Chapter 562: In Place? In Place!

Looking at the wine glass Chen Xiao raised.

Qi Wei remained motionless for a long time.

She was indeed very hesitant.

Because Chen Xiao had parted the fog and seen the real nature of Li Hai’s current situation.

On the surface, she did control Li Hai, and with the assistance of the Qi Family, Li Hai was destined to be invincible.

But, Chen Xiao’s gaze was too sharp; he instantly recognized the Qi Family’s reluctance to help.

Her father was already old.

Her two brothers were constantly at odds, fighting openly and secretly for the family inheritance.

At such a critical juncture, even if her father wanted to help her, how could the two brothers who were gradually eating into the family business’s power agree easily?

Thinking of this, Qi Wei took the glass of wine, her face still hesitant as she said:

"Although I shouldn’t say this, I still want to mention that when you had trouble, my family was helping Li Hai against you tirelessly. So, I believe things haven’t reached the point you mentioned."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao puckered his lips and put down the wine glass:

"If that’s the case, then President Qi should reflect on it yourself. You and I are friends, which is why I’m telling you this directly rather than maneuvering behind the scenes. You should have some understanding of Dragon Cauldron’s current strength."

"If Dragon Cauldron targets Li Hai again, will Li Hai still follow your lead?"

Chen Xiao said indifferently, his tone already tinged with coldness.

He generally preferred to extend courtesy before force.

If the courtesy was not reciprocated, then there would be no relationship to discuss further.

At this moment, Qi Wei felt the shift in Chen Xiao’s attitude.

Although her personal emotions were always a mess, dragging along.

But in the business world, she didn’t have this flaw.

"Mr. Chen, I can hear that your words are entirely considerate of both parties. But let’s talk business today, not just the case. So, if I agree to your request, what do I get?"

"What do you get? Isn’t it simple! All future projects of Dragon Cauldron, Li Hai will have a share. Similarly, Li Hai’s projects will also involve Dragon Cauldron, mutually benefiting, isn’t it a win-win?"

Qi Wei narrowed her eyes: "That reasoning is sound, but I mean personally..."

"Li Hai will still be under your command, but the personnel Dragon Cauldron sends over in the future need to have a say."

Qi Wei nodded: "Give me a minute, I need to think."

"No problem, Old Guo... let’s drink." Chen Xiao raised his glass toward Guo Qing.

The latter was all smiles, secretly giving Chen Xiao a thumbs-up again.

Yet Chen Xiao remained calm, only internally planning further into the future.

A minute passed in Qi Wei’s agonizing deliberation.

Finally, Qi Wei raised the glass in her hand and said:

"President Chen, President Guo, here’s to a joyous cooperation!"

Chen Xiao and Guo Qing exchanged a glance, simultaneously raising their glasses.

The three drank the wine in their glasses in one gulp!

But after finishing the drink, Qi Wei did not stay to finish the meal, instead, she said apologetically:

"President Chen, the decision I made won’t change, but I don’t have time for this meal. Therefore, let President Guo come to Li Hai tomorrow for a face-to-face discussion on the collaboration details."

"Apologies!" Qi Wei bowed slightly to Chen Xiao, who nodded:

"I understand, every moment of your time is incredibly precious right now, go get busy!"

"Alright, goodbye to both of you."

Qi Wei said this and left.

Guo Qing personally sent her off, and upon returning, laughter preceded him back into the room.

"Haha, brother! You’re truly amazing! Originally, Grandpa and I planned to spend a lot of effort, but unexpectedly, you managed to win Qi Wei over with just a few words!"

Chen Xiao looked up calmly at him and asked:

"What is the essence of this matter?"

Guo Qing frowned: "What do you mean?"

"What’s the origin of the matter?"

"The origin is naturally that you got caught, and the Qi Family took a series of... targeted measures against you." Guo Qing said, frowning even tighter.

Chen Xiao chuckled: "Looks like you’ve been too focused on Li Hai lately, ignoring the original intent behind doing this."

The conversation was so clear that Guo Qing had a sudden realization.

"So your and Grandpa’s real intention was never Li Hai, but...!"

"That’s right, our ultimate target isn’t Li Hai but the Qi Family!"

Guo Qing’s eyes widened and he said instinctively:

"The Qi Family is a giant, can it be consumed?"

"Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The Qi Family struck first, so I can’t be blamed for targeting them. Grandpa Guo was right; if others are unscrupulous, then there’s no righteousness to speak of. If a thing is to be done, it must be done thoroughly!"

Chen Xiao said, taking another sip of wine.

At this moment, seeing Chen Xiao again, Guo Qing couldn’t help but feel that in just these few words, Chen Xiao’s image in his eyes seemed to have transcended.

Guo Qing felt that he had developed a bit of admiration for Chen Xiao!

"Grandpa says I’ve improved, but now it looks like I’ve been treading water all along. It seems as if I’ve taken several steps, but actually, I haven’t moved at all."

Guo Qing sighed as he spoke.

Chen Xiao didn’t console him.

Because he felt that Guo Qing was still too influenced by the previous generation of merchants.

On the other hand, he may have thought too much about the psychological battles in cases, resulting in becoming exceedingly decisive in these kinds of negotiations.

"Still, as the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Brother Guo... Grandpa Guo has treated me with more than just nice words; even though there’s no blood relation between us, we are now like half-brothers."

As he spoke, Chen Xiao raised his glass.

But Guo Qing grimaced: "Honestly, Chen Xiao, I don’t know why, but whenever I hear you use words like friend or brother, my heart just panics!"

Chen Xiao was stunned: "Nonsense, I never casually label someone as my friend or brother!"

"Haha, really? You often called those murder suspects you were after your brother!"

"Ahem... did I? That didn’t happen, right! Come, brother, drink this cup, and three more!"

Chen Xiao suddenly turned enthusiastic, ready to put his arms around him.

Guo Qing quickly stuck out his hand to stop him: "No, you stay right there, and I’ll stay here, let’s sit and enjoy the drinks."

"Really? No wonder you said you were treading water, turns out you’re too lazy to even move your butt."

"I’d rather weld you to that chair and sneak away myself!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao’s eyes suddenly narrowed.

Guo Qing knows Chen Xiao somewhat well now.

Whenever he reacts like this, he’s often onto something.

"Chen Xiao, did my words strike a nerve?" Guo Qing asked tentatively.

Chen Xiao continued to narrow his eyes and said; "Treading water? Treading water! Could this be another possibility, weld the target in place and sneak away, isn’t this also a way?"