Chapter 105: Problems That Money Can't Solve

  Jin Yue Tian Tang Hong Kong is one of the top private entertainment clubs, from the outside it looks like a slightly wider ordinary wine house, not showing off its wealth and luxury, but once you step inside, you will be amazed by its extravagance and opulence, especially the huge contrast between the interior and exterior, which makes this feeling even stronger.

  At night, you will see a large number of successful people and beauties walking in and enjoying the luxurious "high-end" life. But during the day, it looks unusually deserted here.

  Because Qiao Jing is a senior member here, he can let the manager of Jinyi Paradise open a large box with a courtyard view in the morning.

  Savoring the fragrant and mellow tea snacks, gazing at the lush green plants outside the private room, people will have a sense of peace and tranquility.

  But the atmosphere in the private room was particularly solemn.

  Qiao Jing waited in the private room for half an hour before finally seeing Qu Wen, who had always been at odds with his own son. He couldn't sense any arrogance or domineering air from him that a superior person should have, but he was able to mobilize the army to suppress his own son.

  Qiao Jingqiang squeezed out a smile, got up and personally poured tea for Qu Wen and his fellow traveler Lu Jianjun and Xia Junliang. This is something that many people cannot imagine. The majestic Emperor Jewelry Store Chairman would personally pour tea for two younger men.

  "Master Xia, Mr. Qu, and Mr. Lu, please have some tea. This is the first batch of Longjing tea this year."

  "Oh, that's gotta be savored." Xia Junliang had followed Gu Quanzhi for many years and had also developed a habit of drinking tea. As soon as he heard it was first-picked Longjing, he couldn't help but pick up his teacup.

  The first picking of Longjing tea is the earliest batch of Longjing tea leaves picked every year. According to local custom, "first picking" and "first prize" are homophones, and it is considered the most important traditional custom by Longjing tea farmers. The first-picked Longjing tea not only has a good metaphor but also all the tea leaves that have been picked are of the highest quality, so its value is not low, usually several times higher than the market price, being "snatched" away by wealthy merchants and dignitaries from various places. According to the latest prices, this year's first-picked Longjing tea started at an average auction price of between 800 and 1880 yuan.

  Although he doesn't understand tea, he understands money. He knows the value of these expensive teas, and it can be said that every sip is worth several hundred yuan. I don't know if it's psychological, but the Longjing tea really tastes exceptionally fragrant.

  Since all three of them did not refuse, Qiao Jing's heart relaxed a little, indicating that the three were not too difficult to talk to, so the next thing would be easy to handle.

  "Mr. Qu heard that there was some misunderstanding between you and my son, and he did something impulsive. As a father, I also have some responsibility for not teaching him well. However, we are all people in the jewelry business, and it's inevitable that we will have dealings with each other sooner or later. So, please, Mr. Qu, be magnanimous and let my son off this time."

  Qu Wen agreed to meet with Qiao Jing, but did not agree to let Qiao Ziquan off. Moreover, Qiao Jing seemed to still not understand his own position, and when speaking, he still carried the arrogance of a wealthy and powerful person. He looked quite sincere, but didn't do anything with actual substance.

  "Mr. Qiao, please clarify a few things first. Firstly, the issue between me and your son is not a misunderstanding, but rather he took the initiative to provoke me without thinking it through, so everything he's experiencing now is simply getting what he deserves. Secondly, you may be a senior in the jewelry industry, but unfortunately, you haven't fully understood that my participation in the Hong Kong International Jewelry Exhibition this time was merely out of curiosity and not as an actual employee of Rui Lin Jewelry Company. Therefore, your words about 'lowering one's head when not seen and raising it when seen' hold no significance for me. Even if I were to open a jewelry company in the future, it doesn't necessarily mean I would have any business dealings with you. If you want to plead on behalf of your son, then please show some sincerity."

  Qiao Jing is a Hong Kong celebrity, willing to treat his juniors equally, and even pouring tea for them is a rare occurrence. If this gets out, Qu Wen will be incredibly proud.

  Unfortunately, Qu Wen did not take Qiao Jing's feelings seriously, with a bad attitude and even some aggressive behavior.

  Qiao Jing's eyebrows slightly furrowed, he was used to being the one who spoke to others in this manner, and it had been a long time since someone had spoken to him like that. However, thinking about the powerful backing that Qu Wen might have, he temporarily suppressed the anger in his heart.

  "Right, right, it was I who was too hasty and didn't make myself clear. If Mr. Qu can let my son off the hook, I'm willing to pay 10 million as compensation."

  "Ten million... quite a sum, unfortunately I don't need this ten million!" Qu Wen smiled coldly: "If it wasn't for my friend rushing over in time last night, do you think I'd still be here having tea with you? Your son has already made his intentions clear, saying he wants my hands. As Mr. Qiao is a jeweler, he should know how important hands are to an appraiser."

  Qiao Jing's eyebrows furrowed even tighter, although he didn't have much time to deal with his son's affairs, it wasn't like he didn't understand anything at all.

  From Qiaozi Quan and Qu Wen's gamble on shooting targets to gambling on stones, he lost 7 million in just a few days. Now adding the 10 million he promised himself, it can be said that Qu Wen only came to Hong Kong for a casual visit, and he would have to give this junior a large sum of money unjustly. Even if his current net worth is over 1 billion, he cannot afford such reckless spending.

  "What Mr. Qu meant was..." Qiao Jing, who had been in the business world for many years, knew when to endure and pressed down the anger in his heart, saying loudly.

  "I want an apology, a public one." Actually, ten million is a pretty tempting sum of money, but unfortunately, Qu Wen isn't someone who can be easily swayed by cash. He wants to teach Qiaozi a profound lesson and make him understand that being too arrogant comes with a huge price tag. Of course, it's also possible that even ten million wouldn't be enough to move his heart.

  If it's about money, Qiao Jing can give more, but asking him to apologize publicly is impossible, even if his son speaks up for him, because this is a matter of the Qiao family's face.

  "No way, our Qiao family in Hong Kong is a respectable and prominent family. I can give you more money, but I won't apologize publicly." Mr. Qiao's tone started to become harsher.

  "That's it, we can't agree." Qu Wen spread his hands: "I believe the relevant department will handle the issue of your son's crime of endangering national security correctly."

  Upon hearing this, Qiao Jing, who was in high spirits, calmed down. The crime of endangering national security can be either serious or minor, ranging from inciting rumors to treason and espionage, depending on how the law enforcement agency judges it, with the most severe punishment being the death penalty.

  "Master Xia, you are a respected figure in the industry, please say something fair." After some thought, Qiao Jing turned his attention to Qu Wen's second brother, Xia Junliang. As they were both members of the Hong Kong Jade and Jewelry Manufacturers Association, he should be easier to talk to.

  Unfortunately, Qiao Jing didn't know that Xia Junliang inherited not only Gu Quan's skills but also his stubbornness and protective mentality.

  He put down the teacup in his hand, and Xia Junliang just smiled faintly: "Since this is a matter between your son and my junior brother, I, as the senior brother, shouldn't interfere. If you want to resolve this matter, why not put more effort into dealing with my junior brother?"

  "Two million, how about that, Mr. Qu!" Seeing that Xia Junliang's approach didn't work either, Qiao Jing gritted his teeth and reported a new number, believing that this price could appease the anger in Qu Wen's heart. Even hiring an internationally renowned hitman wouldn't cost that much.

  Ke Quwen shrugged: "Mr. Qiao, don't you understand? This is not a problem that can be solved with money."