Chapter 325: 324 Happy Mid-Autumn Festival (1 more)

Translator: 549690339

After breakfast.

Song Zhizhi went to work.

Luo Xiaolang was waiting for her in the garage.

The car headed towards Commercial Management.

“Yin Qin was at our house last night.” said Song Zhizhi.

Luo Xiaolang responded with an “Oh.”

“He was drunk.” Song Zhizhi looked at Luo Xiaolang.

Luo Xiaolang remained expressionless.

Song Zhizhi, feeling helpless, asked, “Have you decided when you are leaving?”

“Not yet.” Luo Xiaolang replied.

Because he felt a little reluctant to leave.

And she had no idea how much longer she would live.

Song Zhizhi didn’t ask any more questions.

The car arrived at Commercial Management.

Song Zhizhi walked towards her office.

Just as she pushed the door open.

She paused for a moment.

Song Zhizhi looked around.

Jun Mingyu was sitting on the couch in her office, the corner of his mouth carrying a smile.

“Mr. Jun, why are you here so early? Is there something you need?” Song Zhizhi politely asked with a smile.

“Please excuse my intrusion. I promise this visit will be of importance.”

“You’re being too polite, Mr. Jun.” Song Zhizhi turned around to make him some tea.

“I came here intentionally today, because of the project.” Jun Mingyu stood up from the couch, receiving the tea from Song Zhizhi.

“Please, go on, Mr. Jun.”

“You mentioned yesterday that the villagers of Jinghe Village were maliciously obstructing the progress of the project. I spent last night thinking about it, and I think we should go to the site again to assess the situation. Of course, involving local officials would surely quell the situation, but I would prefer not to resort to coercion. I would like to understand the concerns of the locals again.”

“So what you’re suggesting is?”

“Miss Song, would you be willing to accompany me?” Jun Mingyu directly asked.

Song Zhizhi paused for a moment, then slowly laughed, “Mr. Jun, while I am fully responsible for this project, I can’t just take a leave of absence so casually to travel to Jinghe Village. It’s not a trip that we can make and return from in just a day or two.”

“Don’t worry about that, I have already spoken with Mr. Ye Wenhan about this. He agreed.”

Song Zhizhi bit her lip.

Jun Mingyu was definitely cunning. He seemed to have already thought of all possible refusals she might have.

She laughed, “Since everything has already been arranged by Mr. Jun, I’d be happy to accompany you to Jinghe Village.”

“We will leave first thing tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

“I should not disturb you any further from your work. Please excuse me.” Jun Mingyu placed his teacup back on the table.

Song Zhizhi accompanied him to the door, “Take care, Mr. Jun.”

Jun Mingyu gave a slight nod.

After Jun Mingyu left.

Song Zhizhi’s expression slightly changed.

What is Jun Mingyu up to?!

Asking her to travel to Jinghe Village at this very moment!

She returned to her chair in the office, somewhat thoughtful.

There were knocks on the office door.

Zhang He entered after knocking, “Manager Song, Manager Zhan asked you to come to his office.”

Song Zhizhi nodded.

She got up from her seat and walked towards Zhan Song’s office.

In the office, besides Zhan Song, Chu Qin was also present.

Chu Qin did not give Song Zhizhi a single glance. His hostility towards her was clear. Ever since Ye Wenhan took over as the helmsman, Chu Qin’s superiority complex became inexplicably stronger.

“Sit.” Zhan Song said to Song Zhizhi.

Song Zhizhi sat opposite Zhan Song, next to Chu Qin.

Zhan Song said, “Mr. Ye just informed me that you’re going to Jinghe Village again with the third young master of the official family?”

“I just found out myself.” Song Zhizhi replied.

“How long will you be gone?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You don’t know how long you’ll be gone?” Chu Qin interrupted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Not sure.” Song Zhizhi responded to Chu Qin, “Negotiating with the villagers isn’t a matter of a day or two.”

“So, Manager Song, you mean that if things don’t go well, you won’t be coming back?”

“Manager Chu, are you hoping that I don’t come back?”

“Song Zhizhi, what are you on about? I’m just making an inference based on what you said!” Chu Qin did not hide his hostility.

Song Zhizhi gave a cold laugh, then spoke to Zhan Song, “Manager Zhan, it should not take too long. After all, going with the third young master of the official family will surely expedite the process.”

“Hmm.” Zhan Song nodded, and said, “You don’t need to feel pressured. Mr. Ye already mentioned that during your absence, the responsibilities of your project will temporarily be handled by Manager Chu. ”

Song Zhizhi turned her gaze to Chu Qin.

Looking at the triumphant expression on Chu Qin’s face.

Ye Wenhan really knows when to seize an opportunity.

She smiled and said, “Okay, I will hand over the project to Manager Chu later.”

“I appreciate your efforts.” Said Zhan Song.

“If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave first.” Song Zhizhi stood up.

Chu Qin also stood up.

Zhan Song nodded.

Song Zhizhi and Chu Qin left Zhan Song’s office together.

Chu Qin coldly said to Song Zhizhi as he walked next to her, “Song Zhizhi, how much longer do you think your happiness will last?”

Song Zhizhi turned her head, “That depends on how much longer you can live.”

“Still so tough!” Chu Qin scoffed.

“Manager Chu, do you need me to hand over my work to you?” Song Zhizhi raised an eyebrow.

He didn’t feel like arguing with her at that moment.

“No need, it’s just a bit of work. You needn’t instruct me.”

“In that case, I’ll return to my office.” Song Zhizhi turned around and left.

Chu Qin watched Song Zhizhi’s retreating figure.

This time, he’s determined to drive Song Zhizhi out!

Song Zhizhi had just returned to her office.

Her phone rang. It was Song Shan.

“Dad.”

“Come up.”

“Yes.”

Song Zhizhi headed directly for Song Shan’s office.

Song Zhidao was also present.

Song Shan directly asked, “You’re going to Jinghe Village? With Jun Mingyu?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve handed over your work to Chu Qin?”

“Yes.”

“What’s Ye Wenhan’s motive? ” Song Shan looked a bit cold.

“To get me out of the way so someone else can replace me.” Song Zhizhi understood.

“As expected, Ye Wenhan wants to retaliate against us.” Song Shan’s face grew grave, “I knew Ye Wenhan would take revenge on us!”

Song Zhizhi nodded.

“Have you thought about what to do next? Will there be any danger on this trip?” Song Shan asked worriedly.

“I believe my safety will be assured when traveling with the third young master of the official family.”

“That’s good to know.” Song Shan breathed a sigh of relief.

“Dad, I think Ye Wenhan won’t make a move on you at this moment, he has just taken over the Commercial Management and would not create internal discord intentionally, he’ll probably make his move in one or two years. So dad, you don’t need to worry too much now, as long as they don’t find any evidence against us, we are temporarily safe.”

“You said ‘temporarily’.”

“As for what lies ahead, we can figure it out slowly, there will always be a way to deal with it.”

“Uh-huh.” Song Shan did not have much to say.

Under the current scenario, nobody can predict what will happen in the end, so sometimes, it’s best to wait in silence.

“By the way, keep Ziming close; I ultimately feel uneasy about him being so far away.”

Song Zhizhi hesitated slightly, thought for a moment, “Alright, but you must take good care of yourself, dad.”

“I know, it’s relatively safe in Jin City. It was mainly because of Nie Wenzhi that I got a bit scared back then. In fact, there shouldn’t be any significant danger. I feel more at ease if you keep Wei Ziming around.”

Song Zhizhi nodded, “I will leave tomorrow. There are still some matters that I need to explain to my subordinates. I’m going out now.”

“Uh-huh.”

Song Zhizhi left Song Shan’s office.

After Song Shan watched his daughter leave, he picked up the phone to make a call.

He said, “My daughter has decided to go to Jinghe Village.”

“It’s better if she’s not around.” The other side said, “The instructions from above are clear, this time the target is Ji Baijian.”

“I don’t quite understand. Ji Baijian is just a businessman, why bother going after him? He could continue to be our financial platform in the future, have you even thought about it?” Song Shan’s face sank.

“Originally we had all planned like that, but now as per the new circumstances, the higher-ups have directed us specifically to target Ji Baijian. Song Shan, you know how unstable the current situation is too, no one knows what might happen tomorrow. The most important thing now is to protect ourselves. Since the higher-ups have ordered us to target Ji Baijian, our only choice is to execute.” The person on the other side said, “We are all brothers of the Song Family, we don’t want to harm our familial bond either. Now that Zhizhi is not around, it’s even better, or else do you want your daughter to blame you?”

“I am not satisfied with just obediently following orders from above to target Ji Baijian without any explanation, even though they clearly know that Ji Baijian is my son-in-law.”

“Song Shan, don’t get upset. When has the higher-ups ever given a reason for making us do certain things? Besides, haven’t we also received countless benefits over these years? You look at how you are seated securely in your position as a diplomat, and how I was able to secure my position as a prosecutor, weren’t all of these made possible due to the help of the higher-ups? You think about it, if not for Ye Taiting’s sudden emergence of a son, wouldn’t you now be the helmsman for the Commercial Management?” Song Wen persuaded, “We must always look at the bigger picture after all. Someday, our Song family will be powerful enough to block out heaven in Yanshang Country! At least half the sky. Even if we have to kill relatives for righteousness now, so what?”

Song Shan was still not quite pleased.

Song Wen went on, “Don’t be angry anymore! The higher-ups told me that your son, Song Zhidao, is handsome and extremely talented. They’re planning to betroth him to the fifth and most favored daughter of the official family. Just think about how much honor this would bring! Even Song Zhijun can’t enjoy such a blessing, you should be more open-minded!”

“Are the higher-ups really saying this?” Song Shan’s face brightened, but he was a little incredulous.

“Definitely.” Song Wen replied, “The fifth Miss of the official family is 18 years old this year, which is a good age match for Zhidao. They say that after dealing with the matter of Ji Baijian, they would arrange for the two to spend more time together. Song Shan, the hope for our Song family to shine and prosper now lies on you, you must not cause any trouble.”

“Look at what you’re saying, if you hadn’t been developing in the political sphere all these years, how could we have managed to have an inside-outside strategy! Any future developments that I have would definitely not be without your contribution!”

“I certainly have no doubts about our brothers’ affection, as the eldest brother I fear that you might be led into a dead-end. Now that the official family is even willing to marry their daughter to your son, it’s clear that they consider us one of their own. If you act according to the wishes of the higher-ups, what would we of the Song Family have to worry about in terms of gaining a foothold?”

“I’ll listen to you.” Song Shan stopped entangling about it.

“That’s the way. I’ll tell you what to do when the time comes.”

“Ok.”

Song Shan hung up the phone.

He seemed to be in a good mood.

He looked at his son.

Song Zhidao stared back at his father and said frankly, “Dad, I think you shouldn’t go along with Uncle Song’s arrangements.”

Song Shan’s brow furrowed.

“No matter what, your underhanded dealings against Ji Baijian while keeping Zhizhi in the dark is simply wrong.” Song Zhidao said with righteousness.

“Song Zhidao!” Song Shan said, “The reason I keep many things from your sister is because I don’t want her to get too involved. You should be able to see how dark things really are by now.”

Ever since Song Zhidao left university to be by his side, Song Shan began personally cultivating him.

He revealed the dealings he had kept hidden for many years, as well as the secret collaboration he maintained with Song Wen under a façade of discord. He let his son know everything.

After all, everything will be given to Song Zhidao in the future, he needed to polish him in advance.

“But sister has always been making sacrifices for this family. You keep these things from her, don’t you feel guilty?”

“Your sister is indeed more capable than I thought, but ultimately, your sister is a woman, and women aren’t really able to participate in the real political structure.”

“To put it bluntly, you just don’t trust my sister!”

“I don’t mistrust your sister; it’s just that as a woman, she can’t possibly shoulder the great responsibility of our Song Family…”

“So, you still despise women!”

“It’s not that I despise them, women just can’t compare to men! Look at the whole of Yanshang Country, or even the whole world, how many leaders are women? How many women can stand out and take on major responsibilities? It is a historical fact, and it’s not that I’m looking down on women!” Song Shan argued heatedly, “But Song Zhidao, if we succeed, all the glory and wealth, your sister can share it as well, what’s not good about that for her?”

“Right, you’re even planning on killing her husband, and you say that you’re being good to her?” Song Zhidao spoke sarcastically.

“Enough, Song Zhidao! I know that you have good feelings towards your sister, but a man, a man who wants to achieve great things mustn’t focus on trivial matters!”

“No, it’s not about ignoring minor differences, it’s about being unscrupulous.” Song Zhidao sneered.

Song Shan glared at his son with an unpleasant face.

Song Zhidao didn’t care and continued, “Saying you’re going to deal with your own son-in-law without reason. You obviously know that my sister and her husband have a good relationship.”

“Song Zhidao, I called you here to help me, not to question my way of doing things! Everything I do now is for our Song Family, for you!”

“You’re doing it for yourself, for the rights and status you want!” Song Zhidao stated bluntly, “What does that have to do with me? Don’t make it sound so righteous and noble, I don’t care at all!”

“Song Zhidao!” Song Shan’s face was incredibly grim.

“If one day my sister finds out that you killed Ji Baijian, you can explain it to her yourself.”

“If you don’t tell her, she won’t know.” Song Shan was certain.

“My sister isn’t stupid!” Song Zhidao emphasized each word, “I hope one day my sister won’t hate you, won’t hate you for the rest of her life!”

Song Zhidao threw down these words and stormed out.

Song Shan watched his son, fuming.

Everything he did was for the Song family, he was right!

Song Zhizhi assigned tasks to her subordinates for the day’s work.

She got off work early.

Tomorrow she would have to leave Jin City again, going to a faraway place like Jinghe, leaving Ji Baijian behind.

She didn’t know how long she would be away this time.

Dealing with the people in Jinghe Village was no easy task, but clearly, she couldn’t shirk the responsibility.

She asked Luo Xiaolang to pick her up.

Luo Xiaolang seemed very silent.

Becoming more and more silent lately.

“Xiaolang, I’m going to Jinghe Village again tomorrow.” Song Zhizhi said.

Luo Xiaolang looked at her through the rearview mirror.

“I’ll have Brother Ziming accompany me, so you don’t have to follow me. But it’s possible, if you leave too quickly, I won’t be able to see you off.”

“I don’t need it.” Luo Xiaolang said, paused and added, “I’m sorry, Song Zhizhi.”

“Don’t say that, if it weren’t for you, I might have died in Beixia Country.” Song Zhizhi consoled.

She could tell that Luo Xiaolang was probably feeling guilty.

She said, “If you ever want to return to Wulin Temple and come back to Jin City, you can always come to me.”

Luo Xiaolang didn’t respond.

She knew she wouldn’t be coming back.

Song Zhizhi didn’t press her further, she changed the topic, “Can you drop me off at the supermarket outside the residential area?”

“Huh?” Luo Xiaolang looked confused.

“What for?”

“To buy some groceries.” Song Zhizhi smiled, “I plan to cook myself.”

“Are you going to cook?” Luo Xiaolang wanted to confirm.

“Yes.”

“Can you cook?” Luo Xiaolang seemed a bit surprised.

It seemed she had never seen Song Zhizhi cook before.

“No.” Song Zhizhi smiled, “But…”

She wanted to make someone happy for a while.

Luo Xiaolang didn’t ask more questions.

She looked at Song Zhizhi’s smile through the rearview mirror.

She didn’t actually know what she was smiling about.

But she always felt that her smile was very happy.

That undeniable kind, that made others feel she was enjoying life.

At that moment, Luo Xiaolang seemed to smile too.

She didn’t know what friendship was before.

Now, at this moment, she probably understood.

It’s… wanting someone who has no relation to you to live well.

That’s probably what friends are.