Chapter 158 How have you been these past six months?
The phone was casually tossed to Jiang Xingyao by Jin Qingyu. She checked all the contacts inside and out but couldn't find anything wrong with it.
Over the next few days, Jiang Xingyao visited each of the elderly members of the Qu family she remembered.
Most of those people were my grandfather's confidants. Although many of them had left the Qu family because of Qu Xinting, they did not make things difficult for Jiang Xingyao when she came to visit.
However, Jiang Xingyao still didn't get any useful information from these people.
She herself had a general idea of the situation. Even Old Master Qin couldn't give her a clear answer about the traitor's whereabouts, so finding any clues wouldn't be easy.
After seeing off the last old shareholder of the Qu family at Bixiao Tower, Jiang Xingyao unexpectedly ran into Zhou Huaiyan, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
The man was standing in the corridor answering his phone when their eyes met. Zhou Huaiyan took the initiative to come up and greet him: "Yaoyao, I heard you were back a long time ago. I didn't expect to run into you here."
"Logically, I should have visited Brother Huaiyan a long time ago, but I've been too busy lately and haven't been able to find the time," Jiang Xingyao explained. She then tentatively asked, "I heard you're cooperating with the Jiang family. Is it because of my mother?"
Jiang Xingyao had overheard some of the things that happened between the Zhou and Jiang families in Qu Xinting's office, and she went straight to the point and asked them about it.
“My mom may indeed have some connection with Uncle Zhou, but you should know her current personality. The Jiang family is a nuisance, and now Jin Qingyu has also gotten involved. It’s time to get out of there, Huaiyan.” Jiang Xingyao earnestly advised again.
Regardless of how well Zhou Huaiyan treated her, everything Qu Xinting did was creating value for Jiang Yuncheng and supporting the entire Jiang family. Jiang Xingyao did not want Qu Xinting to use her relationship with Zhou Keyuan to climb up the Zhou family and leech off them.
She had been manipulated by Jiang Yuncheng for too long and knew all too well how shameless he was. Now that Zhou Huaiyan had opened this door, she would only face their endless entanglement.
Zhou Huaiyan said, "Thank you for your advice and for considering my feelings, but I'm afraid I can't agree to your request this time."
"Why? You should know that the Jiang family is a trap right now. Their new product launch is nowhere in sight. This dragging on won't benefit the Zhou family at all."
"Besides, given the Zhou family's current status, they probably wouldn't even look at the Jiang family's small project," Jiang Xingyao said.
Zhou Huaiyan helplessly shrugged and shifted his feet, exposing the private room behind him to Jiang Xingyao.
Through the half-open door, Jiang Xingyao saw Qu Xinting inside, talking to Zhou Keyuan. Zhou Keyuan had a clear smile on his face, making it obvious that he was in a very good mood.
Zhou Huaiyan said, "As you can see, my uncle searched for so many years before finally finding Aunt Qu."
"Just consider it as a way to make the old lady happy. Taking out a little money to please Aunt Qu is nothing; the Zhou family isn't short of money anyway."
Jiang Xingyao felt extremely uncomfortable that Zhou Huaiyan, who always claimed to prioritize profit, suddenly started acting on emotion.
Zhou Huaiyan continued, "Yaoyao, I appreciate your kindness, but don't worry, I've always known what I'm doing."
This won't affect our relationship. No matter how it ends, you'll always be my dear little sister.
His gaze passed over Jiang Xingyao's head and landed on Zhou Keyuan, who was chatting happily with Qu Xinting. His eyes were deep and serious.
Since finding Qu Xinting, Uncle's health has improved a lot, not to mention his mood.
It's impossible to make his uncle forget Aunt Qu.
Isn't Jiang Xingyao his eternal little sister?
"But my mother's heart is still with the Jiang family. Even for Uncle Zhou's sake, Brother Huaiyan, you still..."
“I know what I’m doing,” Zhou Huaiyan said. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Keep my phone number. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can contact me directly.”
Jiang Xingyao really felt that Zhou Huaiyan didn't need to compromise so much for Qu Xinting, but now that the other party had made up his mind, she really couldn't persuade him any further.
Just then, Zhou Keyuan, who was inside the house, saw Jiang Xingyao. He called out loudly for his daughter, Xinxin, which drew Qu Xinting's attention.
Qu Xinting lowered her head and said something to Zhou Keyuan, then walked directly towards Jiang Xingyao. She pushed past Zhou Huaiyan and said, "What is it again? What are you trying to do, haunting me like this? Jiang Xingyao, I'm warning you, stop gossiping in front of Huaiyan and don't delay my business."
Jiang Xingyao felt annoyed by Qu Xinting's snobbish appearance. She took out the bank card that Qu Xinting had given her from her bag: "I don't want your money. You can keep this. After all, it's not a long-term solution to suck blood from the Zhou family. Your project might fail any day."
Qu Xinting showed no anger upon hearing Jiang Xingyao's words; instead, she smiled and said, "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. My project is sure to be a great success."
As for this card, it's not from me. It's a fund your maternal grandfather set aside for you, managed since you were born. It should have around 80 million now. If you don't want it, I'll invest it in my project.
As Qu Xinting was speaking, she tried to put the card into her bag, but Jiang Xingyao snatched it away, saying, "This is something my grandfather gave me. You're not qualified to touch it."
Qu Xinting shrugged, not bothering to argue with Jiang Xingyao over the card. She said, "If there's nothing else, let's go. Don't keep us from having dinner."
Jiang Xingyao had already said everything she needed to say, and she was too lazy to waste any more words with Qu Xinting.
After Jiang Xingyao left, Qu Xinting finally dropped her arrogance, her eyes still seeming to be slightly moist.
Zhou Huaiyan said, "Aunt Qu, Yaoyao has always cared about you, so why do you always push her away?"
Tell her your plan; I'm sure she'll help you. Why make your mother-daughter relationship as strained as enemies?
Qu Xinting leaned against the wall, her expression full of pain. She murmured softly, "I'm so sorry to her. How can I face her before I get her grandfather's things back?"
Zhou Huaiyan had a vague understanding of what happened between her and Jiang Yuncheng. He wanted to say that it wasn't Qu Xinting's fault, but before he could even offer words of comfort, Qu Xinting had already composed herself and called Zhou Huaiyan back into the private room.
Jiang Yuncheng didn't trust her at all.
Even though she made an excuse to get Jiang Yuncheng to agree to come out and discuss business with her, he kept calling her and repeatedly told her to come pick her up.
Qu Xinting had to arrange everything before Jiang Yuncheng arrived.
Autumn in the capital is often rainy.
When Jiang Xingyao came out of Bixiao Tower, it was drizzling outside. She hadn't brought an umbrella today and was planning to wait for the rain to stop before leaving. But then a large umbrella was placed over her head. It was Jin Qingyu.
"What are you doing here?" Jiang Xingyao asked.
Jin Qingyu could tell what she was thinking just by looking at her wary eyes. He said, "I heard Zhou Huaiyan is here."
“I’ve met him. He won’t withdraw from the Jiang family’s project.” Jiang Xingyao immediately guessed his purpose and pointed it out directly.
Jin Qingyu frowned slightly and didn't bring up the topic again: "Have you eaten? Come with me to get something to eat?"
He sought out Zhou Huaiyan hoping to avoid some trouble, but now it seems unnecessary.
"No, thank you," Jiang Xingyao said. The reason she could talk to Jin Qingyu calmly here was because they temporarily shared a common goal.
She didn't think she could have dinner at the same table as Jin Qingyu for this reason.
"Then I'll take you back?" Jin Qingyu said again.
Jiang Xingyao refused again: "Ride-hailing apps are quite convenient now, so there's no need to trouble President Jin."
As she spoke, she looked down and fiddled with the ride-hailing app. Jin Qingyu looked at her serious profile and asked in a somewhat ambiguous tone, "How have you been these past six months?"
Jiang Xingyao paused slightly, then called a car. She glanced at Jin Qingyu and said, "It's fine."
The question rolled over in his throat again and again before Jin Qingyu finally asked, "Is it because you got rid of me?"
His voice was hoarse and somewhat hesitant. He held the umbrella above her head, enough to completely cover her.
Most of his shoulders were exposed to the rain, the raindrops hitting his shoulders and soaking into his suit, leaving dark spots, making even the air seem thick and sticky.
Jiang Xingyao met his dark eyes and nodded slightly.
The air was completely silent, with only the faint sound of rain. Jin Qingyu tugged at the corners of his mouth, a self-deprecating smile appearing on his face.
Sure enough, as long as she could get rid of him, she would feel at ease.
She clearly said that he had brought this humiliation upon himself.
But he seemed to be ill; even though he knew there was no good outcome, he would still try again and again to attract her attention with clumsy and ridiculous means.
The taxi arrived quickly, and Jiang Xingyao ran into the rain without saying a word.
Assistant Xu then brought over a blanket and draped it over Jin Qingyu's shoulders: "Mr. Jin, the doctor specifically said that you shouldn't go out on rainy days."
Jin Qingyu waved his hand: "Go back."
"Then tonight..."
“Let’s go to the hotel,” Jin Qingyu said.
During this period, he waited for Madam Rongyue downstairs at the hotel every night.
The other party has consistently refused to see him.
He also refrained from using any other methods, which was an apology on behalf of Yao Yao; he dared not act recklessly.
"Judging by the weather, it's going to rain tonight, and Madam Rongyue may not be able to see you today. How about we do it tomorrow..."
"Since you're asking for a favor, you should at least show sincerity. No need to say more, I know my own body, I'll go as usual today," Jin Qingyu said.
Jin Qingyu's attitude was firm, and Assistant Xu didn't dare to persuade him further, so he drove the car in front of him.
No sooner had the two left than a Porsche pulled up in front of the hotel. Jiang Yuncheng got out of the car and scrambled into the hotel, his face showing obvious anxiety.
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