Chapter 240: 238: The Disgusting White Lotus

Translator: 549690339

Song Zhizhi left Ji Baijian’s place and returned to the Song family manor.

It’S been 5 days since she returned.

During these 5 days, Ji Baijian neither gave her a call nor came to see her. Their relationship seemed to have entered a frosty phase.

Song Zhizhi didn’t go to work for these 5 days, thinking that Ji Baijian might look for her. If they were to divorce, there would still be many procedures to follow.

However, Ji Baijian did not make a sound.

Song Zhizhi was lying on the couch in the Song family’s manor, looking at her phone.

The negative news about her had gradually died down in the last few days. She felt somewhat grateful for the engagement news of Ji Baili and Xin Zaozao. Currently, the whole Yanshang Country was buzzing about their marriage. It seemed like everyone was paying attention to the union of the two great consortia.

Song Zhizhi also watched the news as a way to kill boredom.

From the media reports, she felt Xin Zaozao and Ji Baili were a match. Xin Zaozao was genuinely radiating happiness in front of Ji Baili. However… perhaps her deep-rooted impression of Xin Zaozao from her previous life was affecting her perception. Xin Zaozao was dominant, imposing, and courageous. In Yanshang Country, whenever someone thought of a strong woman, Xin Zaozao would be the first to come to mind. Song Zhizhi was having a bit of trouble getting used to the idea of Xin Zaozao having a man in her life. It seemed as if no man was worthy of her, as if Xin Zaozao should always stand alone, shining with brilliance and strength.

Song Zhizhi thought perhaps there indeed was much difference between her past life and this one.

In her past life, she didn’t love Ji Baijian, yet in this life, she found herself deeply in love with him, didn’t she?

Her delicate fingers continued flipping through the recent news to pass time.

Not only to kill time, but given the current situation where Qin Jingxiang had set her up, even though she felt a bit overwhelmed, she couldn’t afford to collapse. She was well aware that it was a crucial period for her father. She had a lot to do and she needed to stay in the loop with the recent developments in Yanshang Country.

While she was looking at her phone, another piece of news popped up on the screen.

“Qin Jingxiang discharged from the hospital today. Her body is unharmed, but her hands are still unable to function normally.”

Song Zhizhi calmly opened up the news.

The news reported that Qin Jingxiang was finally discharged today. Her physical condition seemed good, and her spirits were high, but her hands were heavily bandaged. She couldn’t even eat properly, let alone use a keyboard. There was a picture of Qin Jingxiang being assisted by her father as they left the hospital. She was smiling, still appearing harmless and likable.

Song Zhizhi stared at the screen unfazed.

She read Qin Jingxiang’s statement on the news, saying she doesn’t blame Song Zhizhi, and that her seemingly irrational behavior was a result of her emotional upheaval. She mentioned that she was always cautious about her physical condition, which she never shared with the public. Any water temperature above 50 degrees would cause her harm, the higher the more damage. She always took great care in her daily life and never had a conflict with anyone, and there was a profound sense of guilt in her for causing an accident. She felt guilty about not being able to contribute to the IT project in S Country.

With the release of the news, the public attention was once again focused on it.

What was previously a forgotten piece of news was now back on hot search trend.

Song Zhizhi sneered.

If Qin Jingxiang really felt guilty, she wouldn’t have appeared on media and let the news trend again. Her deliberate actions were clearly aimed at pushing Song Zhizhi into the public eye. Didn’t the people of Yanshang Country possess even a bit of intellect?

She was looking at those comments full of blind sympathy for Qin Jingxiang and vitriol against her…

She looked for a while.

Fine then.

She admitted that she was beginning to lose her patience.

Just when she was about to switch off the phone, a call came in.

She picked it up, “Hello, father.”

Song Shan said, “Get ready, I will pick you up soon. Master Ye has invited us to his residence. ” “Is it about the S Country project?” Song Zhizhi asked.

“He didn’t say. But the project is starting tomorrow. So, I guess it’s about that,” Song Shan replied.

“Alright, got it.”

Song Zhizhi hung up the phone.

In these 5 days since she returned, her relationship with her father improved.

Her father was indeed furious on the day of the incident, and he had spoken some harsh words. But he felt guilty afterward.

But there was no long-running grudge between father and daughter. The next day she returned, her father treated her as usual, and the incident was forgotten.

She got up, went to her room, got changed quickly, put on some makeup, and waited at the door with Luo Xiaolang.

In less than ten minutes, Wei Ziming and Song Shan arrived at the main entrance.

Song Zhizhi and Luo Xiaolang got in the car.

Song Shan said, “I just got a call from Master Ye asking us to go his place. I suppose it’S about the project.”

“Hmm,” she responded.

Song Shan sighed, “It seems Master Ye still hasn’t given up on this project.”

“So, how’s the project going?”

“The team has been confirmed and gone through a series of training. The process went smoothly to the best of my ability. But as for technical matters, there’s nothing I can do to guarantee success. So, we can only leave everything to fate,” Song Shan replied with a touch of helplessness.

Song Zhizhi nodded.

Indeed, the chances of success seemed little.

The car quickly arrived at the destination.

Song Zhizhi and Song Shan got out of the car.

The moment they got out, they saw Qin Wenguo’s car parked in the garage.

Song Shan and Song Zhizhi exchanged a glance, didn’t say anything, and followed the servant of Ye Taiting’s villa into the hall.

Sure enough, Qin Wenguo was in the hall.

Not only Qin Wenguo, but also Qin Jingxiang. Both were sitting on the sofa, apparently waiting for them.

As the chief diplomat, Song Shan was used to dealing with people. He did not show too much emotion at this moment, and went up to Qin Wenguo with warm greetings, “Oh, Mr. Qin, you’re here too.”

Qin Wenguo responded in an equally friendly manner, “Mr. Song, I have to admit, this was my idea. I asked Master Ye to invite you. You are leaving for S country tomorrow, and regardless of the outcome, there are some things I have to say in front of Master Ye. It was supposed to be a good project, but look what it turned into because of my family…”

“You’re being too harsh on yourself. This incident is not your fault,” replied Song Shan in a courteous manner. “No one could have anticipated this.” “Ah…” Qin Wenguo let out a heavy sigh.

Meanwhile.

Ye Taiting and Qian Guanshu came downstairs.

Ye Taiting’s physical condition still appeared somewhat poor and his complexion was not too good. He was slowly moving down the stairs with the help of Qian Guanshu. Everyone respectfully waited for him.

After a while, a somewhat breathless Ye Taiting appeared. He said, “I invited you here today not to berate anyone. It’s to see off Song Shan. I have arranged a banquet as well. We can talk while having dinner.”

“Thank you, Master Ye.” Song Shan quickly replied.

Qin Wenguo echoed the thanks.

So, everyone went to the luxurious dining hall in Ye Taiting•s villa.

It was a large room with a single, extravagant mahogany round table. The six individuals sat around it, which felt a bit spacious.

The dining table was filled with a variety of dishes, showing that quite some preparation had gone into it.

The table was quiet. Ye Taiting didn’t pick up his chopsticks, and no one else dared to make a move without him starting.

Song Zhizhi quietly observed Ye Taiting. It seemed his health was deteriorating quickly, even worse than the last time she saw him.

so.

Could it truly be the end of an era?

But the situation within the Commercial Management Corporation is still so unclear.

She always felt that with the wisdom of Ye Taiting, it would be impossible for this inheritance dispute to turn so chaotic, causing heavy damages to each contender.

And yet, now, it seems as though Ye Taiting is deliberately letting them battle each other relentlessly.

Is this approach good for the Commercial Management Corporation’s future?

Those who can become one of the top four leaders are all exceptionally capable. If one or two were to be lost due to this inheritance dispute, would it not be the corporation’s loss? Or could it be that old Ye expects his death to cause disturbances, so he planned to settle everything ahead of time, allowing the successor to smoothly take over?

Song Zhizhi was somewhat perplexed.

She realized that many things can only be solved after they really happen and any preparation in advance would be of no use here.

Because she does not know how things will develop next.

Aside from Ye Taiting, it is likely that none of the people present know.

Song Zhizhi’s eyes moved slightly.

She looked at Qin Jingxiang, who was sitting diagonally opposite her.

Qin Jingxiang’s gaze seemed to stay on her all the time. When she looked back at this moment, their eyes met.

The evident delight in Qin Jingxiang’s eyes was unhidden.

This look of the victor, silly to cover up.

Song Zhizhi laughed.

She admitted that she fell this time, but it was not enough to make her so angry.

So at this moment, she appeared very calm and smiled beautifully.

Of course, Qin Jingxiang knew that Song Zhizhi was putting on an act, but she didn’t care. She knew what Song Zhizhi was going through, and that was enough.

Actually, concerning who will take over the Commercial Management Corporation, she doesn’t really care. She doesn’t think the leader of such an organization is that important, but because Song Zhizhi cares, because Song Zhizhi wishes her father to sit in that position, she finds it important.

Whatever Song Zhizhi wanted, she must take it away from her.

And that includes, Ji Baijian!

“No need to be formal, let’S eat.” Ye Taiting broke the silence.

Onlv after Ye Taitinz had picked up his chopsticks did evervone else follow suit and bezan eatinz quietly.

The large turntable in the center of the table kept rotating; everybody ate very seriously, no one said a word.

Ye Taiting started talking as if idly chatting at home: “Young Miss Qin, just tell the servant what you want to eat, don’t hold back. Apart from this hot pot, I’ve had the servants test temperatures of all other dishes; they’re all under 50 degrees, so you can eat without worries.”

At this moment, Qin Jingxiang had a servant feeding her because of her hand injury.

“Thank you, elder Ye, I won’t hold back,” Qin Jingxiang replied, smiling sweetly. Facing Ye Taiting, she did not bear any nervousness, and instead, spoke with a coy tone, “These days in the hospital, my father was afraid that my hand would scar, so he served me plain porridge every day. I feel like my mouth has lost all taste. Thanks to your wonderful dinner today, I wish I could devour everything in one go.”

“Ha ha ha,” the old man Ye was amused, “then eat more.”

“Okay.” Qin Jingxiang responded, her laughter radiant.

At that moment, Qin Wenguo chimed in, “Jingxiang may look petite, but she’S quite the food lover. She has been complaining about not getting good food these past few days, so now she’s finally satisfied. It saves me from the continuous nagging.”

“Father,” Qin Jingxiang pretended to be angry, “I am a lady, let’S not talk about being a food lover.” “Ha, ha,” Qin Wenguo shook his head, his face full of indulgence.

Ye Taiting said, “Being able to eat is a blessing. I wish I could still eat more now, but after a few bites, I can’t taste anything. Don’t worry about me. Continue eating.”

With that, Ye Taiting really put down his bowl and chopsticks.

Sitting next to him, Qian Guanshu quickly served him a bowl of soup, “Mr. Ye, have some soup, it’s good for your health.”

“Leave it, I’ll drink it later.” Ye Taiting seemed to have no appetite, Qian Guanshu didn’t say anything else.

Ye Taiting said to Song Shan, “We are heading to S Country tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Song Shan appeared very respectful, he wiped his mouth and quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks, facing Ye Taiting.

“You eat, no need to be so serious.”

“I’ve also mostly finished eating.” Song Shan said, “I had a big breakfast, so I’m not very hungry.”

Ye Taiting nodded, and said, “Don’t feel too much pressure. Although trade with S Country is important for us, we originally lacked development in the IT industry. It’s impossible to pretend to be bigger than we are. You should just approach it with a calm mindset.” “Thank you, Mr. Ye, I will still do my best.” Song Shan made his position clear.

Mr. Ye lightly smiled.

Qin Wenguo said apologetically, “It’s our fault too. If my daughter hadn’t had the accident, we may have been able to contribute more.”

“It was my fault.” Qin Jingxiang also hurriedly said, “I shouldn’t have provoked Song Zhizhi that day. I shouldn’t have told Song Zhizhi about my past relationship with Ji Baijian. I thought that would bring us closer. I thought we could be friends as our parents are friends. I didn’t realize that Song Zhizhi would care so much about my past with Ji Baijian…

Qin Jingxiang, all of a sudden feeling guilty and remorseful, her pitiful appearance could make anyone feel heartbroken.

Song Zhizhi simply watched her.

Watching as she seemed to be so distraught that her eyes turned red, her voice even choked up as she said, “I really wanted to go abroad with Uncle Song and contribute what I can. But my hand now…

As she spoke, tears came out.

Song Zhizhi couldn’t understand, why these women could cry at the drop of a hat.

Nie Xiaofei was one, Nie Wenzhi was another, and now even Qin Jingxiang was the same.

She put down her chopsticks, wiped the corners of her mouth, “Miss Qin, you should watch your health. You just got out of the hospital, don’t hurt your body again.”

Qin Jingxiang was watching Song Zhizhi.

She didn’t expect that this woman, even under such false accusations, could still maintain such calm poise. She was indeed no easy opponent.

Song Zhizhi said, “Our conflict… I also find it strange. You and Ji Baijian have had nothing between you, why would I care? Ji Baijian once told me that she didn’t even know your last name was Qin, your interactions were just normal socializing between friends, what am I caring about really?”

Qin Jingxiang was looking at Song Zhizhi, “Is that what Brother Baijian told you? If he said so, let’s just assume that’s the case.”

Her tone was clearly deliberately misleading.

“Actually, everything else isn’t that important. I’m just very curious, Miss Qin, knowing that you shouldn’t touch water above 50 degrees, why would you always carry a bottle of nearly 100-degree boiling water with you? Are you planning to disfigure yourself at any time?” Song Zhizhi asked, with great concern.

Qin Jingxiang’s face changed slightly at that moment.

Perhaps she didn’t expect Song Zhizhi to be so sharp at this time.

But Song Zhizhi was indeed right. Knowing that the thing in your hand is dangerous for you, why would you keep it close?

Oin Jinzxianz said, “That wasn’t mv water bottle.”

“Could it be mine?” Song Zhizhi raised an eyebrow.

“No.” Qin Jingxiang seemed to lack confidence under Song Zhizhi’s questioning, she spoke softly, “I attended a project meeting hosted by Uncle Song, and the girl sitting next to me had a water bottle that looked just like mine, I don’t know how I got them mixed up, I didn’t even realized it…” Indeed, she had prepared an excuse for everything.

Fortunately, she didn’t challenge them on this, otherwise the media might just come up with more wild stories about her!

She said, “I see, I was actually wondering.”

“Zhizhi, I never meant to blame you at all, instead I feel very bad that you had to face the reporters and the media’s random speculations. I tried to explain to the media, but the more I tried to enforce it, the murkier it seemed to become.” Qin Jingxiang looked truly sorry, “Zhizhi, please don’t blame me..”