Chapter 25: The Senior Sister's Fragrant Kiss, and the Third Sister's Summons

“Why wouldn’t I dare? Are you intending to resist arrest? Are you planning to defy the law?” Lu Xuelan frowned, preparing for a forced apprehension.

Her words triggered another round of frantic photography among the reporters gathered nearby.

Faced with so many flashing lights, Song Tao certainly dared not resist; his earlier words were nothing but bluster. “Fine, I’ll go with you, but this matter will not be settled so easily.” Song Tao’s face was twisted in a grimace—though unwilling, he had no choice but to follow Lu Xuelan away.

Once Song Tao and his entourage were taken from the premises, the entire hall fell silent again. The farce had finally drawn to a close.

Though Qingxue Group’s reputation had been restored, Liu Qingxue had made an enemy of the Song family of Tianmen. If the Song family cut off their supply of raw materials, whether Qingxue Group could continue to operate remained an open question.

As many fretted over Qingxue Group’s future, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the hall. A moment later, a group of people entered.

At their head was an elderly man, seventy years old yet full of vigor. His arrival sent a chill through everyone present.

“Wei Elder?”

“Isn’t the head of the Wei family suffering from a terminal illness? Why is he here?”

“Could Wei Elder be here to attend Qingxue Group’s press conference?”

“That hardly seems possible. Qingxue Group is only preparing to go public—it hasn’t even been listed yet. How could it warrant Wei Elder’s personal appearance?”

A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd, for the visitor was none other than Wei Yuansheng, patriarch of the Wei family.

“What are you all murmuring about?” Wei Yuansheng, a master of internal strength, possessed extraordinary hearing; even whispers did not escape him.

“Wei Elder, this is Qingxue Group’s press conference. Perhaps you've come to the wrong place?” A young man, gathering his courage, ventured a reminder.

“No, I am in the right place. I am very optimistic about Qingxue Group’s future and have come specifically to discuss collaboration. I intend to sign a commercial contract worth two billion.” Wei Yuansheng nodded, striding toward the podium.

Instantly, the hall fell silent.

In the eyes of all present shone disbelief: the Wei family was eager to partner with Qingxue Group and was offering a two-billion contract? Was this a dream?

Before anyone could recover from the shock, another group entered, even more imposing than the Wei family.

“Tianmen City’s Han family presents Qingxue Group with a three-billion contract!” Han Bao declared loudly, following Wei Yuansheng toward the podium.

The crowd was stunned, numbed by the succession of announcements. Not only was the Wei family scrambling to cooperate with Qingxue Group, but the Han family too. What hidden strength did Qingxue Group possess to draw these two powerful families?

“Tianmen’s Yang family, presenting a five-hundred-million contract to Qingxue Group.”

“Tianmen’s Sun family, presenting a five-hundred-million contract to Qingxue Group.”

“Tianmen’s Jiang family, presenting a five-hundred-million contract to Qingxue Group.”

“…”

With the leading example set by the two major clans, the remaining families all declared their intent to collaborate. In the small conference hall, over half of Tianmen City’s prominent families had gathered.

Should news of this spread, it would surely trigger an earthquake in the business world.

Yet what everyone wanted most was to understand why—why did so many families seek partnership with Qingxue Group?

The reporters and guests found it incredible, and even Liu Qingxue herself was at a loss to explain. These wealthy, powerful families had always been beyond Qingxue Group’s reach, yet now they were coming forward of their own accord? Each contract was worth at least five hundred million, and their combined profits could propel Qingxue Group into the ranks of Tianmen City’s leading super enterprises.

If this continued, Liu Qingxue might well supplant the Song family and become one of Tianmen City’s four great clans—a prospect by no means impossible.

“Xiao Tian, did you invite all these people?” Liu Qingxue looked at Chu Tian, dazed as if in a dream.

“Senior Sister, this is the surprise I prepared for you. Do you like it?” Chu Tian smiled gently.

“I love it!” Liu Qingxue nodded eagerly. It was an unexpected delight—how could she not?

Han Bao and Wei Yuansheng handed over the cooperation agreements, their eyes instinctively drawn to Chu Tian. If not for Chu Tian, they would never have lavished such support on Qingxue Group.

Chu Tian said nothing more, merely smiling and nodding in satisfaction. Even such a simple response filled Han Bao and Wei Yuansheng with joy.

Fortunately the journalists knew nothing of the underlying reasons. If they learned that Chu Tian’s mere smile could send the heads of two great families into raptures, they might well lose their minds.

“Master Han, Master Wei, and all distinguished guests who have placed your trust in Qingxue Group—I promise, you will not be disappointed!” Liu Qingxue gathered up the agreements, thanked each guest, and finally retreated backstage to rest.

After overcoming so many obstacles and Song Tao’s malicious interference, today’s listing conference had concluded in triumph.

With the support of the Han and Wei families, Qingxue Group’s future would be smooth sailing, free of further hindrance.

Returning backstage, Liu Qingxue immediately spotted Chu Tian.

Chu Tian approached, grinning. “Senior Sister, since you like today’s gift so much, shouldn’t there be some reward for me?”

Liu Qingxue rolled her eyes. “You little trickster, what reward do you want?”

“It’s simple—just kiss me.” Chu Tian pointed to his cheek.

“In your dreams,” Liu Qingxue laughed, refusing on the spot.

Chu Tian looked disappointed.

He hadn’t held much hope to begin with—winning a kiss from his senior sister was no easy feat.

Just then, Liu Qingxue suddenly rose on tiptoe and kissed Chu Tian on the cheek.

Chu Tian stood frozen, a smile spreading across his face.

“All right, you two stop flaunting your affection. Third Sister is waiting to see Xiao Tian.” Ye Binglan remarked, exasperated.

“Third Sister?” Chu Tian asked, “Second Sister, you mean Third Sister wants to see me?”

“Of course. Here’s the address of her medical clinic—go find her yourself.” Ye Binglan handed him a slip of paper.

Chu Tian glanced at the address and committed it to memory.

“Alright, I’ll go see Third Sister now.” Clutching the slip, Chu Tian left the hall at once.