Chapter 73: Giving the Su Family a Way Out

So that’s how it was!

Zhang Liping and Su Bingming both cast astonished glances at Su Qingli. They could hardly believe it—was it really their own daughter who had sought Jiang Hao’s help, thereby resolving the Su family’s crisis? All along, they’d assumed it was Su Tianming who had persuaded Pan Yixuan to intervene!

Suddenly remembering something, Zhang Liping asked, “Didn’t the Bai family give us one hundred and twenty million? Why did you say earlier that only one hundred million was provided?”

Su Qingli explained on Jiang Hao’s behalf, “The Bai family did indeed provide only one hundred million. The remaining twenty million came from Jiang Hao.”

As she spoke, Su Qingli turned to the Su family matriarch. “Grandma, because the one hundred and twenty million came separately from the Bai family and Jiang Hao, our Su family account received two transfers, not one. I believe now you all understand who really helped us through this crisis?”

The old lady hung her head in shame and said nothing. Su Bingming and Zhang Liping also kept their mouths shut, not uttering a single word. What could they say? Were they supposed to immediately admit their mistake and apologize to Jiang Hao and Su Qingli? With so many people watching, their pride wouldn’t allow it.

Seeing this, Jiang Hao let out a cold snort and declared, “Listen carefully, Madam Su, and all of you in the Su family! I am not one to fight for credit, but what you’ve done today is simply outrageous! Since that’s the case, I’ve decided to change my mind.”

He paused, then suddenly announced loudly, “I’m taking back the twenty million I lent your Su family. Before midnight tonight, you must return the full amount to my account, or you can wait for a summons from the court!”

At Jiang Hao’s words, every Su family member present turned pale with shock. He was really going to recall the twenty million! The Su family had only just regained its footing; there was simply no way they could produce such a sum now. Forcing themselves to repay Jiang Hao would break their financial chain, essentially spelling the death of the Su family.

“What’s wrong? Don’t want to pay? Ha! The mighty Su family, a prominent clan in Maple Leaf City, and you’re trying to renege on your debt in front of everyone? It doesn’t matter—this is a society governed by law. I’m not afraid you won’t pay. Just wash your necks and wait for the court’s summons; we’ll settle this before a judge!”

With that, Jiang Hao swept his hand and turned to leave the banquet hall.

But Su Qingli immediately stepped in front of him.

“Jiang Hao, why are you suddenly like this… You can’t demand the money back!” Su Qingli pleaded anxiously.

“It’s my money. Why shouldn’t I?” Jiang Hao replied coldly.

Hearing this, Su Qingli was left speechless.

The Su family matriarch no longer cared about her cane, hurried over to Jiang Hao, and bowed her head in apology.

“Jiang Hao, it’s our fault. I, this old woman, have wronged you. Please accept my apology.”

As she spoke, she bent low and gave Jiang Hao a respectful bow.

Yet Jiang Hao didn’t even look at her, turning his face away coldly.

Other Su family members gathered around as well, apologizing to Jiang Hao, including Su Bingming.

Zhang Liping and Su Tianming, however, remained standing where they were.

Jiang Hao sneered, “Now you know you’re wrong? Now you’re afraid? Don’t you think it’s a bit late? I repeat: return the twenty million before midnight tonight, or bear the consequences!”

“Jiang Hao! Must you do this? This was a chance for reconciliation—couldn’t you take a step back?” Su Qingli suddenly cried out, tears streaming down her face.

This banquet had truly broken her heart.

At first, it was the Su family being cruel to Jiang Hao; now, Jiang Hao was being ruthless to the Su family. She had tried so hard to mend the rift between Jiang Hao and her family, only to realize now that all her efforts were futile.

Why must it be like this?

Su Qingli’s sorrow overwhelmed her, and she sobbed like a child.

Looking at Su Qingli’s pitiful state, Jiang Hao’s heart softened somewhat. He had seen all she’d done today, and he wasn’t blind—he knew she was sincerely trying to heal the relationship between him and the Su family.

But Su Qingli could only speak for herself, not for the rest of the Su family. Her efforts were in vain, her actions fruitless!

Jiang Hao had seen through the Su family; he had no desire to mend things anymore.

Let it end here.

He turned and strode toward the banquet hall’s exit, preparing to leave.

Zhang Liping suddenly spoke up, her voice sharp and cutting: “Jiang Hao! You’re truly shameless! You and my daughter aren’t even divorced yet—you’re still married, still our Su family’s son-in-law! If you do this, you’re pushing our family to the brink! How can you be so heartless, so cruel? You ungrateful wretch, a wolf in sheep’s clothing—I misjudged you!”

“How dare you say that! Who was it that tried to harm me, nearly killed me? Zhang Liping, the real wolf-hearted one isn’t me—it’s you! Since you’ve spoken so, fine: tonight I’ll divorce Su Qingli and sever all ties with the Su family! Once I leave, you’ll pay back the twenty million you owe me!”

Jiang Hao spun around, berating Zhang Liping in fury.

His words shocked every guest present. The Su family’s live-in son-in-law was actually demanding a divorce from Su Qingli and cutting ties with the Su family!

This was bound to be the year’s hottest news in Maple Leaf City.

Zhang Liping was momentarily speechless, but quickly tried to retort. At that moment, Su Qingli suddenly dropped to her knees with a thud, crying and begging, “Jiang Hao, Mom, can’t you both just stop… We’re family, why must we act like enemies… Please, stop fighting…”

Seeing Su Qingli so miserable, Zhang Liping finally held her tongue.

Jiang Hao, too, felt his heart waver, his softer side touched.

The old lady seized the opportunity, turned to Zhang Liping and Su Tianming, and barked, “What are you two still standing there for? Come over here and apologize to Jiang Hao! Quickly!”

“I…” Zhang Liping tried to speak, but the old lady snapped, “Silence!”

Zhang Liping had no choice but to walk over reluctantly and lower her head to Jiang Hao.

Su Tianming followed. Though proud and disdainful of Jiang Hao, he wasn’t blind to the situation. He obediently did as the old lady commanded, stood before Jiang Hao, and bowed his head.

“Jiang Hao, I was wrong. I hope you can give the Su family a chance to survive.”