"And who are you?" Xu Haicong asked, settling into his seat with a flourish. He looked at Su Ke, who had been the first to greet him.
Su Ke nodded, his tone as fawning and subservient as ever. "I am Su Xiyang’s grandfather."
"Su Xiyang’s reckless actions have caused immense public pressure for Hong Hai Capital. As her grandfather, I am truly ashamed and guilty," he continued. "I am so sorry. It is my fault for not educating my granddaughter properly. I offer you my most sincere apologies."
Su Ke went on at length, his voice obsequious, bowing and scraping as he took the initiative to apologize to Xu Haicong.
Su Xiyang frowned, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. What is Su Ke even doing here? He always has to be the center of attention. Besides, this whole mess is Yuan Chong’s own damn fault. Making such a scene... one can only blame Hong Hai Capital for not vetting their people. How could they dare appoint someone with such severe moral deficiencies to an important position?
"Hmph." Xu Haicong snorted. It was obvious this major figure from Hong Hai Capital was extremely displeased by the scandal.
"How can you blame others for a problem you brought upon yourselves?" Su Xiyang scoffed, sitting down calmly across from Xu Haicong. "Speak," she said in a level voice. "What do you want with me?"
Her aura... how can it be even more commanding than his, the big boss of Hong Hai Capital? Anyone who didn’t know better might think she was the one reprimanding a subordinate.
"Su Xiyang, you probably haven’t realized the severity of the situation," Yuan Chong reminded her coldly. "No one who has ever crossed Hong Hai Capital has met a good end. You’d best pray."
Su Xiyang couldn’t be bothered to respond to Yuan Chong. That man is scum. Even acknowledging him would be a desecration of myself.
Xu Haicong remained silent, merely gesturing for a subordinate to pull out a newspaper and slap it down forcefully in front of Su Xiyang. "Boss Su, I’m very curious. How exactly did you manage this?"
"Logically, my PR team would have intervened the moment they detected any news detrimental to the company," he said. "But this time, our team was completely unable to get a handle on it."
Xu Haicong’s lips twisted into a humorless smile. "I’m wondering... is there some expert backing you? You, a mere woman, shouldn’t have been able to pull this off."
With her arms crossed, Su Xiyang challenged him, "What are you trying to say?"
"Tell the expert behind you to immediately withdraw the negative media campaign against Hong Hai Capital. Otherwise, I will retaliate to the bitter end. I’m giving you a chance now to resolve this yourself. You should cherish it."
Xu Haicong certainly had the aura of a powerful man. His gaze was like a sword, and he emanated an intimidating authority without even trying.
However, Su Xiyang picked up on a very interesting detail.
"Isn’t Hong Hai Capital touted as the top PR team in Capital City? If you’re so powerful, why not handle it yourselves?" she asked. "Instead, you’ve come all the way to Hangcheng City to negotiate with me... That hardly fits your company’s usual domineering style, does it?"
If they really had a way to handle this, they wouldn’t have bothered traveling all this way to Hangcheng. To put it bluntly, Hong Hai Capital is just a paper tiger. When faced with a truly tough opponent, all they can do is stare helplessly.
"That subordinate of yours, Yuan Chong, is condescending and contemptuous to everyone he speaks to," she continued. "I’m guessing that’s just your corporate culture. In other words, your entire company is filled with arrogant people who look down on everyone else. So why the sudden change to speaking so politely and amicably?"
Su Xiyang gave a knowing smile. "President Xu, a man of your stature shouldn’t be bothering with a small fry like me. As it happens, I’d like to see Hong Hai Capital’s formidable methods for myself. You should go back to where you came from. Once you’re back on your throne in Capital City, I’m sure a single word from you will make all this unfavorable news about Hong Hai Capital disappear, right?"
Xu Haicong and Yuan Chong were stunned into silence, completely blindsided by her remarks.
Su Ke was equally astonished. How did she become so sharp-tongued and confident? She’s facing down Xu Haicong from Capital City and not even breaking a sweat. Even though I can’t stand her, I have to admit, the Su Xiyang of today has undergone a complete transformation.
"Su Xiyang, don’t push your luck! I am giving you a chance! If you truly anger me, you’d better think carefully about the consequences you’ll have to bear!"
SLAM! Xu Haicong smashed his hand down on the coffee table, his face contorted with rage.
Seeing things escalate, Su Ke could no longer stay seated. This was one of the top bosses of Hong Hai Capital, after all. Offending such a prominent figure was not a wise move. If he were truly provoked, the entire Su Family could be dragged down with her.
"Su Xiyang, what nonsense are you spouting? Apologize to President Xu this instant!" Su Ke snapped. "If you apologize now, a magnanimous man like President Xu probably won’t make things difficult for you. I’m ordering you, apologize immediately!" He was one step away from physically forcing her head down in an apology.
"President Xu, she’s just a girl who doesn’t know any better. Please, don’t mind her, don’t mind her," Su Ke hurriedly placated Xu Haicong. He bowed and scraped the entire time, like a pathetic old dog.
Su Xiyang scoffed. "So, just because you act all high and mighty after doing something wrong, I’m supposed to indulge you? Oh, that’s right. You and Yuan Chong drove a young woman to her death, didn’t you? That’s something you should be held legally responsible for."
"I refuse to believe there’s no justice in this world. This time, you will not escape!" she declared. "I hope you and your subordinate rot in prison for the rest of your lives and never see the light of day again."
Yuan Chong flinched. How did the conversation take such a strange turn? She’s deliberately poking at a sore spot.
Xu Haicong hadn’t expected Su Xiyang to bring that up. His face twitched, visibly enraged. "Su Xiyang, are you hoping to follow in that girl’s footsteps?"
"I must admit, that girl was exquisite. Even after all this time, I still occasionally recall the feeling of my fingers on her skin. A pity she was too drunk to cooperate," Xu Haicong added with a sigh of mock regret.
A chill ran through Su Xiyang, and a profound wave of disgust washed over her.
He destroyed a young woman in the prime of her life, and not only does he feel no guilt, he even boasts about it from time to time. This... this is monstrous! Utterly depraved and arrogant!
"Su Xiyang, I’m giving you one last chance. Otherwise, your fate will be far worse than hers! Don’t mistake my words for an empty threat. I do what I say!"
A sinister smile spread across Xu Haicong’s face as his gaze roamed shamelessly over Su Xiyang’s body.