Volume 1, Chapter 9: Persuasion Works Better Than Force

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Qiao Ye entered the children’s room where the family doctor was inquiring about Doubao.

“Miss Qiao, Mr. Lu, the children are fine, but it’s best not to discuss sensitive family topics with them in the future. Although they’re young, their minds are often more delicate than we imagine.”

“Especially a child like Doubao, who is quite precocious.”

Qiao Ye escorted the family doctor out of the villa. “Understood, Dr. Zhang. We will be more careful with such matters from now on.”

“Also, it would be best if their mother could spend more time with them. That could help make up for some of the emotional void they feel.”

Qiao Ye nodded. “Alright.”

After seeing Dr. Zhang off, Qiao Ye returned to give Doubao his medicine. Once the children were soothed and asleep, the two of them quietly left the nursery.

“Are you really going to let Lu Qi’an return to the company?”

“If we don’t let him go back now, the rumors within the company will only get worse.”

Qiao Ye sighed wearily. “Besides, the pressure from all around is overwhelming. Other than letting him return and dealing with him at the company, I have no better solution.”

Lu Tingxiao looked at her tired expression and wrapped his strong arm around her shoulder.

“I’ll back you up. Besides, I need to settle some things with him regarding the children.”

Backing her up.

Those words weighed heavily on Qiao Ye’s heart.

Her eyes flickered with a bittersweet light.

For the past five years, through all the pressure, only Lu Tingxiao had silently supported her...

Lu Tingxiao gently squeezed her shoulders twice.

“You two go to the company first. I have some matters to handle at the group. I’ll come soon.”

Qiao Ye suppressed her emotions in her eyes.

“Okay. Be safe on the way.”

After parting ways with Lu Tingxiao, Qiao Ye returned to the bedroom to find Lu Qi’an sitting restlessly on the sofa.

Seeing her, he quickly stood up. “Are the children alright? Uncle, did he say anything else?”

“They’re fine.”

Qiao Ye looked at him coldly, her gaze dark. “The two children don’t have a mother. I’m only their godmother. But I warn you, you should have as little contact with them as possible from now on.”

Lu Qi’an sighed in relief, but hearing the last sentence, his hands clenched silently into fists behind his back.

“…Alright.”

“Come on, come to the company with me.”

Hearing that, Lu Qi’an barely suppressed his irritation.

“Okay.”

He broke into a big smile and followed behind Qiao Ye.

When they arrived at the Lu Corporation’s conference room, all the shareholders were already waiting. Upon seeing Lu Qi’an, some were shocked, some pleased, others disdainful... Everyone had their own murmurs.

“The reason I called everyone here today is mainly because of Vice President Lu.”

Qiao Ye glanced back at the proudly beaming Lu Qi’an.

“Vice President Lu, if you have anything to say, please speak now.”

Lu Qi’an straightened his shoulders and spoke passionately: “It’s been five years since we last met. Now that I’m back, I want to lead Lu Corporation towards a better future.”

“Of course, in the past, my abilities were lacking and I let everyone down, but now I have grown. I hope everyone can give me a chance to prove myself, to lead Lu Corporation to new glory!”

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Qiao Ye smiled and applauded from the side.

“However, I will not ask General Manager Qiao to step down. After all, she has been managing the company all these years without question. I, Lu Qi’an, recognize that and will learn from her how to run the company properly. I aim to soon hold up the sky of Lu Corporation!”

Lu Qi’an’s words were enthusiastic, ending with a clenched fist to show his determination.

President Bai led the applause.

“Well done, Vice President Lu has truly grown!”

“Yes, now that Vice President Lu is back, I believe the company will reach new heights!”

“Welcome back, Vice President Lu!”

Lu Qi’an’s smile was unstoppable.

As expected.

Qiao Ye was a woman who responded to softness, not force.

As long as he came back, taking control of Lu Corporation would only be a matter of time.

Suddenly, the closed door was opened.

A tall, noble figure entered, exuding an irresistible aura.

The previously noisy conference room instantly fell silent.

Lu Tingxiao walked in with steady steps and, under everyone’s gaze, calmly sat opposite Qiao Ye.

His expression was weary, with a faint, knowing smile: “What is Vice President Lu saying to cause such a ruckus?”

The moment Lu Tingxiao appeared, Lu Qi’an’s momentum instantly faltered.

President Bai and others immediately shut their mouths, not daring to speak further.

In recent years, Lu Corporation has survived not only because of Qiao Ye’s unique methods but also due to the support of Xinghai Group.

If it weren’t for Lu Tingxiao’s investment, Lu Corporation would have collapsed long ago.

This made Lu Tingxiao, aside from Qiao Ye, the largest shareholder of Lu Corporation.

However...

In previous shareholder meetings, Lu Tingxiao didn’t participate.

Why today...?

“N-nothing was said.”

Lu Qi’an’s scalp tingled as he sheepishly sat beside Qiao Ye.

After the meeting, Lu Tingxiao summoned Lu Qi’an to the office.

Lu Qi’an stood behind Lu Tingxiao, noticeably easing his breathing.

“Uncle, what do you want with me?”

Lu Tingxiao sat on the sofa, legs crossed, arm lazily resting on the side, radiating authority.

“I’ll give you some money. You take it and leave. How about that?”

Lu Qi’an was stunned.

“W-what did you say?”

Coldness gleamed in Lu Tingxiao’s deep, narrow eyes: “Five hundred million. Get out of Lu Corporation.”

His firm tone left no room for refusal.

Lu Qi’an’s heart sank.

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Five hundred million!

“Uncle.”

Lu Qi’an swallowed hard. “You…”

He wanted to resist, but looking at Lu Tingxiao’s cold, handsome face, he couldn’t say a word despite his struggle.

Five hundred million did sound tempting.

But the assets of Lu Corporation were worth far more than that!

If he ever returned and took full control, wouldn’t the assets be even greater?

Lu Qi’an clenched and unclenched his fists.

But Lu Tingxiao’s tone was clearly not asking for his opinion.

It was outright pressure.

An order!

He had no choice.

Lu Tingxiao was calm and composed, his gaze lightly but piercingly fixed on him, intimidating Lu Qi’an into submission.

Helpless, he gritted his teeth and agreed, “Alright… Uncle.”

“But why are you kicking me out?” he asked cautiously.

Lu Tingxiao’s sharp eyes narrowed. “I haven’t settled the score with you for what happened earlier.”

Lu Qi’an’s back went cold. He swallowed nervously.

Earlier, Uncle only confronted Yun’er.

Indeed, he hadn’t been settled with yet...

But was the price not too high...?

He bit his lip tightly. “...Okay, but can it wait until after Grandma’s birthday? I want to spend a few more days with her.”

By then, once he and Qiao Ye had a solid relationship, even if he left, it wouldn’t be possible anymore!

Lu Tingxiao’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Fine, but if you try to play tricks, it won’t be as simple as taking money and leaving.”

Lu Qi’an’s heart sank.

He nodded obediently, turning away with a heart full of unwillingness.

...

In the afternoon, Qiao Ye returned home. As soon as she entered, she saw a well-dressed woman sitting on the sofa, chatting happily with Lu Tingxiao.

“Originally, I wasn’t planning on coming to this matchmaking meeting today, but when I saw Mr. Lu, I suddenly felt I’m glad I came.”

The woman smiled coyly.

Qiao Ye’s heart shook violently upon hearing those words.

Matchmaking?!