Sun Yingqiang chuckled excitedly. At this moment, his second brother, Sun Yingwu, came over and said, "Aguo, can you do me a favor?"
Sun Yingqiang was in a good mood, so he declined, asking, "What favor could I possibly need?"
Sun Yingwu said, "A while ago, a friend of mine didn't know how powerful Shiqi was, and he cursed at her in a bar, calling her a transvestite..."
Sun Yingqiang said, "What an idiot. Since you already know, Cousin Shiqi must know too."
Sun Yingwu said, "Yes, the person is now missing, and the family has reported it to the police but they can't find him."
Sun Yingqiang said, "Is there any need to say anything? Shiqi must have taken him away. He might have just vanished into thin air. His family should start preparing for his funeral. Even if they are lucky enough to be released, he'll probably be a complete idiot in a vegetative state."
Sun Yingwu said, "My friend's family are big coal merchants and very rich. They are willing to pay 100 million to settle this matter. You and Shiqi usually talk to each other, so how about you help out and put in a good word for them? I'm afraid she'll scold me if I try to do it myself."
Sun Yingqiang said, "Although Shiqi and I are close, your friend is too rude. Don't you know what Shiqi hates the most?"
Sun Yingwu said, "Ever since she got together with Zhao Qiang, she naturally doesn't want to hear anyone say she's not like a girl..."
Wang Ping had been listening half-heartedly, but when she suddenly heard the name "Zhao Qiang," she instinctively asked, "Who? Zhao Qiang?"
Sun Yingqiang was very unhappy that his 'girlfriend' interrupted his conversation with his second brother, and scolded her, "Women shouldn't interrupt when men are talking! This is a tradition in our Sun family."
Wang Ping quickly and cautiously said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I was just curious about the name you just mentioned."
Sun Yingqiang was surprised: "What, you know Zhao Qiang?"
Wang Ping said, "I don't know if you're talking about him."
Sun Yingwu waved his hand to stop his brother and Wang Ping from continuing their conversation: "How could a girl from out of town like her possibly know Zhao Qiang? My friend's parents are also very pitiful. If you help them go and plead with Shiqi, you'll get a good reward afterward. I know you've wanted to buy a sports car for a long time. As long as Shiqi can release the person, my friend's family will grant your wish."
It was probably the benefits promised by Sun Yingwu that moved Sun Yingqiang, so he actually went to find Yang Shiqi. Wang Ping thought for a moment and quickly followed. At this moment, she didn't dare to say anything and could only listen obediently.
"Cousin Shiqi, wow, you look so sexy today! I suspect you're a fairy descended from heaven." Sun Yingqiang, taking advantage of his young age, spoke without any restraint, and Yang Shiqi loved hearing such comments. She giggled and her body shook.
"Cousin Yingqiang, you're definitely up to something, you're trying to bewitch me." Yang Shiqi wasn't stupid; she wouldn't let herself be swayed by a few kind words.
Sun Yingqiang took out a cigarette and offered it to Yang Shiqi. Yang Shiqi hesitated for a moment, but finally accepted it. However, she led the way to a corner and said, "Don't let my man see this, or I'll get scolded again. He said girls shouldn't smoke, otherwise the baby won't be good. You know I'm not young anymore."
Sun Yingqiang lit a cigarette for his cousin to curry favor. After they sat down, Yang Shiqi said, "Speak up. It's not your style to be so attentive for no reason."
Sun Yingqiang said, "I heard someone has been cursing at you in a bar recently?"
Yang Shiqi said, "Are you here as a mediator?"
Sun Yingqiang said, "How could that be? I'm asking on behalf of my second brother. The person is my second brother's friend."
Yang Shiqi said with a stern face, "Then let Sun Yingwu talk to me!"
Sun Yingqiang knew that his cousin had a bad temper and was also very capable. She was now a key figure in his grandfather Yang Zhaoxi's eyes and a member of his elite force. So he didn't dare to say much about Yang Shiqi's outburst. He beckoned to Sun Yingwu, who was sneaking around in the distance, and Sun Yingwu walked over awkwardly.
"Cousin," Sun Yingwu said, like a student meeting a teacher.
Yang Shiqi asked, "How much did your friends and family give you in return?"
Sun Yingwu said, "Cousin, I was just helping a friend. I didn't accept any benefits from his family. That guy has some mental issues. Please don't hold it against him. I think we should just let him go. I believe he won't dare to do it again."
Yang Shiqi said, "Oh? I heard that he's not honest anymore, and he has a foul mouth. He also said that his family is very powerful, and even the provincial governor gives them face in the local area."
Sun Yingwu cursed, "Bullshit, what's a provincial governor? I told you that kid has something wrong with his head. Cousin, you mustn't take his words seriously."
Yang Shiqi leisurely smoked her cigarette: "I also heard that he was bragging about how he has connections overseas, and he's been quite listless lately. He's probably having drug withdrawal. I'm planning to investigate whether he's involved in drug trafficking. People like him who use drugs can't be clean."
Sun Yingwu was startled. He knew that his cousin was planning to kill the person directly. If he was accused of treason and drug trafficking, he would definitely face more than ten years in prison, even if he wasn't shot dead. No matter how rich your parents are, you are facing the state apparatus!
Yang Shilin arrived late, and as soon as she smelled the smoke, she scolded, "Sun Yingqiang, is it you who's tempting Shiqi to smoke! None of you are learning good things, and you've corrupted Shiqi. If your grandpa finds out, he'll beat you to death!"
Sun Yingqiang and Sun Yingwu were so frightened that they turned and ran away. They already disliked Yang Zhaoxi, and if their grandfather found out that they had tempted Yang Shiqi to smoke, they would be scolded at best, and might even get a spanking from their mother.
"Second brother, I've done my best," Sun Yingqiang said to Sun Yingwu.
Sun Yingwu said, "No, let's think of another way. Don't you want an expensive sports car anymore?"
Sun Yingqiang said, "Of course I want to, but I can't persuade Shiqi. Go back and tell your friend's family to prepare for the funeral."
Sun Yingwu said, "Third brother, don't rush off. There must be a way. How about this, besides the sports car, I'll give you another two million for spending money?"
Sun Yingqiang chuckled: "You said you didn't take any benefits, but you've been exposed. Fine, I'll show you a way. When Zhao Qiang comes out, you should try your best to please him. As long as he speaks, Shiqi will definitely be fine!"
Sun Yingwu slapped his forehead: "Oh dear, I really wasted two million! Why didn't I think of that?"
Sun Yingqiang smiled smugly: "Well, look, Zhao Qiang and Grandpa came out. Grandpa hasn't smiled so happily in a long time, especially in front of us grandchildren. So you know how important Zhao Qiang is to Grandpa. We brothers know that we'd be chasing after him even if we had to take off our pants and shoes. So don't expect to trample Zhao Qiang underfoot. Just praise him as much as you can. As long as you get along well with him, you'll be number one in the future."
Sun Yingwu perked up: "Then I'll give it a try."
Wang Ping followed Sun Yingqiang's gaze and spotted a familiar figure. It was indeed him. Wang Ping couldn't help but exclaim, "Uncle!"
(Thanks to dvid问天 for the 100-coin donation! Thanks to lmy for the support!)
【789】Family Meals
In the Yang family, Yang Zhaoxi was an absolute authority, always keeping his word. Whenever he appeared, the entire room would be completely silent, as a sign of respect for the old man, otherwise, the noise would be unbecoming.
Wang Ping's shout of "Uncle!" came at the exact moment the room was muted, making it all the more abrupt. The room, already quiet, fell even quieter. Everyone was curious and startled. They were curious about who had brought this girl in and why she would call him "Uncle" at such a moment. They were startled by the inexplicable shout of "Uncle!" which might have angered the old man!
As expected, Yang Zhaoxi's face darkened. Sun Yingqiang knew he had caused trouble, and he slapped Wang Ping across the face. "Damn it! What are you yelling about!" Even if he was going to yell, he should have called her "Grandpa."
Sun Yingqiang's slap didn't land because the woman grabbed his arm in time. When Sun Yingqiang turned around, he was surprised to see Zhao Qiang standing beside him at such a speed. Sun Yingqiang said, "Sister, brother-in-law, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'll teach her a lesson and kick her out right away."
Zhao Qiang chuckled, "She's calling me, it has nothing to do with you." Wang Ping's face turned pale with fright. In Tiannan City, she could indeed act with impunity, but who was she in Beijing? Moreover, she had come to Beijing to seek help for her father's sake, and had only managed to establish a connection with the son of the CEO of CNPC through a friend's introduction because she couldn't find anyone to help her. She had temporarily gained his approval with her beauty, but she never expected to cause trouble at such a crucial moment. Wang Ping just didn't understand why this uncle was here, and he seemed to have some status.
Sun Yingqiang exclaimed, "You...you're being called? You...you two really know each other?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Yes, she helped me twice before. Lou still owes her several payments. Is it Wang Ping?"
Wang Ping was somewhat flattered: "Uncle, I didn't know you had such an extraordinary background! Then I've really struck gold!"
Zhao Qiang pointed to the chair next to him: "Sit down, we'll talk later, don't keep everyone waiting."
Wang Ping could tell from Sun Yingqiang's fawning over Zhao Qiang that she had a new backer. Now that she had a new patron, she didn't need to be so respectful to Sun Yingqiang anymore. When Zhao Qiang asked her to sit down, she did. Although Sun Yingqiang was annoyed in front of Zhao Qiang, he didn't dare to say anything.
Yang Zhaoxi was indeed a little angry at first, but when he saw that it was Zhao Qiang's friend, he just chuckled and let it go. He said, "Today is just a simple home-cooked meal. Everyone, please take your seats. We're all family here, so I won't introduce you. Shiyun, Shiqi, oh, and Shilin, come and have dinner with Grandpa." Yang Shilin was simply called over to fill a seat.
Yang Yucui pouted at her younger sister Yang Yuhan and said, "Dad is so biased. He treats his granddaughters like family, but treats his other grandsons like strangers."
Yang Yuhan said, "Alright, eldest sister, don't let Dad hear this, or he'll get angry again."
Yang Zhaoxi was flanked by Yang Shiyun and Yang Shiqi. Further to his right was Zhao Qiang. Yang Shilin sat further away, as she hadn't contributed much to the Yang family. The eldest and second sons-in-law were also seated at the table. Yang Zhaoxi asked Zhao Qiang, "Was that little girl your friend?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, the information about the robot discovered in Tiannan City came from her. Shiyun and Shiqi both know about this." Zhao Qiang was afraid that the old man would misunderstand. After all, Wang Ping dressed up like a mature girl in her early twenties, and it wouldn't be good if the old man misunderstood the relationship between him and her. There were too many precedents for this kind of thing.
Yang Zhaoxi said, "Since that's the case, let's call her over. Anyway, we have room at this table." Zhao Qiang stood up and waved to Wang Ping, who was looking around, saying, "Come over here." Wang Ping called out, "Uncle," but then she didn't receive any friendly greetings from anyone. This was a serious overstepping of her authority, putting the Sun family in a very passive position. Even if the Dong family wasn't affected by her, they wouldn't welcome such a girl.
Sun Yingqiang was the first to be scolded by his mother, Yang Yuhan. If Wang Ping hadn't been such a prominent figure, Yang Yuhan would have wanted her to disappear from the face of the earth. Regardless of right or wrong, once the old man got involved, things would not end well. The old man wasn't very affectionate towards his daughter to begin with, and if he got angry again because of his grandson's girlfriend, then the Sun family that Yang Yuhan had married into would not have a good future.
Sun Yingqiang sat next to Wang Ping, threatening her: "You little slut, I'm warning you, keep your mouth shut tight, or with my power in Beijing, you know what will happen to you!"
Wang Ping was no pushover either. The reason she had fawned over Sun Yingqiang before was because she needed his help. But now, even if she were blind, she could see that Zhao Qiang was very popular in the home of Sun Yingqiang's supposedly most powerful grandfather. So she could totally switch sides. Based on her understanding of Zhao Qiang, plus the favor Zhao Qiang owed her, Wang Ping believed that Zhao Qiang wouldn't abandon her.
"Sun Yingqiang, do you believe I'll have Uncle kill you?" Now Wang Ping's tone of voice has become like that delinquent girl from Tiannan City.
Sun Yingqiang trembled with anger. "What? You dare say that? I..." Sun Yingqiang raised his fist.
Wang Ping retorted, "Go ahead and hit me! If you hit me, my uncle will hit you back! Do you know what my relationship with him is?" Sun Yingqiang immediately hesitated. He was attracted to Wang Ping because she was young and beautiful! If she weren't beautiful, would Sun Yingqiang have wanted her even if she offered herself to him? He might agree, but his parents wouldn't. The Sun family had to be responsible for the quality of their offspring! A grotesque woman can't produce a good child. Now that Wang Ping herself had said she might have an ambiguous relationship with Zhao Qiang, Sun Yingqiang was naturally afraid! Based on his understanding of Zhao Qiang, that heartless man might really have an ambiguous relationship with the woman in front of him. Even if it was a chance encounter, he couldn't touch her.
Wang Ping saw that Sun Yingqiang was timid. "Strike while the iron is hot," she said. "Don't think you're so tough. This uncle is probably ten times tougher than you. If I say a word, you're finished." Sun Yingqiang was both frightened and angry, pointing at Wang Ping as if he wanted to devour her alive. "You…" Just then, Wang Ping saw Zhao Qiang beckoning to her. She stood up and whispered to Sun Yingqiang, "…What 'you'? Just pray I don't say anything bad about you in front of him!" With that, Wang Ping walked towards Zhao Qiang, leaving Sun Yingqiang with a pale face, lost in thought.
"Uncle" Wang Ping walked up to Zhao Qiang with a respectful expression, her tone less teasing than before. She greeted Zhao Qiang first, then addressed Yang Zhaoxi, "Grandpa, hello." In her eyes, Zhao Qiang was more important than Yang Zhaoxi. Zhao Qiang asked, "Why are you in Beijing?"
Wang Ping said, "Uncle, can I sit down and talk?"
Zhao Qiang quickly stood up: "Take my seat, I'll sit next to you."
Wang Ping sat down without any ceremony and glanced at Sun Baiyun, the second son-in-law of the Yang family: "President Sun, my father has been wronged!" Since Wang Ping had come to Beijing to save her father, she needed to know something about her father's boss. If she didn't even know Sun Baiyun of PetroChina, then what was she after infiltrating Sun Yingqiang's home?
Yang Zhaoxi was in a good mood and chuckled, saying, "You've come to complain at my family's banquet, Baiyun. Find out what happened after the meal, don't disappoint the young lady."
This set the tone for the matter, as the old man intended: even if there were problems, they should be minimized and ignored. Even if Wang Ping didn't understand the speaking skills of those in power, she could see this. Sun Baiyun nodded to the old man: "Yes, Father, I will definitely find out the truth." Yang Zhaoxi picked up his chopsticks and said, "Let's eat." So, the old man remained silent, and everyone just ate. No one dared to speak easily, except for Zhao Qiang, who casually exchanged a few words with Wang Ping. At this moment, Wang Ping dared not be arrogant. She knew that everyone present could determine her father's fate, so she didn't dare breathe loudly. Zhao Qiang, finding his words somewhat uninteresting, shut up and continued eating. With his appetite, even if he ate all the food on the table, it wouldn't be enough.
Yang Zhaoxi was the first to put down his rice bowl. Because the old man hadn't been feeling well lately, no one drank alcohol at the dinner table, and no one even mentioned it. They just picked up their rice bowls and started eating. "Actually, this kind of family meal is really boring," at least that's how Zhao Qiang saw it.
Yang Zhaoxi, also known as Qinghua, spoke to her eldest son-in-law, "The China Ordnance Industry Corporation hasn't been doing very well these past two years."
Dong Qinghua looked annoyed and secretly glanced at Yang Shiyun and Yang Shiqi, not daring to say a word. He thought to himself, "Is the old man making things difficult for me?" "Why is the Ordnance Corporation not doing well? Isn't it all because of your two granddaughters? All the factories that are associated with them have been acquired, and what's left are all junk." They have no technology and no equipment.
Yang Zhaoxi isn't stupid; he knows the reason without Dong Qinghua saying it outright. That was just an opening remark. "Qinghua, I feel there's a bit of distance between you and your niece. Haven't you considered a potential collaboration?"
Dong Qinghua said, "Father, this matter is of course up to you to decide."
Yang Zhaoxi turned to Yang Shiyun and asked, "Shiyun, what do you think? It's not good for your uncle to continue like this. Some people at Zhongyi Central are already having objections." Yang Shiyun replied, "Grandpa, actually we have many projects waiting to be launched, but you know my uncle's company has outdated equipment..." Dong Qinghua retorted with considerable disapproval, "The new equipment has all been acquired by Jiayuan Company."
Yang Shiqi giggled: "Uncle, don't complain. Even if you had all that new equipment, it wouldn't be of any use."
Although Dong Qinghua was criticized by his two nieces, he was not angry, because he knew better than anyone that the new equipment and production lines that had been bought at exorbitant prices were all vanity projects. With the technical level of the Chinese people, they simply could not control them. Even if they were forced to start production, they could only produce third-rate products. It was a waste of manpower and resources, and it would be better to just import them directly.
Yang Zhaoxi scolded his two granddaughters: "You two, is your uncle an outsider?"
Yang Shiqi said, "Grandpa, it's not that we haven't discussed this with my uncle before, but he always insists that the Ordnance Corporation take the lead, and we only send technicians and provide funding. Grandpa, don't you understand our country's bureaucratic system? Letting my uncle's side of people give orders, if this new technology can be promoted, I'll walk backwards from now on."
Yang Zhaoxi and Dong Qinghua both blushed slightly. "How could someone in the thick of it not know the secrets? Those officials, in order to gain enough capital for their own promotion, would definitely have laymen instructing experts. Given the personalities of Zhao Qiang and Yang Shiqi's side, they would naturally refuse."
Yang Zhaoxi said, "How about this, your uncle will hold 51% of the controlling stake, but will not be responsible for production management. Zhao Qiang will provide the capital, personnel, and technology to help the Ordnance Corporation get up and running."
Yang Shiqi pouted unhappily: "Grandpa, you've made us work for nothing. Not only do they hold the controlling stake, but we also have to be responsible for all the sales and personnel."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, if Grandpa says so, then we'll do it this way."
Yang Zhaoxi praised, "Zhao Qiang, you're so sensible. Bai Yun, what are your requests over there?"
Upon hearing that he was mentioned, Sun Baiyun immediately perked up: "Hmph, Father, we want to collaborate with Zhao Qiang on new energy development. What do you think?"
Yang Zhaoxi considered for a moment and said, "I think we should forget about new energy. Some technologies aren't ready to be made public yet. How about this, as far as I know, Zhao Qiang has a set of equipment that can detect geological conditions thousands of meters underground. Let him spend some time finding a few more oil fields with rich reserves for you. Also, Shiyun, please make time to improve your second uncle's oil extraction equipment to increase production capacity and reduce costs. Ideally, we can bring down our current high oil prices by a significant margin." What do you think?
Sun Baiyun glanced at Zhao Qiang; this huge benefit would be useless without Zhao Qiang's approval.
Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, let's do as Grandpa said."
[790] The Hope of the Yang Clique
Yang Zhaoxi's consideration of lowering oil prices is also in line with public opinion. This is an excellent opportunity to win over the people. What are the people most concerned about now? Of course, it's oil prices. As long as oil prices are high, almost all industries will follow suit, because oil is the foundation of most industries and the main source of energy in society today, unless the current energy mode of society is changed.
With Yang Shiqi's special forces division in the military, it would be extremely difficult for others to seize power. Even if all the troops opposed Yang Zhaoxi, as long as he controlled the special forces division, those factors could be disregarded. The special forces division was practically invincible at the moment. Unless you bombarded them with high-saturation missiles, it was impossible to defeat the special forces division with sheer numbers!