CHAPTER 131: CHAPTER 131: DEMANDING EQUITY BY ONE’S SIDE

Tianyao Group’s management was so strict that Jian Xi simply couldn’t get close.

She sat in her car, waiting for over an hour, before she saw Luo You emerge, evidently being personally seen off by senior leadership. Their attitude was exceedingly respectful.

Jian Xi made a call to have someone investigate. Indeed, after Si Yuhuan returned to Haohan Group and dealt with Si Junyan, an invitation had been extended to Luo You to come back, but he had declined. His reason was poor health and the need for rest.

An idea formed in Jian Xi’s mind. Luo You might be disillusioned with Haohan Group due to Si Junyan’s insult and is considering switching companies.

This bombshell struck her, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Without Luo You, Haohan Group would be nothing but an empty shell. Lacking its core chip technology would be a fatal blow to a company renowned for its tech.

Si Junyan had truly caused a monumental disaster this time.

She had to step up her preparations. She absolutely couldn’t acquire an empty shell.

The detective also relayed another piece of information to Jian Xi. "Just as you suspected, Old Master Si had been taking mildly toxic medication for a continuous month before he fainted from anger."

A chill ran down Jian Xi’s spine; her suspicions were confirmed.

"Based on your theory," the detective continued, "we’ve scrutinized every servant in the Si family home. We found a gardener who prunes in the backyard and passes by the pavilion every day. A tree he planted emits a unique fragrance, a fruity, woody scent that Old Master Si was very fond of..."

"The tree is specially cultivated to be mildly poisonous. It has no adverse effects on an average person, but it is deadly to someone who has had heart surgery. It can provoke intense anger and cause their liver fire to flare severely in those with already weakened immune systems."

Grandfather was actually schemed against like this! Jian Xi thought. What a deep and insidious scheme! Jiang Qimeng is after Grandfather’s life!

Jian Xi clenched her fists tightly, her eyes bloodshot.

She transferred 500,000 to the detective as a service fee.

"Do me a favor," Jian Xi said. "And after it’s done, there will be a handsome reward."

「...」

「Huayuan Apartments.」

Jiang Qimeng returned home beaming. She immediately instructed someone to draw her bath, preparing to pamper herself with a beauty soak.

Lately, she had been testing drugs for Sernosen, a process that had nearly cost her life. Today, seeing Old Master Si react to her provocations made her lips curl into a smirk.

"Old Master Si," she muttered, "don’t blame me for being ruthless. You deserve to die for only doting on Jian Xi."

No sooner had her words faded than her phone rang.

Upon answering, a voice on the other end sneered, "Cruel enough, and utterly ruthless. To think you’d destroy your own body for a man."

"Cut the crap," Jiang Qimeng retorted. "Is everything I asked for ready?"

"Rest assured, one hundred million has already been transferred to your designated account, Miss Jiang. Our cooperation has always been pleasant. However, there is one more thing we hope you can help us with."

"Help you again?" Jiang Qimeng was fuming. "I already did what you asked! I managed to make Luo You leave in anger—he was the technical core of Haohan Group! Without him, Haohan Group will be skinned alive! Don’t be too greedy, or you’ll meet a nasty end."

"Miss Jiang, why say such things? We’re all in the same boat. If we go down, do you think you’ll fare any better? Or perhaps I should tell everyone how many men you slept with during those years you were away from Si Yuhuan to become the original internet celebrity?"

"You bastard!" Jiang Qimeng trembled with rage.

"HA HA HA! Harmony breeds wealth. It’s all Si Yuhuan’s fault you’ve lived so miserably. He said he’d protect you, but didn’t he fail you? So, there’s nothing wrong with you seeking wealth now; you’re just planning for your future. The predatory Jian Xi certainly won’t make things easy for you. Don’t forget, she’s carrying..."

"Speak. What else do you want me to do?" Jiang Qimeng took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and conceded.

"Simple. Get your hands on the five percent of shares Si Junyan holds as soon as possible."

"Fine."

After hanging up, Jiang Qimeng viciously kicked the bathwater, splashing it onto her face. Her eyes were red with anger.

"Damn it! All of you deserve to die!" she seethed.

She changed her clothes and went to see Si Junyan. Coincidentally, Si Junyan also wanted to see her.

"Dream Sister, Grandfather fainted because I angered him. How could I be so reckless? What did the doctor say? How are you feeling? When will Sernosen perform surgery on him?" Si Junyan asked anxiously.

He’s so useless, Jiang Qimeng inwardly sneered. Unable to even secure Haohan Group, yet she had to put on a smile to comfort him. "Don’t worry, everything is fine. It shouldn’t be long before Sernosen operates on Grandfather. I just tested the drug today, and he was very satisfied."

I should have made the poison stronger, enough to kill the old man with sheer anger, she thought regretfully.

"But you look very pale, Dream Sister," Si Junyan noted with concern.

"COUGH COUGH COUGH—" Jiang Qimeng feigned a few coughs, making Si Junyan’s heart ache with distress.

"I know you’re doing all this for me, Dream Sister. I should be the one testing the drugs, I should be the one to atone, but..."

Jiang Qimeng placed her fingertips on his lips. "Junyan, don’t say such things. Why be so formal with me? Besides, this is what I should do. If I hadn’t failed to stop you, Grandfather wouldn’t have fainted. I can accept Yuhan ignoring and punishing me for it."

She gave a pitiful smile. "Someone like me isn’t worthy of sympathy anyway. You, on the other hand, must be very uncomfortable, having never suffered such hardships before."

"Dream Sister, you’re so good to me." Adoration filled Si Junyan’s eyes as he gazed at Jiang Qimeng.

"I recently joined Haohan Group," Jiang Qimeng began, "and I must say, its operational system is truly vast. I’m suddenly filled with admiration for how you and your brother manage such a large family business. It’s just..." She trailed off, waiting for the opportune moment.

Si Junyan took the bait. "What’s wrong, Dream Sister? Is someone bullying you?"

"Jian Xi," Jiang Qimeng said with a troubled expression, "is using Grandfather’s controlling interest in the shares to constantly pressure me, making things very difficult."

"That bitch!" Si Junyan exclaimed, furious.

Jiang Qimeng continued her manipulation. "If only I had some shares..." She looked meaningfully at Si Junyan.

Now it was Si Junyan’s turn to look troubled. "Dream Sister, I do have shares, but..." He frowned deeply. The Si family has a rule: without Grandfather’s permission, no one else can touch the shares. Jian Xi was an exception... why can’t Dream Sister be one too?

"It’s okay," Jiang Qimeng said softly. "I’m not asking for your shares, it’s just..."

"Dream Sister, I’ll prepare the contract," Si Junyan interrupted decisively. "Come sign it in three days."

"Really?" Jiang Qimeng’s pretty face lit up with surprise and joy.

Seeing her happiness, Si Junyan felt happy too. "Yes."

After Jiang Qimeng left, she wiped the feigned tears from the corners of her eyes, her dismissive expression returning.

Whatever I, Jiang Qimeng, want, I will get, she vowed silently. Just you wait, Jian Xi. Once I get those shares, you’ll be the first one I deal with.

She now needed to find Sernosen and ensure he operated on Old Master Si as soon as possible.

As her car merged into traffic, someone suddenly rushed out and blocked her path.

Seeing the person, Jiang Qimeng’s pupils constricted slightly.

BANG BANG BANG! The person knocked on her car window.

"Miss Jiang, surely you haven’t forgotten me?"

She unlocked the door. "Get in."

The gardener hurriedly climbed into the passenger seat.