Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 549 - Chapter 549 Chapter 549 You asked for this

Chapter 549: Chapter 549: You asked for this! Chapter 549: Chapter 549: You asked for this! (3000 words)

Old Master Zhou spoke earnestly, “Regarding today’s matter, I can apologize.”

Qiao Yun nodded, “I don’t accept.”

Old Master Zhou choked, the words that were about to leave his mouth got stuck in his throat, nearly suffocating him.

Facing Qiao Yun’s unyielding attitude, the friendly expression on his face was on the verge of collapsing.

He didn’t want to exchange pleasantries with Qiao Yun any longer and asked bluntly, “Has Professor Qiao thought it through, about the matter of cooperation…”

Before Old Master Zhou could finish, Qiao Yun directly said, “I refuse. If you want to save someone, go to Qiaose Research Institute.”

Old Master Zhou’s sharp gaze fixed on Qiao Yun, “Seeking Qiaose Research Institute is not more useful than finding Professor Qiao.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Yun lifted her eyelids, looking straight at Old Master Zhou for the first time.

Old Master Zhou fearlessly met Qiao Yun’s gaze.

He did not mention the Health Plan, as such confidential matters would not be known by outsiders. He also did not plan to reveal that he knew of it, so as to not raise Qiao Yun’s vigilance.

Qiao Yun appeared contemplative in her eyes and said indifferently, “You seeking me is your business; my refusal is mine.”

Finally, Old Master Zhou’s expression changed, no longer as amiable as before. With a stern face, he said, “Professor Qiao, don’t be hasty in refusing. You should know this is a good deed that benefits the country and the people. In the future, it will spare many from the agony of illnesses and also bring you a great deal of fame and fortune.”

Qiao Yun wondered, “Do I need fame and fortune?”

Old Master Zhou: “…”

What’s with this person, why is she so difficult, unmoved by anything said?

Seeing that they couldn’t come to an agreement, Old Master Zhou didn’t waste words and hinted, “If Professor Qiao doesn’t want to cooperate, there’s nothing I can do, but I heard that your family members also came by today?”

Qiao Yun narrowed her eyes and looked at him, her expression calm, leaving one guessing her thoughts.

Old Master Zhou chuckled, “It’s a pity that your elder brother has a cooperation talk today, and your second brother is attending a TV station interview program; otherwise, they could have accompanied you.”

Zhou Xinyu realized what his grandfather meant upon hearing these words.

Well, well, he wants to use the Lu Family to force Qiao Yun to cooperate. True to his grandfather’s style, he had planned it all along, just waiting for Qiao Yun to fall into the trap.

Qiao Yun asked with a serious expression, “Are you threatening me?”

Old Master Zhou said, “How is this a threat? After all, they are Professor Qiao’s family; it’s only right for me to pay them a visit. How about I invite them all over?”

Confirmed, he was indeed threatening her.

Qiao Yun looked at Old Master Zhou with pity; the last person who threatened her was now mining in Africa.

According to the information provided by her organization, Old Master Zhou was well aware of how much Qiao Yun valued the Lu Family, so if he wanted Professor Qiao’s cooperation, he had to start with her family members.

The Zhou Family never played by the rules; to achieve their goals, they would use any means necessary.

Seeing that Qiao Yun didn’t respond, Old Master Zhou continued, “Professor Qiao should think it over carefully, cooperating with the Zhou Family is a win-win situation.”

Qiao Yun uttered, “I won’t cooperate.”

Old Master Zhou’s smile at the corner of his mouth faded.

What’s going on?

After bringing the Lu Family into this, how can she remain indifferent?

Could it be that Professor Qiao’s concern for the Lu Family was just a facade, and she really didn’t care about their safety at all?

Old Master Zhou frowned, his tone a bit mocking, “As expected of Professor Qiao, even colder than I thought. Or is it that you don’t believe I can bring your family here?”

He used the word “invite” and not “force”; although he was threatening Qiao Yun, he left room in every statement.

Qiao Yun’s voice was calm, “You can’t invite them.”

Old Master Zhou found it amusing; was there anyone he couldn’t invite in this world?

Professor Qiao was already sitting in front of him.

Yet seeing the serious expression on Qiao Yun, he suddenly felt an ominous premonition, an absurd thought crossing his mind.

Could she have already known today was a trap?

How could that be…

Old Master Zhou’s face showed slight astonishment; he had made sure everything was flawless, even using a charity organization as a front for the auction. Even if investigated later on, it would not be traced back to the Zhou Family.

He even ensured that the people following Lu Jingzhi and Lu Zhanxing were not his own but hired outsiders.

He questioned himself for being foolproof, and it could not have been detected.

Thinking this, Old Master Zhou felt slightly at ease, convinced there would be no mistakes.

But just as he thought that, he saw Qiao Yun glancing over, her tone mysterious, “No one can touch them.”

Old Master Zhou, repeatedly scorned by Qiao Yun, had been growing angry and upon seeing this, he slammed the table, “Professor Qiao, have you forgotten that you came here alone?”

As his words fell, the door to the conference room opened.

A few thugs poured in, looking fierce and menacing.

Old Master Zhou suggested with a smile, “How about Professor Qiao comes with me? As long as you can cure my wife, I will respectfully send you back and even offer you a generous thank you gift.”

Qiao Yun’s brows moved slightly, she leaned back in her chair nonchalantly and said, “Not so good.”

Old Master Zhou thought, ‘You’re asking for it!’

…

At that moment.

At the venue entrance.

Pei Yao got out of his car and looked up to see Li Hanzhou stepping out of another vehicle.

Surprised, he asked, “Why are you here?”

Li Hanzhou, dressed in a black coat, devoid of any warmth in his eyes, glanced at the dissatisfied Pei Yao and said with a clear voice, “Naturally, to find the little friend.”

Pei Yao frowned upon hearing this, even more puzzled, “How did you know Professor Qiao is here?”

“You see this…” Li Hanzhou lifted his hand, his eyes slightly provocative, “The kid also has the same watch, and if something happens to her, she can contact me through the watch.”

Pei Yao’s eyes widened.

He certainly remembered that Li Hanzhou had given Qiao Yun a watch, but he hadn’t realized it served this purpose too. This man’s intentions were a bit too sinister.

“The kid was worried about the safety of Grandpa Lu and Mr. Lu, so she contacted me to check on them.” Li Hanzhou smiled and said, “It seems that in the kid’s heart, I am a very trustworthy person.”

Pei Yao: Heh… Keep acting, act all you want.

If Professor Qiao’s mobile signal hadn’t been blocked, would she contact you first?

But it also indirectly proves that Professor Qiao is safe now.

Pei Yao couldn’t be bothered with Li Hanzhou and rushed into the venue.

The security guards at the door wanted to stop him but were subdued before they could act.

The two of them entered without any obstruction.

Meanwhile.

Lu Shiran returned to his seat with a drink, only to find that Qiao Yun was not there. He didn’t think much of it, assuming Qiao Yun had gone to the restroom.

But after waiting for quite a while without seeing anyone return, he became anxious and hurriedly took out his phone to call Qiao Yun.

No matter how he tried, he couldn’t get through.

Lu Shiran immediately realized something was terribly wrong, stood up abruptly, and headed for the second floor of the exhibition hall, only to be stopped by someone.

“Sorry, this area is not open yet; you can’t go up.”

Lu Shiran explained, “My grandfather is up there.”

“No can do.” The security guard refused to let him through.

Lu Shiran frowned, sensing something amiss.

If the exhibition hall was not open, why invite Grandpa and Uncle up there, and now have someone guard the door? Coupled with the fact his sister couldn’t be contacted…

Lu Shiran had a moment of realization–there was something fishy going on!

“Let me in!”

Lu Shiran attempted to force his way through.

Seeing Lu Shiran not heeding their advice, the security guards immediately surrounded him.

“Let me tell you, I know martial arts.” Lu Shiran assumed a fighting stance, his face fierce, “Who will take the first hit?”

The security guards, unimpressed by the faux toughness of Lu Shiran, laughed at him.

“Kid, you’re not even fully grown, and you want to fight with us?”

“These young masters really don’t know the dangers of the world.”

“Enough talk, throw him out.”

A security guard stepped forward to grab Lu Shiran.

Lu Shiran quickly demonstrated several moves and bellowed, “I’m fighting~”

With a loud punch, he knocked the security guard to the ground.

The rest of them were stunned for a moment and, seeing that Lu Shiran had some skills, stopped laughing. Several rushed forward to grab him.

After a struggle, Lu Shiran realized he couldn’t beat them, took a deep breath, and yelled, “Robbery! Help!”

The security guards: “…”

Be a man and don’t act meek!

Just then, a group of bodyguards dressed in black suits suddenly surged forward and subdued the security guards without a word.

The terrified security guards exclaimed, “Who are you guys?”

The bodyguards cleared a path.

Li Hanzhou, a shadow cast over his face, walked up to the stunned Lu Shiran in a nonchalant manner.

“Where’s the kid?”

Lu Shiran uttered an “Ah” before realizing and anxiously said, “My sister is missing!”

“Are Grandpa Lu and Mr. Lu upstairs?”

“They are upstairs; I wanted to go up, but they wouldn’t let me.” Lu Shiran complained.

He knew Li Hanzhou’s identity and his close relationship with Qiao Yun. Now, he somewhat felt bolstered by his association.

Li Hanzhou nodded and said to the people behind him, “Leave this to you, I’ll go find the kid.”

Dressed in a suit and overcoat, Pei Yao’s expression was his usual nonchalance. Hearing Li Hanzhou’s words, he glanced and muttered, “Lucky you.”

After Li Hanzhou had left with an air of coolness, Pei Yao patted Lu Shiran’s shoulder, “Let’s go, I’ll take you up.”

Lu Shiran, still not fully comprehending the situation, hastily asked, “Has something happened?”

“Nothing serious.” Pei Yao cautioned, “Don’t say anything out of turn later.”

Seeing their composure, Lu Shiran also felt a bit more at ease, “I know, I definitely won’t blab.”

Grandpa is getting on in years; he didn’t want him to be alarmed and afraid.

A security guard tried to sneakily contact someone below, but Pei Yao saw right through it, “Don’t waste your energy; right now, everyone here is my man.”

The security guard’s face drastically changed, and he could do nothing but be subdued.

The old master and Lu Rui were somewhat surprised to see Pei Yao come up.

The old master approached him first and greeted, “Is Director Pei also attending today’s charity sale?”

Pei Yao’s demeanor remained unchanged as he replied, “I was free and thought I’d come to have a look. I hear that Old Mr. Lu is quite knowledgeable about paintings, if you have the time, perhaps you could show me around?”

The old master chuckled, “You flatter me, Director Pei. I merely have a superficial understanding; if you don’t mind, then I’m willing to oblige.”

“I certainly wouldn’t mind,” Pei Yao smiled.

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