Chapter Twenty: The Position of the Ultimate Victim Given to the Liu Family

“Mom, you must find Cheng Yuan and figure out a way to clear his name. Then we can work directly with him and save ourselves the trouble…”

After hanging up, Zhong Qing felt a mixture of doubt and worry.

Today, Shuguang Technology was clearly determined to finalize the contract—there was no more room for delay.

Yet her son’s words left her hesitant. After all, nothing had been confirmed; what if she missed the best opportunity to sign because of this?

Once the contract was signed, it would never be as simple as it was now.

Gripping the door handle of the reception room, Zhong Qing took a deep breath and stepped inside.

“Manager Zhong, how’s it going? Can we sign the contract now?”

“Sorry, Manager Wang, I still need to review the contract a bit more.”

“What else is there to see? The terms are clearly laid out in black and white.”

A flicker of unease flashed in Manager Wang’s eyes. Under Zhong Qing’s steady gaze, his confidence waned, tipping the scales in her favor.

“Is there a problem with the contract? Why have you been holding me back, Manager Wang?”

“What problem could there be? If you want to review it, go ahead. Just make your decision quickly.”

With a faint snort, Manager Wang quickly composed himself.

He had slipped in clauses that even seasoned businessmen might not notice at first glance. Besides, this wasn’t his first time pulling such a stunt—he was confident that even if Zhong Qing read through it again, she wouldn’t catch anything unusual.

Recalling her son’s words, Zhong Qing scrutinized the contract even more closely, growing increasingly alarmed.

If she had hesitated before, after reading the obscure and unfavorable clauses, her inner scales fully tipped against Shuguang Technology.

“Manager Zhong, have you finished reviewing? If you can’t decide, don’t block others.”

“Beining City has more than just the Jiang family interested in our Hero chip.”

Manager Wang’s impatience was tinged with anxiety. The higher-ups had instructed that the contract must be signed with the Jiang family; after all, no matter how many partners there were, none held the wealth and influence of the Jiangs.

Closing the file, Zhong Qing’s face remained composed, but she had already made up her mind.

“Your company’s Hero chip is truly exceptional, and the Jiang family is very interested in collaborating. However…”

“However what?”

“This cooperation requires me to consult with my husband back home.”

At once, Manager Wang’s expression darkened.

“Shuguang Technology is not a subsidiary of the Jiang family. Your company called us yesterday to sign the contract in person.”

“And now, Manager Zhong, your sudden change of heart is rather childish, as if you don’t respect us at Shuguang Technology.”

“Manager Wang, business is about give and take. Forced deals only harm a company’s reputation.”

Leaning back leisurely, Zhong Qing wore a playful expression.

Now was not the time to sever ties with Shuguang Technology—she didn’t want them to see through her intentions. After all, she had come to Linshui City alone this time.

“What do you mean, Manager Zhong? Do you look down on us at Shuguang Technology?”

“You misunderstand, Manager Wang. I just need a little more time.”

“Hmph. If the Jiang family has no intention to cooperate, then we won’t waste any more time.”

“Just remember, Manager Zhong, you might regret this decision. It won’t be so easy to sign later on, hmph!”

Manager Wang stood up in anger, but paused at the door to cast a meaningful glance back.

“I heard the Liu family in Beining has long been vying with the Jiang family for the title of richest. I wonder what they will achieve with the Hero chip?”

“I’m sure you’re looking forward to that, aren’t you, Manager Zhong?”

Zhong Qing cursed inwardly, then smiled to herself.

Whether Shuguang Technology had stolen others’ chip technology or not, anyone who signed this contract would be the biggest loser.

Over the years, the Liu family had been steadily closing in on the Jiang family, even poaching some of their business.

If the Liu family was to become the sacrificial lamb this time, Zhong Qing was more than willing to let them have it.

“Yes, I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Seeing Zhong Qing unmoved, Manager Wang cursed under his breath and left suspiciously.

Why had the contract, which seemed ready to be signed, suddenly been refused?

Back in the office, he immediately instructed his assistant,

“As soon as that woman Zhong Qing leaves, follow her immediately and see if she’s heading back to Beining City.”

Having built everything from scratch alongside Jiang Zhengguo, Zhong Qing was no ordinary figure. She played the part fully, buying a ticket, passing security, and waiting for the plane to take off before stepping out.

She then took out another phone and hailed a taxi to Yaoshui Town.

Meanwhile, after hanging up with his mother, Jiang Changyuan made another call.

Since his mother was alone in Linshui City, he didn’t know who she might encounter or if she was in danger. He had to prepare for all possibilities.

After giving instructions, Jiang Changyuan called over the chubby boy.

His family also ran a tech company, albeit not a well-known one.

“Fatty, wanna try your luck?”

The two heads bent together until the bell rang, and they dashed into the classroom.

This class was Chinese with the homeroom teacher Yan Chang. If there was any teacher who hated Jiang Changyuan the most, it was Yan Chang.

“You two are late. Get out and stand!”

Even arriving before Jiang, Yan Chang showed no mercy, his eyes filled with disdain.

Having troublemakers like Jiang Changyuan’s group in his class made every meeting a scolding session; his chances of promotion were nil, and bonuses were out of the question.

“Don’t understand human speech? Get out.”

“Can’t I get my textbook? You make me stand outside but won’t let me study?”

Jiang Changyuan’s step faltered abruptly as he entered, then he turned and snapped right back.

The chubby boy stood frozen at the door, trembling at the words.

Jiang Shaolian actually talked back to Yan Chang, who was infamous for being petty?

Was he out of his mind today?

Classmates exchanged glances, holding their breath. The school bully was still the school bully, if anything even worse.

“Get your stuff and get out!”

Yan Chang’s face tightened, glaring at Jiang Changyuan with revulsion, itching to personally kick him out.

But the boy was a troublemaker; with so many eyes watching, if things escalated to the principal, he would face even harsher punishment.

“Fatty, hurry up. Don’t waste this golden learning opportunity.”

“Coming.”

Under all eyes, Jiang Changyuan swaggered out with his book as if he were receiving an award, not being punished.

Seeing this, Yan Chang’s hands trembled with rage, feeling his dignity as homeroom teacher was being challenged.

“You’re not allowed back in this morning, so you don’t learn bad habits.”

Gu Qing frowned, disgusted by Yan Chang’s personal vendetta.

Su Yingying bit her lip and lowered her head. Though the homeroom teacher was in the wrong, as Jiang Changyuan’s tutor, she would have to warn him tonight.

After all, they were students; defying the teacher would only bring trouble on themselves.

“Alright, let’s start class. Make sure you’re back early from now on.”

Yan Chang gave a hollow warning and began the lesson, but soon he was furious again.

“Jiang Shaolian, impressive! You even know this question.”

“Lu Hai!”

The two who were punished sitting outside didn’t care at all, plopping down on the floor, while the chubby boy quietly asked questions.

Though he spoke softly, to the irritable Yan Chang, it was a serious disruption.

Yan Chang stormed out angrily. Jiang Changyuan’s eyes darkened as he suddenly stood and faced him directly.