Chapter 241: Chapter 239: The Tense Situation, The Appearance of Ji Baijian.

Translator: 549690339

“Zhizhi, don’t blame me.” Qin Jingxiang pleads sincerely, as if not receiving forgiveness from Song Zhizhi at this moment would cause her unbearable pain.

In this moment, Song Zhizhi suddenly feels that Qin Jingxiang’s tactics are even better than Nie Wenzhi’s.

Such a young lady of twenty-one years old is truly admirable.

Indeed, high-intelligence individuals can even play the innocent, pure role with such grace and naturalness.

She says, “You are the one who was hurt. Why would you ask me to forgive you? You’re being too harsh. If anything, I should be the one apologizing to you.”

“No, no need for any apologies. If anyone, I should be apologizing to Uncle Song. I’m the one who delayed his project, ” Qin Jingxiang quickly replied.

Song Shan waved his hand. “Let’s not mention any apologies. No one wanted this incident to happen. Now that it has, we should focus on how to resolve it.”

“Yes.” Qin Jingxiang obediently nods.

At that moment, Ye Taiting looked at everyone, smiled and said, “It’s good that we talked openly about it. Today, Wenguo mentioned that he wished to extend an invitation for a dinner with Song Shan through me, in hopes that there are no lingering resentments. The most important factor in commercial management is harmony. Regardless of whether this incident was caused by childish conflict, while the outcome has been somewhat disappointing, I believe unity is of utmost importance. As my most trusted aides, I hope no conflict arises between you.”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Ye. I definitely won’t cause any trouble,” Qin Wenguo said.

“Same goes for me. Wenguo and I get along well off duty. This incident won’t affect our relationship,” Song Shan added.

“If that’s the case, then I can rest assured,” said Ye Taiting. “I’m not feeling well. Please, enjoy your meal.”

Mr. Ye stood up.

Everyone else also stood up.

“Don’t let me hold you back. Enjoy your meals. Once you’re done eating, Song Shan, come to my room.”

After saying that, he left with Qian Guanshu.

Everyone watches as Mr. Ye leaves. Song Shan didn’t linger and immediately followed.

The dining table was left with Song Zhizhi, Qin Wenguo and Qin Jingxiang.

At this moment, Song Zhizhi left the table. There’s no need for her to fake any pleasantries with these two. She said, “I’m full. Please take your time, Uncle Qin and Miss Qin.”

Qin Wenguo’s face fell slightly at her departure.

Mr. Ye calling Song Shan alone didn’t sit well with him.

As Song Zhizhi turned and left; Qin Wenguo’s face immediately changed. Not bothering to hide his displeasure, he turned to look at his daughter.

Qin Jingxiang signaled to the servants around them.

Qin Wenguo managed to suppress his frustration.

Qin Jingxiang consoled him, “Perhaps he’s just briefing him about the trip to S Country tomorrow.” ‘What can’t he say in my presence?” Qin Wenguo gritted his teeth, his words barely audible.

“Don’t worry, Dad. We can talk more when we get home. At least for now, our first step has been successful.”

Qin Wenguo nodded.

With his highly intelligent daughter by his side, he was not afraid that he wouldn’t be able to compete with Song Shan!

At this moment, Song Shan, standing in Ye Taiting’s room, saw that Ye Taiting seemed very weak and asked Qian Guanshu to fetch him an oxygen tube.

Song Shan was filled with concern once again.

Ye Taiting appeared indifferent, speaking, “Song Shan, originally, once the project in S Country was successful, I would announce that you would take over my position as the successor. Unfortunately, things never go as planned. To be honest, I didn’t believe everything that the Qin girl said today. But you know, I have always favored Song Zhizhi and feel that she will achieve greatness in the future. I am convinced by her saying that Qin’s girl carried the white cup for ulterior motives, but unfortunately, we have no evidence to prove anything.”

Upon hearing Ye Taiting’s words, Song Shan was deeply moved, “Thank you, Mr. Ye, for your trust in me and my daughter. I know my daughter well and I can assure you that impulsiveness is not her style.”

“That I know,” nodded Ye Taiting, “But the problem is, we can’t provide the evidence to prove they did it on purpose either. If there were evidence, I could also restrain Qin Wenguo.”

Song Shan seemed slightly irritated, but held it back.

“Through this succession selection, I have seen a lot of things clearly. For his own interests and to prevent you from achieving results, Qin Wenguo was willing to harm others and himself, and undermine national interests. This is utterly disappointing. I had assumed he would be an excellent assistant, but now it turns out that he is not even fit to stay in Commercial Management.” Ye Taiting sounded quite furious.

At this moment, perhaps due to his intense emotions, he had a severe coughing fit.

Song Shan hurried to comfort him.

Qian Guanshu continuously patted his back.

It took a while for Ye Taiting to calm down. He said, “Song Shan, you see my current condition, I don’t have much time left, which makes me anxious. I am determined to hand over Commercial

Management to you, but before that, you must help me drive Qin Wenguo out of Commercial Management! I’ve always fully supported your pursuit of greater power and your active competition, but if such power leads to damaging the interests of Commercial Management and the public, I won’t tolerate it!”

Song Shan seemed rather stunned.

Ye Taiting said, “I’m entrusting you with this task. You must accomplish it. I believe that you also know that apart from Guanshu voluntarily stepping out of the race, both you and Qin Wenguo, and Chu Zhaotian can compete fairly. I can’t abruptly hand over my position to anyone, as it would not bring stability. The only way is for you to make as many achievements as possible during this period, but obviously, the project in S Country has failed, and there’s no reason to promote you directly. If you are capable of driving Qin Wenguo out of Commercial Management, not only will you have one less competitor, but by ridding Commercial Management of such a selfish individual, it will be a great feat on your part. This will give me a reason to announce you as the successor, making it easier to pacify Chu Zhaotian.”

Song Shan seemed somewhat torn.

Ye Taiting said emphatically, “I know that the relationship between the chiefs is good, but sometimes you have to stand on the overall situation.”

“I understand.” Song Shan nodded, “I will do my best not to let you down.”

“You’ve worked hard. I’m also tired. You should go.”

“Alright.”

Song Shan offered a few more words of concern for Ye Taiting’s health before he left.

After he left, the door closed behind him.

Ye Taiting removed the oxygen mask from his face, turned to look at Qian Guanshu, and both of them exchanged a cunning smile.

Qian Guanshu said, “Sir, are you sure what Song Shan will do next?”

“Of course,” Ye Taiting said, “When have I ever misread someone? Among Chu Zhaotian, Qin Wenguo, and Song Shan, Song Shan has the strongest desire and ambition. If not, why do you think I put Nie Wenzhi beside Song Shan? It’s because the Song Family’s pursuit of power is too strong, and I must be on guard. Song Shan’s father was not an ordinary character, luckily he died early. However, Song Shan has clearly inherited all of his father’s ambitions. Even if I had a successor, the Song family would still be on the prowl.”

“Why do you say that?” Qian Guanshu asked. He was of the same generation as Song Shan, almost 20 years younger than Mr. Ye, so he didn’t know much about the previous generation.

“In addition to Song Shan’s branch in Commercial Management, the Song family has another branch in the government. Both branches are doing very well, so you could say that the Song family holds considerable influence in Yanshang Country. What I’m guarding against is not only Song Shan, but also his cousin Song Wen. If the two of them were to join forces, it would be hard to deal with. Luckily, they haven’t had much contact over the years. But I’m worried that these two will suddenly unite, and now with Ji Baijian…” Ye Taiting’s face darkened considerably. “While I’m still here, it’s fine. After all, I’ve been steering the ship of Commercial Management for so many years, most people wouldn’t dare play me. But I’m afraid that once I die, Wenhan will also be in danger, so before that happens, everyone we need to deal with must be completely removed! Qin Wenguo and Chu Zhaotian have big ambitions but lack power, they don’t bother me. But eliminating one or two competitors doesn’t matter. Let Song Shan and Qin Wenguo fight against each other first, then we can reap the benefits.”

“Sir, your strategies are admirable,” Qian Guanshu flattered. Ye Taiting suddenly reached out to grab Qian Guanshu’s hand.

Qian Guanshu was taken aback.

Ye Taiting said, “The one I can’t stop worrying about in this life is Wenhan. If something unfortunate happens to me, you must help me take good care of him.”

“Yes, master,” said Qian Guanshu, “I will treat him as my own flesh and blood.”

“Hmm.” Ye Taiting nodded.

At that moment, he indeed felt somewhat worn out. As he had grown older, his physical condition had continued to deteriorate.

So, some matters needed to be arranged in advance.

Song Shan left Ye Taiting’s room.

Song Zhizhi was waiting for him in the hall.

Song Shan’s face was somewhat heavy as he left, he bumped into Qin Wenguo and Qin Jingxiang who were also preparing to leave.

After a round of insincere greetings, they returned to their respective carriages and departed.

“What did Ye ask for you?” Song Zhizhi asked her father.

“Mr. Ye said that he knew the accident this time was intentionally caused by Qin Wenguo, but without evidence, he couldn’t do anything, ” said Song Shan, facing his daughter. At that moment, he felt very remorseful, “Zhizhi, dad was too harsh with the words he said to you that day. I was just acting out in my anger and didn’t think much about it. Calming down now, I know you wouldn’t do such a foolish thing. It appears even Ye knows you didn’t do it. Yet, I still vented my anger on you. I made you feel wronged.”

“Dad, don’t say that. Anyone who encountered this kind of situation wouldn’t accept it easily. I know you were just very angry at that time, and I didn’t take it to heart. My past few days of inactivity was due solely to being caught in Qin Jingxiang’s scheme, and I can’t think of a way to solve it right now. Just thinking about the potential impact this project could have on your crucial competition platform, I also feel uneasy.”

Song Shan shook his head, “Actually, the project is no longer the most important issue now. Even though this project is indeed very important to me, and it is the platform where Ye genuinely wants to help me, but Ye is fully aware that the completion of this project was always difficult. Therefore, he didn’t put much hope in it. Now, due to this incident, Mr. Ye saw Qin Wenguo’s selfishness. He’s extremely dissatisfied with him now.”

“So, what does Ye mean now?” Zhizhi asked.

“Mr Ye said, I should find a way to drive Qin Wenguo out of Commercial Management.” Song Shan looked at his daughter, “He said once I force him out, he will announce my position as his successor!” “Old Ye was so straightforward?”

“Yes. Old Ye really can’t put his mind at ease about Commercial Management. He’s afraid that after his death, Qin Wenguo might do something detrimental to the company in the struggle for power. So, he wants me to resolve the issue of Qin Wenguo before his death.”

Zhizhi was somewhat surprised.

What was Ye Taiting trying to imply?

At this time, he was still letting the chiefs fight among themselves?

That seemed somewhat unbelievable.

Was he not worried that they would end up in a lose-lose scenario with no one left to helm Commercial Management?!

Or was it that Ye Taiting already had other candidates in mind, and her father and Qin Wenguo were just cannon fodder!

She couldn’t figure it out.

However, she just couldn’t convince herself that Ye Taiting’s actions were normal. At this point, from

Ye Taiting’s perspective, the thing he needs to do most is to calm the situation, let Commercial Management transition smoothly to the next successor, instead of stirring up the current tumultuous state of affairs.

Returning to her senses, she asked, “Dad, what do you plan to do?”

It’s impossible to simply kick Qin Wenguo out of Commercial Management after his years of service there.

Old Ye was the helmsman of Commercial Management. Even with his power, he couldn’t do it. Isn’t it just making things difficult for them by asking them to do it?

“I’m in the fog.” said Song Shan, “But since Old Ye has made a statement, if I can’t fulfill it, I might genuinely fail his goodwill. As for the position of successor, it might be elusive as well!”

Zhizhi could feel the immense pressure her father was under.

Initially, it seemed like great news that Qin Wenguo had disappointed Ye Taiting due to the accident and thus, greatly reduced their competition. However, because of Ye’s request, their family was once again stuck in a dilemma. It seemed like every time Ye Taiting gave them a big sweet bun, it was out of their reach.

Were her worries overblown, or did Ye Taiting actually have a holistic plan in mind?

“Ye has been really good to me.” Song Shan said, “At his crucial moment, he gave me so many opportunities. Despite knowing that the project in an S country could not possibly be completed, he did not pressure me but instead offered advice. If Qin Wenguo leaves Commercial Management, I will have one less competitor, and even if I get proof of Qin Wenguo’s guilt, I could be rewarded for it. He would also have a valid reason to let me take over his position rightfully. If I lose these two chances, it wouldn’t just be Ye who couldn’t assist me, I wouldn’t even have the face to compete anymore.” At first glance, Ye Taiting seemed to favor Song Shan heavily indeed.

She was even thinking, maybe Ye Taiting was just testing her father in the end. After all, Commercial Management has been passed down through generations of the Ye Family. They would need a strong successor in all aspects. With Ye Taiting’s illness striking abruptly, he has no choice but to cut the Gordian knot and choose the most suitable successor in the most direct way.

She didn’t want to think about it anymore.

She felt that she needed to reorganize her thoughts.

She said, “Dad, from what I heard from you, Ye now thinks highly of you and keeps giving you chances to prove yourself so that he can justifiably name you his successor.”

“Yes.”

“Meaning, as long as we accomplish one thing, Ye would have reason to convince everyone. Now, our first project in S country is next to impossible to complete, so we can only choose the second – expel Qin Wenguo from Commercial Management.”

“Right.” said Song Shan sternly.

“Now, Ye is very disappointed in Qin Wenguo and thinks he doesn’t base his decisions on the best interest of Commercial Management or the people. However, Ye can’t just demand Qin Wenguo to leave without any evidence which is why we need to help him find grounds to terminate Qin Wenguo as the Chief Officer. By doing so, we will have one less competitor, and we will be carrying out this task under Ye’S protection.” Zhizhi analyzed the situation bit by bit. She murmured, “The key problem now is, we can’t find evidence against Qin Wenguo in such a short time to make him leave, and time is running out for Ye.”

Zhizhi finally straightened out the issue.

“That’s why I’m truly at a loss.” Song Shan was under immense pressure, frowning all the time, “Being the helmsman of Commercial Management really isn’t an easy job!”

“Dad, don’t worry for now. I actually think that the situation isn’t as pessimistic as we thought. Since Qin Wenguo has greatly disappointed Ye, Ye definitely won’t name him as his only successor. He already has one less competitor.” Zhizhi smiled, “I actually feel that our chances of winning are increasing.”

“Have you thought of anything?” Song Shan looked at his confident daughter, somewhat excited.

“Hmm. Let’S talk about it more when we reach home.” Zhizhi nodded. “Let’s get our brother involved in brainstorming too.”

“Alright, your brother should get serious too.” Song Shan nodded in agreement.

The car quickly arrived at the Song family mansion.

When Zhizhi got out of the car, she saw Ji Baijian, who had disappeared for nearly a week and suddenly appeared again.

So, was he here to divorce her?