Xia Xue's words were firm and resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.
Qin Weishan wanted to subdue her, so she was imprisoned and tortured for eight years, but this only made her more indestructible.
If this is how they react to the young, handsome, and powerful Qin Weishan, how much more so to Shu Xiaoping, who is slightly overweight and has a shiny bald head?
Secretary Gao's expression was complex, a mixture of hatred and disappointment. She said sarcastically, "You're truly hopeless. President Shu gave you a chance, but you didn't know how to seize it. Do you even know how many people dream of gaining President Shu's favor?"
Xia Xue's anger subtly surfaced, her tone revealing an undeniable resolve: "I've said it before, other things can be discussed, but this is absolutely impossible. Please, President Shu, give up on this idea as soon as possible."
Witnessing Xia Xue's resolute determination, Shu Xiaoping's lips curled into a playful smile, his words carrying a deeper meaning: "Is Chairman Xia so chaste because of that good-for-nothing husband?"
Xia Xue responded angrily, her words icy: "President Shu, please watch your words. My brother Tian is not a good-for-nothing. He is incomparable and irreplaceable."
"Ha!" Secretary Gao scoffed, full of disdain and regret: "A pitiful and foolish person, actually giving up the entire forest to guard a useless man."
Just then, a caring gaze fell upon them from inside the restaurant lobby.
Ma Ming had witnessed everything. Seeing Xia Xue's anger, he quietly stepped forward and asked in a warm voice, "Miss Xia, do you need my help?"
Xia Xue gently shook her head, her eyes sparkling with gratitude: "I appreciate Manager Ma's kindness."
Ma Ming then turned to Shu Xiaoping with a scrutinizing gaze, his tone questioning: "Old Shu, tell me what exactly is going on?"
Shu Xiaoping feigned ease, his laughter tinged with a hint of nonchalance: "Old Ma, don't talk to me like that. I know you've got your eye on this woman..."
"Enough!" Ma Ming suddenly interrupted sternly, his tone full of righteous indignation: "I have nothing but respect for Miss Xia. What I admire even more is the pure emotion between her and Mr. Wu, which is untainted by any impurity."
He was well aware of the subtle yet strong bond between Wu Tian and Xia Xue, and naturally dared not harbor any improper thoughts towards Xia Xue.
However, Shu Xiaoping actually dared to utter such frivolous words in front of Xia Xue. How could he easily swallow such an offense?
Shu Xiaoping, however, seemed completely unaware of the impending storm. His face froze for a moment, but he quickly regained his calm and composed demeanor.
He patted Ma Ming's shoulder lightly and said with a half-smile, "I've seen many simps, but I've never seen one like you, licking her useless husband along with her."
"Smack!"
Ma Ming raised his hand and slapped Shu Xiaoping hard across the face, the air jolting.
Shu Xiaoping was stunned and pale, never expecting that Ma Ming would disregard their years of friendship and attack him for the sake of being called a "good-for-nothing".
Enraged, he roared, "Ma Ming, you...you're really something, daring to touch me! From this day forward, I sever all ties with you!"
Ma Ming remained unmoved by Shu Xiaoping's threat. His gaze was sharp as he coldly replied, "Shu Xiaoping, this slap is a warning to you. Mr. Wu is someone you cannot afford to offend; otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable."
"Haha!" Shu Xiaoping's laughter was sharp and full of sarcasm. "The consequences are unimaginable? Do you think everyone is a sycophant like you?"
In his eyes, Wu Tian was nothing but a spineless coward who lived off women, how could he possibly be someone he couldn't afford to offend?
Moreover, he knew that Xia Xue urgently needed this contract, so even though Xia Xue disliked his request, she still didn't dare to get angry with him.
Therefore, he believed that Xia Xue was completely under his control, and Wu Tian would at most only vent his anger on Secretary Gao.
Seeing that Shu Xiaoping was stubborn and unrepentant, Ma Ming was angry at his lack of determination, but he had no choice but to warn him again: "Shu Xiaoping, I only spoke up to persuade you because of our past friendship, but if you insist on going your own way, you will only be digging your own grave."
After saying that, he turned to Xia Xue, his tone gentle yet firm: "Miss Xia, whenever you have any needs, including getting rid of these scumbags, I will do my best."
Ma Ming's intention was self-evident: with just one word from Xia Xue, he would not hesitate to make Shu Xiaoping pay the price he deserved.
Although Xia Xue hated Shu Xiaoping's disgusting face, she had no intention of breaking off relations.
She said to Ma Ming with gratitude, "Thank you for your kindness, Manager Ma, but we don't need any help here for the time being."
Then, she turned gracefully, looked directly at Shu Xiaoping with piercing eyes, and said in a tone that was neither humble nor arrogant: "President Shu, the Xia Group does indeed very much want to cooperate with your company, but if the conditions are like that, our company does not need this cooperation!"
These words not only clearly demonstrated his stance but also seemed to contain a hidden edge, serving as a subtle warning to Shu Xiaoping.
However, Shu Xiaoping ignored this, a playful smile playing on his lips. He slowly approached Xia Xue, his voice laced with threat: "In that case, the contract is cancelled. However... I can still give you another chance. I hope you'll consider it carefully..."
He changed the subject abruptly, his hand unconsciously touching Xia Xue's waist.
Xia Xue reacted as if struck by lightning, her eyes narrowed sharply, and she was filled with rage. Without hesitation, she slapped him hard across the face. The crisp sound echoed in the quiet space, leaving a clear mark on Shu Xiaoping's fat face.
"You... dare... hit me?" Shu Xiaoping was shocked and furious, like a wild beast whose dignity had been trampled on.
Xia Xue's expression was cold and stern, and her words were clear: "If President Shu knows proper etiquette, I will treat him with courtesy; otherwise, I will defend myself with my actions."
"Hmph!" Shu Xiaoping laughed angrily, his threat evident in his words, "You surnamed Xia, do you understand the consequences of offending me?"
After saying that, he was about to make a move against Xia Xue, but was interrupted by a cold voice.
"Shu Xiaoping, if you dare to disrespect Miss Xia, ask me first!" Ma Ming stepped forward, gripped Shu Xiaoping's wrist tightly, his gaze sharp as a knife, his aura intimidating.
Shu Xiaoping was stunned by this sudden turn of events. It took him a moment to come to his senses. He glared at Ma Ming and roared, "Ma Ming, you hit me, fine, but now you're helping this woman?"
Ma Ming stood firm: "Miss Xia is a distinguished guest of our restaurant, and it is our duty to protect her."
Just as the atmosphere was about to become tense, a deep and powerful voice pierced through everything, carrying an unquestionable authority: "My wife is naturally under my protection, and as for those who displease her, I will settle accounts with them one by one."
Upon hearing this, the entire hall seemed to be covered by an invisible layer of ice, the chilling atmosphere making people's hearts tremble.
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