Chapter 52: Breaking the Promise

“You… you actually lost to him?”

In the hospital, gazing at Yu Xiao lying on the bed, Qin Changqing’s face was like thunderclouds.

In his memory, Mo Han was nothing more than a useless freeloader—never had he imagined that Mo Han would be capable of defeating Yu Xiao.

After all, Yu Xiao was a true martial artist, someone who’d helped him solve countless thorny problems without ever failing.

And now, he’d failed.

He’d lost to a live-in son-in-law!

“President Qin, he’s very strong, terrifyingly so. Take my advice—let this matter drop, or the Qin family may suffer a terrible price.” Remembering Mo Han’s monstrous might, Yu Xiao spoke earnestly.

That he was still alive after facing Mo Han’s inhuman strength was nothing short of a miracle.

Qin Changqing said nothing, but his face darkened even further.

Letting this go? That was impossible!

He had only one son, Qin Haoran—the sole heir and hope of the Qin family.

Now his son was a ruined man, perhaps unable even to carry on the family line; how could he possibly let this go?

Of course, he couldn’t.

But his relationship with Yu Xiao was more than simply employer and bodyguard; he couldn’t bear to embarrass Yu Xiao further.

“Rest well. Don’t worry—even if you can never fight again, the Qin family will take care of you.” He patted Yu Xiao’s shoulder and walked out.

If Yu Xiao couldn’t handle this, he’d find someone else.

As long as Mo Han lived, he would never be able to swallow this humiliation!

Yu Xiao watched Qin Changqing’s departing figure and shook his head. He’d said all there was to say—the final choice was Qin Changqing’s, and no longer his concern.

Of course, even if his hands were crippled, he still had his legs. He would never let the Qin family support him for nothing.

“President Qin, I’ve found out—Li’s Pharmaceutical has returned to Li An’an’s hands. Dongjia Group just signed a contract with them worth one hundred million.” Upon Qin Changqing’s return to the company, his secretary immediately reported.

“A hundred million… That’s a major contract for Li’s Pharmaceutical.” Qin Changqing leaned back in his chair, a cold gleam in his eyes. “Since you’re such a fighter, I’ll bankrupt your company first—then bring in someone to personally take your worthless life!”

As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and called Yan Yutang, chairman of Dongjia Group.

“Brother Yan, I have a big opportunity for you—interested?” As soon as the call connected, Qin Changqing got straight to the point.

He and Yan Yutang were old acquaintances, their companies often collaborating. There was no need for pretense.

“Oh? What have you got this time, Brother Qin?” Yan Yutang’s surprised voice came through the phone.

“In your contract with Li’s Pharmaceutical, is there a penalty clause? Is it substantial?” Qin Changqing asked.

There was a long silence—nearly a minute—before Yan finally spoke. “And what prompts you to ask, Brother Qin?”

“We’re old friends, so I’ll be straightforward. If the penalty’s worth it, I can help you get the formula for Li’s Rejuvenation Pill…”

After nearly ten minutes of discussion, Qin Changqing hung up, satisfied.

He lit a cigarette, leaned back, and smoked slowly.

When the cigarette was spent, he rose and left the office.

Half an hour later, Qin Changqing arrived at the Sakura Club.

“Mr. Xu, I have a deal—want to hear it?” Qin Changqing sat across from Xu Biao and got straight to business.

Though Xu Biao moved in the underworld, he owned legitimate companies and assets. In public, people did address him as Mr. Xu—and he enjoyed it.

“Why would I turn down business?” Xu Biao lounged back in his chair with a grin. “So, what are you offering, President Qin?”

“You know Li’s Pharmaceutical? I want them unable to operate for a month. There’s ten million on this card—another ten million when it’s done.” Qin Changqing placed a bank card in front of him.

Xu Biao glanced at the card, a smile appearing on his face. He straightened up and extended his right hand.

Qin Changqing reached out—they shook.

“Pleasure doing business,” Xu Biao said with a grin.

“A pleasure.”

…

The next day, Mo Han and Li An’an arrived at the factory to take over operations once again.

The employees had already heard the news yesterday, and were quite happy to have Li An’an back in charge.

After all, Li An’an raised their wages and gave them hope.

Li An’an checked the company’s accounts and was relieved to find the fifty million she’d invested remained untouched.

In truth, she’d worried too much—the finances were still under her control, and a financial director hadn’t been appointed yet. She alone could move the company’s funds.

Even if the Li family refused to return the factory, it would be difficult for them to transfer out that fifty million in the short term.

“President Li, the people from Dongjia Group are here. They say they want to see you.” Ma Jiaojiao entered Li An’an’s office and reported.

Li An’an frowned. She knew Dongjia Group must be here to hold them to account.

After all, the factory had changed hands twice in a few days—such a commotion couldn’t have escaped their notice.

“All right, I’ll meet them,” Li An’an nodded.

Together, they went to the reception room, where Dongjia Group’s project director greeted them with a less-than-friendly expression.

“Director Wang, hello.” Li An’an took the initiative to extend her hand.

Wang Qin gave her a cold glance, refusing the handshake, and instead rebuked her: “President Li, what’s going on with your company? Two changes in ownership—how can we trust you’re capable of producing the Rejuvenation Pill? If you can’t do it, just say so. We can terminate the contract.”

Wang Qin’s tone was harsh. Li An’an’s hand hung awkwardly in midair, but she dared not show anger.

After all, the problem was truly on their side—two changes of hands gave ample reason for criticism.

Moreover, compared to Dongjia Group, their factory was tiny.

Finally, Dongjia Group was a major client; their factory’s survival depended on them.

“Director Wang, I’m so sorry. We mishandled things before, but rest assured, I now have complete control. There won’t be any more incidents,” Li An’an said apologetically, withdrawing her hand.

“Can you deliver in a month?” Wang Qin asked.

Li An’an’s face grew awkward. “I’m terribly sorry, but I don’t think we can deliver in a month. Please, could you give us another half month?”

The plant had twice been vandalized by underworld forces—there wasn’t a single intact production line.

The project department hadn’t even produced a plan yet. Even with money in hand, she couldn’t install a new line immediately.

Even if the plan came through in the next couple days, it would be at least a month and a half before production could begin.

“What? You can’t deliver in a month? Then forget it—I don’t think your company is reliable. We’re terminating the contract. By the way, that means you’re in breach—there’s a penalty of two hundred million in the contract, and you’ll have to pay it!” Wang Qin declared, unilaterally ending the agreement. Her attitude was forceful and uncompromising.

Li An’an’s expression changed dramatically. She hastened to speak: “Director Wang…”

She wanted to promise to do everything possible to meet the deadline, but Wang Qin waved her off, unwilling to argue further. She was determined to terminate the contract.

“If you want to terminate the contract, fine. But have your boss come and negotiate.” At this moment, Mo Han walked in.

“And who do you think you are? Just a security guard—you think you can see our boss?” Wang Qin sized him up, full of disdain.

“Is that so? Then I’ll call your boss myself.” Mo Han, unwilling to waste words, took out his phone and business card, dialed the number directly.