Chapter Four: The Family Business

The Xiao family, as a reclusive clan, possessed both wealth and manpower that could truly be called aristocratic. There were five sons in the Xiao line; aside from Xiao Cheng, who was rather lacking, the other four brothers were all outstanding men.

The family was more than just a secluded clan—they controlled several major enterprises in the city of Shanghai. While Xiao Cheng’s four brothers were alive, they managed these businesses with meticulous order.

But over time, the four brothers met mysterious and untimely deaths, leaving Xiao Cheng as the sole direct male heir, and he was, regrettably, far from competent.

Under such circumstances, the collateral branches of the family grew restless, their eyes glinting with greed for the family’s assets. It was one thing to covet the inheritance, but they even colluded with outsiders against their own kin.

In those bleak and troubled days, the matriarch, ever decisive and commanding, took action—she handed over the family’s businesses to the great-granddaughters-in-law.

Thus, Xiao Cheng’s four sisters-in-law each took charge of one of the family’s core enterprises, becoming the four pillars of the Xiao household.

Yet, in the eyes of the other family members, these sisters-in-law were, after all, outsiders. Their husbands were dead, and none had borne children. Why, then, should the blood relatives have to surrender authority to these women? How could they accept such a thing!

The family businesses were tangled and complex. Outwardly, no one dared challenge the four widows, but behind their backs, the relatives set countless obstacles and petty traps. After all, these sisters-in-law were parachuted in, while the others had deep roots in the companies. Even knowing exactly who was undermining them, it was impossible to catch them in the act.

…

Jinsheng Tower, Shanghai.

This was the headquarters of Shanghai Xiao Pharmaceuticals Ltd.—a thirty-story office building spanning forty thousand square meters. In Pudong’s land of gold, the building alone was worth a staggering nine hundred million. The financial strength of Xiao Pharmaceuticals was evident.

In the president’s office, Fang Yujia sat behind her desk, dressed in an impeccably tailored business suit.

It is often said that clothes make the man, but Fang Yujia transcended such proverbs. An ordinary business outfit, when worn by her, took on the air of a top designer label, making one suspect that even a simple market find could be transformed into Donna Karan in her hands.

The suit accentuated her graceful silhouette, sophisticated yet elegant. The chill between her dark brows gave her an almost icy presence—enough to send a shiver down one's spine, even in the heat of summer.

Today, Fang Yujia was in a foul mood. Her face was frosty as she gripped the company’s quarterly financial report so tightly that her delicate fingers blanched.

“Uncle, would you care to explain this quarterly report?” she demanded, her gaze fixed on the seemingly honest middle-aged man before her. Her anger was barely contained. Xiao Pharmaceuticals had always been the family’s cash cow, but this quarter’s figures were appalling.

People always noticed her beauty, seldom her intellect. Yet she was not just a celebrated beauty of Shanghai—she was also a top graduate of Huating University, a master of finance and a certified actuary.

While others might overlook the issues in this report, they were glaringly obvious to her.

Despite her anger, Fang Yujia remained strikingly attractive. Her face, with a hint of youthful roundness, her enchanting amber eyes—every move she made exuded grace and poise.

Xiao Guowei, though past fifty and feeling age’s decline, could not help but be stirred by her charms. Had Fang Yujia not seized his authority, he might have been tempted to pursue her, perhaps even winning her heart.

But when power was at stake, he had no room for sentimentality. With wealth and influence, what woman could he not have?

“Heh! Yujia, you’ve been running the company these past two years. I’m practically semi-retired. Why are you asking me about this?” Xiao Guowei replied, hands spread in feigned innocence. “Our cold medicine had issues earlier this year, so some distributors cut ties with us. That’s why sales dropped. Losses are to be expected.”

“I am well aware. I also know that the head of the Drug Supervision Department is your staunch supporter. If it hadn’t been for their negligence, those faulty goods would never have reached the market,” Fang Yujia’s expression turned even colder. She hadn’t planned to be so blunt, but seeing his utter lack of remorse, she laid it out plainly.

She slammed the report onto the desk. “I will suspend the head of the Drug Supervision Department.”

Xiao Guowei smirked indifferently. Losing one department head would not shake his foundations. As long as he could drive Fang Yujia out, the company would soon be his to command. As for the supposedly resurrected Xiao Cheng, he paid him no mind—a useless scion, nothing more.

“Anything else? If not, I’ll take my leave,” he announced.

Fang Yujia nodded helplessly. She knew all of this was orchestrated by Xiao Guowei to force her resignation. But she was outmatched—he had deeper connections and commanded more authority within the company.

As Xiao Guowei reached the door, he turned with a mocking smile. “I’m sure our financial expert can reverse these losses and lead us to victory.”

His sarcasm stung. Fang Yujia bit her lip in frustration.

Were it anyone else, she would have dismissed them without hesitation. But he was family; she could do nothing.

Now, with the company in crisis, distributors were tearing up contracts, and cash flow was bleeding red every month. At this rate, Xiao Pharmaceuticals would be bankrupt within the year.

Fortunately, she had recently established contact with the Qiao family, the leading force in Shanghai’s pharmaceutical industry. If the two houses could join forces, perhaps Xiao Pharmaceuticals could reach new heights.

Xiao Guowei left the president’s office, utterly unconcerned about Fang Yujia.

Of course, he knew a single move would not break her. As long as the family matriarch lived, even if the company teetered on the brink of ruin, she would not frown, nor would she remove Fang Yujia on that account.

This was only the beginning; he had more tricks in store.

Xiao Guowei made his way to the lounge, where a young man of about twenty-four or twenty-five sat. The young man was strikingly handsome—the kind who would be the heartthrob of any school. His well-fitted Italian suit was clearly custom-made.

This was none other than Qiao Yifeng, the famed young master of the Qiao family—the most influential name in Shanghai’s pharmaceutical industry—and Fang Yujia’s important client for the day.

The two exchanged a knowing glance.

Qiao Yifeng greeted him with polite deference before getting straight to the point. “How are things progressing?”

“She’s been pushed to the brink. I’ll soon be drinking to your happiness,” Xiao Guowei replied.

The meaning between them was clear—one coveted her beauty, the other craved power. Should their plan succeed, both would win.

“Happiness? It’ll be a full-moon banquet!” Qiao Yifeng laughed with arrogant confidence.

Coercion and temptation—he’d used such tactics countless times. Handling someone as inexperienced as Fang Yujia would be effortless.

Xiao Guowei laughed as well, assured of his success.

Qiao Yifeng adjusted his suit and strode into the president’s office.

…

Rolling on the floor, begging for recommendations and support! This is a new book, and it needs your help, brothers!