Chapter 572: Chapter 572: Huo Xingzhou, We Are Even Now

A flicker of surprise flashed in Xie Xubai’s eyes, as he had already promised Huo Xingzhou enough benefits to no longer interfere with the stock acquisition of Xiang Group.

It couldn’t be him.

Then who else could afford to pay such a price?

He screened through a few possible competitors in his mind.

Then, imperceptibly, he lifted his gaze to Xiang Tao: “The timing of this text is a bit too coincidental, it inevitably makes me wonder if you arranged it on purpose.”

“Believe it or not, up to you.”

Xiang Tao, in the end, had only one choice left: to sell off the shares of Xiang Group to preserve the Xiang Family.

Perhaps after going abroad, there would still be an opportunity to start a business and make a comeback.

He could also leave a sum of money for Xiang Mingzhu to live a wealthy life.

“Who offered a higher price than me?”

“Xie Xubai, do you think I would tell you my trump card?”

He hated Xie Xubai’s scheming and naturally wanted to make him face a setback at the last moment.

The Xiang Family and Xie Family have always been at odds.

“Oh.”

Xie Xubai leaned back in his chair, his cold jade-like fingers fiddling with his cellphone. Eventually, he picked up the phone and sent out a message.

Soon, there was a reply.

Xie Xubai saw the name and smiled, lifting his eyes to look at Xiang Tao again: “I know who it is now. Aren’t you afraid we’ll join forces to further depress the stock price of Xiang Group? Xiang Tao, there’s still ten minutes until the press conference; you can think it over carefully.”

The pressure was now back on Xiang Tao.

Xiang Tao’s neck veins bulged as he watched Xie Xubai tapping something on his mobile phone screen.

There were many struggles and suspicions in his heart.

Just how capable is Xie Xubai after all?

Soon, another text message arrived on Xiang Tao’s phone, still from that same person.

Saying they’ve cancelled the purchase.

At the same time, Xie Xubai placed his mobile phone on the table.

His face wore a casual expression: “Xiang Tao, your buyer is Young Master Zhong, right? I’ve already reached an agreement through a middleman to cooperate with him. We’ll split the 46% of shares equally – today it’s just me running an errand for him. Same price…it’s not like the Zhong Family is so keen on the Xiang Family’s fat piece of meat. They’re simply not fools to pass up on a bargain. The Zhong Family and us, we are ultimately different.”

The title of the premier noble family of Imperial Capital is not just for show.

It’s a historical accumulation.

It’s far more substantial and accumulated wealth than the other noble families.

Xie Xubai knew that he couldn’t get into a bidding war with Zhong Yi, which would only benefit Xiang Tao in vain, so it is better to take a step back.

Defeat was written all over Xiang Tao’s face; there was no way out.

Xie Xubai beckoned and said: “Ning Yuan, show Mr. Xiang the share transfer agreement.”

“Okay.”

Ning Yuan placed the share transfer agreement in front of Xiang Tao, “Mr. Xiang, it’s time to cut your losses.”

Continuing the fight, the one who would end up utterly defeated was bound to be the Xiang Family.

Xiang Tao clenched his teeth and slowly took the signing pen, his palm sweaty and sticky.

“Xie Xubai, we are peers. Ever since we were young, the elders liked to compare me with you, saying that if I didn’t work hard, I would be surpassed by Xie Xubai. Xie Family has always wanted to be one of the four major families. I cannot become the disgrace of the Xiang Family.”

But this share transfer agreement was signed by his own hand.

Xiang Tao wrote his name with firm and deliberate strokes.

The nib was so sharp it almost pierced through the paper.

When he finished writing his name.

He appeared as if he had been fished out of the water – powerless and desperate.

Ning Yuan picked up the share transfer agreement and nodded at Xie Xubai.

Xie Xubai straightened his clothes lightly and said, “Let’s just announce this at the press conference. And let your father rest in peace sooner. I won’t attend the funeral. Offer him two more sticks of incense on my behalf.”

He stood up to leave with the agreement in hand. As he reached the cafe’s door, he turned his head and said, “Xiang Tao, actually, I could have made a move last night. But I chose to give you twelve hours of PR time…”

It was an opportunity he had missed!

Xiang Tao’s eyes darted around, sitting motionless.

Until a staff member cautiously approached him and reminded, “Mr. Xiang, the press conference is about to begin. Everyone is here – we’re only waiting for you.”

Xiang Tao responded hoarsely.

He nearly fell over as he stood up.

…

Twelve o’clock sharp.

In the focus of public attention.

The press conference of Xiang Group commenced, with Xiang Tao donning a black armband on his suit sleeve, bowing deeply to the audience.

“We are announcing two matters at this press conference,” he said.

His complexion was terrible, and he appeared to be in poor spirits.

“First, regarding the rumors online about my father’s comatose condition,” Xiang Tao’s voice choked up, “my father passed away last night.”

As his words concluded, all cameras were aimed at him.

The media were restless, and the barrage of real-time comments online was dense and overwhelmingly concerned about the future of Xiang Group.

“Second, regarding President Xie Xubai’s shareholding in Xiang Group. I have decided to transfer all my shares to Xie Xubai. From now on, the future of Xiang Group will be in his hands…”

The crowd was in an uproar!

“Do you mean to desert? Will Xiang Group continue in the equipment business? Can it maintain its current standards and scale?”

“How will President Xie handle Xiang Group? With Xiang Family in the north and Xu Family in the south, they were able to balance the pharmaceutical sector. Now the Xiang Family…”

Xiang Tao was tense: “All arrangements will be made by President Xie. Thank you all for coming!”

He bowed again and then hastily left the scene.

As if fleeing in disarray!

The press conference was brief, yet it had the most significant impact!

Emotionally charged individuals even sneaked into the Banshan Qiushui Villa of the Xiang family, tossing vegetable leaves and eggs. Suppliers and partners were cursing and complaining!

They accused Xiang Group of losing conscience and causing them to suffer as well!

On this day, Xiang Group was in turmoil!

It wasn’t until Xie Xubai rolled out a takeover plan that all the tumultuous voices were calmed!

It restored the confidence in the group, with Xiang Group being incorporated into Yunqi Group of the Xie Family!

Maintaining the previous business and collaborating with the Xu Group from Haicheng, they moved forward together, delving deeper into the medical industry.

A turning of foes into allies, fostering development and exchange between the north and south.

Many people couldn’t help but praise Xie Xubai for being well-prepared, far better than Xiang Tao, the lacking leader!

And the Xu Group’s medical cooperation, now managed by Xu Xiuyuan, was naturally introduced by Huo Xingzhou.

…

The golden sun set in the west.

The sky was awash with sunset hues, gradually dimming.

Outside the Zhong family’s old mansion.

Qiao Xi ended her excruciating study session and walked along the path leading out.

The butler still led the way, with Qiao Xi deeply reflecting on the day’s learning, her steps quickening.

“Young Madam Huo, the gate is just ahead, I won’t see you out.”

The Zhong family’s mansion covered a large area, and the old butler was indeed tired from walking back and forth throughout the day.

“It’s fine, I know the way. You don’t have to concern yourself with me in the future, I can come and go on my own,” Qiao Xi replied.

The old butler merely smiled.

Qiao Xi continued to make her way out.

Just as she reached the front gate of the Zhong family’s old mansion, she saw two men standing opposite each other, apparently in conversation.

When Qiao Xi saw Huo Xingzhou, her steps lightened, and she ran over to naturally slip her arm through his.

Huo Xingzhou also instinctively brushed her hair back behind her ear.

Standing opposite them, Zhong Yi’s eyes flickered with a tinge of ambiguity as he observed their interaction.

“Huo Xingzhou, let’s put an end to the Xiang family’s affair. Don’t forget the half-share you promised to arrange on behalf of Xie Xubai for me. From now on, we owe nothing to each other,” Zhong Yi stated.

Out of the corner of his eye, Zhong Yi’s gaze skimmed over Qiao Xi.

Huo Xingzhou nodded slightly and inquired, “I heard that the Lu family wants your herbal medicine factory as a dowry. Have you figured out how to cover that up? Half of it is in my hands, so how will you give those factories to her?”

“That’s my concern, not yours,” Zhong Yi responded with a cold tone. His nose slightly scrunched up, and his fingers that hung by his side opened and then clenched again. The thumb bent, pressing against the pad of his little finger, seemingly quite agitated.

“I won’t see you off.”

With that said, he turned and walked through the grand entrance.

Qiao Xi’s gaze lingered on his subtle movements, frozen in a daze.