The Sickly Villain Only Wants to Survive

61

Within the major corporations of City A, rumors have been spreading recently.

Professor Lian Youqin, a renowned finance expert who had been abroad for over a decade, suddenly returned to the country and planned to host a birthday banquet. In City A's financial circles, many people had been her students. After receiving the invitation, they naturally felt obliged to attend.

Even if there wasn't much opportunity to reconnect with their former teacher, it was a chance to make business connections.

At the Xia family's home, guests arrived in the main hall on the first floor. After serving tea, the servants left at Xia Weiyi's signal.

"How have things been lately?" Xia Weiyi asked, pouring tea for his guest.

The guest replied, "Children are a burden. I offended someone I shouldn't have. What can I do?"

The business had faced setbacks at every turn, and if it weren't for some remaining assets, they might have faced bankruptcy.

Xia Weiyi inquired, "The person Xiao Xiao encountered at the racetrack—was it really Liu Jianbai?"

"He personally called me. How could it be fake?"

He Biyou, recalling that phone call, wished he could go back and scold his daughter even more.

Xia Weiyi frowned and said, "Wasn't Liu Jianbai abroad for development a few years ago? When did he return?"

City A a few years ago was not like it is today.

Liu Jianbai was like a dark horse that emerged from nowhere. Initially, no one paid attention to him, but in just two short years, he made a strong comeback. With ruthless tactics and an unknown background, he practically controlled City A, causing many to fear him.

After establishing himself in City A for a few years, Liu Jianbai shifted his focus abroad, giving the major families in City A a chance to catch their breath and develop.

Though he was no longer in City A, his influence remained. No one knew when he might return.

He Biyou commented, "I don't know, but from what Xiao Xiao said, Liu Jianbai seemed very respectful toward that child from the Zhu family when they met at the racetrack."

"..."

Respectful?

Someone like Liu Jianbai, being respectful to a child?

Xia Weiyi pondered, "If it's because of Liu Jianbai, then the smooth progress the Zhu family has enjoyed in recent years is not so surprising."

However, over these years, the Zhu family child had been in and out of the hospital, and Zhu Shoushan had been busy with work. It had never been heard that he had any connection with Liu Jianbai. So why did Liu Jianbai suddenly appear by Zhu Tong's side?

And then there was Jiang Wan...

"I heard that this afternoon, Jiang Wan followed Zhu Shoushan into the Zhu family villa. Perhaps the Jiang family has caught wind of something too."

Given Jiang Wan's reputation for being a playgirl, her visit to Zhu Shoushan at this time was likely aimed at Zhu Tong.

He Biyou frowned slightly, "No matter Liu Jianbai's attitude towards Zhu Shoushan, Old Xia, if the Zhu family and the Jiang family form an alliance through marriage, there won't be much space left for us in City A."

[In Chinese culture, adding "Old" (老, lǎo) before a name is a term of endearment or respect. It often indicates familiarity, affection, or a sense of seniority. ]