Chapter 285: Chapter 23: The Disabled Tycoon’s Ex-Wife Refuses to Be a Scapegoat (23)

“If you like, I can also call you Brother Xinzhu now.”

The woman’s red lips parted lightly, and when she spoke close to his ear, her voice was husky and captivating. As the music gradually played, Jiang Lai slowly wrapped his shoulders and twisted her waist, like whispering closely to a lover. Her soft body exuded enchanting charm everywhere.

At this moment, Tao Xinzhu realized that the little girl who used to follow him around calling him Brother Xinzhu was growing up.

He had never realized before that Jiang Lai would one day become a mature woman. Before this, in his eyes, Jiang Lai was still the little girl from childhood.

But now, the curve in his palm forced him to acknowledge Jiang Lai’s changes.

For a moment, he felt his palm heating up, and even Jiang Lai’s hand, which inadvertently touched his neck, became difficult to ignore.

As the dance ended, Jiang Lai released her grip and took a step back, slightly adjusting her long dress.

“Not bad dancing, still the same as when you were a kid with no progress.”

“As I grew up, I danced less. You’ve changed so much since childhood.”

“Really? I’m about to graduate. Where do you plan to work?”

Tao Xinzhu smiled.

“Although the Tao Family is no longer as good as it used to be, after all, it is still the baby my father worked hard for over thirty years. He’s getting old now, and I’ll probably stay at home to help manage the company after I graduate.”

“Yes, your family’s recent transition to e-commerce isn’t bad, but the threshold for medical equipment is still quite high. Although your family has the technology, finding a good market isn’t easy, wasting so much advanced equipment.”

The Tao Family is in the medical equipment business. Mr. Tao also opened a hospital in another city, and the benefits are decent. But relying solely on the hospital’s income is far from comparable to the Jiang Family’s large listed company. Therefore, the childhood jokes about family ties between the Tao Family and the Jiang Family parents have never been mentioned again.

The Tao Family is well aware and doesn’t want to lose on both ends and ruin the friendship.

So when Jiang Lai and Tao Xinzhu were seen dancing together, Jiang’s mother couldn’t help but frown, and a noblewoman friend nearby leaned over and whispered.

“Xinzhu and Lai Lai are about the same age and grew up together. Do you think there’s a possibility with these two kids…”

“No way, kids don’t understand anything; it’s just a simple friendship dance.”

“True, the Tao Family is not what it used to be and certainly doesn’t match your Jiang Family.”

Jiang’s mother’s face didn’t look too good, and she casually responded with a few words.

“What match or not, Lai Lai is still young. I haven’t planned on letting her date so soon.”

At this moment, Jiang Lai and Tao Xinzhu were already sitting down with a drink each, chatting.

“Now is the era of big data. The Tao Family is still holding onto old business practices, definitely lagging compared to foreign medical equipment companies.”

“I know, but my father’s thinking is too old-fashioned. Although I’m aware of problems with his business approach, there’s nothing I can do.”

“How much of the family shares do you hold?”

Tao Xinzhu curiously glanced at Jiang Lai, thought for a moment, and then answered truthfully.

“Only three percent now, but my dad promised to give me ten percent more after I graduate.”

“Isn’t that enough? With thirteen percent of the shares, you can find ways to reform. Surely you don’t want Tao Xin Medical to completely fade from the market in ten or twenty years.”

Tao Xinzhu heard this and smiled wryly.

“I know all this, but reform isn’t as simple as saying it; it requires massive capital. The Tao Family doesn’t have enough money.”

“The money problem is the easiest to solve. If you can handle the most challenging technical part, I can invest in you.”

Tao Xinzhu looked at Jiang Lai incredulously, only then realizing he’d been following Jiang Lai’s line of thinking all along.

“You want to invest in Tao Xin Medical? Why?”

“To make money, the medical industry is quite lucrative, isn’t Tao Xin Medical also making money?”

What Jiang Lai said was straightforward, making Tao Xinzhu see her in a new light.

Unexpectedly, while he was reminiscing about childhood moments, Jiang Lai was considering investments and profits.

No wonder, the gap between the Jiang Family and the Tao Family was getting wider.

“Don’t you need to discuss this with Uncle Jiang?”

“Why discuss with him when I invest my money? Here’s my business card, let’s reintroduce ourselves, Jiang Lai, General Manager of Enyuan Charity Company.”

Seeing the business card in front of him, Tao Xinzhu was shocked.

“I didn’t expect Uncle Jiang to already let you participate in company management, while I’m still clueless in school.”

Jiang Lai looked at him, feeling ashamed and inadequate, and spoke.

“People are naturally different. If you plan to continue relying on the old ways like your father, I believe the gap between us will grow, and Tao Xin Medical will soon disappear from the market.”

“Jiang Lai, hasn’t anyone ever told you that your words can be hurtful?”

“I’m stating facts and giving you an opportunity. When you get the shares, you can use them as collateral to exchange for my investment, and I’ll return the shares once you repay me with your profits.”

Tao Xinzhu couldn’t help but frown listening to this.

“My dad won’t agree if he finds out.”

“Then don’t let him know. Anyway, I have money, and investing in any medical company is more profitable than yours. But since we grew up together, I’d like to bring you along if you want to make money together, but I won’t force you.”

Saying this, Jiang Lai took a sip of wine, a shrewd look flashing in her eyes.

“But once this opportunity passes, it won’t come again. Think about it. Apart from me, where else can you get so much investment for your reform?”

“Tao Xin Medical’s shares might be worth a bit more than you imagine. To have me use shares as collateral, Jiang Lai, how much money do you think you have?”

Jiang Lai smiled.

“Not much, but enough to buy a Tao Xin Hospital.”

——

Jiang Lai and Tao Xinzhu were chatting when Jiang Ruantian, holding a wine glass, silently walked up to Mo Zhoujing and offered him a toast.

“Mr. Mo seems troubled. If you can’t say it, let me have a drink with you.”

The birthday wine, especially in the Jiang Family, Mo Zhoujing took a sip.

At this moment, Jiang Ruantian glanced at him slightly, then asked with curiosity.

“Mr. Mo, why is your face so red? Are you sick?”

At this point, Mo Zhoujing realized something was wrong with his body, as an indescribable heat surged through him.

A glance around revealed everyone in the area, but the waiter serving drinks earlier in the banquet hall was nowhere to be found.

“Mr. Mo? What’s wrong with you?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep