Chapter 58 So you're not going to back out?

"Have you eaten yet?" Lin Jixin walked up to Tang Ran and asked her with concern.

Tang Ran nodded, took off her sunglasses, glanced at the living room on the first floor, then looked up at the second floor and asked, "Where's Mommy?"

"Upstairs."

Seeing her daughter's red and swollen eyes, Lin Jixin pulled her to sit on the sofa. "Did you cry last night?"

Tang Ran didn't speak, but pinched the temple of her sunglasses with her fingers, looking listless.

Lin Jixin patted her hand and tentatively asked, "Ranran, what if you can't let go of life imprisonment..."

"Mom, Song Wuqi cheated on me." Tang Ran pulled her hand back and looked angrily at Lin Jixin. "I will never forgive her!"

"Alright, alright, Ranran, don't be angry."

Lin Jixin's eyes flickered, then quickly returned to normal. She carefully comforted her daughter, "Mom doesn't want you to forgive her. Mom is just afraid you'll be too sad."

Tang Ran turned her head away.

Although she had guessed Lin Jixin's attitude before she came back, she still couldn't help but feel sad when she actually heard her say those words.

"It's a good thing to see her true colors early on. Nannan shouldn't be sad; she should be happy instead."

Tang Wanru heard her daughter's voice and came downstairs.

"Mommy." Tang Ran rushed into her arms.

"My daughter has been wronged," Tang Wanru said, comforting her daughter with heartache as she hugged her.

She already knew the inside story, but when she saw those photos, Tang Wanru still felt wronged for her daughter.

While urging his family to arrange the engagement, he was also having an affair with his assistant. Tang Wanru felt that Song Wuqi was too dishonest.

Fortunately, her daughter discovered it early, otherwise Tang Wanru would have regretted it to death.

"Don't worry, my dear, Mommy won't let you and Song Wuqi stay engaged."

He was speaking to his daughter, but his eyes were fixed on Lin Jixin.

Lin Jixin gave a helpless twitch at the corner of her mouth.

With her daughter so resistant, how could she possibly force her to get engaged?

Tang Ran did not participate when the two families sat down to talk.

Old Master Song first made Song Wuqi apologize.

Song Wuqi looked dejected and spoke with regret. She had failed to persuade Tang Ran that morning, and she didn't dare to mention asking for forgiveness in front of her elders.

Tang Wanru didn't say anything.

Given the relationship between the two families, and the fact that she's someone else's granddaughter, she can't control the situation, but she also won't forgive Song Wuqi on behalf of her daughter.

It was clear that Tang Wanru's attitude was cold.

Grandpa Song also apologized, saying that he had not disciplined his granddaughter properly and offered to cancel the engagements of the two children.

The Song family is willing to cover all the expenses the Tang family has incurred in preparing for the engagement, and they also plan to give Tang Ran a property as compensation.

Tang Wanru refused his compensation.

The Song family's sincerity is enough; she won't be unreasonable or greedy for such a small advantage.

Grandpa Song insisted on giving it to her, but Tang Wanru politely declined.

"Actually, there's something else, which is quite embarrassing to talk about," Tang Wanru continued.

Lin Jixin looked at her with suspicion, wondering what else Tang Wanru wanted to say.

"If there's anything you need, Wanru, just ask," Old Master Song said without hesitation.

Tang Wanru refused his proposed compensation, and he was eager to do something to make amends.

"We've already raised the funds for the loan that Ji Xin mentioned to you some time ago, so we don't need to borrow from the Song family anymore."

Tang Wanru felt very embarrassed. "I heard that the Song family is already going through the procedures. I really feel bad about it."

Lin Jixin was surprised.

She assumed that Tang Wanru's happy preparations for the engagement were because she had accepted the loan from the Song family.

Song Wuqi, who was standing to the side, was startled.

No wonder.

No wonder Tang Ran was so confident; it turns out Tang Wanru had already come up with a plan, and the Tang family no longer needed to borrow money from the Song family.

She looked at Tang Wanru, feeling both bitter and resentful.

Why is it that Tang Ran has a mother who loves her so much, while her doting father passed away early?

"Oh, it's alright, it's not a big deal. I'll talk to Zhixu about it later." Old Master Song had no objections at all.

He could vaguely guess the reason, but since Tang Wanru had given a reasonable explanation, he couldn't say anything more.

While feeling regretful, Old Master Song also cursed Song Wuqi in his heart.

In a situation like this, other companies might have demanded exorbitant prices and made a hefty profit.

The Tang family, however, were eager to calculate everything clearly and not take advantage of them in the slightest.

Having navigated the ups and downs of the business world, Mr. Song has worked his way up from a farm boy to his current status, witnessing firsthand the cunning, scheming, and insatiable nature of people.

The old man of the Tang family was one of the few kind and righteous people he had ever met.

The reason he was particularly fond of Tang Ran was not only because she was cute and lovable since she was a child, but also because he knew that the Tang family had a good reputation and that the children they raised would definitely be good.

And his own granddaughter.

Old Master Song sighed inwardly.

Song Wuqi is not a good match for Tang Ran.

After seeing off the regretful old man Song, Lin Jixin couldn't wait to ask as soon as she entered the door, "You sold the shop on Chaoxi Street?"

Chaoxi Street is located in the central area along the river in Jiangcheng. It was the ancestral property that the Tang family bought in the last century.

"What's wrong?" Tang Wanru glanced at her sideways. "It's better than selling your daughter."

Anticipating her reaction, Tang Wanru didn't tell her when she sold the house.

"You." Lin Jixin's face was pale, but she couldn't say anything else.

Tang Wanru doesn't need her permission to sell the house.

Lin Jixin comes from an ordinary family and was a college classmate of Tang Wanru. The two fell in love on their own.

Grandpa Tang did not object, but he made them sign a prenuptial agreement.

All of Tang Wanru's family property, whether before or after the marriage, belongs to her personally.

Even within the Tang family business, she only held the title of president; all the company's shares were in the hands of Tang Wanru and Tang Ran.

"Mommy?"

Tang Ran came out of the house and overheard their conversation.

She was just as surprised.

Tang Wanru was much kinder to her daughter, explaining, "We can't owe the Song family anything."

It was only after learning that her daughter was with Song Zhixu that Tang Wanru sold the shop without hesitation.

An unequal marriage will not be happy either.

*

Snap!

Ye Xiaoyu was slapped hard and knocked to the ground.

She covered her face, her eyes filled with fear.

"Wow, Ye Xiaoyu, I never knew you were so good at flattering and getting into bed."

Sun Jiaojiao leaned down and grabbed her collar, a cold smile playing on her lips as she questioned, "When did you tell Song Wuqi that I was the one who found out about Ning Hao?"

She spent money to find out the information, and when she told Ye Xiaoyu about it, Ye Xiaoyu promised her that she would mention to Song Wuqi that she was the one who found out the information.

Such a huge favor, even if Song Wuqi didn't know about it, he would at least call her to thank her.

As a result, she waited and waited, only to receive news that the acquisition had failed and that Song Wuqi had canceled the cooperation with Sheng Tang.

She couldn't understand why Song Wuqi, instead of being grateful, would hold a grudge against her and cancel the cooperation between the Song family and Sheng Tang. She had meant well but had done something wrong.

It wasn't until Sun Xiao showed her the bed photos of Ye Xiaoyu and Song Wuqi that Sun Jiaojiao understood.

She was tricked by Ye Xiaoyu.

If Ye Xiaoyu hadn't initially revealed that she was the one who found out about Ning Hao, Song Wuqi naturally wouldn't have thanked her.

Ye Xiaoyu stole her credit.

After the acquisition failed, Ye Xiaoyu told Song Wuqi that she had discovered the information.

The blame for the inaccurate information was naturally shifted onto Sun Jiaojiao.

Song Wuqi might even misunderstand her because of her conflict with Tang Ran, thinking that she deliberately leaked false information.

This explains why Song Wuqi cancelled his cooperation with the Tang Dynasty.

Ye Xiaoyu opened her eyes wide in horror.

So much time has passed since then, she thought Sun Jiaojiao wouldn't find out.

"Use me as a raft?" Sun Jiaojiao patted Ye Xiaoyu's face and glanced at Ye Xiaoyu's house.

The exquisite decoration and the prime location in the North New District are prices that Ye Xiaoyu couldn't afford even if she worked her whole life.

Sun Jiaojiao's eyes suddenly turned fierce, and she raised her right hand high before slapping down hard again.

How dare you?!

His mouth was cut by his teeth, and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.

Ye Xiaoyu shook her head frantically, "No, I wouldn't dare."

Sun Jiaojiao scoffed, "You think that just because you slept with Song Wuqi, you can turn from a chicken into a phoenix and become a rich man's wife?"

She suddenly grabbed Ye Xiaoyu's hair and shoved it against the phone screen.

"Look for yourself, see how people are criticizing you online!"

Ye Xiaoyu's identity has been thoroughly exposed.

As a powerless and insignificant assistant, she got involved with her boss and had to endure far more criticism than Song Wuqi.

The terms used to criticize Ye Xiaoyu online, such as "mistress" and "gold digger," are considered relatively mild.

Sun Jiaojiao deliberately showed Ye Xiaoyu some vulgar language.

Ye Xiaoyu struggled to turn her head away.

Her resistance only fueled Sun Jiaojiao's excitement.

"Don't think that Song Wuqi will still care about you. The Song family has already fired you."

Ye Xiaoyu froze for a moment.

Song Wuqi told her that she should take a break for a while until the storm passed.

Seeing the astonishment in her eyes, Sun Jiaojiao sneered, "Just a plaything, and you actually think you're a person?"

*

Miao Tiantian only saw the online post in the morning, and she called Tang Ran.

She first shared the contents of the betting post with Tang Ran, and then told her that a large number of girls online wanted to get to know Tang Ran.

Besides Song Wuqi and Ye Xiaoyu, the two parties involved, Tang Ran, Song Wuqi's girlfriend, had her information inevitably exposed as well.

Tang Ran doesn't attend many public events; the only photos available online are those taken by the media when she attended a young entrepreneurs' exchange forum.

She wore a white mid-length pinstripe suit, a mustard yellow undershirt, and white trousers. Her features were delicate, and her long hair was as smooth as silk.

'Miss, call me!'

'My girlfriend is so beautiful, how could she cheat on me with her assistant? I can't accept Sister Li.'

'Goodness, Miss Song really needs to see an ophthalmologist.'

'After eating too much good food, do you just like to eat some bran for seasoning?'

'Are all rich people's tastes this unique?!'

"So, I think I can marry into a wealthy family too! Miss Song, look at me!"

'Your taste is quite unique, upstairs. If you're going to look for someone, you should look for someone like a young lady!'

I need all of this young lady's information within ten minutes!

"Look at me, miss! I have a sweet voice, a soft body, and I can't do the splits!"

'Me too! Look at me, sister!'

...

Miao Tiantian left a message for Tang Ran on the internet.

"Stop, stop, stop!" Tang Ran quickly called out to her, "Aren't you at work today?"

Miao Tiantian: "It's just in time right now."

"If you're okay, I'm busy. I'll hang up now."

"Hey, wait a minute," Miao Tiantian called out to her. "I have a friend who owns an internet technology company. Do you need help getting in touch with him?"

Judging from the online discussion, even more people will definitely try to dig into Tang Ran's past.

Miao Tiantian felt that she should prepare in advance.

Tang Ran: "Not needed for now."

Miao Tiantian sensed something was amiss.

"So that's why there's so little information about you online. Turns out you have a powerful figure helping you behind the scenes!" she teased.

"Yes, yes," Tang Ran asked her in return, "Who was that friend who fell down yesterday?"

"Hey? I have something to do, let's talk later."

Without waiting for Tang Ran's reply, he hung up the phone.

Tang Ran could guess that the friend from yesterday was most likely Murong Yi.

Miao Tiantian has a special feeling for Murong Yi.

In the past, when Miao Tiantian had girlfriends, she would always introduce them to Tang Ran openly and honestly, and there would never be a time like this where she beat around the bush.

Tang Ran was both happy and a little worried about Miao Tiantian's current state.

Miao Tiantian just didn't want to talk about it, and she couldn't force her.

After having lunch at home, Tang Ran returned to Shengming Mansion.

The online buzz hadn't died down, so she stopped going to work and let her company employees watch.

Around 5 p.m., the doorbell rang.

Tang Ran thought it was Song Wuqi again.

She ignored it, picked up her phone to call the housekeeper, wanting to ask if she hadn't deleted Song Wuqi's access control yet.

Just as Tang Ran unlocked her phone, Song Zhixu called, and she answered it.

"Isn't she home?"

"Did you ring the doorbell?" Tang Ran stood up and walked out.

"Hmm." Song Zhixu's voice was a little low.

"Why are you back so early? Are you going on another business trip?"

Tang Ran wondered if she was going on another business trip and was packing her bags when she came back.

"No." Song Zhixu paused for a moment. "I had some things to do outside this afternoon, but there was nothing else at the company, so I came straight back."

"Um."

Tang Ran walked to the entrance hall and saw Song Zhixu in the door camera, thinking of recording her fingerprint.

However, it had been so long that she couldn't quite remember how to register a new fingerprint on her smart door lock.

I'll look for the video after I finish eating.

Tang Ran opened the door and explained, "I thought it was Song Wuqi again."

"Hmm." Song Zhixu glanced at her before entering the room.

"What's wrong?" Tang Ran asked curiously.

"Nothing," Song Zhixu said casually as she changed her shoes. "What do you want to eat tonight?"

"Oh dear!" Tang Ran exclaimed, "I was so busy reading the report that I forgot to order food."

If Song Zhixu didn't have any social engagements in the evening, she would usually come to see Tang Ran. Tang Ran was also used to sending her a message at five o'clock to ask if she wanted to have dinner together.

I was too busy today and forgot about it.

Song Zhixu's expression relaxed slightly. "I'll do it. The restaurant in the mansion will be quick to serve the food."

"Alright."

Seeing that she was still wearing the same clothes she wore that morning, Tang Ran casually asked, "Didn't you go home first?"

Usually, when Song Zhixu comes to see her, he will go home and change his clothes first.

Song Zhixu stopped what she was doing and was about to put her shoes back on when she said, "Then I'll go back first..."

"Since you're already here, why don't you change here?" Tang Ran pulled her along.

Song Zhixu's suit is too form-fitting and uncomfortable. She should change into a looser outfit.

"Hmm." Song Zhixu took off her shoes again.

"You're acting strange today?" Tang Ran looked her over.

Song Zhixu looked up at her, pursed her lips, and then spoke, "Dad told me that Tang's doesn't need a loan anymore?"

"Yes, Mommy sold several shops in Chaoxi." Tang Ran nodded and walked towards the dressing room. "I'll go find you some clothes."

Tang Wanru thought she and Song Zhixu were really in love, but she didn't want to feel inferior to Song Zhixu because of the money Tang's family borrowed from Song's family.

Song Zhixu followed beside her, looking at her and asking, "Does Aunt Tang know about our plan?"

The shops on Chaoxi Street were Tang family ancestral properties. Tang Wanru was even willing to sell those shops because she genuinely didn't want to borrow money from the Song family.

“I told her, but I didn’t mention our agreement. I said that we like each other.”

Song Zhixu remembered something, "Last time you asked me how much I liked you? Were you saying that to Aunt Tang?"

"Yes, I told her you liked me but she didn't believe me, so I called you."

Hearing her say that, Song Zhixu guessed Tang Wanru's intention.

Tang Wanru is a good mother, but this decision makes Song Zhixu a little worried.

Tang Ran suddenly stopped and stared at Song Zhixu.

She couldn't quite put her finger on what was strange, but she felt that Song Zhixu was a bit off.

She frowned. "What happened? Has the online discussion gone out of control?"

"No, it's still in the plan."

The plan is still in progress, but there has been a slight deviation, though not online.

Song Zhixu hesitated for a moment and didn't say the question she originally wanted to ask.

She continued Tang Ran's words, "Some people have already focused on the cooperation between the Song and Tang families, probably someone Wu Qi found."

Song Wuqi is now hiring online trolls to deliberately spread rumors online, forcibly linking the cooperation and marriage between the two companies.

Once the general public has been brainwashed by this news, she deliberately spreads false information that the two families will cancel the engagement and that they have fallen out because of the engagement and are unlikely to cooperate again.

The central kitchen is a major investment project of Song's in the past two years. It is also a demonstration project for the government's new district development and a highlight for the new district to attract investment and build factories.

If rumors of discord between the two companies emerge at this time, potentially affecting cooperation and delaying the progress of the central kitchen project, not only will Song's stock be affected, but the government will also intervene to require Song to clarify the rumors.

Song Wuqi wanted to use public opinion and the government to put pressure on the Song family to continue her engagement with Tang Ran.

After discussing the online trends and progress, Song Zhixu looked at Tang Ran and tentatively asked, "Should we still proceed according to the original plan?"

"Hmm? You have other ideas?" Tang Ran asked subconsciously.

After asking her, she felt something was off.

A thought suddenly popped into my head.

Tang Ran looked at Song Zhixu suspiciously, "You don't want to get engaged anymore?"

“No,” Song Zhixu immediately denied.

"Then why did you ask whether it would proceed as originally planned?" Tang Ran frowned slightly, staring at her as if she didn't believe her.

She released Song Zhixu's hand, her voice turning cold.

"It's okay if you don't want to get engaged anymore. We're not really together anyway, so it's not too late to regret it now."

"That's not what I meant," Song Zhixu quickly pulled her back. "I just wanted to confirm with you again."

Tang Ran was willing to give it a try on the premise that Tang Ran felt the Tang family needed help.

Now that the Tang family no longer needs the Song family's loan, Song Zhixu is unsure whether Tang Ran will change her mind.

"What's there to confirm? Didn't we already agree on this?" Tang Ran pulled her hand back.

Song Zhixu did not loosen his grip, but instead held Tang Ran's hands tightly.

"Or do you not trust me and think I would go back on my word?" Tang Ran's face turned cold.

"No, that's not what I meant." Song Zhixu pursed her lips.

She considered how to start the conversation in a way that would neither provoke Tang Ran nor change her mind.

Pfft!

A soft laugh reached my ears.

Song Zhixu was surprised.

Tang Ran leaned closer to her, her eyes brimming with laughter, and asked mischievously, "Are you so afraid I'll change my mind?"

Song Zhixu paused for a moment, then instantly understood.

She narrowed her eyes slightly and wrapped her hand around Tang Ran's waist. "Was that on purpose just now?"

Song Zhixu's eyes were deep, and his gentle aura was replaced by an invisible pressure.

Sensing danger, Tang Ran instinctively retreated, but it was too late.

Tang Ran's lower back was firmly pressed against a warm palm, leaving her with nowhere to retreat.

"Oh, I was just joking." Tang Ran gave a sweet smile. "Don't be so petty, sister."

"Um."

Song Zhixu responded softly, but did not let go of her.

The arms around their waists were slightly drawn together, and the two were almost touching.

The air is filled with the delicate fragrance of white tea flowers.

Tang Ran swallowed nervously.

Sensing her subtle movements, Song Zhixu smiled faintly.

His light brown eyes gazed at her silently, his voice slightly hoarse, "You're not going to back out, are you?"