Chapter 68: The Old Lady Kneels

Crash! Old Lady Su and the others were dragged out of the banquet hall and thrown to the ground, covered in dust from head to toe. In that instant, everything they had carefully built was completely destroyed. This time, Zhou Liran had thoroughly disgraced them—there would be no way for them to remain in Jiangcheng after this.

"Hello, President Li, please, let me explain! I’m really not that kind of person. Just now, Chairman Zhou was only—"

Su Shifeng had barely struggled to his feet when he received a call from the biggest client of his business empire, who immediately announced the termination of their partnership. Before he could even hang up, several more clients and suppliers from other companies called in quick succession, all eager to break their contracts with him.

In less than five minutes, every business under his name was on the brink of bankruptcy. After all, in Jiangcheng, offending Zhou Liran meant a terrible fate.

These business partners had already caught wind that Su Shifeng had crossed the Liran Group. Even those who were willing to overlook his sordid personal life now dared not do business with him.

With a dull thud, Su Shifeng slumped to the ground in utter despair after ending his calls. Never could he have imagined he would one day fall so low.

Old Lady Su, her hair disheveled, was also plunged into the depths of hopelessness. Yet she had no idea that all of this was orchestrated from behind the scenes by Lin Feng! The worse she treated Su Qingxue, the more tragic her ultimate end would be.

"Grandmother, it really wasn’t me. You have to believe me! I was tricked by Zhou Liran. I know it—this must have been Lin Feng’s sabotage. Lin Feng and Zhou Liran must have plotted this together. Grandmother, you must avenge me!"

Su Shifeng clung to the ground, tears streaming down his face as he pleaded his case to Old Lady Su.

She gave a bitter laugh, shaking her head in despair. "What’s the point of explaining now? Aside from the bank under Su Qingxue’s name, every Su family enterprise is bankrupt. Even if I wanted to help, I no longer have the means."

"Mother, I don’t think it’s hopeless yet—"

Suddenly, Liu Farong’s eyes widened as she had a flash of inspiration. "Though we lost this time, we still have Su Qingxue’s three billion. With that money, I’m certain Shifeng can rebuild everything!"

"Three billion? That’s right—why didn’t I think of that?" Old Lady Su’s eyes lit up as realization dawned. Turning urgently to Su Shifeng, she said, "Shifeng, quickly, you must give the three billion back to Qingxue. As long as we return the money to her, there’s hope for our recovery."

"Grandmother, have you lost your senses? At a time like this, you want me to give the money back to Su Qingxue?" Su Shifeng thought he had misheard. After a moment of shock, he hastily protested, "If we give her the money, there really will be no chance for us to rise again!"

"What do you know?" Old Lady Su’s expression turned cold, a chilling gleam in her eyes as she explained icily, "As long as the green hills remain, we need not fear for firewood. Even if we hold onto that three billion, who in Jiangcheng would cooperate with us now? How could we come back?"

"In business, reputation is everything. If we return the money to Qingxue and speak kindly to her, I believe she’ll help us. If she’s willing to appeal to the Liran Group on our behalf, we can restore our reputation."

"Then, we’ll have a real chance to turn things around."

"This…" Su Shifeng’s blood surged with hope, but when it came to actually surrendering the money, he faltered and hesitated. It was always easy to accept money, but parting with it—that was another story.

Slap! Before he could respond, Old Lady Su smacked him fiercely on the head. "What are you waiting for? Do as I say, immediately!"

"Yes, Grandmother, I understand…" Su Shifeng replied, stifling his resentment. He could never have predicted things would come to this. Now, there was no choice but to seek out Su Qingxue.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please wait! Thank you all for your gracious company today. When I have the chance, I’ll be sure to invite you to visit my own estate as my guests."

At that moment, Su Qingxue and Lin Feng emerged from the Liran Group, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. Zhou Liran personally escorted them out. After Su Qingxue had collected business cards from the city’s elite and bid everyone farewell, Zhou Liran approached her with a smile. "President Su, I apologize for not telling you about my plan in advance. The truth is, all of this was Mr. Lin’s idea. He wanted to give you a surprise."

"I understand, Chairman Zhou. In fact, I guessed as much when I went on stage. Regardless, this opportunity means so much to me. I should be the one thanking you for giving me such a chance," Su Qingxue replied humbly, to Zhou Liran’s evident satisfaction.

After she said her goodbyes to Zhou Liran, Lin Feng led her to the parking lot, preparing to leave. Su Qingxue had just stepped into the car when someone suddenly grabbed her ankle. She turned to find Su Shifeng sprawled on the ground, holding out a card to her, his eyes full of desperate sincerity.

"Su Shifeng? What are you doing?" Su Qingxue asked coldly.

"Qingxue, I beg you, save me. All my businesses are going bankrupt. Here—this is the three billion Grandmother owed you, please take it. I only ask that you speak to Chairman Zhou for us, help us restore our reputation."

"I really know I was wrong. Please, for the sake of our family, help us this once," Su Shifeng pleaded, knocking his head repeatedly on the ground before her.

Seeing him so pitiful, Su Qingxue’s innate compassion was stirred once more. She gently tugged at Lin Feng’s sleeve and whispered, "Lin Feng, look… could we maybe…?"

"Qingxue, he brought this upon himself. Even if you save him this time, he’ll only turn on you again. There’s no need to help," Lin Feng refused bluntly.

"But…" Su Qingxue still hesitated, uncertain what to do. Just then, Old Lady Su and Liu Farong rushed over from afar.

With a dull thud, the two of them dropped to their knees before Su Qingxue. Tears in her eyes, Old Lady Su pleaded, "Qingxue, it was my fault. I know I was wrong—please, give me another chance."

"From now on, I promise I’ll never treat you badly again. You’re part of the Su family, you can’t just watch us fall into ruin."

"Grandmother, Mother, please get up!" Su Qingxue cried out, hurrying forward to help them to their feet. "We’re family. The Su family’s troubles are my troubles. I won’t stand by and do nothing."

"Really?" Old Lady Su’s demeanor changed instantly at those words. The tears vanished from her eyes, and she looked up at Su Qingxue, her face alight with hope.