Since the Qiao Group was merged into Huibo Group, the news attracted widespread attention. However, this attention brought nothing but trouble to the Qiao family.
Soon, someone dug up the identity of Qiao Chuxi’s uncle, Qiao Jinchang, who was the Party Secretary of the city. With the help of some instigators, accusations were directly aimed at the Qiao family.
Whether or not Qiao Jinchang had used his authority as Party Secretary to benefit the Qiao family, the stigma of collusion between officials and businessmen had already been attached to him. If this continued, an investigation team would certainly come to suspend and question him, which would be a further disaster for the Qiao family.
Qiao Chuxi learned of this news immediately. Although she wasn’t particularly fond of her uncle, she knew he hadn’t committed any wrongdoing.
Someone must have wanted to target the Qiao Group, and thus decided to bring down Qiao Jinchang first, who acted as the protector of the Qiao Group. Once Qiao Jinchang fell, the Qiao Group would lose its political backing, making it much easier to deal with.
“Chuxi, you must help your uncle. For many years, although many have wanted to target the Qiao family, they’ve hesitated because of me. But this time is different. Someone is clearly targeting us. If we let them have their way, the Qiao family will be finished…”
Qiao Jinchang could no longer remain calm. In his view, his downfall was only the first step in someone’s plan. The next step would be the collapse of the Qiao Group.
Although he coveted the entire Qiao Group, he hadn’t gone so far as to wish for the Qiao family’s downfall. In fact, it was precisely because the Qiao family existed that he could remain firmly seated in his position as Party Secretary.
“I’ll… do my best…”
Initially wanting to refuse her uncle’s plea, Qiao Chuxi couldn’t bring herself to say the words. Her uncle might have been a bit selfish, but he still had the Qiao family’s interests at heart. She didn’t want to take advantage of his predicament.
“If things don’t work out, you can go talk to that person. Since this matter might be related to Huibo Enterprises, he should be able to help the Qiao family…”
Qiao Jinchang knew that although his niece excelled in business, her influence didn’t extend to the political arena. Thus, he placed his hopes on Xiao Yufan, understanding that if the Situ family were to assist, any problem could be resolved.
“If it really comes down to him being the only one who can help, I’ll consider asking for his assistance…”
Qiao Chuxi was initially startled, but gradually understood her uncle’s meaning. She realized he was referring to Xiao Yufan. With sufficient understanding of this man, she was well aware of his background and the formidable power of the Situ family.
In truth, Qiao Chuxi had always been somewhat proud. She didn’t want this man to know about her difficulties. If she could solve them herself, she would never rely on others.
“If a man can do it, I can do it too. Why should I depend on a man? Having a man around would only mean I’d have to take care of him, creating unnecessary trouble!”
This was what Qiao Chuxi had once said to the old patriarch of the Qiao family. Logically, she should have married by now, but she had remained single, clearly demonstrating her pride.
It was no wonder she had become the future leader of the Qiao Group and a symbolic figure among women in Linjiang—few men could match her status.
However, Xiao Yufan’s appearance shattered all of her pride, leaving her with no room to argue. She had to admit this man indeed possessed a unique charm and formidable strength.
Having already promised her uncle, Qiao Chuxi naturally wanted to do her best. After finishing the call with her uncle, she dialed a man’s number.
“Uncle Song, my uncle is in trouble. Can you help mediate the situation?”
“I’ve heard about Jinchang’s issue, but I can’t really help. This is something the higher-ups want to handle, and I’m not in a position to stop them…”
A sigh came from the other end of the phone, with a hint of apprehension in his voice. He wasn’t sure what the Qiao family had done to offend someone, but in the north, there were many more powerful people than the Qiao family.
“My uncle hasn’t used his position to benefit the Qiao family in recent years. I know his character well. I’m just afraid someone might frame him with false accusations, and then we wouldn’t even know where to seek justice…”
Not expecting this response, this man, who held a prominent position in the provincial department, clearly didn’t want to get involved. The Qiao family shouldn’t have offended someone so powerful. It seemed this was indeed targeting Xiao Yufan, with the Qiao family caught in the crossfire.
“I believe what you’re saying, but others might not. The accusation of collusion between officials and businessmen might seem minor, but it could be blown completely out of proportion…”
“In that case, I won’t bother you anymore, Uncle Song. I’ll try to find other solutions.”
Qiao Chuxi naturally didn’t want to push further and embarrass herself. Pursuing this man’s help might only have the opposite effect. As a smart woman, she knew exactly what to do and what not to do.
“Do I really have to ask that guy for help…”
After hanging up the phone, Qiao Chuxi felt conflicted again. Should she really turn to Xiao Yufan? This time, the target was the Qiao family. She was only speculating that the real target might be Huibo Enterprises. She couldn’t go to Xiao Yufan with mere suspicions.
Compared to the tense atmosphere between them at first, the relationship between Qiao Chuxi and Xiao Yufan had somewhat improved. However, this improvement only meant they could coexist peacefully. For some reason, Qiao Chuxi still felt a barrier between them.
“If it really comes down to it, only that guy can solve this!”
Finally, after much hesitation, Qiao Chuxi made up her mind. It was that guy himself who had said that matters concerning the Qiao Group were also matters of Huibo. If she could trouble him, why should she bother solving it herself?
Helplessly shrugging her shoulders, Qiao Chuxi could only use this reasoning to comfort herself. Even she didn’t know when this subtle, girlish mentality had gradually emerged. She definitely hadn’t been like this before.
Having made up her mind, Qiao Chuxi immediately dialed Xiao Yufan’s number. If she had known all along that she’d have to rely on this man, why had she taken such a long detour?
Undoubtedly, if the Situ family were willing to intervene in this small matter, it would undoubtedly cause a massive reshuffle throughout Linjiang, even the entire provincial department, due to the Situ family’s truly fearsome influence…
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