Chapter 52: A Sense of Crisis

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Meng Haoquan felt utterly powerless regarding his son’s blatant disregard for Song Siyuan. The youngest son, once his greatest comfort, now constantly disappointed him at every turn.

By all accounts, the second son had not changed; what had shifted was the external environment. For more than a decade, Ding Sheng Group had been the most illustrious and prominent enterprise in City B, with Meng Haoquan himself enjoying fame and fortune, reigning supreme.

However, recently, Meng Haoquan sensed an unusual external pressure, stirring a deep sense of crisis—something he had never felt since founding Ding Sheng Group.

Meng Haoquan asked Meng Zexiao, “Have you looked into Song Siyuan’s background?”

Meng Zexiao replied, “Isn’t he just an overseas Chinese? Counting back two generations, he’s a genuine Chinese. But judging by the notable figures attending his banquet, Song Siyuan is indeed capable. He’s well connected in both politics and business; several people from the Ministry of Commerce have been there. Dad, what exactly is Song’s background?”

Hearing this, Meng Haoquan felt somewhat reassured—at least his son hadn’t lost his commercial acumen despite his playful nature. He said, “On his own, Song Siyuan isn’t worth our concern, but he represents King Group. As you know, King Group’s strength was something you’d have heard about while studying abroad. They’ve thrived in the US, Canada, and Australia for years and recently started expanding into Southeast Asia. Song’s presence in City B means they’re beginning to shift their market focus to China.”

Meng Zexiao was surprised to learn Song Siyuan was from King Group, but he still thought his father was overreacting. After all, a powerful outsider couldn’t easily dominate a local giant.

Moreover, even if King Group sent someone like Song Siyuan—who spoke fluent Chinese and looked like any ordinary local—it didn’t necessarily mean he fully understood the Chinese market and culture.

There was no way King Group could surpass Ding Sheng Group domestically anytime soon, but Meng Zexiao felt the pressure their arrival had placed on Ding Sheng and its leader, Meng Haoquan.

“Dad, don’t worry. I’ll work hard. No matter how formidable King Group is, they only have more money than us. They have a long way to go to surpass Ding Sheng here. While they’re trying, we’ll be moving forward swiftly,” Meng Zexiao assured him.

Meng Haoquan’s brow remained furrowed. After a long silence, he said, “Your most urgent task now is to handle your relationship with Lingxin properly. Don’t cause any trouble—I don’t want to hear gossip about you two divorcing in the near future.”

Seeing his father’s mood, Meng Zexiao didn’t press further and finally left the chairman’s office.

Back in his own office, Meng Zexiao immediately called Wang Qi. As soon as he heard the online rumors, he had urged Wang Qi to use every means to uncover the truth.

On the phone, Wang Qi reported, “Yesterday, Bai Tingting’s account received a transfer of ten million yuan. She took that money and fled abroad. The unfavorable Weibo posts she’s been posting against Second Madam came from overseas, which shows someone paid her to do this. We’re still investigating the source of the funds. Since the money was transferred through an offshore account, tracing it back to the origin will take time. We’ve also checked Bai Tingting’s contacts—she’s been communicating with foreign numbers via dedicated lines.”

Meng Zexiao sneered inwardly—no one who opposes me ever ends well!

Wang Qi added, “Everything seems targeted at Second Madam. The public opinion is turning against her. I suspect a woman is behind all this, like the intrigues of an emperor’s harem in ancient times—”

Though Meng Zexiao agreed with the suspicion, hearing it voiced so bluntly annoyed him. “Wang Qi, are you trying to get yourself killed?”

Wang Qi fell silent.

Meng Zexiao snapped, “Stop hesitating! Get to work immediately!”

Since this involved overseas matters, Meng Zexiao knew Wang Qi’s capabilities were limited. He began mobilizing contacts at the overseas branch.

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After making proper arrangements, Meng Zexiao called Kong Lingxin.

After Kong Lingxin and Wan Si slipped away from the paparazzi’s cameras and got into the Meng family car, the reporters followed for a while. The driver had to exert great effort to shake them off.

Kong Lingxin had long anticipated a flood of online news. So while Wan Si was shocked, angry, and worried as she scrolled through the tablet, Kong Lingxin remained calm and composed.

She was even surprised by her own attitude—after all, as an unworldly kindergarten teacher from a small town, she should have been far more emotional than Wan Si upon facing such events.

Perhaps reading her sister’s diary about the filthy and unbearable life among the wealthy had mentally prepared her to weather storms. The twins shared a subtle emotional bond; Wang Lingyi was growing more accustomed to stepping into Kong Lingxin’s role.

At times, Wang Lingyi even felt like a continuation of her sister’s life, determined to live better in her stead.

When Meng Zexiao’s call connected, he first asked, “Where are you? Are you alright?”

Kong Lingxin, still in the car driving back to their seaside villa, answered calmly, “On my way home.”

Meng Zexiao felt as if something had gripped his heart tightly, causing pain. Was their relationship really so difficult to mend? Shouldn’t she have been crying and panicking, asking him what to do?

But Meng Zexiao was not one to beg or show weakness. His usual domineering tone returned swiftly: “Wan Si will stay with you. You’d better not go out these days to avoid the reporters.”

After saying this, he hung up in a huff.

Kong Lingxin snorted inwardly—this was your mess to begin with, yet you act like it’s all my fault!

Meng Zexiao then called Wan Si, who was sitting beside Kong Lingxin. “Your task for the next few days is to stay with Kong Lingxin. Don’t let her go out.”

Before Wan Si could reply, he had already hung up.

Kong Lingxin knew it was Meng Zexiao calling and guessed what he had told Wan Si. She said, “Miss Wan, don’t listen to him. Tomorrow’s the weekend—you should take a break.”

Wan Si shook her head vigorously, knowing that Meng Zexiao’s orders were never to be refused. Besides, from spending time with Kong Lingxin, she had grown quite fond of her company.

Kong Lingxin’s unique calm aura deeply attracted Wan Si. Her behavior always brought delightful surprises. How could Wan Si refuse such joy?

With a bright smile, Wan Si said, “If Second Madam doesn’t want me to get fired, then let me stay with you. Besides, I enjoy being around you. After working so long, this is the first time I’m not passively accepting tasks but actually looking forward to them.”

Kong Lingxin smiled but said no more.

When Kong Lingxin arrived home, she saw Aunt Qi carrying a suitcase full of Meng Zexiao’s belongings and handing it to the driver.

Aunt Qi reported, “Second Madam, you’re back. Second Young Master is going on a business trip. He left in such a hurry he didn’t even have time to pack. The driver is taking his luggage straight to the airport.”

Kong Lingxin was surprised by Meng Zexiao’s sudden trip.

Wan Si thought for a moment—she hadn’t arranged any business trips for Meng Zexiao recently.

Just as Aunt Qi handed the suitcase to the driver, she suddenly recalled something and said, “Old Qin, wait a moment. You need to take a fleece jacket for Second Young Master.”

Kong Lingxin, dressed in shorts and a short-sleeved top and already sweating under the sun, asked, “It’s summer—why a fleece jacket?”

Aunt Qi said, “Second Young Master is going to Australia. The weather forecast said they’re experiencing the coldest spell in years. I thought it best to prepare a fleece for him.”

Kong Lingxin responded with a simple “Oh” and went inside.

Wan Si followed and couldn’t help but say, “There was no plan for an Australia trip before. It’s really strange.”

Kong Lingxin changed her shoes; a servant took her bag and hung it aside. She walked straight to the living room sofa and sat down.

Wan Si looked a bit awkward following her. Though it was her second visit, she still felt uneasy.

Seeing Wan Si’s discomfort, Kong Lingxin smiled and said, “Don’t be so tense. Your Meng isn’t here. Have some tea first.”

Wan Si smiled sheepishly and accepted the cup handed by the servant. “Thank you.”

To ease Wan Si’s unease, Kong Lingxin asked, “Does Ding Sheng Group have business in Australia?”

Talking about her expertise, Wan Si relaxed. She answered, “Yes, they do—mainly mineral development. But Meng rarely involves himself with that because it’s a Sino-Australian joint venture. Ding Sheng only holds twenty percent equity. They send a few people from headquarters, and the board usually attends the shareholders’ meeting once a year. Meng hardly ever goes.”

Kong Lingxin joked, half teasing, half self-deprecating, “Could it be that Meng is going to attend the Sydney International Film Festival?”

Wan Si suddenly realized Kong Lingxin’s question was loaded and quickly explained, “No, no! I can tell Meng really cares about you now. Even if the Oscar winner, Cannes winner, Berlin winner, and Sydney Festival winner all gathered, he probably wouldn’t look twice.”

Kong Lingxin felt frustrated with herself for worrying about Meng Zexiao’s whereabouts. Wouldn’t it be better if he stayed away? Preferably on a six-month business trip so she could help the Kong family through this crisis smoothly, and when he returned, she could simply give him a hard time and come out unscathed.

But those were just her hopeful fantasies—

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