Successful Negotiation

"Grandfather, I disagree with your decision to send Qing'ang abroad for treatment," Gu Pianpian took a deep breath, her tone calm yet resolute as she spoke.

The imposing Huo Zhenyun softened instantly when he looked into Gu Pianpian's deep yet clear eyes. His voice became as gentle as if he had transformed into a different person. "What concerns you, Pianpian?"

"Living in a wheelchair is already difficult for Qing'ang. Now, by taking away his work rights, it's no different from telling him he's useless directly," Gu Pianpian spoke candidly, boldly expressing her viewpoint. "Respecting a person with a disability means treating them with the same standards as a normal person."

Huo Qingqu's body tensed. He hadn't expected this petite woman, who had remained silent, to be so bold and unafraid to speak her mind. But as he saw her openly defy Huo Zhenyun, his own anxiety lessened.

Huo Zhenyun was briefly taken aback, then he sighed deeply. "You've misunderstood me, Pianpian. I'm worried that Qing'ang will miss the best treatment period. What if he never fully recovers?"

"Strategic decisions in his work rely on his mind, not his legs. Qing'ang can continue his treatment while working; these two are not mutually exclusive. So, how can the treatment be dismissed?" Gu Pianpian asked earnestly.

Huo Zhenyun paused, deep in thought. "Pianpian has a point. Let me think it over."

Seeing Huo Zhenyun's stance softening, Gu Pianpian spoke even more gently, "Grandfather, others may not know, but you surely do. Qing'ang has put in so much effort behind those projects. Those projects are like his children. Now you're asking him to hand over his 'children' to someone else. I don't think that’s fair too him."

Huo Qingqu began to feel uneasy.

Gu Pianpian's ability to persuade with logic and emotion made it difficult to disagree with her points. But continuing this discussion would only become more detrimental to his plans.

"Sister-in-law, the experts from abroad have made it clear that Qing'ang must undergo rigorous daily training under their guidance for his legs to fully recover," Huo Qingqu interjected, preemptively countering her arguments. "If Qing'ang's legs are totally useless because of your decision, can you bear that responsibility?"

Faced with Huo Qingqu's questioning, Gu Pianpian remained undaunted. "Dr. Jiang has also designed a meticulous rehabilitation training plan for Qing'ang and is equally confident in his ability to stand again."

"Dr. Jiang? Can he compare to the medical team from abroad?" Huo Qingqu quickly dismissed her suggestion. He couldn't allow his meticulous plan to be disrupted by this woman.

Gu Pianpian, unafraid of his dominance, continued calmly, "Big brother, have you forgotten that when Grandfather had heart surgery at a young age, even the foreign medical teams were helpless? It was Dr. Jiang's grandfather who ultimately saved his life."

Huo Qingqu never expected Gu Pianpian to use this incident to counter him. He was left speechless.

"Let's follow Pianpian's suggestion, and Qing'ang will stay here for treatment," Huo Zhenyun decided after careful consideration. "But in terms of work, let your big brother assist you a bit. Your body won’t bear excessive work right now."

With this decision, Huo Qingqu still had a chance to short Huo Qing'ang's companies, rekindling the hope that had almost faded. However, to his surprise, Gu Pianpian was unyielding. "Grandfather, by allowing big brother to participate in Qing'ang's projects, you are clearly doubting Qing'ang's competence. This is contrary to the equal treatment you often advocate."

Huo Zhenyun sighed lightly. "What am I going to do with you, my little stubborn girl."

His tone contained affection, something neither Huo Qing'ang nor Huo Qingqu had ever experienced. Seeing Huo Zhenyun's slight smile, Gu Pianpian reached out and grabbed his arm, shaking it gently.

"Grandfather, if Qing'ang's legs affect his work, you can directly assign his projects to big brother. But if he doesn't, he should have complete autonomy over his work. Can you agree, please?"

This move left Huo Qing'ang lying in bed in disbelief. Gu Pianpian, the cold woman, was actually acting spoiled. Was he seeing things?

The key was that not only did she act unpretentious, but she also appeared somewhat cute.

Without any hesitation, Huo Zhenyun nodded decisively. "Alright, alright, I agree with you, Pianpian."

In an instant, Huo Qing'ang felt like his whole world had been turned upside down.

Meanwhile, Huo Qingqu was consumed by growing hatred and resentment.