, Ye Changyuan. Although divorced from Ye Qingya, Qiao Rulong habitually called him dad.

Ye Changyuan was furious, "Don’t call me that, I don’t deserve it. Qiao Rulong, what did I tell you before? After you divorced Qingya, don’t involve our Ye family in any of your dirty messes outside, yet what did you do?"

Qiao Rulong immediately realized Ye Qingya being threatened had come to his attention, and respectfully said, "You may have misunderstood. I’ve heard about Qingya’s situation, but it should not be related to me..."

Ye Changyuan replied, "Not related to you, right? Well, if it happens again, and my daughter is affected by your issues, I won’t show anyone any mercy."

Qiao Rulong understood what he meant was even his grandfather wouldn’t be spared a loss of face, pride preventing him from yielding to Ye Changyuan, "Uncle Ye, if you have anger, direct it at me, please don’t involve the innocent."

Ye Changyuan chuckled coldly, "Innocent? How dare you say that. Get it straight, your Qiao family owes our Ye family, the innocent one is Qingya, not you."

Qiao Rulong said, "What we owe, we will repay, but unrelated matters shouldn’t be pinned on me."

Ye Changyuan retorted, "Fine, your wings have hardened and your heart too. I truly hope you remain unyielding, Qiao Rulong, mark my words, your current status wasn’t given by me, but I can destroy it!" He hung up furiously.

Qiao Rulong listened to the busy tone on the phone and felt a headache coming on. His former father-in-law never quite liked him, and his marriage with Ye Qingya was mainly driven by the elderly.

It seemed their marriage was a mistake from the start. Qiao Rulong didn’t believe the Qiao family owed the Ye family anything, and Ye Changyuan’s smooth career ride was due to grandpa’s recommendations. As for Ye Changquan’s recent job transfer, grandpa also advocated, which, in a way, compensated the Ye family.

Thinking of grandpa’s words this morning, Qiao Rulong felt a deep sense of crisis. If grandpa were ever gone, how would these people treat him? Their dissatisfaction with him and the Qiao family would flood in, and if he couldn’t become the mainstay, he would surely be submerged in the raging torrent.

Qiao Rulong carefully considered the recent situation and decided to postpone the Changxing acquisition. If he rushed to advance the acquisition plan now, it would undeniably provoke fierce backlash from Tang Jingwei’s side, and the public would think he was taking advantage during a crisis, bullying through power.

There was a knock on the door, and Qiao Rulong impatiently said, "Come in!" He initially thought it was his secretary, but it turned out to be his uncle Wang Sixuan.

Though displeased with his uncle in his heart, Qiao Rulong still appeared respectful on the surface, standing to greet him, "Uncle."

Wang Sixuan smiled, gesturing for him to sit, but Qiao Rulong remained standing, watching his uncle walk over and sit on the sofa. He asked his secretary to bring two cups of coffee, although the secretary was anxious, having wanted to notify Qiao Rulong earlier that the boss had come, Wang Sixuan indicated it was unnecessary.

Qiao Rulong understood and didn’t anger the secretary, knowing his uncle was still the current president of Hua Tou.

Wang Sixuan’s cup of black coffee was unsweetened, as everyone within Hua Tou knew his preference. Wang Sixuan took a sip near the window, where the morning sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting a play of light and shadow on him.

"Uncle, is there a reason you came to see me?"

Wang Sixuan smiled warmly, shaking his head, "No particular reason. I happened to pass by your office, thought I’d drop in, see how you’re doing. Is your health holding up?"

Qiao Rulong replied, "I’m in great health, and my work isn’t excessively heavy right now."

Wang Sixuan stated, "Work is important, but health is more so. Initially, I wanted you to take a longer rest, but you’re so dedicated and came to work so early."

Leaning against the desk, Qiao Rulong exhibited deference to the elder, though his stance suggested superiority.

Wang Sixuan was somewhat unaccustomed to this way of interacting, pointing to the sofa nearby: "Have a seat!"

Only then did Qiao Rulong sit down. What about casually taking a look? It was simply an excuse. Although their offices were on the same floor, once out of the elevator, one went left and the other went right, unless Wang Sixuan had a habit of taking detours.

Wang Sixuan said, "My nomination of you for the position of Vice President of the company has already been approved."

Qiao Rulong’s lips showed a faint smile: "Thank you, President Wang." It was already too late for his uncle to try to get on his good side. Back then, he wanted to throw him off to Hua Tou’s overseas business department. That matter angered his grandfather, and according to reliable sources, Wang Sixuan’s position might not be stable. He was very anxious and specially entrusted his elder sister Wang Siqi to seek out Elder Qiao, hoping the old man wouldn’t hold grudges. However, Elder Qiao never made a stance on this matter.

Wang Sixuan sighed: "Outside, you call me President Wang, but behind closed doors, I still prefer you call me Uncle."

Qiao Rulong said, "You are discussing business with me."

Wang Sixuan said, "Rulong, I came today firstly to inform you of this matter, and secondly, I received a report letter about you."

Qiao Rulong did not display any panic. For them, reporting was routine; even his uncle received plenty of reports. Currently, Qiao Rulong was also in charge of Hua Tou’s disciplinary inspection work, so this report letter probably bypassed him and went directly to Wang Sixuan.

Wang Sixuan took out the report letter and handed it to Qiao Rulong: "You handle it yourself." The intention to make peace was already quite obvious.

"Thank you, Uncle."

Wang Sixuan laughed: "Why bother being polite with me? This kind of report is just unfounded slander, saying you are using power for personal gain and secretly doing business outside."

Qiao Rulong laughed: "Before coming to Hua Tou, I had already concluded all my businesses. I specifically listed my personal assets and handed them over to the company."

Although Hua Tou didn’t require everyone to disclose their assets publicly, someone of Qiao Rulong’s level had to provide an explanation to the company executives, a sort of written asset declaration.

Since joining Hua Tou, Qiao Rulong indeed had no personal business activities; he knew how to prioritize.

Wang Sixuan said: "I know, that’s why I say this report is unfounded."

Qiao Rulong noticed his wording; unfounded may still have a cause, and his uncle was hinting at something.

Qiao Rulong said: "If the higher-ups think I have a problem, I can provide an explanation."

Wang Sixuan said: "Are you familiar with Jishi Medical Investment Co., Ltd.?"

Qiao Rulong said: "I know them, I introduced a project to them." Since his uncle asked like this, it showed he was aware of the matter, and there was no point in hiding it. Qiao Rulong wasn’t worried because he had no financial dealings with Jishi.

Wang Sixuan softly reminded him: "It’s best to stay away from sensitive matters. Even if you aren’t involved, public opinion can be destructive, and nowadays people prefer to believe rumors over facts."

Qiao Rulong nodded: "Understood."

Wang Sixuan said: "You are a smart person, and our family has high hopes for you. Please don’t let us down."

Qiao Rulong felt some displeasure, thinking, what qualifies you to say this to me? Suppressing the urge to retort, he quietly said: "You will not be disappointed." Implying who are you to be disappointed, even if disappointed, you’re not the one to worry about. If I fall, you might be the one secretly glad.

Wang Sixuan sensed his nephew’s resistance towards him, and without lingering long, placed his unfinished coffee on the table: "I must be going; there’s a meeting this morning. By the way, concerning the investment in Dongzhou, your plan isn’t detailed enough and needs more work. I surely have no problem but, after all, Hua Tou isn’t run by me alone."

Qiao Rulong said: "It’s just an initial intention. I’ll have someone organize a detailed plan and send it over to you." He escorted Wang Sixuan to the door, and upon returning, opened the report letter. After reading, he couldn’t help but frown.

The main reason Xu Chunliang attended this class was because the teacher was Mo Han. But upon arriving, he discovered Mo Han had something come up and didn’t come, replaced by a substitute teacher.

Chen Qianfan didn’t come either; reportedly, he went to negotiate some business. Xu Chunliang, since he came, decided to be a good student for once.

Near noon, Gao Xiaobai called, asking if he was at school. After Xu Chunliang replied truthfully, Gao Xiaobai invited him to the cafeteria for lunch together.

When Xu Chunliang arrived at the cafeteria, Gao Xiaobai had already gotten the food and was waiting for him, waving him over.

Xu Chunliang said: "Being so courteous, do you have a favor to ask me?"

Gao Xiaobai said: "You guessed it, let’s talk while we eat."