Even as he was leaving, Tang Hongen couldn’t resist warning Zhou Cheng.

“Uncle Tang, I’ve always supported Xiaolan’s studies and career development. You needn’t worry about us neglecting important matters – I’ll be transferring units soon.”

When not even in Beijing anymore, how could they meet frequently?

Any meetings would have to be during his leave or Xiaolan’s holidays.

If becoming battalion commander still didn’t satisfy his future father-in-law, he’d just have to work harder for more impressive achievements!

The newly formed unit had harsh conditions but offered opportunities for accomplishment.

Xia Xiaolan was also clear-headed, “Dating and marriage won’t interfere with what’s important – Zhou Cheng and I have always agreed on this, and we’ve acted accordingly.”

Tang Hongen stopped his unwelcome comments.

He didn’t trust mere words – he’d wait to see actual results.

After Xia Xiaolan and Zhou Cheng left to pack, Tang Hongen addressed Secretary Lai:

“Please work harder these few days, keep an eye on Jiangyuan’s situation. If he encounters any difficulties, handle what you can and report back to me about the rest.”

Secretary Lai agreed readily.

After adjusting his attitude, the leader trusted him again!

So his overnight stay at the police station had been the right choice.

He had to handle this matter well.

Since the leader approved of Ji Jiangyuan’s handling, he’d follow Ji Jiangyuan’s lead – he was there to assist, not to make decisions for him.

In Secretary Lai’s opinion, Ji Ya should ideally stay married to the American.

But since Ji Jiangyuan pushed for divorce and the leader didn’t object… Secretary Lai decided to observe Ji Jiangyuan’s plans quietly. So far, the young man has shown remarkable decisiveness.

Truly worthy of being the leader’s son.

…

As Xia Xiaolan and Zhou Cheng returned to Beijing, Ji Lin, who’d received news last night, secured tickets for the earliest flight through various connections. When Xia Xiaolan and Zhou Cheng reached Yangcheng Airport, Ji Lin had just arrived.

One pair departing, the other arriving.

Ji Lin and Xia Xiaolan hurriedly passed each other. He lacked the energy to question her – overnight, too much had happened in Ji Ya’s life, completely upending everything!

The matters concerned Ji Ya herself and Ji Jiangyuan’s decisions – Ji Lin wasn’t foolish enough to question Xia Xiaolan. Of course, even if he did, she wouldn’t have entertained him.

“Ji Lin looks aged by several years.”

Xia Xiaolan sighed.

Working in the Foreign Ministry, Ji Lin had always maintained his appearance. Like all Ji family members, he was quite handsome.

But now he looked haggard, his hair significantly grayed, as if too busy even for hair dye!

Zhou Cheng reflected, “This is what happens when relatives become burdens. If we’d let Zhou Yi drift freely, in ten or twenty years, she might have become a second Ji Ya.”

“You mean we were right to discipline Zhou Yi early?”

True – without biological siblings, cousin relationships were quite close.

If they didn’t manage Zhou Yi now, in twenty years, Zhou Cheng might be the one running himself ragged!

Ji Lin’s present could be Zhou Cheng’s future – frightening to contemplate.

Better to nip problems in the bud, saving trouble for both Zhou Cheng and Xia Xiaolan.

“With Ji Ya’s situation distracting me, I forgot to ask about the Yuan family’s situation.”

“What else? They’re gathering money, and selling property to make up the shortfall. We’ll hear the news in a couple of days.”

Xia Xiaolan nodded, “You’re right, what must come will come. I should have Old Chen prepare the funds.”

…

Ji Lin rushed straight to Pengcheng and the police station holding Ji Ya.

While he was in transit, Ji Jiangyuan was meeting with bank representatives and his lawyer about the loan situation.

The bank certainly needed Sheng Xuan’s presence – discussing business at a police station would be unforgettable. To think Ji Ya would come to this – the Ji family’s pearl, reduced to such a state.

Tang Hongen might appear gentle and mild, but he showed no mercy when necessary.

Sheng Xuan felt a touch of fear.

Then she remembered – married to Zhu Suizhou now, Tang Hongen’s character no longer concerned her!

Lost in thought, Sheng Xuan noticed Ji Jiangyuan’s lawyer presenting the bank with a “power of attorney” – Ji Jiangyuan now had full authority over Elegance’s business operations.

“Elegance’s mortgage loan…”

“I apologize, but Elegance cannot repay this loan. However, its operations aren’t terrible – it’s still profitable. I consider it a quality asset. Let’s proceed according to standard procedures.”

Well, following procedures meant the bank would seize Elegance!

Loan recovery wasn’t easy – state-owned institutions wouldn’t move so quickly.

But Ji Jiangyuan gave the bank’s credit department the impression he wanted to rid himself of Elegance.

Looking at Elegance’s accounts – it was indeed profitable!

Why was this going so smoothly?

They’d expected a prolonged battle but found an easy victory instead.

“Director Sheng, your thoughts?”

Sheng Xuan snapped back, “Let’s follow Young Master Ji’s suggestion – treat this as a special case for quick resolution. Young Master Ji is still a student – we shouldn’t waste his time!”

Better handle this while Ji Ya was detained – letting her cause trouble after release wouldn’t benefit Sheng Xuan either.

Unable to repay the loan? Seize the collateral.

This would resolve the bad debt, allowing Sheng Xuan her desired transfer from Pengcheng.

Sheng Xuan wanted this resolved even more than Ji Jiangyuan did.

When Ji Lin arrived at the police station, Ji Jiangyuan had already signed preliminary documents with Sheng Xuan and had seen the bank representatives off.

“Where’s your mother? She’s truly gone mad!”

“Uncle, please stay calm. I called you to Pengcheng to discuss mother’s treatment.”

Ji Lin was angry yet dejected, “That’s all we can do now. If we don’t get her treatment, no one can control her. By the way, where’s George?”

“Last night, Uncle George and Mother signed divorce papers. I approved this.”

Ji Lin had no grounds to blame George – this was Ji Ya refusing to maintain the marriage. How could George be blamed? Ji Lin’s shoulders only slumped further.

Ji Ya must have used considerable money from George to develop the Elegance brand.

“Then financially…”

“Each party handles their debts. Uncle George will pay mother 1,000 yuan monthly in alimony until she remarries.”

Ji Lin felt relieved.

For George’s financial status, this was minimal, but in China’s context, 1,000 yuan monthly would provide Ji Ya with a decent living. If she never remarried, this income would continue – Ji Lin considered it good security for Ji Ya.

“How was the Elegance situation resolved?”

“The bank takes Elegance, the mother doesn’t repay the loan, and she has some money left – perfect for medical treatment!”