Chapter 372: 372: Conspiracy Case (4) Song Zhizhi sees through Song Shan’s Ambition

Chapter 372: 372: Conspiracy Case (4) Song Zhizhi sees through Song Shan’s Ambition

Translator: 549690339

A separate residence of the Song Family.

Song Zhizhi, Song Shan, and Song Zhidao are in the study room.

The atmosphere is very tense.

Song Shan’s expression is terrible at this moment.

In a cold voice, he said, “You call me back at this time, there better be a solution you’ve come up with!”

Song Zhizhi looks at his father.

Before he could speak, Song Shan seems still in a state of anger and he bitterly said, “As soon as I walked out of the commercial management’s door, reporters pursued me asking if I was ashamed of my daughter. In my advanced age, this is the first time that the outside world has denied me to this extent. Song Zhizhi, you really make me so embarrassed.”

“Dad.” Song Zhidao could not listen to it anymore, “My sister didn’t want things to end up this way. And, have you ever thought that she is not to blame for what happened? You need to calm down and think, because of our family’s recent success, hasn’t Ye Wenhan been wanting to suppress us? To put it plainly, this was bound to happen sooner or later, I personally think that, after this incident, you should not blame my sister, instead, she has become a scapegoat for our family, she is the one who got hurt...”

“How could you say that! Knowing full well that we’ve been a thorn in the side of the commercial management for a while, Song Zhizhi should have been reserved. Even if she didn’t do it, she should have been fully prepared, instead of being passively suppressed by Ye Wenhan like this!” Song Shan would not listen, anyway, no matter what, this incident is all Song Zhizhi’s fault.

“Dad, you would have died a long time ago at the hands of Nie Menzhi if it wasn’t for my sister. You couldn’t even defend against the person you’re closest to, now you’re asking my sister to be on guard against so many people with ill intentions. Aren’t you being overly demanding...”

“Song Zhidao!” Song Shan was furious, he seemed to be poked in a sore spot, he slammed his hand on the desk in front of him, “Have I raised you all these years in vain? I am your father, you should respect me, not refute every word I say! The current situation is Song Zhizhi’s fault, you shut up!”

“You are my father but you also can make mistakes! And all I’m doing is stating facts, not favoring anyone! My sister is not a goddess, she can’t know what every person who wants to frame her is going to do next! My sister is already doing an amazing job, you shouldn’t go crazy every time something happens. You should reflect whether you, as the head of the family, are too domineering!”

“Song Zhidao!” Song Shan shouted.

He was trembling all over with anger.

Song Zhidao was not afraid at all.

He has never thought that his father was right about this matter involving his sister.

On the contrary, his sister has always been selflessly sacrificing for their family.

To put it plainly, if his sister didn’t care about their family, she could just marry Ji Baijian and be his young mistress, enjoying her wealth and prosperity. Why bother surviving in the Commercial Management which is full of intrigues? Instead of being thankful, their father took her sacrifices for granted more and more.

“Can you two stop arguing?” Song Zhizhi suddenly spoke up.

Song Shan plonked himself down in his chair, not saying a word.

Song Zhidao also didn’t want to say another word.

Song Zhizhi said, “I admit I’m responsible for what happened this time. But I honestly didn’t expect Ye Wenhan to ignore such a huge public interest and put this much into framing me. Everyone knows how much damage the withdrawal of the James Group would do to our country of Yanshang, yet Ye Wenhan can selfishly choose this harmful move without batting an eye. All I can say is, I underestimated Ye Wenhan’s selfishness and ruthlessness.”

The atmosphere in the study room was still tense.

Song Zhizhi continued, “But what’s done is done. Assigning blame or introspecting about who was at fault is meaningless, what matters now is solving the problem.”

“My sister is right.” Song Zhidao suddenly spoke up, clearly showing that he stands with Song Zhizhi.

Song Zhizhi nodded slightly to Song Zhidao, “Today, I went back and discussed with Ji Baijian about how to deal with the occurrence of this incident. First of all, I want to clarify that the so-called violent demolition has nothing to do with me, I was framed and since I was framed, evidence can surely be found to clear my name. Ji Baijian is now helping me investigate this incident in depth. And what we need to do next is to take the initiative to call a press conference, to clarify things. We can’t continue to let rumors spread...”

“Are you crazy? Now you want us to face the press? How can we face the press? The press can’t wait to see us fall and die miserably. If you appear in front of the press now, you are asking for humiliation. Song Zhizhi, have you ever thought about me? I, Song Shan, have my own status and dignity in the country Yanshang. I can’t lose face in front of them, I wouldn’t appear in front of the press just to be ridiculed and mocked!”

“Dad, can’t you let my sister finish...”

“Enough!” Song Shan was very angry, he was about to explode, he couldn’t listen to a single word.

At that moment, Song Zhizhi was holding back as well.

She thought of their family’s downfall in her past life, and she would ultimately still feel sorry for them.

If not...

Otherwise, she really could just leave, given how her father was treating her.

She remained silent, trying to control her emotions.

Song Shan, very angrily, continued, “It used to be so good between you and Ye Wenhan. Back then, I agreed to let you be with Ye Wenhan. All of a sudden, you seemed like you were possessed, you had to get involved with Ji Baijian. If you hadn’t abandoned Ye Wenhan back then, given Ye Wenhan’s standing now, if you were married to him, would our family be facing such things?! The more I think about it, the angrier I get. Ye Wenhan, who could’ve been my son-in-law, is now our enemy, pushing us to this point and even taking revenge on us maliciously! Now I’m starting to doubt whether Ye Wenhan’s suppression of our family is only because of our standing, it probably has more to do with you! Which man can stand being dumped like this!”

“You can’t throw blame like that...” Song Zhidao couldn’t stand listening anymore.

Song Zhizhi suddenly interrupted Song Zhidao, her expression serious, she slowly said, “Dad, after all this time, I thought you would trust me.”

Song Shan gave a cold snort.

His indifference was palpable.

“Since I started truly caring for and working hard for this family, I can safely say I’ve contributed no small amount. I have a clear conscience. After all we’ve been through, I even believed that you trusted me, that you would turn to me first whenever anything happened! Yet, time and time again, you accuse me first, criticize me for my shortcomings.”

“Say whatever you want.” Song Shan remained stoically cold.

He seemed utterly indifferent to Song Zhizhi’s feelings.

With a lump in her throat, Song Zhizhi said stoically, “Fine, since you are convinced that I’m incompetent, and that I’m a burden to you, I won’t bother you anymore. Let’s just assume this incident is my fault. Henceforth, I won’t interfere in the Song family’s matters anymore.”

“Song Zhizhi, you’re threatening me!” Song Shan exploded in anger.

Song Zhizhi just looked at her father but remained unmoved.

“Are you threatening me now? Do you think I can’t handle this incident? Do you think that our family can’t function without you!”

“I don’t think I’m indispensable or that everything has to involve me. Since you deem everything I do as worthless, there is no need for me to humiliate myself before you.” Song Zhizhi responded curtly.

“Fine!” Song Shan snarled, “If that’s how you want to behave, then get out!”

Song Zhizhi bit her lip.

She never imagined that one day her father would treat her this way.

All for power, for profit, he would go to such lengths.

Yet, she had always been devoted to this family... after her rebirth, she had focused only on her family.

She suddenly felt the irony of it all.

An irony so profound that she chuckled.

She laughed until her eyes reddened.

Her chest heaved continuously.

She thought her father was different from the others, that he loved her. She even firmly assured Ji Baijian that her father would never clash with him. Now, it seemed she had been too naive.

It became clear to her, all her father’s past affection was only because her existence didn’t threaten his power. Once a conflict arises, he wouldn’t hesitate to prioritize his own ambitions!

She now also understood why Ye Taiting appointed Nie Wenzhi to infiltrate her father’s side rather than any other chief executives.

Probably because Ye Taiting had long discovered her father’s ambition was too great, and that he needed to be eliminated if he couldn’t be controlled.

In her previous life, she never involved herself in the corporate scheming. Indeed, her family had been strongly controlled by Nie Wenzhi, and her father had died before his ambitions were exposed, leaving her clueless.

She had always thought that all the tragedy of their family was because of her bringing the wolf into the house.

How laughable.

She bore all the family’s misfortunes of her previous life on her shoulders, reborn and firmly believing that she would protect her family and compensate for the harm she had caused in her previous life...

As it turned out... she was just laboring under a delusion!

The redness at the rim of Song Zhizhi’s eyes slowly disappeared.

Having lived for so many years, she was already clear about many things.

Being reborn.

All she hoped for was to live a good life, to cherish the time she was still breathing.

Since her family no longer needed her, she’d live her own life.

She calmly said, “In that case, I’ll leave.”

She didn’t want to say anything more, turned around, and walked away.

Seeing his sister leave, Song Zhidao suddenly chased after her.

Director Song watched Song Zhidao’s actions, his face turning incredibly ugly.

The phone suddenly rang at this moment.

Director Song stared at the caller ID, grimly accepting the call, “Hello.”

“What is the current situation?” Song Wen asked, “How did things turn out like this under Ye Wenhan’s manipulation?”

Song Shan was so furious that he couldn’t articulate his thoughts, nor did he want to explain.

“Have you thought of a solution yet?” asked Song Wen.

“No,” answered Song Shan coldly.

“You need to figure out a solution, Song Shan. Or else, how are you going to explain this to Jun Minghan? Have you considered the state of your family now? Do you think Jun Minghan would still stand by your side? I’m contemplating that Jun Minghan will surely find various legitimate reasons to prevent Miss Fifth from associating with Song Zhidao. If you can’t overcome this hurdle, your future will be ruined!”

“I know.” This was precisely why he had lost his temper towards Song Zhizhi.

Actually, he clearly understood that he was being set up and framed in this incident. But because he couldn’t think of a solution, he let all his fury unjustifiably vent on Song Zhizhi.

What infuriated him most was why every time he thought he was about to succeed, he was always one step away!

“Actually, I have thought of a temporary means to preserve your reputation,” Song Wen suddenly said.

Song Shan frowned, “Speak it out then.”

“This incident was triggered by Song Zhizhi and not you. You’re being condemned by everyone only because Song Zhizhi is your daughter. At this moment, as long as you declare your stance and sever your father-daughter relationship with Song Zhizhi, nobody can object anymore! More importantly, Ye Wenhan can’t hold onto this handle and threaten you to resign. You’ve severed your ties with Song Zhizhi for the sake of Commercial Management. Ye Wenhan can’t possibly push you into desperation anymore. Considering how quickly the media could disseminate news, Ye wouldnhan, who is now taking the pro-people path, won’t retaliate against you. With this, you can at least secure your current position.”

Song Shan hesitated.

No matter what, regardless of how furious he was at Song Zhizhi today, and regardless of how upset he was about the incident happening, he had never thought of severing his father-daughter relationship with Song Zhizhi!

Song Zhizhi is his biological daughter after all; there were times when his heart couldn’t bear it.

“Song Shan, we both have children, and I can empathize with our selfless love for them. But Song Zhizhi is already like this. You don’t need to sacrifice yourself for her. It is not worth it. Do you think it is worth it for our Song family to come to such an end after all these years? Besides, we have to deal with Ji Baijian sooner or later. You will also face conflicts with Song Zhizhi then. As they say, you can’t get back spilled water. Can you guarantee Song Zhizhi will unconditionally choose your side when conflicting interests arise between you and Ji Baijian?”

Song Shan looked bitterly cold.

“Severing father-daughter ties is the best approach. Stop hesitating. Hurry up and clear your name. If you’re even slightly late, there will be no time to act when Ye Wenhan wants to deal with you. Song Shan, stop being soft-hearted and be decisive. I will explain the situation to Jun Minghan and hope he wouldn’t abandon us immediately.”

“Alright.” To Song Wen’s surprise, Song Shan agreed instantly.

Song Wen’s reminder was timely. Since they had to deal with Ji Baijian eventually, he couldn’t ascertain whose side Song Zhizhi would stand on then! Rather than having father-daughter conflicts later, it would be better to sever their father-daughter relationship now. In the future, regardless of what he did to Ji Baijian, he didn’t need to hold back due to so-called family ties.

He made a fierce determination in his heart and dialed a number directly.

“Arrange a press conference for me.”

“Yes.”

After delivering the instructions, Song Shan put down his cell phone with great force.

Song Zhizhi, don’t blame your father for being ruthless!

Because her father didn’t believe that she could resolve this issue well.

He was only worried about being implicated by her, and could only see the current benefits.

“Miss Song.” A journalist suddenly raised his hand, looking very excited.

“Please, go ahead.”

The journalist stood up in a hurry, “Miss Song, we have just received breaking news. Your father has publicly announced that he is severing his father-daughter relationship with you.”

Song Zhizhi was stunned.

She didn’t respond at that moment.

Even though she could usually keep her composure, it was hard to accept being stabbed in the back by her father.

At this time, she was trying to protect her father’s current rights, but he was disregarding her and even adding fuel to the flames for his own benefit.

By openly declaring the severance of their relationship, wasn’t he directly implying that the incident had something to do with her, that she had indeed done it, and even if her own father had determined it, how could she persuade others to believe her?!

Her throat moved slightly.

She had been restraining herself all along, trying hard not to explode.

She knew very well that if she lost her composure at this moment, everyone would think she was in a rage out of shame.

Her silence, the endless silence, made all the reporters present hesitant to speak.

They had been tipped off before they came today that they were not to pester Song Zhizhi, and they were to cover the news about her positively.

There was a long standoff.

At that moment, Yin Qin couldn’t stand it anymore.

It should have been a routine news story, and a great crisis management opportunity, but now it was compromised by her own father.

Looking at Song Zhizhi’s expression, even though she was hiding it, her emotional turmoil was evident.

He walked towards the stage, hoping to end this press conference.

He thought Song Zhizhi may need some time to compose herself. At any rate, as long as he wanted, he could schedule a press conference for her at any time.

He even felt that what Song Zhizhi needed most at the moment was comfort.

Since Ji Baijian was not available, he had to temporarily fill that role.

He had just walked towards the stage.

In the silence of the press conference, Song Zhizhi suddenly spoke again, her voice void of any hint of emotion, as if she had instantly regained her composure. She said, “I can understand my father’s actions, and I even agree with him. As one of the four chiefs of the Commercial Management, he has an obligation to defend its interests and that of the public. Regardless of the process, even though I was framed, the incident did occur on the demolition project, and I can’t escape the responsibility. My father’s current stance serves as his obligation to the public and the Commercial Management. I hope everyone can stop blaming him. He has made a lot of sacrifices for the Commercial Management. If he does not win your approval, it will indeed be a tragedy of his life.”

“Miss Song, don’t you feel a bit abandoned? At a time when you most need comfort and support, your father chose to give you up.”

“He didn’t abandon me, he just couldn’t let go of the entire commercial management and all the people. My father was selfless, sacrificing the small family for the larger family. That’s his greatness! Even though I might feel sad and hurt, I understand my father’s fearlessness.” Song Zhizhi looked very sincere, even if she was pretending, and she knew very well that she couldn’t pretend anymore if she continued speaking. So at that moment, she stood up and announced loudly, “This press conference ends here, thank you all for participating, thank you.”

Indeed, everything that needed to be explained had already been explained, there was no need for her to waste any more time on this.

Song Zhizhi bowed.

She then quietly left.

The moment she left, a reporter wanted to ask something else.

Yin Qin gave a gesture.

The reporter quickly closed his mouth.

Song Zhizhi left the press conference venue.

Wei Ziming was by her side all along. He too had heard, at the press conference, that Song Shan had announced his severance of father-daughter relations with Song Zhizhi.

Regardless of how strong a person is, it would be difficult to accept at this moment.

Song Zhizhi was able to persist until the end of the press conference and comply with her father’s demands immediately, presenting an image of familial harmony.

Song Zhizhi was no longer that little girl, she had grown up considerably.

But this growth also made him feel uneasy.

She truly considered everything for her father, for whom family mattered little when power was at stake.

Wei Ziming took Song Zhizhi home.

Wei Ziming wanted to say something several times, but didn’t know how to comfort her, so he chose to keep quiet.

In the quiet space, the phone suddenly rang.

Song Zhizhi looked at the incoming call.

She took a deep breath, bringing her emotions under control.

“Zaozao.”

“Zhizhi, is there anything I can help you with?” Xin Zaozao asked directly.

She was aware that Song Zhizhi must be dealing with plenty, so she didn’t want to waste her time, but hoped she could be of assistance.

“Yes, but not now.” Song Zhizhi was candid. “Don’t worry, I won’t hold back on asking you.”

“That’s good.” Xin Zaozao seemed relieved.

Song Zhizhi’s lips curved slightly.

She suddenly felt that being reborn wasn’t so fruitless.

At least, she now had people who truly loved her, and sincere friends.

She didn’t have to question herself.

She didn’t have to question herself because of her father, nor doubt the value of her reincarnation.

“I won’t bother you anymore, but if there’s anything you need help with, remember to call me, I won’t turn my phone off.” Xin Zaozao said once again.

“Okay.”

Xin Zaozao hung up.

She had wanted to call Song Zhizhi earlier in the day.

But she always felt that Song Zhizhi must have a lot to deal with after the accident, so she had put it off until now.

It was also just now that she saw Song Zhizhi’s father announcing his severance of relations with her, and she couldn’t resist any longer!

She had always thought that Song Zhizhi’s family was happy, and she envied Song Zhizhi for having a father who loved her. Now, she didn’t know how to interpret the relationship between Song Zhizhi and her father. She could sense that Song Zhizhi valued her family greatly. She wondered if Song Zhizhi was hurt at all?

Xin Zaozao sighed faintly.

She felt that Song Zhizhi was stronger than she had thought, so she believed that Song Zhizhi could handle many things well.

She spun around in her office chair, her gaze shifting to the calendar on her desk.

She got a notice; the court hearing was in 5 days.

The trial for Mu Cidian’s alleged murder.

It is said that Mu Cidian had already left the hospital and was taken to the official detention center for custody.

Xin Zaozao looked away from the calendar.

She had spent the whole day watching the news about Song Zhizhi. She couldn’t concentrate on her work in the company because she was worried. It was now after office hours, and she didn’t want to work overtime.

She felt like she had been neglecting her work for some time.

Did she start to hate her job?

Or did she feel that no one could threaten her absolute management power in within the Xin Family?

She didn’t want to probe too deeply.

She opened the office door and left.

She drove very slowly on the streets.

Lately, she had been staying with Luo Xiaolang, and he had moved out instead.

She didn’t want to live under the same roof with Wan Quan anymore; he would be driven away sooner or later anyway!

But tonight, she suddenly drove back home.

The court hearing was in 5 days. She wanted to know if Wan Quan was getting nervous.

When she appeared in the mansion’s hall, Wan Quan was watching television in the living room.

They hadn’t seen each other since the last time they met at the company. Wan Quan hadn’t come to find her to ask her to spare Mu Cidian, she was really amazed at Wan Quan’s indifference, cold-bloodedness and ruthlessness even towards her own son.

Seeing Xin Zaozao, Wan Quan’s face changed immediately. She scoffed, “Xin Zaozao, you have the audacity to come back?!”

“Do I really need to remind you, over and over again, that this is my Xin Family?”

“The Xin Family? You think you’re a member of the Xin Family just because you have the surname Xin? From the time your father ever cared for you, for all these years, I beat you, scolded you, tortured you, has he ever said a word? You still consider yourself a member of the Xin Family. If I were you, I would have severed all ties with the Xin Family a long time ago.”

“Indeed, I also feel that I should sever all ties with the Xin Family. Unfortunately, the father who never loved me left all his inheritance for me. In contrast, what do you have from the man who claimed to love you after sleeping with you for so many years?” Xin Zaozao retorted.

Her retort hit Wan Quan hard.

“Xin Zaozao!” With just a few words, Wan Quan could be provoked into a rage by Xin Zaozao.

“Mu Cidian’s court hearing is in 5 days.” Xin Zaozao changed the subject.

She didn’t want to waste time with Wan Quan.

She had a purpose for coming back tonight.

“What are you trying to say?”

“Whether Mu Cidian will go to jail or not, and how long he will be in jail, depends on me.”

“You think you can threaten me?”

“I’ll ask you one final time, do you want to clear your son of charges?”

“You want me to admit that I had someone violate you?” Wan Quan raised her eyebrows.

Xin Zaozao nodded.

“Keep dreaming.” Wan Quan said. “If I go in, considering my son’s attitude toward you, won’t he be at your mercy? Xin Zaozao, stop dreaming. I won’t give in to you even if I die.”

Xin Zaozao gave a cold smile.

So...

Mu Cidian’s jailtime was set.

She would not relent!