The Sweetness of the Seventies
Chapter 917 - 886: A Huge Cost

Chapter 917: Chapter 886: A Huge Cost

Tang Qian had always been doing business outside, having opened a five-story hotel and possessing other properties, amassing several million.

Although reluctant, Tang Qian still nodded, thinking that he could finally be free from Li Gongru, and said, "Okay, I agree!"

Old Madam Tang was reluctant and said, "Since you also have faults, why should my son leave without anything? At most, you get half, not a fraction more. Xiao Si, don’t speak in this matter. I don’t believe the Li Family would be so shameless as to actually dare ask for more!"

The Li Family members felt somewhat embarrassed by Old Madam Tang’s words.

Old Madam Li was just about to retort but was stopped by Old Master Li.

"Old Tang, you are aware of the situation your family was in back then. Although my Li Family had been somewhat overbearing to fulfill my daughter’s wish, your son indeed took advantage of my daughter, and your Tang family indeed got through the tough times with our Li Family’s help, didn’t you?"

"Yes!" Old Master Tang nodded, indicating agreement.

"Now that a divorce is on the table, shouldn’t the Tang family pay a price?" Old Master Li said squinting. The Li Family had previously backed the wrong side and now needed to switch their stance, so he had to start by dealing with the Tang family.

Previously pondering how to implore the Tang family, such matters now seemed unnecessary given the current situation.

The Li Family wanted political benefits; they wanted economic benefits even more.

"Old man!" Old Madam Tang was anxious, fearing the old man might foolishly agree to the dishonorable demands of the Li Family.

At that moment, Tang Ji and Tang Xin hurried back.

Tang Li quietly discussed the family matters with his second brother and sister.

The two were shaking with anger, yet thinking divorce might allow their younger brother to lead a calm life afterward.

Old Master Tang squinted his eyes and stared at Old Master Li, saying, "Speak!"

Old Master Li was right; Tang Qian had indeed slept with Li Gongru, whether it was consensual or not; in ’75, the Tang family indeed sought help from the Li Family, receiving their assistance.

He liked to maneuver, but he disliked owing favors. Although he had gradually repaid his debts, it was clear the Li Family hadn’t taken it to heart.

"Alright, speak." Old Master Tang said slowly, although struggling, he knew that Li Gongru and the Li Family were like bone-deep maggots; if the rotten flesh wasn’t cut off from the body, the whole Tang family might suffer.

Better a short pain than a long one.

Old Master Li smiled, squinting his eyes, and said, "It’s simple, Tang Ji’s position and all of Tang Qian’s wealth."

Ha, Tang Qian was still to leave with nothing.

And the position coveted by the Tang family’s second son, Tang Ji.

Since Tang Ji and Li Meng were strong competitors for this position, with Tang Ji holding an upper hand, a 70% chance, if Tang Ji voluntarily withdrew, then the position would naturally fall to Li Meng.

Upon hearing this, Tang Qian became angry and said, "Take my money, all of it, and I’ll leave with nothing. This matter has nothing to do with my second brother; do not plot against my second brother’s position."

Tang Qian already felt extremely guilty towards his second brother and did not wish his own issues to impact his brother’s career.

Old Master Tang looked towards his youngest son, then at his second son.

Tang Ji’s heart ached, for it was a position he had put much effort into, and to give it up now would mean all his efforts were in vain.

However, looking at his father’s longing gaze and recalling the messy days his younger brother had been through, Tang Ji hesitated.

"Uncle Li, Xiao Si can be completely cut off," Tang Li said. "We need that position; you know how hard we worked for it. We can’t give it up. Can you change your request?"

"Ha, this is what your Tang family owes our Li Family. It has nothing to do with Tang Qian; after all, he has already agreed to leave with nothing," Old Master Li said. "Your father hasn’t even spoken yet; you younger ones should not speak."

Tang Ji saw his father struggling and being squeezed by the Li Family.

"Father, I am willing to step down," Tang Ji said, knowing there would be other opportunities, that he could strive again in the future.

Tang Li was stunned, but then thought that only by completely breaking with the Li Family could the Tang family form an alliance with the Huo Family.

Although it seemed like the Tang family was losing a lot on small terms, it wasn’t a loss in the long run.

"Heh, Old Tang, what do you say?" Old Master Li was pleased, and Li Meng behind him was also very happy.

Li Gongru didn’t know whether to be happy or sad; she just wanted to see Tang Qian left with nothing and how he would chase women then!

Old Master Tang, like a warrior making a painful decision, said solemnly, "Agreed! Once we divorce, our families will owe each other nothing."

"That’s natural," Old Master Li said. "I’m not a greedy person. I also promise the Tang Family that the divorce can happen at any time. Alright, we won’t disturb you any longer."

After Old Master Li had spoken, he led everyone away.

With the Tang family in such a state, his Li Family did not need to cling to them.

After the Li Family had left, Tang Qian knelt on the ground with a thump, saying, "I’m sorry, Father, Mother, eldest brother, second brother, third sister, I’ve embarrassed you, disappointed you all."

Tang Ji stepped forward, helped up his younger brother, and said, "Xiao Si, giving up this position doesn’t end everything. As your second brother, I can still strive for other positions. As long as I work hard, I can make achievements. You don’t need to be sad. Most importantly, after your divorce, we won’t rush your marriage stuff, but you can’t mess around like before."

"Second brother!" Tang Qian cried inconsolably, "I understand, I won’t mess up anymore. From now on, I will do business well, and you all can focus on your official duties without worrying about money."

Tang Xin wiped his eyes and said, "A prodigal who returns is more precious than gold. We paid a big price this time, but our Xiao Si has changed for the better, and we’ve gotten rid of the troublemaker; things will improve."

Old Master Tang nodded and said, "Good, when brothers unite, their sharpness can cut through metal. Xiao Si, don’t disappoint us again; the Tang Family can’t withstand another ordeal like this."

"Yes, Father," Tang Qian replied. The Tang family had made too many sacrifices for him; if he continued as before, it would be utterly disgraceful.

"Alright, this too shall pass. There’s no mountain too hard to get over. Let’s eat. Once we’re fed, let’s quickly settle things to avoid further complications. I’m really fed up with those chaotic days," Old Madam Tang laughed, resigned to the situation. After all, whatever comes, let it come! What’s the point in worrying too much?

Eat what should be eaten, drink what should be drunk!

Since each family took what they needed, the divorce procedures were processed very quickly, and it was done within three days.

Li Gongru ended up with all of Tang Qian’s assets, and Li Meng secured the position.

Standing at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Li Gongru softly asked, "Tang Qian, I’ve taken everything from you. Do you hate me?"

"I don’t hate you!" Tang Qian replied, finally relieved.