Volume One, Chapter 74: The Battle of Business Begins

Chi Zhenghua and Yang Jing had quarreled several times; Yang Jing’s troubles had already begun to affect the group’s stock price.

Distressed by it all, Chi Zhenghua decided to leave Yanjing City under the pretense of a business trip, seeking some peace and quiet elsewhere.

Yang Jing was on the verge of collapse. Chi Zhenghua was no paragon of virtue—who knew how many women he would find outside with this absence.

Yet Yang Jing lacked the confidence to argue with him; she was in the wrong.

“The family business cannot be neglected forever. Dad won’t hide away forever; he’ll return sooner or later. I’ll find a way to bring Dad back to Yanjing, but not home—to your place.”

Pan Shuyun was excited. “Then I can take this opportunity to win your father’s heart and have him divorce Yang Jing.”

Chi Yueyao had indeed planned this, but she cautioned Pan Shuyun, “Mom, getting Dad to divorce isn’t easy. You must be patient—and above all, never reveal yourself in front of Yang Jing.”

Pan Shuyun smiled. “I know, dear. Before things are accomplished, I’ll keep myself hidden and certainly won’t expose your identity.”

Chi Yueyao’s origins must not be known to Yang Jing; otherwise, there could be no chance of cooperation from within.

Mother and daughter, after discussing, decided to begin their move.

…

Chi Xingwan met with Qiao Yang once again.

Qiao Yang was in high spirits.

“Yang Jing’s scandal has gotten out of hand. Not only did she fail to earn a profit from the concert, she lost a hefty sum. Yang Hui’s debts remain unfilled.”

Not only did they refund tickets to the audience, but Yang Jing also compensated Wei Shian. Now, she had no money left to repay Yang Hui’s debts.

Qiao Yang said, “Chi Zhenghua has left Yanjing City for a while. On the surface, he’s taking a break, but in truth, he’s searching for someone to replace Yang Hui.”

Yang Hui’s only value was his unique skill in making sauces.

“Did he find someone?” Chi Xingwan asked.

“Of course. Even if he couldn’t find one himself, I’d make sure he did.”

They exchanged knowing smiles. Qiao Yang continued, “Chi Zhenghua has already returned to Yanjing. It’s time we added fuel to the fire of disposing Yang Hui.”

He referred to Yunlai Guest, the restaurant opened in collaboration between Chi Xingwan and Qiao Yang. Not only did its style resemble Yipin Pavilion, but it was also located nearby.

“Preparations are complete. We just need to choose an auspicious day for Yunlai Guest’s grand opening.”

Qiao Yang couldn’t help but anticipate Chi Zhenghua’s reaction to Yunlai Guest’s opening.

Chi Xingwan felt some anticipation herself. “Uncle Qiao, when Yunlai Guest opens, I’d better stay out of sight.”

Qiao Yang understood. “Now’s definitely not the time. Don’t confront Chi Zhenghua directly; let me handle anything that comes up.”

“Thank you, Uncle Qiao.”

Qiao Yang laughed loudly. “No need to thank me. I’m not doing this entirely for you. Over the years, I’ve long wanted to do something for your parents.”

Three days later, Yunlai Guest opened with a grand promotion, immediately drawing many customers. The novel dishes instantly caught their eyes, and the aroma of the food was mouthwatering—at meal times, many passersby were drawn in by the scent alone.

Across the street, Yipin Pavilion was noticeably quieter.

The manager of Yipin Pavilion sensed trouble and reported the situation at once.

Chi Zhenghua was accompanying Pan Shuyun.

Pan Shuyun spoke softly, “Zhenghua, you don’t need to keep me company. I can stay in the hotel by myself.”

Chi Yueyao agreed. “Dad, Mom’s right. She’s only back this time for treatment. I’ll accompany her; if you’re seen by Aunt, it’ll cause trouble.”

Thinking of Yang Jing, Chi Zhenghua’s face darkened.

“Don’t worry about her. Shuyun, take your time here. I won’t be going home for now. I’ll stay and keep you company while you recover.”

Pan Shuyun and Chi Yueyao exchanged a glance, both showing the satisfaction of a plan fulfilled.

This time, they used Pan Shuyun’s stomach ailment as a reason to return for treatment and rest. Chi Zhenghua believed them without suspicion, even taking Pan Shuyun out of the hotel and settling her in a property under his own name.

It was a residence he’d once used to secretly keep women, hidden from Yang Jing, with excellent privacy.

Chi Yueyao said, “Dad, only here, in secret, do I dare call you father.”

Chi Zhenghua affectionately patted Chi Yueyao’s shoulder. “All these years, it’s your father who owes you.”

Chi Yueyao quickly shook her head. “Dad, you’ve already been very good to me. Though sometimes I envy Qianyu, being able to live with you—even if it’s under another identity—I’m already content.”

Chi Zhenghua felt even more guilty. “Yueyao, rest assured. In my heart, you and Qianyu are the same. What Qianyu has, you will have as well.”

“Thank you, Dad.” Chi Yueyao smiled. “How about I make a meal for you and Mom—a little housewarming banquet for the three of us?”

Pan Shuyun was pleased with the notion of a family of three. Chi Zhenghua didn’t object, so Chi Yueyao went into the kitchen.

The meal was soon ready. Chi Yueyao and Pan Shuyun set the table and went to call Chi Zhenghua from the living room.

“Dad, dinner’s ready. Come try my cooking.”

Chi Zhenghua frowned at his phone; he had just received a message from his assistant, informing him that a restaurant called Yunlai Guest had opened across from Yipin Pavilion and lured away many customers.

Yet he quickly relaxed. It was only a new restaurant, likely attracting customers with opening discounts.

It wasn’t the first time an upstart restaurant had tried to compete with Yipin Pavilion, but in the end, Yipin Pavilion always prevailed.

So this time, Chi Zhenghua didn’t pay it much mind.

He got up and walked to the dining table, but just then, the phone rang—it was his assistant calling.

Chi Zhenghua answered, his tone sharp. “What’s so urgent that you call at dinner time?”

The assistant replied nervously, “Mr. Chi, something’s wrong. I just found out—Yunlai Guest’s owner is Qiao Yang.”

The name Qiao Yang made Chi Zhenghua shudder.

Years ago, he had taken over Chi Zhengmao and Xue Miao’s company and forced their partner Qiao Yang out. Since then, he’d never seen Qiao Yang again, nor heard much of him.

Rumor had it Qiao Yang shifted his business focus abroad, and later his whole family moved overseas.

“Why has Qiao Yang appeared?” Chi Zhenghua asked, struggling to contain his anger.

The assistant replied, “Qiao Yang returned a few months ago. It’s said he wants to gradually move his business back to China, and his family has already relocated.”

Chi Zhenghua sensed danger. He knew Qiao Yang had come prepared—Qiao Yang was targeting him.

“Dad, dinner’s ready.” Chi Yueyao, waiting for a long time without seeing him, came again to the living room to call him.

Chi Zhenghua picked up his jacket from the sofa. “Yueyao, something urgent has come up. I can’t join you for dinner.”

With that, he hurried out the door, deaf to Chi Yueyao’s calls.