Qin Heng returned to the Red Plank Pavilion with Wu Yuqing, only to find that Xia Shuang had vanished without a trace.

"What's going on? Where has Xia Shuang gone?" Wu Yuqing's expression was frantic as she instinctively grasped Qin Heng's arm, deeply worried.

She had now returned to her normal state. When Su Ying left her, some of her memories were taken as well. This included knowledge of the Martial Dao world and the sight of Qin Heng in action, which she had witnessed before. These experiences changed her outlook and insight, and also affected her personality.

Therefore, the current Wu Yuqing was just an ordinary girl. Although she was inherently strong-willed, when faced with a major crisis, she would still panic, feel utterly helpless, and instinctively want to rely on Qin Heng, who was beside her.

Her memories were gone, but her instincts remained. Wu Yuqing's body, however, still remembered that Qin Heng was incredibly powerful. Of course, she herself wasn't clear on just how powerful he was; it was merely a subconscious feeling.

Qin Heng's brows also furrowed. He scanned the surroundings and found clear signs of a struggle. Someone had obviously come, knocked out Wen Du, Fang Quan, and the others, and then abducted Xia Shuang.

Who's so bold? Qin Heng's eyebrows knitted together slightly.

Xia Shuang was in Tianhai for the first time. She had no grievances or grudges, so no one had any reason to kidnap her. There could only be one explanation: she was abducted because of him, Qin Heng.

Someone was trying to use Xia Shuang to threaten him.

How strange. Who in Tianhai now would have the audacity to provoke him like this?

"Xia Shuang seems to have been abducted, probably as a way to deal with me," Qin Heng's eyes narrowed slightly as he took out his phone and dialed Chen Qingzhu's number.

"Qingzhu, send a car to pick someone up. I have a friend I need you to look after temporarily. Also, bring me surveillance footage from the roads in Dongpu District from the last hour."

Wu Yuqing would be no help in this situation. It was better to have her stay with Chen Qingzhu; at least she would be safe there.

「Meanwhile.」

Chen Qingzhu was presiding over a company meeting. It involved a five-billion project.

However, upon receiving Qin Heng's call, she didn't hesitate for a moment. She immediately announced the end of the meeting, preparing to personally drive to Qin Heng to pick up the person.

This caused an immediate uproar. She was in the middle of a meeting with 200 people, discussing a project worth five billion! To just up and leave, to halt the meeting just like that!

What on earth was this!?

Hearing Chen Qingzhu's announcement, the two hundred people present were dumbstruck.

"President Chen! You can't leave!" The investment director of Chen's Financial Group exclaimed, stepping in front of Chen Qingzhu, his tone righteous. "President Chen, every second counts on this project! If we don't finish the meeting now, that five billion could go right down the drain!"

"Exactly! What could be more important than a five-billion project? This isn't something we can take lightly! The meeting is already halfway through; how can you just walk out?"

"This is a five-billion project, not five million, and certainly not five hundred thousand! How can you be so reckless? President Chen, I am now seriously doubting your professionalism and sense of responsibility! What are you about to do? What could possibly be more important than a five-billion project?"

Many people stood up, voicing their objections to Chen Qingzhu. Some were genuinely upset and worried, but others simply resented that Chen Qingzhu, a woman barely in her twenties, was now the head of Chen's Financial Group. They seized the chance to utter a few sarcastic remarks, hoping to carve out some personal gain at her expense.

The conference room, which could hold 500 people, was vast. Even with 200 attendees, it still felt cavernous. But now, it had become incredibly noisy, with many expressing their dissatisfaction.

"President Chen! I just heard the voice on the phone. Was it telling you to pick someone up?" the Investment Director asked, frowning at Chen Qingzhu. "Who exactly is so important that President Chen would abandon a five-billion project to personally pick them up?"

"I heard the voice was a man's. Could it be President Chen's boyfriend? President Chen, with all due respect, at your age, you should prioritize your career and not let emotions cloud your judgment."

"Exactly. And President Chen, you must be careful not to be deceived by men. You're young, beautiful, and the CEO of Chen's Financial Group. Many men love to 'conquer' women like you."

"I think President Chen has already lost her head. Otherwise, why would she ditch a five-billion project to go meet her lover? What do you all think? We should stop President Chen and thoroughly investigate this man!"

The crowd jeered, and someone even blocked the door. They were brazen, believing in safety in numbers; at least thirty or forty of the two hundred people in the room were openly mocking Chen Qingzhu. Among them were numerous executives.

No one believed Chen Qingzhu would dare to retaliate. In their view, if Chen Qingzhu truly lost her temper, Chen's Financial Group would undoubtedly suffer a heavy blow.

"What are you trying to do?" Chen Qingzhu surveyed the room, her beautiful face filled with an icy expression, and said sternly, "Of the Chens, I am the Family Head! For Chen's Financial Group, I am the CEO! What do you all think you're doing!?"

"President Chen, we're actually just looking out for you." The Investment Director blocked Chen Qingzhu's path. "You're still too young, President Chen, and inexperienced with the harsh realities of the world. Perhaps that man is after your wealth and beauty…"

"Shut up!" Chen Qingzhu shouted sharply. "You have some nerve, daring to insult President Qin! You're fired, effective immediately! Go to HR right now and process your dismissal!"

BOOM!

The entire conference room instantly erupted. Those who had been jeering turned deathly pale, staring at Chen Qingzhu in utter disbelief.

She actually dared to do it!

And she fired the Investment Director!

A top executive of the financial group!

Firing a top executive meant a massive personnel shake-up. The stock price would inevitably plummet, potentially wiping out tens of billions in a single day! Compared to this, the five-billion project going up in smoke was nothing!

She's completely lost her mind!

"You... you dare fire me!?" The Investment Director stared at Chen Qingzhu in disbelief, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. He repeated, "Chen Qingzhu, you dare fire me!?"

"Get out! You're fired! And as for everyone else who spoke up just now, consider your promotions and bonuses for this year canceled!" Chen Qingzhu snapped, rebuking the hecklers as well.

Then she turned and strode out of the conference room, heading to the garage to drive to Qin Heng.

In Chen Qingzhu's heart, Qin Heng was a supreme god. His words were more important to her than anything, even her own life. Those people actually dared to slander Qin Heng—they all deserve to die a thousand deaths!

「Meanwhile.」

In a private room at the Red Plank Pavilion, Qin Heng also received a phone call.

A sinister, raspy voice came from the other end.

"Qin Xuantian, I am the father of Hong Guchen, the man you killed. Right now, your friend is in the trunk of our car, and we're on the move. I'm giving you three hours.

If you can't find us, your friend will die a truly miserable death, far beyond what you can imagine. I'm going to flay her and send her skin to you, completely intact!

This is just the beginning. Next, your sister and your other friends will die! Qin Xuantian, are you angry? Furious? Then come and find me!

Three hours, you little bastard! You only have three hours! Come on! HAHAHA!"

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