274 274— Insults Fly At The Gao Family Meeting (2)

Gao Zhuang thought for a moment, trying to frame his words, but Qiao Mingran wasn't done speaking.

"Let me try to guess and address your "concerns", Uncle. First, if it's about the shares, I have nothing to say because my daughter deserves every bit of it, and I will see that she gets all that she deserves.

"Regarding if it will affect the company's stocks or not, I'll have to leave that in your capable hands and that of your competent employees. If recognizing a long lost daughter will cause the stocks to plummet, you had better make all of them retire early, as they're obviously terrible at what they do."

Gao Tinghua, who was a part of said company's employees, gave a wry smile. It was slightly more complicated than what his mother was saying, but she wasn't entirely wrong.

One consequence that could come up was temporary instability of the company's stocks, which could happen due to even the smallest news at anytime, so he was sure that the main thing his uncles were worried about was losing the power and money in their hands.

Qiao Mingran was still going on, "If the issue is about her acceptance in our social circles, there is all the more no reason to worry. You might not have met her yet, but when you do, you will understand that elegance is carved deeply in her bones. She would definitely not disgrace the family, as some of the younger generation are wont to do."

Her pointed stare was directed at Gao Yigang, who almost glowered in anger. Everyone knew she was referencing his youngest son in her speech, who was recently caught in the company of drug addicts at a private club.

He was arrested, but he managed to avoid prosecution due to his family's influence. The Gao family was only able to suppress the news after expending some effort. The disgrace made Gao Yigang unable to raise his head for sometime, and it was fueling his anger now.

Qiao Mingran didn't even bat an eyelash as her voice changed, "But, if the reason is for the Gao family's selfish interests, forgive me for being unable to comply. Nothing will stop her from being acknowledged in her family."

"Even if it will cost her life?" Gao Zhuang's voice carried a forceful authority, making Qiao Mingran freeze for a moment.

A bit panicked, she looked at her son, who gave an imperceptible shake of his head. That was not going to happen.

Although most of his confidence came from what he knew about Li Chuanmo, based on what he had seen, he was sure that Pei Yueran would be protected, no matter the cost to the Li Conglomerate. Besides, he was not a fuel efficient lamp either.

There was no way he was going to sit and watch anyone harm a member of his family.

Reassured, Qiao Mingran regained her calm, "My daughter will be fine. If you're concerned about the events from back then, there's no need. We will sort it out. All the family needs to do is agree."

She was tired of talking about the same issue again and again. Was it so difficult to bring back the child that she lost? Now they were trying to scare her with that mysterious organization?

For how long would she have this intangible thing pressing down on her head?

Gao Zhuang took one look at his nephew and understood that there would be no turning back this time. He nodded heavily before saying, "Since both of you have everything figured, I have nothing else to say. Alright then."

Before anyone else could speak—namely Gao Yigang, he added, "But, I'll say the harsh words first: If her existence threatens the Gao family as we know it, then it means you will need to guard against the family too."

Even Gao Tinghua was taken aback.

This was obviously a blatant threat. Gao Zhuang meant that the Gao family will not hesitate to eliminate his sister if her existence will cause them trouble. He never knew this amiable old granduncle of his could be so ruthless.

Qiao Mingran's face paled in shock, but soon, she straightened her spine and spoke in a cold voice, "I have heard you, but I'm quite surprised as I thought that no matter what, a tiger doesn't eat his own cubs. The number one family in the Capital has opened my eyes again today.

"You do what you have to do, as I also plan to guard my family too. Let me also drop the words here today: If anybody dares to harm my daughter, I don't mind throwing away this life of mine to make sure that person rots in hell."

Gao Dilin felt an involuntary shudder at that voice that was full of frosty malice.

The only other lady in the room—Gao Lanmei—chose the time to give some token words of comfort, "Sister-in-law, don't take it too seriously. Uncle didn't mean it that way. We are all a family."

Qiao Mingran only spared this Elder sister-in-law a glance before looking away, not bothering to respond.

Although she was older than Gao Zhipeng, the company was only passed down to the male children, so she couldn't inherit. Still, she held a very important position in the company, and had stayed unshakeable all these years, even by her other younger brothers, a testament to her frightening abilities.

Hearing her say words like "we're all a family", only fools will believe that she was so innocent. From Qiao Mingran's experience of more than three decades, ruthlessness flowed within the veins of each and every Gao family member.

Of course, she subconsciously discounted her children from this category.

Qiao Mingran stood up, "Since we have laid all our cards on the table, I guess the meeting is over. I'll send you the invitations to the banquet when we decide on the date. Be careful on your way out."

Finished speaking, she walked out of the study with her head held high, leaving the Gao family members without a care.

"First Brother, Sister-in-law is too much!"

Gao Yigang spoke up immediately the door closed, but Gao Zhipeng held up a hand. He was tired and couldn't handle more arguments.

"Yigang, the meeting is over. You heard what she said, and Uncle agreed as well. I have nothing else to say."

He also got up and moved towards the door as he called for Gao Tinghua to follow.

Seeing the owner of the study leave, the others didn't have the face to stay, so they all got up, looking extremely unsightly with the frowns and furrowed brows.

Gao Zhuang passed by Gao Zhipeng on his way to the door, then turned to say, "Nephew, I know you're smart and can see the big picture. You know that choosing you to be the family head back then was not only because you were the first son, but also because of this matter.

"Make sure you think things through and don't throw everything you've worked for away in one careless move."

Gao Zhipeng nodded and said, "Uncle, take care."

Gao Zhuang saw that his words didn't seem to have an effect, so he just nodded and walked away briskly, his footsteps making dull sounds on the marble floors. The others followed him without a word.