We agreed it was just a hug, why did you actually do it?

After drinking the glass of wine, Su Weile finally understood. Li Tie had misunderstood him, thinking his depression was because of Jin Jiajia.

Su Weile wanted to explain, but then thought better of it. He couldn't figure out why he was feeling down. Maybe it was partly Jiajia's fault. After all, she was his younger sister who had grown up with him, and Jiajia's actions had surprised and saddened Su Weile.

But he knew in his heart that most of the time his depression did not come from Jin Jiajia, but from emotions that he could not explain. His mind was in a mess, and he could not concentrate on anything.

Su Weile felt like he'd checked his phone a hundred times that night. The last time, he slammed the phone onto the sofa and cursed under his breath. Then he got up to go drink.

-------------------------------------------------- ---

锦海市

Inside the luxurious villa, a grand mansion with a three-story openwork ceiling. The opulent and glittering decor showcases the owner's extravagance and high-profile lifestyle.

At this moment, all the heads of the Tang Group were sitting on the sofa in the living room. The atmosphere was heavy, and no one spoke.

Seated in the main seat was Old Master Tang, the head of the Tang family who, despite his advanced age, still held great power. Beside him were Tang Huai'an, Jiang Meixue, and their son, Tang Yi.

At this moment, Tang Huai'an kept glancing at his watch, his anxiety evident. Jiang Meixue's brows were also tightly furrowed.

After a while, Tang Huai'an couldn't sit still any longer. He stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, shouting at the butler, "Call that brat again! What time is it? Why isn't he coming over?"

The butler stood respectfully to the side with his head bowed, but made no move. He merely glanced at Old Master Tang, and seeing that Old Master Tang had not given any instructions, he remained motionless.

Seeing that he couldn't even order a servant around, Tang Huai'an became even more furious and roared, "Can't you hear me?"

Grandpa Tang looked at his son and said in a loud voice, "What kind of rash behavior is this? Sit down!"

Tang Huai'an dared not disobey his grandfather's wishes, and sat down angrily, saying, "Dad, that brat Tang Shaowu is doing it on purpose. He clearly knows we're all waiting for him, yet he still hasn't come this late. We haven't been able to see him or get through on the phone these past few days. He doesn't respect me as his father at all now."

Mr. Tang rubbed the beads in his hands. His expression was grave as he spoke, "I heard you've been trying to raise funds from other families lately? How's it going? Any success?"

Upon hearing Old Master Tang's question, Tang Huai'an and Jiang Meixue's expressions became even more unpleasant.

Old Master Tang coldly said, "Hmph, trash, utterly foolish. Do you think everyone else is stupid? Anyone can guess that Tang Shaowu is currently competing with you. Cooperating with you is going against Tang Shaowu. Over the years, the outside world, while not exactly terrified of Tang Shaowu, is at least terrified of him. Who would offend Tang Shaowu for your petty gains? They might even offend the Yan family. What you're doing is simply shameful!!"

Tang Huai'an and Jiang Meixue were both ashamed and angry after being reprimanded by Master Tang, their expressions were quite interesting.

Grandpa Tang turned his gaze to Tang Yi, who had remained silent. "Tang Yi, you lost miserably in your contest with Tang Shaowu this time. You were ultimately one step behind. Ruthlessness alone is not enough; you also need high intelligence and strategy."

Tang Yi's face turned even paler. He sat there straight, listening to Old Master Tang's reprimand.

He had heard his grandfather say countless times that he was inferior to Tang Shaowu since he was a child. Every time he thought he had become numb to it, but every time it still made him so angry that he wanted to grind his teeth to dust.

Seeing her son being scolded, Jiang Meixue couldn't help but say, "Dad, this time it was that brat Tang Shaowu who framed Tang Yi!"

Grandpa Tang didn't even glance at Jiang Meixue, and continued speaking to Tang Yi, "You were too eager for quick results this time, thinking you could take down Tang Shaowu in one fell swoop, but you didn't expect that every step you took was part of their calculations. Do you understand now?"

He first lured you into the trap, making you believe you saw a huge business opportunity. He exploited your murderous intent towards Tang Shaowu, blinding you to his true nature and leading you step by step down a dead end. Tang Shaowu was playing a grand game, the planning was so long-term and the design so sophisticated. I'm truly impressed.

Tang Yi spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse, "Grandpa, what should I do?"

Old Master Tang, gazing at the vase in the distance, said, "A loss is a loss. Bear the consequences. This time, you secretly used the group's funds behind the board's back. This huge shortfall must be made up, otherwise the board will not agree, and Tang Shaowu will definitely keep his word and sue you in the name of the group, after all, he is the major shareholder of Tang's."

Jiang Meixue's eyes reddened with anxiety. "Dad, you have to think of something! Please try to persuade Tang Shaowu!"

Old Master Tang said, "Trying to play the emotional card with Tang Shaowu is a dead end. Do you think he has any feelings? He's pressuring you now, threatening to sue you, and trying to make you lose face in front of the board of directors. All he really wants is the Tang Group shares you hold."

Old Master Tang's words caused both Tang Huai'an and Jiang Meixue's expressions to change drastically. Jiang Meixue said, "He's dreaming! He already owns shares in the Tang family business; why would he want the ones we have? Impossible!"

Tang Yi sat there with a fierce look in his eyes. His short, neatly trimmed nails dug deep into the flesh of his palms as he clenched his fists.

Suddenly, the sound of a car could be heard outside the gate, and the butler came in to say, "Young Master Tang has arrived!"

Tang Shaowu left the bodyguards waiting outside and entered the house where he had lived for more than ten years, accompanied only by Lao Xu.

Tang Shaowu walked into the living room and looked at the people in it. A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Grandpa, Dad, Aunt Jiang, Tang Yi, good evening!"

Tang Huai'an said angrily, "We've been waiting for you for four hours."

Tang Shaowu said without changing his expression, "Didn't I say on the phone before that I might not be free today? I didn't expect you guys to be waiting for me."

Looking at this imposing man, Old Master Tang's eyes held both admiration and regret. "Shao Wu, how have you been lately? I heard you were hospitalized again recently."

Tang Shaowu smiled. He gently touched the web of his other hand. "Thank you for remembering, Grandpa. It's alright, it's still under control for now."

The room fell silent for a moment, but Tang Shaowu didn't feel awkward at all. He waited in a relaxed manner, as if he were the real master of the house.

Tang Yi clenched his fists again as he looked at Tang Shaowu. "Tang Shaowu, what exactly do you want from this elaborate scheme to frame me?"