Chapter 172: Time To Retire

　　Breaking out in cold sweat, Hong Tao jitterily explained. “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have taken the unsolicited advice from others. I let the devil get to me and took the liberty to edit the TV show. I hope Mr. Fu, you’ll give me a chance to turn a new leaf.”

　　Had he known that Cloud Seven belonged to the Fu family and that Cosmos Entertainment was backed by the same, Hong Tao would never have the guts to edit and change the plot, even at the offer of advertising fees by a thousandfold.

　　Shen Xi jeered at the menacing man, who was digging his heels in towards her earlier, reduced to a lowly speck of dust in a second.

　　Curious beings such as humans were cowardly bullies!

　　Hong Tao made clear of the ins and outs, leaving out, of course, the part where he ripped into Cloud Seven.

　　On second thought, Cloud Seven had the upper hand in the entire negotiation while the one who almost lost it was him.

　　Fu Qingye had sensed the tension in the air the moment he walked into the room. Although he had no idea what Shen Xi was here for, he could guess it was not something good. Hence, first things first, he talked to her and backed her up.

　　Now that Hong Tao was done talking, Fu Qingye found out that she came to negotiate.

　　There were only half-truths to Hong Tao’s words and the details mostly consisted of complimenting her. Nevertheless, it was not hard to imagine that this was not the truth.

　　The negotiation must not have been smooth sailing for her.

　　Other girls fretted about nice clothes, grades, and crushes at seventeen.

　　She was already capable of standing on her own, negotiating with a veteran who had dabbled for decades in society all by herself and bringing home the win too. Fu Qingye saw her in a new light once again while at the same time, his heart went out to her.

　　Hong Tao humbly saw them off to the station’s entrance and watched their car leave before wiping away the cold sweat. His heart could burst out of his chest.

　　He must ensure a thorough investigation was made in the future. Otherwise, Hong Tao may find himself in the same situation again and might not survive like today.

　　Fortunately, the Fu family were merciful and large-hearted. His mind was at rest as the siblings did not hold him accountable.

　　Hong Tao watched the car disappear in his sight with grat.i.tude, but turned around to a fright.

　　Two meters away, a good-looking young man with smiley eyes and an unlit cigarette between his lips flashed his pearly whites at Hong Tao. “Old Man, how old are you?”

　　Hong Tao felt a chill down his spine and the smell of death lingering as he met the young man’s gaze. Taking a gulp, even his voice was trembling. “55.”

　　Xuan Yuan’s eyes reflected thirst for blood. “My boss told me to inform you that it’s time to retire. He will find someone who can take a hint to replace you.”

　　Hong Tao turned as white as a sheet by the young man’s suffocating murderous intent. Quaking in his boots, he fell onto his knees in a thud. The last thing he remembered was a heart attack before he blacked out and lost consciousness.

　　Xuan Yuan drew close and stared at him from above. A silver needle went down.

　　Hong Tao gradually regained consciousness and looked at him in horror. “I will retire right away. I will retire immediately. Please have mercy.”

　　Gloating, Xuan Yuan curled his lips into a cold smirk. “You should fix the mess you made before retiring. You don’t need me to tell you how to do it.”

　　Hong Tao incessantly nodded. “Don’t worry. I will take care of it.”

　　Xuan Yuan smiled in satisfaction before turning to leave.