Chapter 616 You misunderstood, Mother
Chapter 616 You misunderstood, Mother
"Let me guess. Somebody isn't happy with my moves in Province N," said Ling Qingyu with a chuckle as she rubbed her chin. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Exactly. With your talent, you should have seen it coming," Gu Yi replied. "I can suppress them for you and give you ample time to grow stronger."
"That won't be necessary, Mother."
"Could you not address me as 'Mother'?" Gu Yi cringed and brushed the fabric on her shoulder with distaste. "We aren't that close yet."
"We will be soon enough," Ling Qingyu coughed lightly but stood her ground. "Qingyue's mother is my mother too."
"The way you climb up really opens my eyes," Gu Yi said, shaking her head. "Come to think of it, I can't imagine the extent of your reach across industries. Those old ghosts would never expect what's coming."
Ling Qingyu paused when she noticed the maids approaching. Gu Yi followed her glance and waited.
The two women remained silent as the maids placed the tea on the table and retreated.
"I'm serious, Mom. I can handle them on my own."
"Even with so many obstacles ahead?" Gu Yi raised an eyebrow, clearly astonished by Ling Qingyu's confidence.
"Even if they all attack me at once," Ling Qingyu replied with a steady gaze, her eyes exuding arrogance and an unwavering trust in her abilities.
The newborn tiger fears no one, Gu Yi thought. But she knew Ling Qingyu was no ordinary character.
Ling Qingyu had flourished in the most chaotic provinces, a success that could only be achieved through sufficient means and unrelenting ruthlessness.
"Alright. Just know that if you ever need help, you can call me." Gu Yi nodded, offering her support.
"Thanks, Mom. The battle is inevitable, but I chose this road, and there's no turning back." Ling Qingyu took a sip of tea. "Prepare to watch the clown show unfold in the coming months. It'll be quite the spectacle."
"I'll be watching," Gu Yi said, smirking. "From the looks of it, you seem intent on suppressing the entire province yourself."
"Exactly. And when that happens, I'll have the province's support," Ling Qingyu replied, raising her cup. "Honestly, it's a rare opportunity for me to expand. Every business faces tribulations. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. The same applies here—I'll only grow stronger."
Gu Yi sipped her tea, letting the conversation settle as the fragrant aroma of the surrounding flowers filled the air.@@@@
The discussion painted a vivid picture of Province N's landscape. Ling Qingyu, having ventured down several paths, knew well that anyone whose interests she touched would never wish her well.
Compromise was nonexistent in a business war. It was either surrender or victory. Even so-called compromises were merely tactical pauses for both sides to regroup and prepare for an eventual onslaught.
True peace only existed when both parties possessed equal strength. But such peace was fragile, as one misstep could lead to disaster.
Survivors of suppression never lasted long, no matter how much they groveled. Once the powerful established a tight grip, they would swiftly eliminate any remaining threats.
If others sought to consume her industries, why couldn't she return the favor? The pharmaceutical, restaurant, and energy sectors were ripe for her taking. Once she digested them after her victory, her overall strength and status would surpass all expectations, subverting the established hierarchy.
After a moment of silence, Gu Yi sighed and broke the tension. "Ah—here I thought I could return your favor soon. But it seems you're planning to seek even more of my help in the future."
"How could you say that, Mom?" Ling Qingyu replied, her tone feigning offense. "Given our relationship, there's no need to measure such proportions. Consider this time as a gift from the younger generation. Besides, I'll gain benefits from it too, won't I?"
"You've already overperformed," Gu Yi said, shaking her head slightly. "The deal between us makes me feel guilty. As you've pointed out, it wouldn't be right for me to take advantage of someone from the younger generation. Come, tell me how I can help."
"If you insist." Ling Qingyu paused, steepling her fingers after carefully setting her teacup on the mahogany table. The aura of a seasoned CEO returned as she continued, "Help me when I deal with the Qin family."
"The Qin family from the Capital?" Gu Yi asked, her expression thoughtful. After a brief moment, she nodded. "You have my word. I'll act as a middleman to mediate the unpleasantness between you two."
As the Minister of Justice, Gu Yi had access to extensive intelligence and already understood the underlying conflict. She was aware of Ling Qingyu's fierce and decisive actions, which had successfully countered the Qin family's attacks.
The Qin family had targeted Ling Yunxiang, Ling Qingyu's half-sister, relentlessly. They suppressed her thoroughly and blackened her name in the entertainment industry.
If not for Ling Qingyu's advanced technological means and rapid counterattacks—methods that had even piqued Gu Yi's curiosity—Ling Yunxiang's fate would have been sealed.
Not even the prestigious Ling family from Province S could challenge the behemoth that was the Qin family, deeply entrenched in the capital's power structure.
Gu Yi knew there were also conflicts in business matters where Ling Qingyu's industries faced countless obstacles though not directly by Qin family. Nevertheless, anyone with a clear vision knew the identity of the culprit.
Of course, her daughter-in-law, in spite of a weaker position, wasn't to be outdone. The counter-attacks were like a combination solid punches targeted at the weakest spot.
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Qin family suffered heavy losses in wealth after their countless projects got ruined by exposing too early or their organization's chain froze, costing several billions after losing trust from the investors.
Some of the younger and older generation's past criminal deeds were flushed out to the public, attracting outrages.
"Mediate? No, Mother-in-law. You misunderstood." Ling Qingyu's lips curled into a sneer. "I intend to destroy the entire family for what they did to me."
Gu Yi was stunned by her daughter-in-law's declaration. This was beyond what she expected. Was Ling Qingyu planning to dismantle the Qin family simply because of the enmity caused by Ling Yunxiang?
Such ruthlessness and overbearing ambition caused Gu Yi to reconsider the depths of their cooperation. If Ling Qingyu was this extreme, perhaps Gu Yi needed to clarify the stakes involved.
"Is this all because of your sister?" Gu Yi probed, careful not to overcommit. "I can offer some help, but you mustn't underestimate the power of the capital's families."
"Thank you for the reminder, Mom." Ling Qingyu smiled, her tone light yet calculated. "I'm fully aware of the stakes. And no, my decision isn't solely because of my sister."
"Oh?" Gu Yi raised an eyebrow, inwardly relieved to hear there was a broader reason behind Ling Qingyu's ruthless approach. However, her composure faltered as Ling Qingyu spoke her next words.
"They once tried to assassinate me—and they nearly succeeded."
NABC