"Xiao Qing, I couldn't get through to you on the phone. I was worried something might have happened to you on the way." Xu Zhihan saw Song Qing sitting blankly by the car halfway there, looking lost. He immediately got out of the car and ran towards Lan Yi.
"Xiao Qing, did the car break down? Why didn't you call me? Is there something wrong with your phone too?" He looked at Song Qing, and seeing that she was alright, he immediately turned back to look at the car. Just as he was about to open the hood, Song Qing pressed his hand down and shook her head.
"You... what's wrong with you?" Xu Zhihan then noticed her unusual behavior.
"It's alright, Zhihan, let's go. You lead the way."
She turned around, got into the car, and deftly made a U-turn.
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"Dad, Mom, Xiaoning, I'm sorry, I was delayed on the way."
Song Qing, arm in arm with Xu Zhihan, came in together. Seeing that the family was already seated, she immediately apologized and explained.
"It's alright, Qing'er, Zhihan, come here quickly." Song Jingmo smiled and waved to them.
"Yes, teacher."
As they entered the restaurant together, Song Qing pulled him aside and whispered, "Zhihan, come and wash your hands first."
He suddenly realized what was happening, said "Oh," gave the other three an apologetic smile, and followed Song Qing into the kitchen.
Song Jingmo and his wife exchanged a smile, watching the two figures washing their hands and talking quietly side by side, and nodded with satisfaction.
"Mom, did you make plans with Uncle Yan and Aunt Yan tomorrow? I just got a call from Xu Nan." Song Ning broke the silence, moved a chair next to Mrs. Song, and spoke in a coquettish tone, but her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"My dear child, I was just thinking of giving you a surprise later." Madam Song stroked her smooth, long hair affectionately.
Song Jingmo turned her head and gestured for Song Qing and Xu Zhihan to sit down.
"You should thank your father. If he hadn't stepped in, how could I have done it?" Madam Song tugged at Song Jingmo, her eyes flashing, hinting that he shouldn't always be so biased.
Song Jingmo coughed and sat up straight.
"Thank you, Dad." Song Ning smiled indifferently, but still sincerely raised her glass to her father and drank it down in one gulp.
"After all these years, it's time to settle down." Song Jingmo waved her hand and nodded.
"I knew it! We should take advantage of this great opportunity and settle down with both sisters. That way, you won't have to worry about it all the time," Madam Song agreed with a smile.
The family then chatted about things at home and at work, and got along quite well, finishing their meal about half full.
"Sister, Dad, there's something I'm not sure if it's appropriate to say it now?"
Xu Zhihan was the first to put down his chopsticks and sit up straight.
"What is it, Xiao Ning?" Song Qing glanced at her father and smiled slightly at her.
"As you know, Xunan's company has been in a slump lately, and there's been a lot of talk about cracking down on it. The stock price has already hit rock bottom." She lowered her head, twisting her hands together, her face full of distress.
"It's not appropriate for us to interfere in business matters," Song Jingmo refused outright.
Song Qingning's face showed that this time she neither agreed nor replied.
"I think the teacher is right about that."
"Zhihan?!" Song Qing never expected that Xu Zhihan would agree.
He nodded, but then reached out and took Song Qing's hand under the table as a gesture of comfort.
Song Ning's eyes reddened, and she winked at Madam Song before saying aggrievedly, "Dad, brother-in-law, I know you've always kept public and private matters separate, but this time, Xu Nan..."
"Jingmo, as the elders, shouldn't we lend a hand in this matter? Look, Ya Yue's family has already heard the news and withdrew their investment. Who else can we ask for help now?"
Madam Song glanced at Xu Zhihan with displeasure, then turned around and bowed her head to advise him.
"Dad..." Song Qing reluctantly withdrew her hand, her mind filled with turbulent thoughts.
"Dad, sister, don't worry. I just want to use my strength to help Xunan. Over the years, I've saved up a lot of money, but it's still far from enough. I want to withdraw my 10% stake in Fuhua in advance." Song Ning looked at the situation on the table and, taking advantage of Song Jingmo's hesitation, stood up and said her idea.
Everyone gasped in amazement.
"You mean, Fuhua was given entirely to your sister?" Song Jingmo was the first to come to her senses and asked again.
Song Ning's expression twisted slightly, but it only strengthened her resolve. She knew that in her father's eyes and heart, there was only Song Qing, and he had never considered her. No matter what the matter was, Song Qing was always the first person he thought of. So, what did she have to worry about? Fuhua had never had a share in her. If it hadn't gone public this time and had instead been restructured into a joint-stock company, it was hard to say whether she would even have those 10% shares.
"Xiao Ning, you need to think this through. Xunan needs money, and we can help you raise some..."
Madam Song was anxious to stop it. Fuhua's situation looked very promising, how could she just give up like this?
"No need to say anything more, I've made up my mind!" she said stubbornly.
Xu Zhihan quickly winked at Song Qing, signaling her to refuse, but she just shook her head slightly at him.
He sighed dejectedly; everything he had done was in vain. Song Ning had everything planned out; she knew that Song Qing, like herself, desperately wanted to save Weisheng—no, to save Yan Xunan.
"Have you thought it through?" Song Jingmo asked in a deep voice.
"Yes, Dad."
"Okay, you can come to Fuhua to complete the formalities at any time." He made the final decision after a brief moment of thought.
"Xunan, if it's Xiaoning's request, you should accept it, right?" Song Qingxin felt a pang of sadness, ignoring Song Jingmo's questioning look.
"Dad, Xunan can't wait any longer," Song Ning said urgently, pressing her advantage.
"Come and take care of it tomorrow. I'll tell my colleagues at the company to wait for you," Song Qing replied, her eyes devoid of any light.