Though unspoken, the two older brothers likely harbored resentment. Grown and still living under their parents’ roof, consuming their resources.
Without a career, without a husband, and pursuing dreams day after day.
It was precisely for this reason that Shao Qingqing had chosen to leave home and attend an acting academy in another city, wanting to escape such pressures.
Today, with Shao Xu’s help, she had secured this opportunity and was determined to seize it.
As for her elder brothers, she hoped they could truly earn Shao Xu’s forgiveness. Otherwise, the Shao family would likely never benefit from Shao Xu’s success.
This was because Shao Xu was no longer the innocent, pure, and kind girl she once was.
She would repay enmity with vengeance, and kindness with gratitude.
The night was quiet.
Returning to her room, Shao Qingqing began practicing her lines intently.
Though they were brief, she aimed for flawless delivery. This was her chance.
…
The next day, Su Ding received a call from Bai Ruobing.
“President Su, Guo Tao’s initial offer was fifty thousand yuan in compensation. However, I’ve worked some magic behind the scenes, and they’re now willing to go up to eighty thousand.”
“Eighty thousand… Alright, I’ll contact Xie Shanshan.”
Su Ding said, obtaining Xie Shanshan’s number from Bai Ruobing, and dialed.
The call rang for a long time before someone finally answered.
“Hello? Who is this?” a female voice asked. It was Jiang Tian.
“Hello, I’m Su Ding. Sister Jiang Tian, could you please hand the phone over to Xie Shanshan? I have something to ask her.”
Su Ding spoke unhurriedly, and hurried voices came from the other end of the line.
Soon, Xie Shanshan’s voice emerged.
Xie Shanshan spoke softly, “Xiao Xu, is something wrong?”
Her attitude towards Su Ding now was exceptionally gentle, and a deep gratitude resided within her heart.
Su Ding stated directly, “Guo Tao’s final offer is eighty thousand. Can you accept it?”
“Yes, eighty thousand. I’ll take it.”
Having been with Guo Tao for so long, Xie Shanshan knew that eighty thousand was close to his absolute limit.
If she pushed for more, Guo Tao would resort to desperate measures, preferring to spend a few days in custody rather than let her have an easy time.
Su Ding acknowledged with an “Mm,” and said, “Alright, someone will come to the hospital to deliver the mediation agreement. Once you sign it, you should receive the compensation payment soon.”
Xie Shanshan bit her lip and said, “I’ll return this money to you, Xiao Xu.”
Even though she didn’t know what Shao Xu’s current status was, she knew that offending the Jin family would make it difficult to navigate Jiang City.
Even with Bai Ruobing’s respectful demeanor towards Shao Xu, the entire Ou Ya Company was ultimately insignificant compared to the vast Huang Qi Group.
Su Ding truly hadn’t expected Xie Shanshan to be willing to return the money.
After all, Xie Shanshan was currently at her wit’s end, having lost everything.
“No need. You need this money in your current situation. As for what you owe me, we can discuss it later.”
Listening to Su Ding’s voice on the phone, despite its coldness and distance, it was filled with kindness and concern, causing tears to slowly well up in Xie Shanshan’s eyes.
Back in school, how could she have been jealous of Shao Xu?
Shao Xu was kind, beautiful, and liked by so many people – she possessed her own charm, while Xie Shanshan’s heart was filled only with ugly jealousy and inferiority.
“Thank you, Xiao Xu. Thank you so much,” Xie Shanshan said, her voice choked with emotion.
“It’s alright. Take care of your injuries. I have other matters to attend to. Goodbye.”
After Su Ding hung up, hearing Xie Shanshan’s thanks, she felt an indescribable emotion.
She shook her head, pushing the thought away.
It was almost noon, and she needed to prepare to go to Shao Zheng Gang’s house.
She had a premonition that this lunch would not be a simple affair. If the Shao family was willing to treat Shao Zheng Gang better, she wouldn’t mind waiving the two million matter.
In fact, for her, the two million was originally intended as a gift for Old Madam Shao. Since she no longer wanted it, those two million were destined to be wasted.
“Let’s go.”
Su Ding put on her shoes, slung her bag over her shoulder, and headed out.
Destination: Shao Zheng Gang’s home.