Fatal Desire

Chapter 77 Xixi, Who's the Bastard? (1)

Xiao Xunzhi noticed that Zhao Yansen's expression, which had been as cold as if he had been exposed to the Antarctic wind for hundreds of years, had softened and he even raised his eyebrows slightly.

His thin lips parted slightly, his demeanor neither arrogant nor haughty, exuding a naturally powerful aura.

A moment later, Luo Xiao nodded respectfully, accepted the order, and left.

This man was known for his ruthlessness. Dingce and Stratalux, thinking they were in a position to merge, went against his wishes and soon fell from power.

The more detailed consequences were far more severe than this brief description, certainly far worse than bankruptcy. The Zhao family's crown prince was ruthless and merciless, never leaving any room for his opponents; arrogant and vicious, yet also discreet.

With the restructuring of the branch of the Prosecutor's Office, the Yan family's influence was reduced. They sought help from Academician Cao and Uncle Zhao, but to no avail. The only person they could turn to was Zhao Yansen.

However, Zhao Yansen never attends these kinds of dinners, and his whereabouts are unpredictable, making it extremely difficult to see him.

Fortunately, Miss Yan and Wen Ning, Xiao Xunzhi's wife, were old classmates. After taking a few detours, they finally met Zhao Yansen.

Yan Xingzhen was already over fifty years old, yet he still had to humbly offer wine to this gentleman, bowing and scraping before him.

"Mr. Zhao, the last time we met was at the auditorium. I happened to see you and your father taking a walk. Do you remember me?"

Zhao Yansen listened rather absentmindedly, occasionally responding with a single word, his words stemming entirely from his aristocratic upbringing, with no other intentions whatsoever.

Xiao Xunzhi was upright and sturdy, as if he had undergone some kind of special training. Every move he made exuded a sense of justice and awe. He enlivened the atmosphere and did not have a trace of the decadent playboy vibe.

Amidst their lighthearted conversation, a burly man entered and informed Xiao Xunzhi that his daughter had injured her knee and was being taken to the military hospital.

Xiao Xunzhi's expression changed drastically, but he quickly regained his composure and said to everyone, "There's an emergency at home, so I'll have to leave now."

He then approached Zhao Yansen again and explained the reason.

Zhao Yansen leaned back lazily, glanced at him, and said in a casual Beijing accent, "If I didn't know better, I would have thought you guys were setting me up."

Xiao Xunzhi's brow twitched suddenly: "No, the Yan family and Wen Ning have a good relationship. If something really happens, I'll take responsibility."

Zhao Yansen casually stroked the celadon cup with his fingertips.

Seeing that he seemed to agree, Xiao Xunzhi left without stopping and went straight to the hospital.

*
Room 1601.

After Shang Shixu and Qiao Yifan left, only Song Xi and Fu Wenxin remained in the large space, and the atmosphere became much quieter.

Song Xi slowly poured the red wine from the decanter into the Burgundy glass, without rushing to speak.

"I'm not going to play games with you." Fu Wenxin picked up her wine glass and swirled it gently. "I want the Sino-Swiss project."

"Qiao Kun's condition for getting you into Qiao's Group was that you had a major project with China and Switzerland?" Song Xi asked in a calm and even tone, as if chatting with a friend.

“That’s right.” Fu Wenxin readily admitted, leaning forward to get closer to Song Xi and looking into her eyes, “What Zhongrui is interested in is the specific antibody. If we go to court, that patented drug will eventually fall into our hands. At that time, you will not only lose the cooperation, but also be involved in huge breach of contract penalties. But if you give up now, I can withdraw the lawsuit and provide you with sales channels.”

"What if we win the case?" Song Xi took a sip of red wine and asked calmly.

“Impossible.” Fu Wenxin smiled confidently.

She possessed the initial data for that drug patent, had consulted with top-tier lawyers, and had a closed chain of evidence, making it impossible for her to lose the case.

“I understand that we’re all in the business world; resource exchanges and profit are paramount. But everything has its limits.” Song Xi raised her eyelashes, her clear eyes flashing with a sharp glint as she looked at Fu Wenxin. “Do you think Chenxing is a sheep waiting to be slaughtered?”

When Cai Yi and Fu Wenxin secretly sold the drug patent, Song Xi and Shang Shixu, out of consideration for their past relationship, only kicked them out of Chenxing and did not pursue the matter further.

Unexpectedly, they repeatedly used Morningside as a stepping stone, showing no restraint.

“Song Xi, I know you have connections and someone protecting you,” Fu Wenxin said. “I’m different. I need to use any means necessary to get what I want.”

Song Xi said, "I told you when I was in America that if you don't have the ability, no one will care about you. Only those with ability are qualified to sit at the table. No matter how many tricks you use, no one will invest in something that has no value."

Fu Wenxin is capable and proud, but she is also impetuous and always tries to take shortcuts.

"So you're refusing to negotiate?" Fu Wenxin sneered. "Don't blame me for not giving you a chance. If you release the Sino-Swiss project now, you might still have a way out!"

Song Xi scoffed: "Then let's wait and see." Stubborn to the end!

Fu Wenxin knew that Song Xi had a powerful background, but she was not worried that Song Xi would win the case by relying on her power.

If Song Xi were to manipulate things behind the scenes, then Fu Wenxin would use public pressure to her advantage.

If you do not comply with the morning's call, you will only face death.

Not long after Fu Wenxin left the private room, Shang Shixu returned.

"How about it?"

"We couldn't reach an agreement, and she wanted us to abandon the Sino-Swiss cooperation project." Song Xi used serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of roast duck and put it on a plate.

Shang Shixu was not surprised; the Qiao family was counting on the Zhongrui project to develop new business and would not give up easily.

“I’ve spoken with Qi Yun, and Qiao Yifan should contact her soon.”

Let's turn the tables. Qi Yun's company is currently facing financial difficulties. If Qiao Yifan falls into the trap and tries to sabotage the cooperation with Chenxing by offering Qi Yun a high-priced deal, Qi Yun might be able to escape danger.

Of course, Qi Yun's escape from danger means that the Qiao family will suffer losses.

Shang Shixu has a certain reputation in the industry, and many people trust him. Song Xi is not worried about the sales channel cooperation.

"Plan carefully before you act, and know when to stop to gain something." Song Xi slowly chewed on his words. "Next, let's go to court."

Morningside Ventures hasn't crossed any legal lines and has a clear conscience. Shang Shixu nodded: "What was the response from Zhongrui?"

“No need to reply, Zhou Ji’an won’t ask,” Song Xi said confidently.

Neither of them had much of an appetite, so they ate a little something in the private room and then got up and left side by side.

Four or five steps from the door of the private room, a tall, imposing man in a suit walked towards her. Song Xi was looking down at her phone and didn't notice him until he stood in front of her.

"Miss, Mr. Zhao requests your presence."

Song Xi looked up, stared at Luo Xiao for a second, and then asked in surprise, "My brother is here?"

"Yes, a dinner party," Luo Xiao said succinctly.

Song Xi understood, turned to Shang Shixu and said, "I'll go there. Contact me anytime if anything comes up."

Shang Shixu stood still, watching Song Xi and Luo Xiao's retreating figures.

He was the one who picked Song Xi up from school last time, so he's most likely Song Xi's brother's subordinate.

The private rooms on the west side are more private and quieter, with the hotel manager and two waiters standing guard at the door, ready to serve at any time.

Upon seeing Song Xi and Luo Xiao, they placed their hands together in front of them and bowed respectfully to greet them. Everyone who entered and exited this place was either rich or noble, so they could not afford to make the slightest mistake.

Inside the elegantly decorated private room, the man sat at the head of the table, wearing a jet-black shirt that looked like pure jade. His posture was both languid and proudly upright, making him particularly eye-catching.

Song Xi saw him as soon as she entered the door.

Similarly, he also saw a beautiful woman in a cheongsam bending down to pour him wine; that woman was the canary kept by the Yan family.

Her black hair was tied up, her sideburns were neat and tidy, her waist was so slender that it could be encircled by one hand, and her skin was as white as snow. She was both pure and beautiful.

They really know how to enjoy life.

Most of the dinner parties were informal, and I thought my brother's dinner parties would be different, but I didn't expect them to inevitably fall into the same old trap.

Did he invite her here just so she could see this kind of scene?
Song Xi pursed her lips and walked over gracefully.

Just as Yan Xingzhen was secretly rejoicing, a beautiful young girl suddenly entered his field of vision, and he asked in surprise, "Who is this?"

(End of this chapter)