"This station reports that Qiao Zishan, son of River City's wealthiest man, passed away last night from an illness at the age of twenty-five..."

"The tycoon, Qiao Tianhao, plans to donate one billion yuan at the memorial service and will invite prominent figures from all over River City to participate..."

"..."

Early the next morning, the people of River City were shocked by the news on television. Qiao Zishan was dead? The tycoon was donating one billion yuan? This...

People exchanged glances, seeing the sheer shock on each other's faces. Hasn't too much been happening in River City lately? First, the Fang Family was annihilated, and now even River City's most notorious young playboy, Qiao Zishan, was dead.

Was this a coincidence, or was there some inside story? After all, those in the know were aware that the Qiao and Fang families were related by marriage.

Countless speculations flew about, but they soon vanished without a trace, as if someone had deliberately suppressed them. Ultimately, the public discussion shifted to the memorial service the tycoon was planning to hold.

Rather than a memorial service, it seemed more like a charity gala. Furthermore, this was set to be River City's grandest charity gala in a decade. The tycoon himself was donating a billion yuan. Even if others couldn't match that figure, they couldn't be too stingy, right? Otherwise, how could they show their faces?

More importantly, this fundraiser was taking place at Qiao Zishan's memorial service. Donating too little would be a clear slight to the tycoon. In an instant, all the influential figures in River City began gathering their staff for urgent meetings.

「Qin Corporation.」

Qin Luoli held a gold-embossed invitation, her mind adrift.

"President Qin, Young Master Qiao died so suddenly, yet the tycoon is holding a charity event at his memorial service. Could there be some ulterior motive?" a tall young man asked, standing in the office with a complex expression.

Qiao Zishan's death had obviously shocked him. His name was Gao Xing, and he had his sights set on Qin Luoli, a fact that was an open secret throughout the company. Qin Luoli was aware of it but pretended not to be.

He had been humiliated by Lin Mu before and never forgot it, originally thinking Luo Jinping would help him settle the score. But after personally witnessing Luo Jinping being carried out that day, he had been deeply rattled. At the time, Gao Xing had dismissed Lin Mu as a mere brute who would never last long by Qin Luoli's side. He thought he would find another opportunity and had even been trying to contact Qiao Zishan to continue targeting Lin Mu and drive him away from Qin Luoli. But now, to his shock, Qiao Zishan was dead.

With that in mind, Gao Xing pressed on, "President Qin, we can't miss this. It's a great opportunity for our corporation."

A charity gala wasn't just about donating money; it was also a chance to attract talent and expand one's network. Such a grand event would undoubtedly draw prominent figures from all sectors and even receive television coverage. It was the perfect stage to build a reputation and open up new markets. No capable enterprise would pass up this chance, and Gao Xing was certain Qin Luoli wouldn't either. He imagined appearing at the event with her, showing everyone that they were the perfect pair. As for Qin Luoli's actual husband, a mere live-in son-in-law, he would be a nobody in their eyes.

"Forget it." Qin Luoli tossed the invitation onto the table. "I won't be going. I'll send a company representative to attend in my place."

"But President Qin..." Gao Xing grew anxious. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Appearing alongside Qin Luoli on such an occasion was a perfect chance for him to get closer to her.

"Enough. My decision is final." Qin Luoli frowned and waved him away. "You can go."

Gao Xing knew her personality; her word was law. He had no choice but to leave, filled with resentment.

"Manager Gao, what's wrong? Why the long face?"

Just as Gao Xing stepped out of Qin Luoli's office, he ran into a colleague named Xue Lang. He held a similar position and was also considered one of the company's more outstanding senior managers. The two were on good terms and often went for drinks together after work.

"It's nothing," Gao Xing said dismissively, not wanting to share the details. He then lowered his voice, "Xue Lang, I heard you have a new target these days?"

Xue Lang's face broke into a knowing smile, which was immediately followed by a heavy sigh.

"What? Running into trouble?" Gao Xing laughed, teasing him. "There's actually a woman you can't win over? I'm curious who she is."

Xue Lang glanced around. "Let's talk somewhere else."

The two entered Gao Xing's office. After Xue Lang closed the door, he slumped onto the sofa and sighed again.

"What's with all the sighing? Is she not into you?" Gao Xing poured Xue Lang a cup of coffee and sat opposite him, a smirk on his face. He was unhappy, but seeing someone else even more miserable brought a genuine spark of joy to Gao Xing.

"That's not it," Xue Lang said proudly. "With what I have to offer, do you think she'd turn me down? Besides, I've already won over her mother. I'd say I'm more than halfway there."

"Oh?" Gao Xing raised an eyebrow. "You're quick, already getting the mother-in-law on your side."

Xue Lang wore a confident smile. "That was simple. She's just a woman who loves money."

"It's just that..." Thinking of the man he saw at the hospital, Xue Lang's expression soured. It seems Su Ke'er is closer to that man.

"Tell me about it. Maybe I can help," Gao Xing said, his curiosity now genuinely piqued. He and Xue Lang frequently attended parties and met plenty of women. With their looks and status, they could have almost any woman they desired. Seeing Xue Lang stymied was truly interesting.

"It's nothing special." Thinking of Lin Mu, Xue Lang sneered. "There's just this kid who's been getting close to her, and it seems their relationship isn't so simple."

"Ah, so she's taken," Gao Xing chuckled inwardly, but said aloud, "That's no big deal, though. Since you have the mother-in-law on your side, are you still worried you can't win her over?"

That was true, Xue Lang thought. But he just couldn't stand it.

"I want to teach that kid a lesson!" Xue Lang looked at Gao Xing. "Gao, you're well-connected. Can you find some people for me?"

Gao Xing understood immediately. So that's why Xue Lang had sought him out. Leaning back in his chair, he feigned difficulty. "I do know some people from the underworld, but..."

Xue Lang knew exactly what he meant. "The usual arrangement?"

"Add another fifty thousand," Gao Xing stated. "These guys aren't easy to hire."

Xue Lang cursed under his breath, "Those bastards raised their prices again?"

Gao Xing shrugged helplessly. "That's the going rate, unless you just want to teach him a simple lesson."

"That won't do!" Remembering the humiliation he suffered at the hospital, Xue Lang gritted his teeth. "I want to humiliate that kid so badly that he won't be able to show his face in River City again!"

"Alright, I'll add another fifty thousand. Here's what I want you to do..." Xue Lang outlined his plan in a low voice, finally asking, "Can you make it happen?"

"I have no idea what that kid did to you to make you spend this much," Gao Xing clicked his tongue. "But don't you worry. That kind of thing is their specialty."

"Then I'll leave it in your hands."

With that, Xue Lang left Gao Xing's office. Just as he was leaving, he saw a figure walk into the President's Office.

Why does he look so familiar?

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