Song Guantang sneered, “What? Are you waiting until the kickback contract is signed, the building with severe quality issues is constructed, and it finally collapses, causing deaths, which then leads to economic and reputational losses for the group?”
“Dragging down the entire group, even to the point of bankruptcy and liquidation—only then would it be considered serious, and only then would you rest in peace, right?”
Gao Yali choked back her words and muttered, “How could it be that serious? Besides, Yixuan also said the construction materials used are of medium grade, so there won’t be any quality issues…”
“Is this about quality issues? This is about the reputation of the Baishi Group. Baishi built its fortune on construction. If there are flaws in construction, that’s when the entire empire will truly crumble.”
“By then, not only your precious son but the entire Song family will have to pay the price for his momentary greed for small gains. This isn’t something a fool like you, who only cares about your own little plot of land, can bear!”
Song Guantang’s barrage of words left Gao Yali’s face alternating between pale and flushed.
Knowing she was in the wrong, she could only lean against Song Yuanshan in grievance.
“Yuanshan, Yixuan truly knows he was wrong. When I went to see him, he looked utterly haggard, apologizing through tears and snot, saying he would never dare do it again.”
“To err is human, and besides, I’m not doing this for myself but for the reputation of the entire Song family. Haven’t we already stopped the losses in time? We’re all family—do we really have to drive him to the brink?”
Seeing his wife in tears, Song Yuanshan felt heartbroken. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and wiped her tears.
“If you resent us, I don’t blame you. It’s also my fault as a father for neglecting to discipline you properly, which led you to become indifferent to family bonds and only care about profit.”
“But no matter what, Yixuan is your own brother, sharing the same blood as you. Give him another chance. I’ll personally keep an eye on him and ensure he doesn’t make the same mistake again.”
Song Guantang had known from the start that no matter what he said or did, and regardless of who was right or wrong, Song Yuanshan would always side with Gao Yali.
Every word out of his mouth was about so-called blood ties and family bonds.
How laughable!
And how utterly nauseating!
“My demand is simple. If you want Song Yixuan released, fine. Transfer his shares to me, and I’ll immediately have someone sign the mediation agreement. Your precious son can then return safe and sound.”
Gao Yali’s expression turned grim. “Every member of the Song family has a share in the group’s stocks, and Yixuan doesn’t hold many shares anyway. In the future, he won’t compete with you for control of the group.”
“Yixuan isn’t particularly capable. These few shares are just enough for him to scrape by. Guantang, why must you cling to them so tightly and leave him no way out?”
Song Guantang let out an emotionless sneer. “Didn’t you all say I’m a cold-blooded, heartless machine that only cares about profit? A machine only maximizes its own interests and doesn’t care about the most insignificant things like family bonds.”
“You have only two choices. One, give up the shares. I can convert them into cash, property, cars, or cash—Song Yixuan can choose whatever he wants.”
“Two, keep the shares in his hands. Given the crimes he committed, he might have a chance to get out after a few years of reform in prison.”Song Guanting was concise and to the point, glancing at his wristwatch. “My time is limited. Give me an answer within three minutes, or you’ll only have the last option left.”
“Grandfather, you should know that you don’t really have any extra choices. At your age, the most important thing is to rest and recuperate in peace. After all, I’m the only one in the group capable of taking over.”
“Even without this incident, once you pass away, you know that with my personality, I would definitely reclaim all the shares sooner or later. Why struggle unnecessarily?”
Old Master Song fell silent.
Seeing this, Gao Yali grew anxious. “Dad, Yixuan is also your grandson. You have to give him a way out…”
“Enough. For a little petty gain, he nearly made the entire group pay for his mistakes. He really isn’t suited to work in the group.”
“Convert the shares into cash. The real estate alone is enough to ensure he lives comfortably for the rest of his life. Let’s handle it as Guanting suggested. Once the shares are transferred, go pick up Yixuan and bring him home.”
Gao Yali couldn’t bear to let Song Guanting take away the shares she had worked so hard to obtain and wanted to say more.
But Old Master Song was already exhausted. “I’m tired and need to rest. All of you, leave.”
After leaving the bedroom, Song Yuanshan looked displeased and questioned, “This whole thing was your plan from the start, wasn’t it? To get the shares, you really will stop at nothing. How did I end up with such a cold-blooded and heartless son?”
“Well, it’s too late for regrets now. My mother is already dead—you can’t exactly stuff me back in, can you?”
Song Guanting looked indifferent, casting a sharp, sinister glance at Gao Yali.
“You should worry more about yourself. Grandfather’s health is declining day by day. Once he’s gone, no one will speak up for you anymore.”
“If you’re sensible and transfer your shares to me as well, I might be in a good enough mood to take care of you in your old age and see you off properly.”
Song Yuanshan trembled with anger. “You… you unfilial son! Get out of my sight! Don’t let me see you again!”
On the way back to Cloud Peak Mansion.
Meng Tang could sense that Song Guanting was in a very bad mood after leaving the old house.
But since it was a Song family matter, she, as a “plastic wife,” didn’t feel it was her place to ask too many questions. If she angered her sugar daddy, it would be more trouble than it was worth.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out the last two colorful candies.
Peeling one, she turned and swiftly stuffed it into Song Guanting’s mouth before he could react.
His thin lips were slightly cold, brushing against the warmth of her fingertips.
Song Guanting was clearly taken aback, lowering his gaze to look at her.
Meng Tang calmly withdrew her hand and peeled the other colorful candy for herself.
The candy formed a small bulge in her mouth. She tilted her head, her eyes relaxed and smiling, like spring flowers blooming brilliantly across the mountains.
“Experts say that sweetness can stimulate dopamine, making people feel happy. These are my last two candies, but since you’re my dearest husband, I’ll reluctantly share one with you and spread a little joy.”
The familiar yet unfamiliar sweetness spread across his tongue.
It was the taste of candy, something he had rarely touched since he could remember.
His heart seemed to be filled with this sweet, cloying flavor, as if wrapped in candy, making his entire body feel sweet.
Then, a soft hand covered his eyes.Beside his ear was the sweet, delicate voice of his little wife.
It carried a candy scent even stronger than his own.
“Xiao Zhou said you haven’t slept a wink in a day and a night. Why not rest a bit on the way home? Or… I could lend you my shoulder to lean on?”
Meng Tang deeply felt she must be the most qualified employee.
Look at how well she provided emotional value—this definitely deserved extra pay!
As soon as she finished speaking, her waist suddenly tightened, and her petite frame was pulled into the man’s embrace with a domineering posture.
Although the car’s interior was spacious, this position left little room to stretch.
“Why are you hugging me?”
The icy chill in Song Guanting’s eyes seemed to melt away, yet his dark pupils still held a dangerous, beast-like intensity.
With restrained force, he pressed his cool fingertips against the corner of her lips.
His voice was low and husky: “Sleep.”