At eight o'clock in the morning.
In Modu, at Kaiyuan Jewelry.
Jiang Mengxin and Xiao Zhan sat inside the room, with troubled expressions, pondering how to solve the current predicament.
With the 996 project on the verge of signing, the situation had deteriorated to this point. Jiang Mengxin was utterly exasperated. She had been trying to call Ma Tengyun since last night, but to no avail.
Clearly, Ma Tengyun was unwilling to engage with her.
Xiao Zhan said, "The 996 project is likely to fall through. President Jiang, our first priority should be to get Lu Ming out of jail."
Jiang Mengxin let out a cold laugh and ignored him.
Her mother, Xu Qin, said dismissively, "Why bother bailing out that good-for-nothing? If that brat hadn't hit Jia Guowei, would we be in such a passive position now? If you ask me, he should rot in jail for life!"
Jiang Mengxin wholeheartedly agreed with her mother.
Firstly, she could legitimately sever ties with Lu Ming, thus not having to worry about violating her grandfather's dying wish.
Secondly, by sacrificing Lu Ming, Jiang Mengxin could resolve the conflict with Jia Guowei.
Killing two birds with one stone.
Why not?
Only Xiao Zhan shook his head foolishly and said, "Lu Ming is truly pitiful."
Just then, Secretary Xiao Yao rushed in, her expression grave. "President Jiang, Young Master Xiao, someone is asking to see you outside."
Who would come to see them at this hour?
Jiang Mengxin asked distractedly, "Who is it?"
Xiao Yao replied, "He said his name is Liang Jiadong. He's driving an Audi A8. Judging by his attire and demeanor, he has an air of nobility. I think this person is not simple."
Liang Jiadong?
Jiang Mengxin pondered for a moment; she didn't seem to know anyone by that name among her acquaintances.
As she was considering whether to meet him, Xiao Zhan beside her trembled and stood up.
Jiang Mengxin looked at him with a puzzled expression and asked, "Xiao Zhan, what are you doing? Why are you shaking? Are you cold because you're not wearing enough clothes?"
Xiao Zhan swallowed and said nervously, "Liang Jiadong, it's Liang Jiadong!"
Jiang Mengxin frowned slightly and asked, "What? You know Liang Jiadong?"
Xiao Zhan said speechlessly, "Who in Modu doesn't know him! He's the Chief of the Modu Police Department, and the nephew of Modu's Mayor, Liang Ren!"
What?
Jiang Mengxin and Xu Qin stood up simultaneously.
The Chief of the department, the Mayor's nephew – this was a paramount figure! His status and position were even higher than Jia Zheng's.
No wonder Xiao Zhan was trembling.
Jiang Mengxin asked doubtfully, "Why would a distinguished figure of this caliber come to our humble establishment? Could it be that he's here for revenge on behalf of Jia Guowei?"
Uh...
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the room fell silent, and the air seemed to turn a few degrees colder.
Xiao Zhan analyzed, "I don't think so. To avenge Jia Guowei, Jia Zheng alone would suffice. There would be no need for someone of Liang Jiadong's stature to get involved."
That made sense.
But if he wasn't here for Jia Guowei's revenge, then why was he at Kaiyuan Jewelry?
Xu Qin said, "Never mind the reasons. We'll know when we meet him. Hurry, let's go out and welcome Minister Liang, lest he be kept waiting at the door for too long."
Right, right!
Everyone quickly tidied their attire and hurried to the entrance. At a glance, they saw Liang Jiadong standing by the Audi A8.
"It's him, for sure!" Xiao Zhan whispered.
Jiang Mengxin mustered all her energy and, with a smile, hurried to Liang Jiadong's side, "Oh, Minister Liang, I apologize for our delay in coming out. We've kept you waiting."
Liang Jiadong was clearly somewhat anxious; his demeanor suggested something was amiss.
He said with great speed, "Is this Kaiyuan Jewelry?"
Jiang Mengxin nodded repeatedly, "Yes, this is Kaiyuan Jewelry. May I ask why Minister Liang is looking for us?"
Xu Qin chimed in from the side, "Whatever it is, we should discuss it inside. What does it look like standing at the entrance? Come, Minister Liang, please come in."
Everyone made way for him.
However...
Liang Jiadong showed no intention of going inside. He only asked anxiously, "Do you have someone here named Lu Ming?"
Lu Ming? Just as expected!
Everyone's hearts sank. Liang Jiadong was indeed here for Jia Guowei's revenge.
Jiang Mengxin said with great embarrassment, "Minister Liang, aren't you aware of Lu Ming's situation? Do you still need to ask us?"
"Aware of what?" Liang Jiadong sounded impatient. "I'm just asking you, do you have someone here named Lu Ming? If so, call him out. I have an urgent matter with him."
Oh ho?
Something's up!
Jiang Mengxin and Xiao Zhan exchanged glances and both smiled.
Judging by Liang Jiadong's tone, he must know Lu Ming and be seeking his help. Moreover, Liang Jiadong definitely didn't know that Lu Ming had been taken away by Jia Zheng's men.
If Liang Jiadong knew that Jia Zheng had taken Lu Ming, he wouldn't have traveled all the way to Kaiyuan Jewelry to find him.
Now, Jiang Mengxin roughly understood why Lu Ming had so boldly spoken to Jia Zheng last night, saying that if Lu Ming was arrested today, he would have to beg for his release tomorrow.
Heh, so Lu Ming had already thought of a fallback plan.
Jiang Mengxin was just curious about when Lu Ming had managed to curry favor with a powerful figure like Liang Jiadong, and what matter required Liang Jiadong's assistance from Lu Ming.
She asked, "Minister Liang, what is it you need from Lu Ming? To be frank, he's just an ordinary employee of our company. Anything he can do, I can do, and do better! Please don't look for him. If you have any matters, you can entrust them to me."
These words were practically cutting off Lu Ming's lifeline!
By forming a connection with Liang Jiadong, she could ditch Lu Ming.
Her intentions were extremely malicious.
To her surprise, Liang Jiadong cast a displeased glance at Jiang Mengxin and asked only one question: "Can you also treat illnesses?"
Treat illnesses?
Jiang Mengxin was stunned. "Uh... I'm a businesswoman, I don't understand medicine."
Liang Jiadong roared, "Then what are you talking about? I'm asking you, where is Lu Ming?!"
Jiang Mengxin was startled and no longer dared to play any tricks. She honestly replied, "Lu Ming isn't here. Last night, he was taken to the police station by Jia Zheng's men and detained."
"What? Jia Zheng?"
Liang Jiadong's brows furrowed in distress. Mayor Liang Ren's heart condition had relapsed, and Lu Ming was needed to rescue him. What was Jia Zheng up to?
He asked, "Why was Lu Ming arrested by Jia Zheng?"
A good opportunity!
Jiang Mengxin did not hold back. She recounted all of Jia Guowei's misdeeds from the previous night, adding fuel to the fire. She also heavily disparaged Jia Zheng's abuse of power and personal vendetta.
Finally, she painted Lu Ming as utterly tragic.
One had to admit, Jiang Mengxin was a very eloquent speaker!
After listening, Liang Jiadong trembled with rage. He stomped his foot fiercely and cursed, "You good-for-nothing Jia Zheng! Carrying a dead mouse in your pocket – pretending to be a hunter. My uncle is unwell and entrusted you with managing all affairs, and this is how you manage them? Heh, I'd like to see just how arrogant you can be?!"
With that said.
Liang Jiadong immediately turned around, opened his car door, started the engine, and sped away.
Watching the retreating car, Jiang Mengxin, Xiao Zhan, and Xu Qin all smiled. They knew that with Liang Jiadong's departure, Jia Zheng would surely face repercussions.