The deep night was silent, and after Jin Ye and Su Ding had tossed and turned, they hugged each other and fell asleep, exhausted.
But in another part of Jiangcheng, dark clouds were gathering.
The Shao family.
Old Madam Shao sat in the main seat, her face somber as she slammed the table. "This Shao Xu is truly ungrateful! With such close blood ties, must she make things so strained? And two million, not a penny less. She's grown wings and doesn't even understand basic respect for elders and affection for the young!"
"Yes, Mother. Second Brother is too scared to even fart in front of Shao Xu."
Shao Zhengchang also frowned, his face full of displeasure. "Originally, that two million was meant to be a birthday gift for you, but now it's become a handle to control us! Second Brother is Shao Xu's biological father. The fact that he could get her to come to the birthday banquet last time clearly shows their father-daughter relationship has mended. I think it's not that Shao Xu disagrees, but that Second Brother isn't trying hard enough."
Shao Jun nodded in agreement, lowering his voice. "Grandmother, I also think it's Second Uncle's doing deliberately. He must still resent our attitude towards him a while ago, so he's intentionally embarrassing us."
"Actually, I'm the younger generation. If Second Uncle wants to discipline me, I can accept it. But if Second Uncle doesn't listen to Grandmother, that's simply defying you, Grandmother."
Shao Jun's face was filled with righteous indignation. "Grandmother, in my opinion, it's still best for you to take matters into your own hands and talk to Second Uncle about this matter again."
Old Madam Shao's expression was unpredictable, her aged face showing many shifts in emotion.
"Do you all truly believe that Shao Xu has quite a bit of money?"
"Yes, Grandmother. Didn't Third Uncle say? Shao Xu didn't hesitate at all when swiping her card, as if spending a few hundred yuan was natural and calm. And think about it, even though Shao Xu was abandoned by the Jin family, the money she earned while being kept by a sugar daddy and in the entertainment industry are unimaginably large sums."
Shao Jun guessed with greedy eyes, his heart burning with excitement. "And Grandmother, do you know? My father's company recently took a liking to a project, but the company lacks sufficient funds to acquire it. Many companies are watching. If Shao Xu could invest five million in our company, we could achieve a net profit of over three million within half a year. Once this project is completed and our company's reputation is established, why would we worry about other projects?"
The more Old Madam Shao thought about it, the more feasible she found the matter.
She was now willing to set aside her pride and find Second Son again. After all, she was Shao Zheng'gang's biological mother. Could there be a lasting feud between a mother and her son?
"Eldest, Mother is doing this all for you." Old Madam Shao said meaningfully.
"Mother, your son understands. Actually, we're also doing this for Second Brother's family. Look at Second Brother, he's already ruined, and Su Ding's reputation is also tarnished, making it difficult for her to even get married. With so much money in her hands, if she's cheated one day, she'll have nothing left."
Shao Zhengchang said with a sanctimonious air, "If we help Xiao Xu invest this money, Second Brother and Xiao Xu's future lives will also be secured. And Mother, I can guarantee that if we acquire this project, it will be a guaranteed profit. In the future, even if you want to wear a five-million-yuan watch, your son will be able to afford it."
"So, Mother, tomorrow I'll have Xiao Jun invite Second Brother to our home, and you can have a good talk with him, at least getting Second Brother on our side. As for Shao Xu, in the end, out of consideration for Second Brother, she will naturally reconcile with our family."
Shao Zheng'gang finally revealed his plan.
Old Madam Shao pondered, then agreed. Eldest Son was right. Rather than letting Shao Xu squander the money or have it stolen by others, it was better for her to contribute to the family.
When Eldest Son's company grew strong in the future, Second Brother's family would also benefit.
"Alright, we'll do as you say." Old Madam Shao said.
"Oh, by the way, Mother, let's not let Little Sister and Third Brother know about this for now, to prevent them from causing trouble in the middle. You know, I'm not like Third Brother, who works for others for commission. I'm doing this for my own family's business. If my company prospers, our whole family can enjoy the benefits. Don't you agree?" Shao Zhengchang added.
Old Madam Shao glanced at Shao Zhengchang. She was not an innocent and ignorant woman, and she naturally knew what her eldest son was thinking.
However, she also had her own plans.
Eldest Son was indeed the most successful among her four children, owning his own company. Therefore, her preference naturally leaned towards him.
"I know. Tomorrow, you and Xiao Jun just need to bring Second Brother to me."
"Yes, okay."
Shao Zhengchang and Shao Jun exchanged glances, as if they could already see future banknotes and listed companies beckoning them.