Having reached the main entrance, Du Dingshan paused and turned around with a smile. "Since President Qin doesn't welcome me, I certainly won't have the audacity to visit again! However, the doors of my office will always be open for you."

With a wave of his hand, he added, "I'm leaving," and strode away.

Once clear of the office building, Du Dingshan made a phone call, laughing heartily. "Director Zhao? This is Du Dingshan. A place I know just got a new batch of 'tea' today. They're all fresh, top-quality, and very young. Interested in coming for a taste?"

"Excellent, excellent. I'll get the food and drinks ready and await the honor of your arrival."

As he spoke, Du Dingshan's tone shifted abruptly. "Director Zhao, there's a piece of land on Nan Street where a pharmaceutical factory is being built. I'm concerned it might have quite a few environmental hazards. Do you think you could have them halt operations for three months for rectification?"

"Thank you, thank you! Have a great time tonight, make sure you enjoy yourself to the fullest!"

Less than half an hour after Du Dingshan left the Qin Corporation, a cease-and-desist order was delivered directly to Qin Qiu's office.

Staring at the document on her desk, which began with bold red characters, Qin Qiu clenched her fists, her face deathly pale.

Soon, silent tears streamed down her cheeks. A sense of powerlessness and grievance surged from the depths of her heart, spreading to every corner of her being.

She appeared strong, but in reality, she was only feigning strength. After Qin Donglai left, if she didn't step up, who would? She was truly exhausted. Many times, Qin Qiu genuinely wished she could just fall asleep and never wake up.

After a long while, she wiped the tears from her eyes.

Taking two deep breaths, she pulled out her phone to make a call. Forcing a smile, she said, "Director Zhao? This is Qin Qiu from the Qin Corporation. About my new factory…"

She was cut off before she could finish. "Rectify it. Come see me in three months!"

Without waiting for a response, the man hung up.

CLATTER!

The phone slipped from her grasp, falling to the floor.

Qin Qiu buried her head in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. All the grievances she had endured since Qin Donglai's departure erupted in that moment, pouring out as tears.

Why? Why does fate have to torment me again and again? Does it want to push me to my death before it's satisfied?

Outside the office, Zhang Xiaowen leaned weakly against the wall, clutching a file as she sighed helplessly. "The chairman is so kind. Why does she have to suffer so many hardships? Oh, heavens, where is your fairness?"

「Meanwhile.」

The news that the new factory had been ordered to halt operations for a three-month rectification period swept through the Qin Corporation instantly. A palpable sense of despair filled the air. The employees, who had just been full of hope for the future, now looked as if their spirits had been completely drained, leaving them utterly disheartened. The Qin Corporation was truly plagued by misfortune.

「…」

As evening approached, Chen Yang arrived in Lingjin City. The group of three went their separate ways.

When Chen Yang got back to the villa, it was just in time for dinner. Luo Sulan, Qin Song, Qin Qiu, and Qin Mo were all there, but the atmosphere was heavy.

"Honey, I'm home!" Chen Yang shouted as he walked in.

Qin Qiu responded flatly, "Come and eat."

"Honey, I bought you a gift. See if you like it," Chen Yang said with a playful grin, placing a delicate pink box in front of Qin Qiu.

She opened it to find a blue bracelet. A faint smile touched her lips. "I like it. That was thoughtful of you."

"Thoughtful? What good is that?" Luo Sulan sneered, her face stern. "The company is on the verge of collapse, and you, a grown man, are busy with these little trinkets. You really are as useless as you are classless!"

"Mom, Chen Yang was away for two days and brought me back a gift. Isn't that thoughtful? Why must you turn everything into an issue?" Qin Qiu retorted, exasperated.

"You…"

Luo Sulan's face turned livid, but before she could finish, Chen Yang asked in a serious tone, "Honey, what happened with the company?"

"It's nothing," Qin Qiu said, waving her hand. "Let's just eat." Overwhelmed with frustration, she didn't want to talk anymore. Besides, what good would telling Chen Yang do?

"The new pharmaceutical plant was ordered to suspend operations for a three-month rectification," Qin Song spoke up.

Chen Yang frowned. "That's obviously sabotage," he said bluntly.

"You think we don't know that?" Qin Song scoffed before briefly recounting Du Dingshan's threats and demands.

After hearing the story, Chen Yang exploded with anger. "That bastard has some nerve!"

"What's the use of shouting at us?" Qin Song jeered. "If you were actually capable, you'd go find Du Dingshan or that Director Zhao and get them to let the Qin Corporation off the hook. If you can't, then shut your damn mouth!"

"Rely on him? Hah!" Luo Sulan scoffed, shaking her head. "If he had that kind of ability, would he have married into our Qin Family to live off a woman? This matter still falls to you, Qin Song!"

Luo Sulan patted Qin Song's shoulder, her expression shifting to a warm smile. "You mentioned your father has connections in the Urban Department. Please ask him to pull some strings. Whatever gifts need to be given, whoever needs to be entertained—as long as the issue is resolved, no cost is too great."

"Don't worry, Godmother. I've already spoken to my dad. He's going to call in some favors tomorrow. It shouldn't be a major problem," Qin Song replied with a nod and a smile.

Luo Sulan's face brimmed with eager expectation. The Qin Family had no one else to rely on. Now, all her hopes were pinned on Qin Song.

Chen Yang tried to comfort Qin Qiu. "Honey, don't worry too much. I have a few friends who are quite capable. They might be able to find a solution."

Qin Song curled his lip, sneering inwardly. Director Zhao? You expect him to show you face? This whole thing involves Du Dingshan, a titan of the pharmaceutical industry. To be blunt, in all of Lingjin City, you could count the number of people who could solve this on one hand. That's why Du Dingshan is so certain, so confident he has Qin Qiu right where he wants her.

Qin Qiu just nodded, clearly not putting much stock in Chen Yang's words. She stood up to leave. "You guys eat. I'm going to bed."

A pang of heartache shot through Chen Yang, and his appetite vanished.

He stepped outside the villa, lit a cigarette, and dialed Yang Hu's number. "Help me find a man named Zhao Liqiang. He's some kind of director. I need to see him now!"

"Give me five minutes, Boss."

Chen Yang smoked in silence, his eyes flickering with a cold light. He could tell Qin Qiu had been crying for a long time; her eyes were swollen. A fierce, murderous intent emanated from him.

In less than five minutes, Yang Hu called back. "Found him. He's on Yangguan Avenue, probably driving. I'm close by, I'll go intercept him!"

"I'll be there soon."

Chen Yang stubbed out his cigarette, jumped into the van, and sped off into the night.

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