Chapter 2345: The Mastermind

Editor: Atlas Studios

It was not as if this mastermind would not get anything after going through so much trouble. Although it was said that the tobacco was worth six million dollars, the cost price was only two million. If it was really He Ning who did this and his purpose was to embarrass the Xia family and cause them to lose four million dollars, then it was such a lame thing to do.

“Don’t tell me he thinks that we can’t come up with six million dollars and wants to take advantage of the situation to negotiate with us to get medicinal wine in return,” Qiao Mei said.

“With his character, it’s not impossible,” Xia Wen said.

“But… we’re talking about six million, not 60 million. How can I not be able to come up with the money? Doesn’t he have a clear understanding of my financial status?” Qiao Mei said helplessly.

Xia Wen sighed and said, “That’s only because we found out about this issue in time. Otherwise, the loss might be limitless.”

Most of Qiao Mei’s current income came from overseas. The only assets she had in the country were related to agriculture, real estate, the food factories and the like. The net profit locally was only about five million dollars. In addition, Qiao Mei had bought many properties. He Ning had probably estimated that Qiao Mei did not have much cash on hand and that most of her money was tied down in fixed assets.

In this era, anyone who had 10,000 dollars was already considered rich. A few million dollars was an astronomical figure!

“Let’s look into it first. After all, we can only suspect it’s He Ning and we don’t have any real evidence. What if it’s someone else?” Qiao Mei said.

“Alright, leave this matter to me. You must be tired after these few days. Have a good rest,” Xia Wen said wearily.

During this period of time, he was actually the one who was most overworked. Not only did he have to deal with work matters, but he also had to deal with these matters at home. He had lost a lot of weight. They had heard from Mo Zhu that he suddenly had some heart issues last night and had drunk more than half a bowl of the medicinal wine which Qiao Mei gave him previously!

Seeing that the discussion was about to end, Shao Yin hurriedly held Qiao Mei’s hand and said, “Cousin-in-law! You must save Xia Xing!”

“I know, I know! We’re trying to think of a way! Go home and wait patiently,” Qiao Mei said calmly.

After everyone left, Xia Wen ran an investigation for two days but did not manage to find out anything. Qiao Mei could not wait any longer. If this continued, the Xia family would really have to fork out six million dollars to save Xia Xing. Even though they had the money, they could not spend it like this and suffer such a loss in silence!

Qiao Mei invited He Ning to her house. He Ning dressed up to the nines and arrived at Qiao Mei’s house in a happy mood. He had not been to her house for many years but it still looked the same as before.

“Long time no see,” He Ning said politely.

“Enough already, come in quickly,” Qiao Mei said impatiently.

He Ning was not affected by Qiao Mei. He took a seat in the living room and smiled at her as he asked, “Why have you suddenly invited me here?”

“News about the Xia family’s issue has spread like wildfire. I’m sure you already know about it, so I won’t beat around the bush with you. Are you the one who did this?” Qiao Mei questioned.

He Ning chuckled. After looking around, he said, “Why would I go through so much trouble to do such a thing? I didn’t do this.”

“Are you sure? There’s no one around, just the two of us. You can tell me the truth. I’ll consider whatever request you make right now,” Qiao Mei said seriously.

There was a recorder in use under the table. He Ning also knew that Qiao Mei definitely would have a backup plan, so he just smiled and did not say anything.

Qiao Mei knew that He Ning was not a fool. It actually did not matter if he admitted it or not. What was important was his current attitude. It was obvious there was a high chance that he was behind this.

“Just tell me what you want,” Qiao Mei said.

“I want to buy your ginseng,” He Ning said firmly.

“No.” Qiao Mei immediately rejected him.

“The price is negotiable. I want the 100-year-old ginseng that you have. I can give you any amount of money,” He Ning said.

“So what if I don’t sell it to you?” Qiao Mei said as she raised her eyebrows and looked at He Ning.

“Then… Xia Xing won’t be able to come back. Don’t you want him to come back safely?” He Ning asked.

“I have enough money to bail him out. At most, his reputation will suffer. The Xia family has already split up. His actions are the sole business of the third son’s family and have nothing to do with the eldest son’s family,” Qiao Mei said.

He Ning was stunned for a moment before he smiled helplessly and said, “I never expect you to have that much money. It seems that I’ve underestimated you.”

“It’s a big taboo to underestimate your enemy. Didn’t I already tell you back then that I’m very rich? It seems that you haven’t taken my words to heart,” Qiao Mei said with a shrug.

“It will still take you a while to sell off your properties!” He Ning said.