Chapter 201: Confrontation
, Xue Lingzhu's silence created a stark contrast.Xue Yiyang drank his liquor while staring at Xue Lingzhu with an expression similar to satisfaction. Su Zhan couldn't help but recall the maniacal scen...Chapter 201: Confrontation
The only Songjiang Dasha Mountain forest scenic area in Shanghai. Purple Garden villa district.
A mansion resembling a Hong Kong orchid flower stands out among the more than 150 villas with different styles built along the southern slopes of West Dasha Mountain, towering amidst artificial forests and lakes.
This seemingly isolated villa area covers approximately one thousand acres, with over three hundred acres of water surface. The depth ranges from about three meters to eighty meters at its deepest point. There are thirteen small islands within the compound, connected by thirteen steel-structured bridges. These 150 villas are distributed across these islands.
It’s like a paradise on earth.
The Hong Kong orchid mansion is the largest in terms of area among all the island mansions here, covering about twenty acres. Only those who know the inside story understand that this mansion, purchased at an astronomical price of 130 million yuan by a mysterious buyer during its opening ceremony held at the International Convention Center, has always exuded an extremely noble aura.
The villa seems to be built on water. According to rumors, every exquisite part was designed by top designers from over thirty countries such as America, England, Australia, and Italy. When it came time to sell this property later on, even many billionaires hesitated at the sight of its price tag.
Ordinary people would be hard-pressed to imagine the magnificence inside this villa with its unique design, featuring an indoor swimming pool, tennis court, yacht pier, bowling alley, and a gymnasium for boxing training, all under its crimson eaves.
The children of some wealthy families who live in this villa area occasionally see a bright red silhouette through the transparent glass corridor leading to the yoga studio on the ground floor or from the tennis court when they drive across one of the high points connecting the islands. This glimpse is often fleeting but leaves an unforgettable impression.
However, these young men and women who usually live in luxury would never dare to pursue that beautiful woman. At their level, most people understand divination techniques and know about reverence or hierarchy. Even if they can afford a mansion here, it doesn’t mean the owner will accept them. If they persist against such odds, they might find themselves overwhelmed by the environment. No matter how beautiful the woman inside is, she often becomes a tomb for those who are unaware.
The term 'unaware' means failing to recognize one’s own situation.
A light drizzle had just fallen over Dasha Mountain Lake Forest Scenic Area, highlighting its advantages. On the wooden pier by the lake of the Hong Kong orchid villa, a woman with loose linen hair and wearing a cotton shirt against the mountain chill stepped out from the sun yoga room onto the lakeside, taking deep breaths of fresh air. In her hand was what looked like a remote control for the villa and a cup of steaming coffee, whose aroma wafted into her upturned nose.
In the distance, several open-top sports cars were driving across the bridge connecting islands, likely young residents who had been invited to drive out together today. As they passed by, their speed slowed down; most people sitting in the cars would look over at this direction. Perhaps it was because of the villa's extraordinary appearance and its resident’s strong background that attracted attention or maybe due to Song Zhen standing on the lakeside with her stunning face.
"When spring fades, summer leaves shade the earth after a morning shower; curtains drawn, leaves cover the ancient peak like soft clouds. The courtyard is woven with broken smoke and old farmers under the sun." Song Zhen recited softly, seemingly muttering about this recent rain. However, the clear voice rearranged fragments of poems into her own composition, including lines from Wang Wei's "Washing City Poem," Qin Guan’s “Random Notes on the Last Day of March,” Du Mu’s verses, and Li Bai's "Facing Rain."
It seems to reflect her chaotic state of mind at this moment as well.
A middle-aged woman with a broad face and thick jaw, wearing gray sports clothes, emerged from the villa behind. It was Song Zhen's mother, Tao Qing, who seemed to have just returned from running around the island. She came beside Song Zhen and looked at her daughter from the side, saying, "The news that Qiao Shuxin has resigned from Facepalm Chinese is rampant. I confirmed with someone, it should be a definite fact. All of this happened when Su Cen, the founder in America, arrived in Shanghai."
Song Zhen knew what her mother Tao Qing meant by this sentence. Qiao Shuxin's resignation could be an ominous signal for those who pay attention to Facepalm Chinese, and with the American president of Facepalm arriving in Shanghai, more drama might unfold. Is it a struggle for power or opposition between two kings
"Yes, I was also thinking about this," Song Zhen sipped her coffee calmly.
Tao Qing took her gaze away from the young people revving up their sports car engines and smiled, "Young people are always full of spirit. Why haven't you been in touch with Chang Wei lately"
"If they honked one more time, I would have taken off their tires," Song Zhen glanced at the sports cars on the bridge, "I've been a bit tired recently and don't want to be disturbed."
The mother-daughter conversation seemed to jump from topic to topic, but it didn’t detract from the focus. Their brains worked like dual-core processors beyond their time.
"Is it that you dislike being disturbed or do you find it annoying" Tao Qing smiled slightly, "The variables for Facepalm have yet to settle down. But the information I've received from my contacts is certain – the American president and that man are already at odds. If America's facepalm loses such a pillar, what will happen to today’s facepalm company It would be like a tidal wave sweeping away everything. That man might also experience a huge impact."
Tao Qing continued, "We've received information from Yanjing and even Shanghai, which we can take as reference, along with our Senchuan Group's foreign intelligence. Both heavyweight figures of Sequoia Investment, Tang Valentine and Moritz, have already made contact with Jian Hua, and even the person behind him. If this is true, it’s like a long-term strategic layout. You should understand that there are too many people eyeing Facepalm now."
Tao Qing looked at Song Zhen, "I know you're trying to win his heart right now."
"Mom, don't misunderstand me. I have no interest in him," Song Zhen frowned and turned her head with dissatisfaction, seemingly worried that her mother would misunderstand something. “Not a single bit.”
She then noticed Tao Qing carefully observing her and shifted away, saying, "What does he amount to"
Tao Qing gazed at Song Zhen's graceful neck, nodded, and sighed, "Over the years, I've seen through everything. Beauty, love, promises, human connections – they’re all fleeting when viewed from a decade or even decades later. Only true blood ties between parents and children and real power in one’s hands are truly worth cherishing and are crucial."
"Look at our Senchuan Group. Was the smear campaign last time just bad timing Why would the materials handed to SASAC and CBRC grasp so many substantive handles Do those professional managers and relatives who show great respect before us really submit willingly in front of you and me People are hard to measure. But I can understand Su Cen. Not only does he have extensive connections with Western Sichuan Province, but at such a young age, creating the Big Pineapple Group enterprises, his future prospects are more important than his understanding of reciprocity. This trait is also shared by your father who has been working hard overseas for so long. Therefore, if you can bring him in or even make him feel gratitude towards us and be willing to work for our Senchuan Group like Chang Wei did, that would be good enough. Otherwise, women always need someone to rely on in life. If we were to integrate the Big Pineapple Group into ours, what does this mean"
Song Zhen's heart beat inexplicably faster.
Tao Qing muttered, "Don't pursue feelings; even if someone has feelings for you now, after a decade or two, everything fades away. Just like how I sometimes curse your dad for not dying sooner. But those who have no feelings for each other now might find it hard to part ways after a decade or two, just like me and your dad. If one day your dad passes away, I won't be able to help shedding a few tears."
Song Zhen smiled sarcastically, "You always say you're heartless, but from what I know, it seems that's never been the case."
"But this time Mom is speaking from the heart," Tao Qing said. "How should one view love You're young and beautiful; over the years, many people have wanted to pursue you because of your looks or our family’s condition. But what does that really represent After decades when your beauty fades, both parties might discover they never truly liked each other in the first place. They were only interested in superficial things. These superficial things will eventually disappear with time. Whether or not you like him, or even if you ever took a second look at him, doesn't matter. What's important are inner qualities and potential. Of course, what Mom said is just for your reference; I don’t want you to blame me in the future when you sacrifice your happiness."
"How could I blame you Okay." Song Zhen’s moist lips curved upward in a smile, "I understand."
*** Peninsula Bay, Snow Sea Retreat.
In Tang Wu's five-bedroom, three-living room duplex apartment, the TV was playing softly, showing news from CCTV.
The spacious living area rarely had visitors besides Su Can and Tang Wu; today it felt especially lively.
Though Tang Wu didn’t like the antique-style coffee table in the living room, she had to accommodate her parents’ taste. On the sofa sat her father, Tang Zongyuan, mother Mu Xuan, and younger sister Tang Xiaowu in slippers with hair tied up, leaning against a cute-looking pillow.
"You mean you want to take on the position of vice president" Tang Zongyuan repeatedly rubbed his smooth forehead, unsure how to digest this news. For Tang Wu, he had always adopted a hands-off policy because she never caused him any concern from childhood; whether playing the piano, attending events, or hosting programs, she was allowed to do what she wanted.
Every school Tang Wu attended made him feel proud due to her excellence. Schools treated him like a VIP and perhaps his status as a People's Congress representative played a role too, but compared to his daughter’s achievements, it paled in comparison. He tacitly approved of Su Can’s existence after she started college and allowed his daughter to intern at Facebook starting from her junior year without affecting her studies. But hearing that Tang Wu wanted the vice president position was different; this wasn’t just an internship anymore.
Tang Zongyuan muttered, "Why choose that place There are many businesses under my control that I hope you will take over after graduation. Ultimately, everything is yours." He then looked at Tang Wu in her slightly cartoonish pajamas with hanging black hair and said, "You're still a child."
"Due to Qiao Shuxin's departure, someone needs to step up. In this position, I’m still learning," Tang Wu explained softly while hugging the pillow.
“No,” Mu Xuan had been listening coldly from the start with her arms crossed; she finally said.
When Tang Wu looked back slightly defiantly, Mu Xuan continued, "Tang Wu, you're only twenty-one. You should finish your chosen major and discipline. I don't want your grandmother to find out through Nan University about your situation and ask why so many subjects are problematic. I would be at a loss for words in such an awkward situation. You needn't shoulder this embarrassment. You must understand what’s more important: academia or the tawdry world of business."
"It's just a position, but it will allow me to allocate more time to my studies. And throughout this year, I've learned things that no amount of reading could have taught me," Tang Wu argued logically.
"I understand that you participate in various clubs at school or attend certain events, enriching your extracurricular life through social practices," Mu Xuan said coolly. She leaned forward slightly and continued, "Even when you went to Facebook for an internship during your third year, did I ever interfere Even back then when you chose not to go to Tsinghua University or Peking University but instead applied to Nanjing University for Su Cen's sake, did I ever scold you You should have gone to one of those top universities, and even sent abroad for further education. The depth and breadth of your knowledge would be much greater than it is now!"
"Why didn't I do so It was all for your own good. Believe me, once these conditions are met, you will feel at ease pursuing your studies diligently at Nanjing University without my interference in your privacy. But this is how you repay my understanding Do you know what taking up the position of Vice President at Facebook means to a girl like you Don't you want peace and quiet"
Tang Wu hugged her pillow, facing Mu Xuan across the room in defiance. Neither of them was willing to back down, each displaying an unyielding resolve.
Once Qiao Shuxin, the Chinese manager at Facebook, resigns, a new CEO must be appointed quickly. Of course, it couldn't possibly be Tang Wu stepping up at this moment, but she could lay the groundwork for future moves. If Tang Wu were to take on the position of Vice President, within one or two years, leveraging her exceptional talent and brilliance, she would undoubtedly become someone many people矚目。
Tang Wu stared coldly at Mu Xuan for a long time before saying, "Harvard University has a famous quote: 'Why are Harvard students better than those from other universities Because after graduation, they don't just look for jobs but create them.' I've studied economics and finance. After graduating, I will follow this path. It's only a matter of time."
Mu Xuan clearly retaliated with her own cold words: "That would be after you have completed your studies and graduated with a degree. At that point, whether you apply for jobs yourself or join your father’s company to do what you want, no one will intervene. But now, you need to complete the current task at hand."
Tang Wu knew that no matter how she argued today, it likely wouldn't make a significant difference. She came from a rather traditional family; her maternal grandparents in politics and Mu Xuan herself, even down to her own father, all adhered to deeply ingrained traditional Chinese family values.
First, achieve academic success to bring glory to the family name. Then pursue business or officialdom to further enhance their status.
This process valued gradual advancement and didn't tolerate any shortcuts—much like how her life was meticulously planned from childhood. If she hadn’t encountered that unconventional boy who broke the rules, would she still be as rebellious on a deep level despite her well-structured upbringing
Tang Wu recalled when she first met Su Cen; perhaps it was because of her background—always being class president or school leader, receiving awards at every level from city to province—that seeing that disheveled, unkempt youth stirred feelings of novelty and rebellion in her.
Perhaps only then would she have noticed him.
Mu Xuan lowered her eyes slightly, saying slowly, "Over the years, I've tacitly accepted Su Cen's existence and acknowledged your relationship and his talent. But this can't be an excuse for him to disrupt your life."
"What does it mean for him to disrupt my life" Tang Wu rose from the sofa, her fingers tightly gripping the pillow in an attempt to control her emotions, then directly looking at Mu Xuan as tears streamed down her face. "If not for him, do you know what kind of life I would be living now!"
After saying this, she turned around and walked upstairs to her room, closing the door behind her.
Tang Zongyuan almost sprang up from his seat, looking at Mu Xuan anxiously. "What's going on Look at your daughter!" and media figures like Chen Guangdong from Bolo Media. It is without question a classic and beautiful advertising campaign.Jianhua himself has a multifaceted identity; he is a renowned investor in Ch...