Chapter 12: Turning Danger into Safety

With the announcement of the contract from Rising Group, made public by Zhao Qing, the entire venue erupted into chaos.

“How is this possible?” Old Master Su was in disbelief, so shocked that his cane dropped onto the floor.

He had thought all along that the young master of the Ye family was orchestrating everything, and Su Rulan would surely suffer a humiliating fate. Yet, the outcome was entirely the opposite—Su Rulan had once again benefited unexpectedly.

“What is the Ye family’s young master thinking?” Uncle Su Zhengjun fumed, his beard bristling with rage.

“Is my brother-in-law not even as good as Su Rulan?” Su Yicai’s jealousy was palpable, veins bulging on his forehead. One contract was bad enough, but now there were two; it was simply unacceptable.

Su Weimin and Gao Yulan’s worry turned instantly to joy, unable to contain their ecstatic smiles.

With the two contracts combined, the amount of money they would receive was at least eight million, possibly close to ten million!

With such a sum, even if they didn’t become wildly successful, they would never want for food or clothing. How could the couple not be delighted, not be overjoyed?

Of course, the most stunned was Song Meili, standing off to the side.

At this moment, Song Meili’s face was blank with shock. She thought angrily that this wretched Su Rulan was turning her luck around, and she would not allow it!

Unwilling to accept the outcome, Song Meili protested, “Zhao Qing, isn’t there some mistake here? The terms of this contract are obviously problematic; it shouldn’t be valid.”

Zhao Qing, her expression grave, questioned sternly, “I would like to ask, why is Miss Su, the project leader appointed by the Ye family’s young master, kneeling on the floor?”

“I felt the contract needed revisions, so I came personally to suspend the project. Who would have thought Su Rulan couldn’t fill the gap?” Song Meili replied confidently.

Zhao Qing shifted her gaze, looked at Su Rulan on the ground, and then raised her hand, delivering a resounding slap across Song Meili’s face.

Caught off guard, Song Meili was knocked to the ground, her composure shattered.

“There is no problem with the contract. It was drafted exactly like this from the start. I may not know all the details, but both Tangren Group and Rising Group must comply with the chamber of commerce’s requirements, not your arbitrary decisions!” Zhao Qing’s actions were swift, and her words carried authority.

The sound of the slap echoed around, and everyone present was moved.

Song Meili held her burning cheek, subdued and unable to retort, her confidence utterly crushed, not daring even to utter a word.

“So, the contract with Tangren Group won’t be suspended?” Old Master Su gasped.

“Correct. Everything will proceed as usual.” Zhao Qing bent down, gently helped Su Rulan up, her brows showing remorse. “Miss Su, I’m truly sorry for all the trouble. This was our oversight.”

Su Rulan swallowed hard, hurriedly waved her hand, and said, “No, no, I should be thanking you. Why would I blame you?”

“No, it’s unacceptable for someone to be forced to kneel in public. I must see justice done for you, or else, if the chamber of commerce hears of this, how could I explain it?” Zhao Qing glanced sternly at Song Meili.

Song Meili held her breath. She understood Zhao Qing’s intent and was reluctant in every way.

But Zhao Qing’s stance was unmistakable, and Song Meili had indeed acted without authorization.

Left with no choice, Song Meili feigned an apology, then hurriedly left with her entourage, secretly vowing that this was not the end.

After Song Meili departed, Zhao Qing facilitated the signing of the second contract without delay.

Before leaving, Zhao Qing handed her business card personally to Su Rulan, assuring her that if Song Meili ever caused trouble again, she would be glad to help.

Su Rulan was deeply grateful, feeling as if she’d been aided by a benefactor. She was amazed—within just two days, she had secured two contracts. It was simply beyond belief.

Su Weimin and Gao Yulan were so happy they danced with joy, feeling as though they were floating.

“Haha! Two contracts in hand—we’ve turned things around. And just look at Song Meili’s expression just now; it was absolutely priceless,” Su Weimin exclaimed.

“The most priceless wasn’t Song Meili, but certain others, don’t you think?” Gao Yulan replied.

Old Master Su’s mouth twitched, his hands gripping his cane tightly. He wanted to curse viciously, but recalling the two contracts, he suddenly felt a chill—this could not be a coincidence!

Uncle Su Zhengjun felt an ominous premonition, his voice trembling, “Could it really have been arranged by that fool Ye Tianlin? One contract after another, just to slap us in the face again and again, to show us who the bride price is truly meant for.”

“Could it really be Tianlin’s doing?” Even Su Rulan was full of doubt at this moment.

“If this is true, we’ve hit the jackpot. I, Su Weimin, would become the Ye family’s young master’s father-in-law—wouldn’t that mean we’d rise to the top?” Su Weimin could not help but fantasize.

“If it were only one contract, it wouldn’t necessarily be tied to Ye Tianlin, but now there are two. Maybe there really is a connection.” Gao Yulan grew increasingly excited.

Old Master Su’s heart pounded wildly; his scalp tingled. If their suspicions were right, Ye Tianlin would never let the Su family off the hook. Even these two contracts amounted to a kind of retribution!

From beginning to end, they actually had little to do with the Su Company; the company could only covet from afar, unable to claim a single piece of the pie, and instead had to pay to assist in the project’s progress.

At this thought, Old Master Su’s blood pressure soared, feeling as if the sky were falling. Terrified, he said, “No, it can’t be, it can’t possibly be true.”

Uncle Su Zhengjun’s back was cold, sweat beading on his forehead, his voice quivering, “The bride price wasn’t meant for my daughter Yixue, but for Su Rulan. We even claimed it for ourselves—this is a disaster of the highest order!”