Take Hou Jingjing, for instance, after hearing the news, she was completely dumbfounded.

She had always believed that the whole plan was carefully crafted, targeting Chen Fang's weaknesses; thus, Chen Fang, facing a major defeat, would have no choice but to accept her conditions.

Who could have expected.

As it turned out, all the moves she made in secret were prearranged by Chen Fang.

How could this be?

For more than three decades, she couldn't claim to have been invincible, but indeed, everything had always gone smoothly for her. As long as she wished for something, there was nothing she couldn't achieve.

Hou Jingjing, who had always had great confidence in herself.

For the first time, she began to doubt herself.

Huddled on the sofa in her room, clad only in a bath towel, she poured glass after glass of red wine into herself.

Under the influence of alcohol.

Her face became flushed.

She was visibly tipsy.

"Miss,"

You Zhong entered, calling her softly.

Hou Jingjing lifted her head, her eyes somewhat hazy.

Groggily, she asked, "What is it?"

"The third young master is here."

There was a look of concern on You Zhong's face as he spoke these words.

Hou Jingjing shuddered, looking sharply at You Zhong, and asked, "What did you say? Who's here?"

"I'm here!"

A strong voice rang out.

Looking up, she saw a man in a POLO shirt standing at the door, unbeknownst to her when he had appeared. Seeing Hou Jingjing like this, he waved You Zhong away, saying, "Go out and close the door."

After You Zhong obediently left.

Hou Yuanshu approached Hou Jingjing and gave her a cold look.

He asked, "Just because of Chen Fang, you've let yourself become like this?"

"Hehe, brother, why have you come? Come on, drink with me!"

Hou Jingjing was about to fill an empty glass with the bottle she raised.

Hou Yuanshu snatched it away from her and threw it to the ground, breaking the bottle and spilling the wine.

Hou Jingjing stood up, intending to get more wine from the cabinet, but Hou Yuanshu caught hold of her and forced her back onto the sofa, saying, "Father wants you to clean up and go back to Yuanjing. I will now take over all business affairs in East River Province."

"You're taking over? How can you take over? Aren't you the president of Yan Zhao University? Don't tell me you've resigned?"

Hou Jingjing looked up and asked.

Hou Yuanshu sat down.

He said, "I've already been transferred to president of the Building Ning Forestry University. From now on, all arrangements in East River Province have nothing to do with you. Better buy a plane ticket back to Yuanjing quickly or else father will be angry."

Upon hearing this.

Hou Jingjing shivered.

Suddenly, she thought of something Chen Fang had said.

She asked, "Third brother, what do you think… what do you think is the meaning of our lives?"

When Hou Yuanshu heard this, he frowned, stretched out his hand, and touched Hou Jingjing's forehead, murmuring, "You don't have a fever. What kind of nonsense are you talking about?"

"Third brother, we four siblings have been receiving the strictest education since we were little. Whatever we wanted to do, father always disagreed. I still remember, your dream when you were young was to be a rock singer, wasn't it?"

"That's all from when we were kids, why bring it up?"

Hou Yuanshu scolded.

Hou Jingjing stood up.

She said, "The four of us have never lived for ourselves even for a single day. We are but chess pieces in our father's hands, placed wherever he wishes. Each move we make has only one purpose, which is for the good of the Hou Family. We're nothing more than weapons nurtured by our father, right?"

"Such words can be spoken between us, but there's no need to say them in front of our father. Additionally, I've come here to inform you that father has already arranged your marriage. The other party works in the Yuanjing municipal committee and holds a significant position."

Hou Yuanshu said.

Hou Jingjing let out a cold laugh.

She asked, "A significant position? Is it a second marriage, right?"

"Jingjing, is it that important whether it's a first or second marriage? Isn't a woman's purpose just to marry a man and live her life? Besides, what matters most is whether he can benefit the Hou Family. I don't know what's gotten into you, but rest assured father wouldn't harm us. You don't need to say anything else. The car is waiting downstairs, and the driver will take you to the airport."

A wail of despair rose in Hou Jingjing's heart.

But she knew.

She had no power to resist.

This was her fate.

For some reason, a wave of sadness flooded her heart.

At that moment, she actually felt a measure of sympathy for Xu Yan of the Xu Family.

She turned to Hou Yuanshu and asked, "What will become of Chen Fang?"

Hou Yuanshu snorted coldly and said, "A fool who does not know whether he's alive or dead, daring to obstruct the Hou Family's path. Once I'm done dealing with my matters, I will take care of him. The Hou Family's strategy in East River Province cannot be spoiled by this kid."

"Third brother, I have a good suggestion."

Hou Jingjing spoke.

Hou Yuanshu looked at her and said, "Let's hear it."

Hou Jingjing paused for a moment then said, "Chen Fang's attracting 32.1 billion in investment has set a record. This matter will certainly cause a sensation in East River Province. In a sense, he's a hero. If our Hou Family keeps pressuring him, we'll inevitably face backlash. His success in Guyang City can only be attributed to Dou Qingquan's stupidity. My suggestion is to transfer him to Wulan City and let Zhao Yiping deal with him personally. That way, we can keep our hands clean since the Hou Family's involvement in East River Province is already conspicuous enough."

Hou Yuanshu rubbed his chin, pondering for a moment.

He said, "That makes sense. Killing with kindness is better than suppression. Let's do it your way."

A smile appeared on Hou Jingjing's face as she said, "Brother, then I will pack up and leave first."

Ten minutes later.

Hou Jingjing appeared in the hotel's parking lot.

Before getting into the car, she looked up once more at the Fangyuan Hotel.

In her mind, she involuntarily recalled her two "encounters" with Chen Fang here.

"Chen Fang, this is as far as I can help you. From here on out, it's up to you."

After saying this to herself.

She got into the car and left.

At that moment.

At the window of the room she had left.

Hou Yuanshu was watching her intently.

After the car carrying her disappeared from view, Hou Yuanshu finally let out a long sigh.

"Third young master, after suffering such a loss, are we really going to promote Chen Fang instead?"

Behind him.

You Zhong asked somewhat reluctantly.

Hou Yuanshu gave a faint smile and said, "The little sister has taken a liking to him. This is the first time I've seen her take interest. Such small maneuvers are apparent to me, her own brother. She wants to help Chen Fang."

A look of aching sorrrow passed over You Zhong's face.

Hou Yuanshu sighed and said, "Then let's arrange it as she suggested. We'll promote Chen Fang first. Once my little sister has settled down, then we can deal with him. It's just Chen Fang. Let Zhao Yiping handle him."

You Zhong nodded his head.

He said, "Alright, third young master, I'll contact our people immediately to make the arrangements."

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