chapter 24 Even if you don’t want to marry, you have to marry
Words : 1333
Updated : Nov 28th, 2024
On the other hand, Xia Construction quality has problems, and the issue of unpaid wages to workers has already made it to the media. Tyrone Xia returned to the company only to find a group of workers and homeowners outside the door, holding banners and demanding their money and compensation, making a noisy scene. There were also a group of journalists interviewing and filming nearby.
Mia Zhao had been in charge of the company's finances for years, and she couldn't avoid being involved in the issue of unpaid wages. If it weren't for a group of security guards protecting her, she might have already been beaten by someone.
The company's executives were trembling over there, trying to maintain some order, but their voices were drowned out by the demands of the wage-seeking workers and the angry shouts of homeowners with issues about the quality of the houses. As a result, when the reporters tried to interview the executives, no one could stabilize the situation.
Tyrone Xia was furious, and he hurriedly ran into the crowd, raising his hands to try and restore order.
"Everyone, please calm down, please calm down... You can trust us, Xia's has been a reputable company for twenty years. We are an honest and trustworthy business. Please give us a little time, and we will definitely provide you with a satisfactory explanation."
"Tyrone Xia, you old schemer, you still want to deceive us."
"Are you even daring to come out?! Pay up!"
"The houses were just built, and there are already cracks in the walls. How can we dare to live in such houses? Pay up!"
"We've never seen such unscrupulous builders. You not only owe workers' wages but also cut corners!"
"We bought these houses with real money. Now the houses are scarier than collapsing. How do you intend to explain that?"
"You promised to settle our payments by the end of the year, and now it's already the middle of the second year, and you haven't given us a dime. Do you think we workers can survive without eating?"
"Pay us!"
"Compensate us!"
The workers and homeowners held banners and started to criticize loudly. Their emotions were even more agitated than when Tyrone Xia first arrived. Seeing this, the reporters also rushed over, pointing their microphones at Tyrone Xia and bombarding him with questions.
Tyrone Xia, with a stern face, looked at the agitated crowd for a long time before using a loudspeaker to shout, "Everyone, I understand that you're all in a difficult situation, and we at Xia's deeply regret the trouble we've caused you. But please believe that we won't abandon you. For the past six months, our company has been working on solutions and we hope to provide you with a satisfactory explanation..."
Tyrone Xia reasoned with them, speaking at length, and managed to somewhat calm the emotions of the workers and homeowners. However, just when he thought the situation might finally be settling down, someone loudly asked, "So when will we get our wages? When will the quality issues for the homeowners be resolved?"
Tyrone Xia knew that, no matter how much he said now, it wouldn't be as effective as providing them with a reassurance pill. The problem was, he didn't even have one himself, so how could he give one to others?
He had initially thought that when Olivia Xia married into the Si family, he could use the dowry from the Si family to fill these gaps and issues. Additionally, with the investment from the Si family, Xia's could make a perfect recovery and reach new heights. However, now Olivia Xia not only refused to marry into the Si family but also secretly married someone else. To make matters worse, that Tim Si had firmly fixed his attention on Olivia Xia, making it impossible for Tyrone Xia to switch her out.
However, he did think that Emma Xia and Steven Lu were about to get engaged soon. Once they were engaged, the matter of the dowry would probably be settled. The Lu family was currently doing well in business, and with his daughter marrying into that family, they would surely receive some favorable treatment in the business world. So...
"Everyone, by the end of this month, I will definitely provide you all with a satisfactory explanation," Tyrone Xia declared. Although the people were still emotionally charged and continued to hurl insults at him, Tyrone Xia knew that leaving at this moment would convey a resolute commitment to their demands. So, without looking back, he left.
Upon returning home, Tyrone Xia immediately gathered Mia Zhao and Emma Xia to discuss Emma Xia's marriage. He urged her to marry soon after the engagement.
Emma Xia was naturally thrilled and the family quickly reached a consensus, even selecting a wedding date in advance, pending approval from the Lu family.
That night, Tyrone Xia returned to his room and heard Mia Zhao sighing.
"You're reluctant to see our daughter get married?" Tyrone Xia asked in a mellow tone.
Mia Zhao smiled wryly, "Not at all. I'm worried about Olivia Xia's situation..."
As soon as Olivia Xia was mentioned, Tyrone Xia's expression darkened. "What's that joy-killer up to?"
"But, Young Master Si has already set his sights on Olivia Xia. If she refuses to marry, will the Si family retaliate?"
Tyrone Xia snorted, "She doesn't care about our Xia family's life or death, so why should we care about her?"
Mia Zhao sighed again, "But what if the Si family directs their anger at us?"
Tyrone Xia's expression grew even grimmer. "That's why Olivia Xia will marry whether she likes it or not. Otherwise, she'll play us to death sooner or later."
"But she doesn't listen to reason and won't even see us..."
"Then we'll make her see and make her listen!"
Mia Zhao's eyes hinted at some plotting, and she said in a low voice, "In a few days, when Emma Xia gets engaged, how about we try to communicate with her again?"
"Moreover, Young Master Si should also be there by then."
At these words, Tyrone Xia's gaze sharpened. "At that time, make sure Olivia Xia properly entertains Young Master Si, and don't let any trouble arise."
Mia Zhao hesitated, "But what if Olivia Xia doesn't cooperate?"
Tyrone Xia's face darkened briefly. Then, Mia Zhao said, "Imagine if, in front of everyone, they see Olivia Xia getting close to Young Master Si. She might be forced to marry him."
Afterward, Mia Zhao hastily covered her mouth, as if she had spoken out of turn and exclaimed, "Look at me, what a strange idea. I must be overreacting..."
However, Tyrone Xia grabbed Mia Zhao's hand and his eyes gleamed. "Oh, Mia, you hit the nail on the head!"
"Hahaha... This is the plan. I'm assigning this task to you. Use any means necessary to make Olivia Xia and Young Master Si seem to have a relationship. Even if it's not real, we need everyone to believe it is. I want to see if she still has any shame."
Mia Zhao voiced her concerns, "But won't this be too harsh on Olivia Xia? What if she can't handle it..."
"Since she's already claimed by Young Master Si, whether she can handle it or not is not up to her. Besides, we're doing this for her future."
Mia Zhao lowered her head, a hint of smugness in her eyes. "That's what I was thinking too. Given Olivia Xia's current situation, marrying Young Master Si is the best option. I just hope she can understand our good intentions."
"You don't need to worry about this. If Olivia Xia refuses to comply, we still have Sofia Yue, right? Hmph, I don't believe she'd be indifferent to her own mother's life or death!" Tyrone Xia snorted, his eyes turning cold and dark.
Upon hearing this, Mia Zhao couldn't help but smile.