Chapter 60: Madam Su’s Cunning Scheme

“Negotiating for land? But Grandmother, I’m currently busy with the Su Bank and Liran Group projects. I’m afraid this matter…”

“What, are you saying you won’t even listen to me now?” Old Madam Su’s brows furrowed in displeasure as she fixed a stern gaze on her.

“That’s not what I meant. Since you trust me, Grandmother, I’ll go.”

Seeing her grandmother’s resolute expression, Su Qingxue knew it was useless to protest further. But when she received the real estate contract and read it closely, her expression changed to one of shock.

She quickly turned to Old Madam Su and asked, “Grandmother, did you give me the wrong contract? This piece of land costs three billion. The Su Bank doesn’t have that kind of money right now.”

“How can it not? Didn’t you just secure a project with Liran Group? For the time being, you don’t need to extend a loan to Liran, so why not use that money for the real estate project first?” Old Madam Su said sternly.

“What? That’s not appropriate. In the past, Shi Feng always kept the accounts separate from the bank, and I truly need this money for the project. I can’t agree to this.” Su Qingxue shook her head firmly.

“Qingxue, Grandmother isn’t saying you won’t get your money back,” interjected Liu Farong, siding with Old Madam Su. “Just use the funds for now. Once you acquire the land, the money will be returned to you. What harm can come from this?”

With both women persuading her, Su Qingxue finally relented. The Su family was in trouble, after all, and she ought to do her part. Since Grandmother promised to return the money, surely there would be no issue.

“All right, I agree. Please rest assured, Grandmother, I will secure the land,” Su Qingxue finally said, pursing her lips and nodding.

“That’s more like it. I’ll wait right here. Go and acquire the land—the bidding is scheduled for this morning,” Old Madam Su ordered, dismissing her from the bank.

Once she had left, a sly smile crept over both Old Madam Su and Liu Farong’s faces.

With a grin, Liu Farong gave Old Madam Su a thumbs up. “Mother, you always have a way. As soon as Su Qingxue spends that money, the rest is out of her hands.”

“A mere Su Qingxue, daring to challenge me? She’s just looking for trouble. Go see if she has any decent tea here—brew me a cup,” Old Madam Su said triumphantly.

Liu Farong nodded and hurried off to make the tea. When she brought it over, Old Madam Su took a sip and immediately spat it out.

She was utterly taken aback. “What is this? Why does the tea taste so awful?”

“That wretched girl. She makes all that money and keeps it for herself—can’t even provide decent tea for her guests,” Liu Farong muttered resentfully.

“Never mind, just pour it out. Let’s wait patiently for her to return,” Old Madam Su grumbled, setting the cup aside.

Nearly three hours later, Su Qingxue finally returned. Having successfully secured the land project, she happily presented the winning bid document to Old Madam Su. “Grandmother, I’ve acquired the land you wanted. How long will it take for the Liran Group project funds to be transferred?”

“What’s the rush? Do you think I’d shortchange you?” Old Madam Su replied curtly. She carefully examined the contract and, clearly satisfied, nodded. “There’s no problem with this project. However, Qingxue, there’s one more thing I’d like to discuss with you.”

“What is it, Grandmother?” Su Qingxue blinked, expecting praise and wondering what more could be asked.

“You know that Shifeng is my own grandson. I’ve always doted on him, and you’ve received plenty from the Su family over the years. I want you to do me a favor and bring Shifeng back. At the same time, add his name to the contracts for the Su Bank and Liran Group projects. After all, he’s your brother. We’re family—there’s no need for formalities.”

“What? Add Su Shifeng’s name? Grandmother, that’s out of the question.”

Su Qingxue refused without hesitation. The contract with Liran Group had been secured only with great effort thanks to Lin Feng’s help, and Su Shifeng had already tried to get involved before, only to fail. If he returned and obtained the contract again, with his irresponsible and reckless temperament, who knew what disaster might occur?

Old Madam Su’s expression grew grave and sharp as she glared at Su Qingxue. “You refuse? Are you planning to keep the Su family’s project for yourself?”

“Don’t forget, all you’ve achieved is thanks to the Su family. The family’s assets aren’t yours alone.”

“Grandmother, I never intended to take the family’s assets for myself. I’ve always understood that what I earn belongs to the Su family,” Su Qingxue hurried to explain. “I already planned to give seventy percent of the project’s profits to the family, keeping only thirty percent for the bank’s other ventures.”

“Hmph, that’s more like it.” Old Madam Su nodded with satisfaction. “It’s good to see you thinking this way. Since you’re so reasonable, then you agree to what I just said—add Shifeng’s name to the contract. That way, I’ll know you mean what you say. Otherwise, you’re deceiving me.”

“Grandmother, I swear I’m not lying to you. I don’t want to add Su Shifeng’s name, not because I’m unwilling to share the profits, but because he is unreliable. If he gets involved, he’ll ruin everything,” Su Qingxue pleaded.

“In the end, you still don’t have the family’s interests at heart,” Old Madam Su retorted coldly. “In that case, you can forget about getting back the money you advanced for the land.”

“What?”

Su Qingxue was stunned. She looked at her grandmother in disbelief, her beautiful eyes wide. “Grandmother, you must be joking! That money is the project loan I negotiated with Liran Group. If you withhold it, how can I continue the partnership?”

“That’s your problem. If you don’t care about the family, why should I pay for you?” Old Madam Su said righteously.

A wave of despair nearly made Su Qingxue faint. She never expected her grandmother would push her so far. If the money didn’t come through, Liran Group would surely hold her accountable. Not only would the partnership fall apart, but the enormous penalty would be more than Su Bank could bear.

“Farong, let’s go,” Old Madam Su said emotionlessly, standing up and signaling Liu Farong to leave with her.

Su Qingxue was heartbroken and disappointed. Just as Old Madam Su was about to reach the door, she finally suppressed her helplessness and, eyes full of anxiety, called out, “Grandmother, please wait. I’ll agree to your terms.”