"Guo Yang, what made you think of calling me?" Su Su was surprised.
"Su, are you in Ningzhou?" Guo Yang asked. Although his voice was low, Zhao Qiang, who was driving, heard him clearly. His hearing was exceptional, and besides, Su Su was sitting right next to him.
Su Su glanced at Zhao Qiang again. "Yeah, I'm here. I just arrived today. What about you?"
Guo Yang said, "I'm also in Ningzhou. Do you have time now?"
“Uh…” Su Su hesitated for a moment, and Zhao Qiang nodded to her. Su Su said, “Yes.”
Guo Yang said, "Where are you? I'll come over."
Su Su asked, "Is something wrong? Is it inconvenient to talk on the phone?" Su Su didn't want Zhao Qiang and Guo Yang to meet. Actually, there were rumors about the two of them, but since they had never met, those rumors were just baseless and had no evidence. However, if Su Su were photographed with Guo Yang by paparazzi, it would be troublesome. Besides, Zhao Qiang was still there, and Su Su had to consider Zhao Qiang's feelings.
Guo Yang hesitated for a moment: "Let's talk in person. Don't worry, I'll be on my own."
Su Su looked outside and said, "Okay, there's a Quiet Whisper Cafe on Huanghe Road. We'll go in and wait for you."
Guo Yang didn't understand the meaning of "we" in Su Su's words, and he hurriedly hung up the phone. Su Su said to Zhao Qiang, "It's my former colleague, Guo Yang. He used to be very cautious, so there must be something he wants to discuss if he insists on meeting this time."
Zhao Qiang nodded: "It's alright, I'm not as dictatorial as you think."
Su Su said, "It's good that you're not angry. He and I are just friends."
Zhao Qiang parked the car on the side of the road, and Su Su immediately put on sunglasses and a hat. The two got out of the car and went into the Quiet Whisper Cafe. Su Su is a celebrity now, and her appearance would definitely cause a sensation if she were discovered, which is not what Su Su and Zhao Qiang want to see.
Zhao Qiang ordered two coffees, and the two drank them slowly. There weren't many people drinking coffee at this time, and the coffee shop seemed quite deserted. Zhao Qiang asked Su Su, "I heard that Guo Yang used to work at Lingdong Entertainment. Why did he leave? Was it because the conditions offered by Lingdong Entertainment weren't good enough?"
Su Su said, "No, on the contrary, Lingdong Entertainment offered very good terms. Because he and I are friends, Sister Ling took good care of Guo Yang. But precisely because he and I are friends, some rumors have spread outside. Guo Yang didn't want to implicate me, so he took the initiative to leave."
Zhao Qiang was somewhat moved: "This Guo Yang is quite remarkable. He's willing to make such a sacrifice for you. It's rare to see such a person in today's society."
Su Su said, "Yes, that's what I think too, so I've always been grateful to him."
As the two were talking, someone pushed the door open and came in. This person was also wearing sunglasses and a hat. Given Guo Yang's fame, he naturally didn't need to be too secretive. However, Guo Yang was concerned that if Su Su was implicated because of him, it would be absolutely unacceptable.
"Su," Guo Yang called softly as he walked over. The coffee shop wasn't crowded, and Su Su's disguise only made her more conspicuous. Guo Yang paused when he saw Zhao Qiang, and then didn't finish his sentence.
Su Su stood up and greeted, "Guo Yang, sit down. This is my friend Zhao Qiang." Su Su didn't say much.
Guo Yang shook hands with Zhao Qiang, puzzled. Who was this man named Zhao Qiang to Su Su? Given Su Su's personality, she wouldn't go out for coffee with a man she didn't know well. But the name 'Zhao Qiang' was unfamiliar to Guo Yang. A tycoon? There couldn't be such a young tycoon; he must be a rich second-generation or a son of an official, but he hadn't heard of anyone with the surname Zhao who could be considered a descendant of Su Su.
Su Su knew exactly what Guo Yang was thinking. She said, "Guo Yang, why are you in such a hurry to find me?" Getting straight to the point would save Guo Yang from guessing any further.
Guo Yang understood that he shouldn't pry into Su Su's private affairs, so he straightened his expression and stopped looking at Zhao Qiang with a suspicious gaze. After sitting down, he said, "Su, I have something to ask of you." Since Su Su didn't ask Zhao Qiang to leave, Guo Yang naturally couldn't ask him to leave.
Su Su said, "What? Could it be that I'm going to be a guest at your performance? As long as I can make time, I'll definitely go and cheer you on."
Guo Yang shook his head: "No, something happened at my home."
Su Su was taken aback: "Something happened at your home. What exactly happened? Tell me quickly."
Guo Yang said, "My dad mistakenly entrusted his money to a friend's son for investment, and ended up losing everything. Because that person was an old friend of my dad's, and no investment contract was signed at the time, my dad was furious and went to confront them. As a result, the father and son berated him, and he ended up in the hospital. Now he's in critical condition. He says he won't rest in peace and insists on seeing his friend's son repay his money. He's refusing treatment now, and as his son, I have no choice..."
Zhao Qiang interjected, "Investing inherently involves risk." Zhao Qiang didn't understand why Guo Yang's father wanted to argue with someone just because he lost money. If everyone who lost money in the stock market went to the securities firm, wouldn't the stock market be in chaos?
Su Su also asked, "Yes, Guo Yang, Uncle should understand the principle of gains and losses, right? It's not worth getting so angry about it." Su Su was puzzled; if it were just this matter, Guo Yang wouldn't have needed to come to her.
Guo Yang said, "Yes, my dad understands this principle very well. But his old friend promised him that if the investment made money, they would split it 40/60, and if they lost money, he would take care of it. My dad, who is usually very cautious, was tempted by that. In addition, his friend and his son kept reporting good news in the early stages, saying how much they had earned today and how much they had earned tomorrow. In his excitement, my dad invested all his savings. Unexpectedly, the US virus crisis affected the whole world, and the entire economy almost collapsed. My dad's old friend called to tell him that all the investments had gone down the drain, and my dad had no money left. How could my dad accept that? It was agreed that the principal would be guaranteed. Now, not only did he not make any money, but he also lost his principal. My dad was furious."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's hard to say without a contract. It's easier to handle if it's in writing."
Guo Yang said, "Yes, so my dad went to argue with his friend and got scolded. The friend wouldn't admit it at all. My dad was so angry that he was hospitalized. Actually, it's not that I can't afford the money, but the key is that my dad wanted to get his way. He didn't want my money at all."
Su Su asked, "Guo Yang, I understand what happened. So what's your opinion?"
Guo Yang said, “Su, I know that you and Xu Xiaoya are sworn sisters, and my father’s friend’s company is negotiating an acquisition with Jiayuan Investment. At this time, one word from President Xu is worth a hundred words from us. I want my father’s friend and his son to apologize to my father and give him justice. I’m willing to pay for it myself, as long as my father can swallow his anger and cooperate with the treatment so that he can recover as soon as possible.”
Su Su glanced at Zhao Qiang secretly. She knew that she still had to listen to Zhao Qiang on this matter. Although Xu Xiaoya was her god-sister, she couldn't force Xu Xiaoya if Zhao Qiang disagreed.
Zhao Qiang tapped his finger lightly on the table a few times as a response to Su Su. Su Su said, "Okay, I'll talk to Sister Xiaoya and ask her to talk to your dad's friends if the opportunity is right."
Guo Yang thanked her repeatedly, saying, "Su, thank you so much."
Su Su said, "Guo Yang, we are friends, you are too kind."
Volume 2 [712] The Guo Family's Affairs
[712] The Guo Family's Affairs
Guo Yang said, "My dad's friend is named Liu Mingzhen, and his son is named Liu Zhi. The company he runs is called Qiushi Trading, which is quite well-known in my hometown of Jiangquan City. Liu Mingzhen is also a representative of the People's Congress of Jiangquan City, so he has quite a status. Ordinary people can't touch him."
Su Su said, "Who cares who he is? I think he should at least give Xiaoya face."
Guo Yang said, "That's what I was thinking too, which is why I came to ask you for help."
Su Su said, "I'll call my sister Xiaoya right away."
Guo Yang said gratefully, "Thank you for your help, Su."
Su Su waved her hand to indicate that there was no need to be polite, took out her phone and dialed Xu Xiaoya's number. The call was answered after a few rings. Su Su said, "Sister Xiaoya, this is Su. Are you busy?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "I'm not busy. I just woke up from a nap at noon. What's wrong?"
Su Su said, "Yes, I hope I didn't disturb your rest."
Xu Xiaoya said, "No, tell me, Zhao Qiang seems to be with you, right? Is there anything he can't handle?"
Su Su quickly repeated what Guo Yang had said. Xu Xiaoya said, "Liu Mingzhen? I have no recollection of this person. It should be someone below who is responsible for contacting and negotiating with him. I'll have someone check and then get back to you."
Su Su said, "Okay, thank you for your help, Sister Xiaoya."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Your business is my business, why are you being so polite?"
After putting down her phone, Su Su said to Guo Yang, "Sister Xiaoya has inquired about this matter for me, so you can rest assured."
Guo Yang nodded, temporarily setting aside the matter, and asked, "Su, how's the movie being received?"
Su Su said, "Judging from the current situation, it should be pretty good. I estimate the box office will be over 100 million."
Guo Yang gave a thumbs up and said, "Not bad. With the investment in this movie, it's a huge success. After all, not many people watch art films these days. If we add other copyright revenue later, Lingdong Entertainment will make a fortune."
Su Su said, "Guo Yang, you don't need to worry too much. Go back to Lingdong Entertainment. The development prospects here are definitely better than your current company. As long as you come back, I guarantee you will make no less than five movies and two albums every year."
Guo Yang said, "Thank you, Su, but I think it's better to separate. If the two of you stay together for a long time, it will inevitably cause misunderstandings among others."
Su Su shook her head, her voice laced with reproach: "You..."
Xu Xiaoya called back, and Su Su answered. Xu Xiaoya said, "Su, Qiushi Trading did indeed have a cooperation intention with Jiayuan Investment, but it seems that the talks broke down this morning. The price they asked for was too outrageous, and Jiayuan Investment has given up on acquiring it. Moreover, according to the information we have investigated, that company is just a shell company that pretends to be a sheep, and it has no credibility. Now I'm afraid my words may not be of any use unless we go through the government to put pressure on them, but we don't have any reliable local officials protecting us in Jiangquan, so it's very inconvenient for us to do things."
Su Su was a little surprised and said, "Sister Xiaoya, thank you. I understand. I will tell my friend that I won't bother you while you're working."
After putting down her phone, Su Su could already see the disappointment on Guo Yang's face. He must have heard the conversation on the phone very clearly. Su Su said, "Guo Yang, Jiayuan Investment has not reached a cooperation agreement with Qiushi Trading, and Sister Xiaoya said that the company is not very good. I guess they will not have any more contact with Liu Mingzhen in the future. It seems that your method will not work."
Guo Yang's eyes were lifeless. "What should we do? My dad is still lying in the hospital bed. If he refuses treatment, his life will be in danger."
Su Su looked at Zhao Qiang pleadingly. Zhao Qiang had no choice but to give in to the beauty's pleas. Since he had nothing else to do, Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, I'll go with your friend to Jiangquan City."
Su Su said happily, "Zhao Qiang, you're so kind. I'll thank you on behalf of Guo Yang."
Zhao Qiang shook his head with a wry smile and said, "What are you thanking me for? We're all friends, after all. How can we stand idly by when a friend is in trouble?"
Su Su was already sitting next to Zhao Qiang. She leaned closer to him, gave him a light kiss on the cheek, and said with a blush, "I'm entrusting this matter to you. I might have to stay in Ningzhou for the next couple of days. How about we go to Jiangquan together to meet that Liu Mingzhen? He seems quite arrogant."
Guo Yang's face darkened when he saw Su Su's actions. He understood that Su Su was implying that he was already taken. Guo Yang didn't understand who Zhao Qiang was or why Su Su would fall for him so quickly. Judging from her open and proactive kiss with Zhao Qiang, their relationship was obviously very deep.
Zhao Qiang finished his coffee, stood up and said, "In that case, let's get started. Guo Yang and I will go to Jiangquan City. You go back to the hotel to rest. We'll come back and meet up with you after we've settled things."
Guo Yang hesitated and said to Su Su, "Su, um..." Guo Yang looked at Zhao Qiang, his expression somewhat troubled.
Su Su knew that Guo Yang doubted Zhao Qiang's abilities. Guo Yang thought, "Even Xu Xiaoya had a hard time managing this investment in Jiayuan; can someone who's nobody handle it?" He added, "Don't waste time; Father is seriously ill and bedridden."
Su Su said to Guo Yang, "Guo Yang, don't worry. If Zhao Qiang can't handle this, then no one can help you."
Guo Yang asked, "Can I ask one more question? Who...who exactly is he?"
Su Su said, "You'll understand my friend later. Trust him, Guo Yang, you'll definitely be pleasantly surprised."
Seeing how much Su Su trusted Zhao Qiang, Guo Yang had no choice but to give it a shot, "Alright."
The three of them left the coffee shop. Zhao Qiang first took Su Su back to her hotel, and then he got into Guo Yang's car. As Guo Yang drove, he asked, "Zhao Qiang, when did you and Su become friends?"
Zhao Qiang could tell that Guo Yang had no ill intentions towards Su Su, and Su Su had said that Guo Yang had helped her when she was in her most difficult time. Therefore, Zhao Qiang still had a good impression of Guo Yang; otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to Jiangquan City to help him deal with Liu Mingzhen.
"It's been a few years, Su was still in high school back then." Zhao Qiang lit a cigarette, lost in memories.
Guo Yang was somewhat surprised, "You...you've known each other for a long time?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, that year I had just graduated from university, Su was in her second year of high school, her family owned a pharmacy, and her sister and I were classmates in high school..."
Guo Yang suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. You're from the same hometown. But you've hidden it very well. There's not a sound from outside."
Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "I can't usually be by her side, and I feel quite guilty about it."
Guo Yang said, "I can see that Su is truly devoted to you. Don't let her down. She's a very nice girl."
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Don't worry, I won't let her suffer any injustice."
Guo Yang then asked, "May I ask one more question? What are you doing right now?"
Guo Yang asked this question partly to assess whether Zhao Qiang was capable of supporting Su Su, and partly to probe Zhao Qiang's background. Otherwise, if he brought Zhao Qiang back to Jiangquan City after a long and arduous journey, only to find that Zhao Qiang couldn't do anything to Liu Mingzhen, wouldn't that be a waste of time?
Zhao Qiang said, "Me? I don't do anything now, I just travel around. I used to do repairs, but I haven't been back since I went back to China. Actually, I miss those early days..." Zhao Qiang was actually immersed in his experience at Home Inns Computer Company. He thought about how fast time flies, and that with his current status, he could never have that experience again.
Guo Yang was sweating slightly. "Mr. Zhao, so how do you plan to persuade Liu Mingzhen?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Don't call me 'Mr. Zhao,' just call me by my name 'Zhao Qiang.' As for Liu Mingzhen, let's deal with him as he comes. Don't be afraid that he will be unconvinced. I have met many unconvinced people before, but in the end they still have to admit defeat. So I should have some experience in dealing with people like him."
Guo Yang felt like he was listening to someone brag, and he became even more uncertain. However, since Su Su had introduced him, he couldn't refuse. Besides, he couldn't think of any other way at the moment. So, Guo Yang gritted his teeth, stepped on the gas, and headed straight for Jiangquan City.
When Zhao Qiang and Guo Yang arrived in Jiangquan City, it was already past 8 p.m. Zhao Qiang had driven half the way, as Guo Yang couldn't drive alone. Instead of checking into a hotel first, they went straight to the hospital. Zhao Qiang wanted to find out about the situation from Lao Guo, while Guo Yang was worried about his father's illness.
Guo Yang's father, Guo Zhen, is over sixty years old this year, but he has always been in good health. However, his life savings for his coffin have been squandered this time. How can he bear it? Even a person made of iron would not be indifferent.
"Mom, how is Dad?" Guo Yang asked an old woman in the ward. She was probably Guo Zhen's wife. Guo Zhen was already asleep, but he looked very haggard.
Mrs. Guo said, "He's still the same. He refuses to eat or take his medicine. This afternoon, when the nurse came to give him an IV, he pulled it out. It's so worrying. Why can't this old man understand? Money can be earned back, but what if something happens to him?"
Guo Yang said, "Mom, don't worry, I'll ask my friends for help, and I'll definitely get justice for my dad."
Madam Guo then noticed the young man following behind her son. She quickly stood up and asked, "Hello, who are you...?"
Zhao Qiang stepped forward and greeted her, "Auntie, my name is Zhao Qiang. I am Guo Yang's friend. I came here specifically to help him resolve his uncle's matter."
Mrs. Guo was pleasantly surprised: "Oh, you're a judge? You're so young."