Translator – Ink Hub
Editor – Ms. B

Pang Xiuyun still wanted Qi Dengxian to buy the contracts from Qiao Qiumeng to make up for the thirty-odd million yuan lost.

“Auntie Pang, I’ve already bought the contracts from the relatives; I don’t have any money left.” Qi Dengxian felt helpless as he pulled out his phone to show her his bank balance.

Pang Xiuyun took one look and immediately rolled her eyes in anger. “You really are a good-for-nothing! If you had that much money, you should have thought to give it to the family first!”

Qi Dengxian was speechless. He was frustrated by Pang Xiuyun’s “burn the bridge after crossing it” attitude, but he couldn’t be bothered to argue.

As the Second Master of Youdu Prison, a man whose name made the world’s most terrifying villains turn pale with fear, the Qiao family was perhaps the only place where he would endure such petty treatment.

“Qi Dengxian, I’ll remember that you helped me through this crisis. I’ll pay you back when the time comes,” Qiao Qiumeng said to him with a cold expression.

“Fine.” Qi Dengxian shrugged. Since Qiao Qiumeng wanted to draw a clear line between them, he didn’t feel like saying more.

“Don’t think that just because you helped me this once, I’ll be so moved that I’ll give myself to you. That’s impossible!” Qiao Qiumeng added icily.

Qi Dengxian tilted his head, thinking she was clearly overthinking things. He had no intention of using this favor to demand anything from her.

After all, the fact that the land in Killer’s Hollow was about to skyrocket in value was plain to see. Only a fool would pass up a chance to make money. Besides, he could solve the Qiao family’s problems at the same time; it was simply killing two birds with one stone.

Qiao Guotao still had some lingering concerns about the money, but Qi Dengxian assured him the source was legitimate, telling him to rest easy.

It’s probably the marriage savings he scraped together before leaving the Qi family. I’ll just find a way to pay him back later.’ Qiao Qiumeng thought to herself, her attitude remaining haughty.

Just then, Qiao Guotao received a message. He turned to Qiao Qiumeng and said, “Qiumeng, the Xiang Group is hosting a banquet tonight. Take Dengxian with you. Give him a chance to see the world and meet some of Zhonghai’s top figures.”

Qiao Qiumeng nodded, then turned to warn Qi Dengxian, “Just don’t embarrass me.”

Qi Dengxian was speechless.

In reality, this banquet had been organized on short notice by the Xiang Group because two world-renowned financial experts from Wall Street had arrived.

These two experts were exactly the people Qi Dengxian had invited through Gussinsky.

To show her respect, Xiang Dongqing immediately arranged this banquet and invited local celebrities and elites. At the same time, she intended to use the reputation of these two experts to intimidate the predatory Humen Group!

The two financial experts happened to be a married couple. Since the husband’s surname was Smith, they were known in the financial world as Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Upon arriving at the Blue Sky Grand Hotel, a subsidiary of the Xiang Group, Qiao Qiumeng showed her work ID as the President of Qiao Group and led Qi Dengxian into the venue.

“Mengmeng, you’re finally here! So many big shots have shown up today!” Li Yunwan appeared, wearing a fiery red dress that accentuated her exquisite figure.

“Yunwan, you got here earlier than me,” Qiao Qiumeng said with a slight smile.

There were indeed many powerful figures present. However, because the banquet was organized so hastily, some moguls from other provinces hadn’t been able to make it; otherwise, the scene would have been even more star-studded.

Since he didn’t have a formal tuxedo, Qi Dengxian was wearing one of Qiao Guotao’s suits. The fit was a bit too slim for his build, making him look somewhat awkward.

Seeing Qi Dengxian like this, Li Yunwan couldn’t help but giggle. “Mengmeng, really, you couldn’t have bought him a suit that actually fits?”

“I received the notice from the Xiang Group at the last minute. Where would I have found the time?” Qiao Qiumeng said indifferently.

Li Yunwan felt a secret spark of joy. If Qiao Qiumeng actually cared, she could have easily made time to take Qi Dengxian to a mall for a new suit. It was clear the relationship between the two was still far from harmonious.

Qi Dengxian hadn’t eaten dinner yet. Seeing the piles of exquisite food laid out on the long tables, he immediately walked over, picked up a plate, and started eating.

“Eating like a starving ghost… how embarrassing,” Qiao Qiumeng muttered, shaking her head. She was starting to regret agreeing to her father’s request to bring Qi Dengxian here to “see the world.”

Wang Hu made his entrance at that moment. As soon as he appeared, the surrounding socialites flocked to him, offering their greetings.

Wang Hu laughed loudly as he shook hands with everyone, appearing suave, relaxed, and full of grace.

Qiao Qiumeng watched Wang Hu with a hint of envy. “The Humen Group is one of the top corporations in our Zhonghai City. I wonder when we’ll ever be that big.”

Li Yunwan noticed the envy in Qiao Qiumeng’s eyes and felt a bit amused. She’s holding a gold brick while envying someone else’s broken bowl!

Wang Hu’s cousin, Wang Bao, had been thoroughly thrashed by Qi Dengxian. Given Qi Dengxian’s background, he likely didn’t fear the Humen Group in the slightest; he probably didn’t even have any reverence for the massive entity that was Longmen.

“Mengmeng, isn’t that Lin Wanqi?” Li Yunwan suddenly pointed toward a woman.

“Hmm? It really is her. I didn’t expect that after all these years, she’d transform into such a big star,” Qiao Qiumeng remarked, looking at the radiant woman with a sigh of admiration.

Li Yunwan smiled. “Doesn’t your Qiao Group always want to find a spokesperson? I think she’d be great. Since you were classmates back in the day, she probably won’t refuse if you ask.”

“Alright, I’ll give it a try!” Qiao Qiumeng said.

When Lin Wanqi saw Qiao Qiumeng, she looked slightly surprised before greeting her.

After some small talk, Qiao Qiumeng finally spoke up. “Wanqi, our Qiao Group happens to be looking for a brand ambassador. I think you are undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.”

Lin Wanqi looked astonished. “Is that so? That really is my honor!”

Qiao Qiumeng was delighted. She hadn’t expected Lin Wanqi to agree so quickly!

Lin Wanqi was currently a red-hot celebrity with top-tier status. Businesses seeking her for commercials and endorsements were as numerous as carp crossing a river. If the Qiao Group could sign her, the group’s image and status would undoubtedly take a massive leap forward!

She really is an old classmate who values our past friendship’ Qiao Qiumeng thought, a bright smile blossoming on her face.

“When do we sign the contract?” Lin Wanqi asked.

“I’ll have someone arrange the paperwork right now,” Qiao Qiumeng replied.

She made a call back to the company to have the contract drafted. Once everything was set, she smiled at Lin Wanqi. “Wanqi, it’s all settled. When can you come with me to sign the papers and discuss the price?”

Upon hearing those words, Lin Wanqi suddenly burst into loud laughter. She stared deeply at Qiao Qiumeng and spoke slowly. “Qiao Qiumeng, you didn’t actually think I was going to sign a contract with your Qiao Group and be your spokesperson, did you?”

Qiao Qiumeng froze in total shock.

“Why don’t you go piss and look at your own reflection? Take a look at what that little Qiao Group of yours is actually worth.”

“The companies asking me to film commercials are top-tier enterprises like Nike, Master Kong, and Dell. Do you really think you’re worthy?”

“I was just joking with you. I can’t believe you actually took it seriously. How pathetic!”

“With my status, does the Qiao Group even deserve me?”