"Li, you came at the right time. Has the Price Bureau approved the prices at this Tea House? Have you followed up on the reasons for their tea prices?"
Everyone stood, except for Qing Guo Bo, who leisurely sat on the sofa, his sharp eyes scanning Li Chuang, the director of the Price Bureau, who was wiping sweat from his forehead.
Li Chuang certainly knew about this Tea House. The Price Bureau had teamed up with the Department of Commerce to investigate several times, but they always seemed to catch wind of it beforehand. As a result, they often ignored it, and over time, they turned a blind eye to the actions of this Tea House.
"Qing Lao, I..."
"Don't 'Qing Lao' me! You were so righteous back in the army, but look at you now, mingling with these unscrupulous merchants!"
Qing Cang's slightly furrowed brows revealed his anger. Back then, Li Chuang was one of his most outstanding officers. He had nurtured him until he transitioned to civilian life and even recommended him for the Price Bureau. Li Chuang did not disappoint; within a few years, he became the director of the Price Bureau. However, he never expected that he would pick up so many bad habits from the political arena. A deep sense of disappointment surged within him—the tragedy of China's bureaucracy was also a tragedy for society...
"Teacher, don't blame him too much. We..."
"What do you mean 'we'? I know enforcing the law is difficult for you, but difficulty does not mean you can neglect your duties!"
Qing Guo Bo slammed his hand on the table, causing everyone's hearts to leap into their throats. This old man was a completely different person from just moments ago when he appeared so relaxed!
The boss of the Tea House rushed over upon hearing the news and broke into a cold sweat upon seeing the three directors. The Tea House was already in a precarious situation, and now it had gotten itself into this mess. As he passed by a server who had just been arrogant but was now cowering in fear, he shot her a fierce glare—this incompetent fool had caused more trouble than good! Why were those in power so low-key now?
"Are you the boss of this Tea House?"
Qing Guo Bo asked seriously, coldly pushing away the cigarette offered to him.
"My surname is Zhang!"
Zhang Fu extended cigarettes toward the three directors, but not a single one accepted. They all glared at him fiercely, causing Zhang Fu to wilt like a frostbitten eggplant...
"It's getting late, I'm leaving now. The rest will be up to you!"
Having reached this point, Qing Guo Bo felt that he had achieved his goals. He stood up and said, "Qing Lao, I will come to explain this matter to you in person another day!"
"Qing Lao, take care!"
"Qing Lao..."
His voice gradually faded behind him. As he reached the door, Qing Guo Bo paused for a moment, then turned around and called out to Shen Qingyou, "Girl, aren't you leaving yet..."
Everyone's gaze fell on Shen Qingyou. She picked up her bag, took a few steps, then seemed to remember something. She turned back, took out her wallet, pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, placed it on the table, and then walked out of the black shop without looking back.
Outside the door, a black Audi that had been waiting for a long time opened its door. Qing Guo Bo sat inside waiting for Shen Qingyou.
"Qing Lao, do you have anything else to say?"
"Sister Shen, did you see that? This is the gap between you and us; we cannot be family!"
Simple and straightforward, it declared Shen Qingyou's death sentence!
The final ruling of the Supreme People's Court left no room for appeal.
Shen Qingyou forced a smile at the corner of her mouth: "Qing Lao, I think you misunderstood. From beginning to end, I never intended to step into the Qing Family's door. I still have some self-awareness!"
Finally understanding why Qing Guo Bo went through so much trouble to stage this for her, she realized that he was using the most straightforward way to make her understand the vast difference between them. In this city, they only needed a phone call to move out the top leaders of various units. And what about her? She was as humble as an ant; even an Officer could crush her!
Shen Qingyou knew that after experiencing that life-altering event, she was someone who should not have the sunshine, living in the dark corners, gnawing at the sorrow that life had bestowed upon her...
As the Audi Car slowly drove out of Shen Qingyou's sight, the last words from Qing Guo Bo before leaving echoed in her mind: "Sister Shen, I believe you can find your own happiness, but it definitely won't be in Qing Cang!"
Watching the car disappear among the bustling traffic, Shen Qingyou turned around. The night had grown heavy; it was the darkest moment before dawn. In this early autumn of Southern City, there was already a hint of light. She tightened her clothes and weaved through the shadows cast by the streetlights. Some paths were chosen to be walked alone, as long as she carried her soul with her...
However, after walking just a few steps, Shen Qingyou's phone began to vibrate incessantly. Who would call her so early just before dawn? Taking out her phone and seeing the caller ID, Shen Qingyou's expression darkened. "Hello..."
Before she could finish her sentence, a wailing voice came from the other end of the line. "Serene, this time, you really have to save your Cousin!"
It was Wang Meili, crying so heartbreakingly. What trouble had that irresponsible Cousin gotten into this time?
Over the past year, Wang Meili had called her countless times, merely hoping to find a job for that troublemaking Cousin. However, she had politely declined every time. This year, she had sunk into those places of vice and debauchery. If relatives and friends found out, who knows how they would ridicule her? Six months ago, Wang Meili had sworn over the phone that she would never ask this heartless person again. Yet today, she was calling her again about the same old topic. Shen Qingyou felt utterly weary...
She was already physically and mentally exhausted, but now faced with this mess, Shen Qingyou felt as if her head was about to explode with pain. However, Wang Meili's words on the other end were like a thunderclap that made Shen Qingyou stop in shock. Cousin? He actually killed someone?
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