Chapter 101: A Twist of Fate

On such an important occasion, when Song Qingzhu suddenly mentioned Lin Qi, Tang Long instantly grew flustered.

After all, Lin Qi was a crucial figure who absolutely could not be exposed!

Tang Long forced himself to calm down.

“What elementary school? Nobody told me…” Tang Long feigned sudden realization. “So there’s going to be a key elementary school built next to this land? I really had no idea. General Manager Song’s insider information is unbeatable. No wonder you’re willing to spend two billion to buy this plot—it’s definitely a surefire investment!”

Tang Long just wanted to quickly dismiss the name “Lin Qi” to prevent anyone with ulterior motives from overhearing—it was a room full of influential people, and no one knew if there were agents from the other side present.

So he went out of his way to praise Song Qingzhu’s foresight. Even if all the money ended up in the hands of Jinyang Group, it was still better than Lin Qi being exposed.

But Song Qingzhu was on the verge of collapse.

How could this happen?

Tang Long didn’t know about the key elementary school? Lin Qi hadn’t told him?

Such a huge sum, and it was all loans Song Qingzhu had taken out by mortgaging her factory. If it ended up tied to this piece of land, Jinyang Group would be finished—there would be no backing out of the bid. Not only would the deposit be forfeited, but she would also end up in jail!

“General Manager Song, please keep your voice down,” a leader pounded the table. “General Manager Song has offered two billion. Any higher bids?”

The room fell silent.

How could anyone outbid that?

Even knowing that a key elementary school was to be built nearby, no one had the capability to compete with Song Qingzhu.

Everyone else was envious—having insider information was truly invaluable. No wonder their company was so strong and successful.

Only Song Qingzhu knew in her heart there was no such municipal plan—it was all her own fabrication. She hadn’t managed to trap Tang Long, but had instead trapped herself.

“Two billion, first time.”

“Two billion, second time.”

“Two billion, third time.”

After three calls from the auctioneer, the hammer fell decisively.

“Congratulations to Jinyang Group for purchasing this piece of land on Construction Street for two billion!” a leader applauded enthusiastically.

***

Other executives joined in the applause, and the entire conference room filled with cheers and laughter.

“Congratulations, General Manager Song!”

“General Manager Song, Jinyang Group is about to reach new heights!”

“Once the municipality announces the news, this land will be worth not just two billion, but even four billion!”

Surrounded by congratulatory voices, Song Qingzhu pushed everyone aside and fled the room, utterly despondent.

Everyone looked puzzled—no one knew what had happened.

It was over—completely over!

Buying a worthless plot for two billion would shatter Jinyang Group’s financial chain. By then, not only would they fail to absorb Longyue Group, but they might even be swallowed up themselves!

And she, for failing to complete the task, was guaranteed to be executed by the organization…

Thinking of the terrifying Fat Envoy and Thin Envoy, Song Qingzhu trembled all over.

She was dead this time—truly dead!

Her face pale as death, she staggered down the stairs.

Seeing Song Qingzhu leave the hotel, Lin Qi immediately got out of the car to meet her.

He quickly realized something was wrong with her.

Her eyes were vacant, her expression blank, and she swayed unsteadily, as if suffering from a mental breakdown.

“General Manager Song, what’s wrong?” Lin Qi hurriedly grabbed her arm.

Song Qingzhu looked up and saw Lin Qi. Her eyes reddened.

“Why didn’t you tell Tang Long that there would be an elementary school built near that land?” she screamed, reaching out to clutch Lin Qi’s throat.

“Why should I tell him… General Manager Song, calm down. What exactly happened?” Lin Qi was gasping for air under her grip, his face quickly turning red.

“Aren’t you Tang Long’s spy? Why didn’t you tell him such critical information!” Song Qingzhu roared, nearly losing her mind.

“I’m not Tang Long’s spy, never have been…” Lin Qi was still confused, but he knew if he didn’t fight back, Song Qingzhu might strangle him to death on the spot!

***

Lin Qi grabbed both of Song Qingzhu’s wrists and pried them apart. “General Manager Song, please…”

“You bastard!”

“Lin Qi, you’re a complete bastard!”

Song Qingzhu was overcome with emotion, throwing several punches at Lin Qi.

Lin Qi dodged and parried, all the while wary of her suddenly shooting silver needles.

But she didn’t do that.

After a barrage of punches and curses, Song Qingzhu suddenly dashed to the roadside, hailed a taxi, and left.

Lin Qi stood there dumbfounded, still not understanding what had happened.

Just then, his phone rang.

It was Tang Long calling.

“Young master, there’s a black car across the street.”

Lin Qi looked up and saw a black car. He immediately sprinted over.

Opening the door, he found Tang Long inside.

“What happened?” Lin Qi asked as he got in.

Tang Long recounted the auction process, then asked Lin Qi what was going on.

Lin Qi told him everything he knew.

Together, the truth became clear.

Tang Long sighed deeply. “What a tragic misunderstanding… Jinyang Group is doomed!”