Meanwhile, at the executive meeting, the projection screen displayed Gu Corporation’s annual investment report, its dense rows of figures enough to make anyone’s eyes swim.
The executives seated around the long conference table sat ramrod straight, barely daring to breathe.
The aura of Young President Gu, who had just returned from overseas, was simply too intimidating.
Gu Yan rested a fingertip against his phone screen, his gaze fixed on that breezy little “Oh.” His Adam’s apple bobbed almost imperceptibly, and the corner of his mouth lifted in the faintest smile.
The smile vanished in an instant, but it was enough to make another layer of cold sweat break out on the Investment Director’s back across the table.
He casually placed his phone facedown on the polished rosewood tabletop, then laced his long fingers together in front of him and said in a low voice, “Continue.”
The Investment Director wiped the sweat from his temple. His hand trembled around the laser pointer as he stammered through the losses at the overseas subsidiaries.
With every sentence, he sneaked a glance at Gu Yan’s expression.
They knew that Young President Gu, the future heir to Gu Corporation, was a ruthless man, even if he rarely showed up at the company.
Just as the Investment Director hesitated over whether to skip the ugliest loss figures, a ringtone suddenly blared through the silent conference room.
The Investment Director was so startled he nearly jumped out of his skin. He instinctively checked his own phone. Thankfully, it was on silent.
The executives around the table all lowered their heads, wishing they could turn invisible.
They thought, We’re done for. Completely done for this time.
But the expected thunderous fury never came.
All they heard was a soft click—the sound of a phone unlocking.
Then they saw the normally stony-faced Young President Gu pick up his phone again in full view of everyone.
His eyes lowered to the screen. Whatever he saw softened the icy look in his eyes and brows once more, and even a faint smile touched his lips.
The Investment Director stood frozen, forgetting even to speak.
Gu Yan glanced up at him. His expression was unreadable, but far gentler than before. “Finish.”
The Investment Director came back to his senses, hurriedly swallowed, then stammered through the rest of his report. Afterward, he braced himself for the worst and waited for Gu Yan’s criticism.
The conference room fell silent for a full half-minute.
Just as everyone’s heart was in their throat, Gu Yan finally spoke, his voice still low. “Next time, I don’t want you bringing me something like this.”
When he finished speaking, he didn’t give anyone at the table another glance. He rose and strode away, the hem of his black suit sweeping in a crisp arc.
Only after the heavy conference room door shut did everyone finally breathe a collective sigh of relief. Their shirts were already soaked through with cold sweat.
The Investment Director slumped in his chair and muttered, “Just now… Young President Gu was smiling, wasn’t he?”
The assistant beside him nodded hesitantly. “I think… so.”
Recalling what had just happened, the Investment Director secretly rejoiced. Whoever saved my life, if I ever meet her, I’ll kowtow to her three times!
Meanwhile, as soon as Gu Yan left the conference room, he took out his phone and made a call. His voice had lost its earlier chill, now carrying a trace of nonchalance.
“Dad, next time, come to the meeting yourself.”
Gu Danchen’s hearty voice came through the phone. “You little brat. You don’t want to hold a meeting for your old man even once?”
“I don’t have time,” Gu Yan replied curtly.
“Hmph.” Gu Danchen scoffed. “What do you mean, you don’t have time? I think your mind’s just not on this at all.”
Gu Yan leaned against the elevator wall, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the phone screen. The corner of his mouth curved in a barely-there smile. “You know that, do you?”
“How could I not?”
Gu Danchen sounded as if he knew exactly what was going on.
“It’s for Nuonuo, isn’t it? Everyone in our circle knows she’s been smeared. I was going to step in, but your Uncle Shu wouldn’t let me. He said the girl should suffer a little and learn her lesson.”
The Gu and Shu families had been close family friends since childhood, and had always been close.
Gu Danchen had watched Shu Zi grow up and had long considered her half a daughter-in-law. He was already unhappy to hear that she’d been bullied by an artist the company favored.
If Gu Yan stepped in, that would suit him perfectly.
“Ding—”
The elevator reached the first floor. Gu Yan said nothing as he stepped out, and his secretary hurried after him to report his upcoming schedule.
“Even if you don’t say it, I know what you’re thinking.”
Gu Danchen’s tone softened over the phone. “Nuonuo is an honest girl with a fiery temper. The entertainment industry is a mixed bag, and she could easily get taken advantage of.”
“Since you’re going to help her, see it through. Don’t let anyone push her around again.”
After a pause, Old Master Gu added, “By the way, bring the girl home for dinner next time. I’ll have the kitchen make her favorite Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs.”
“Got it,” Gu Yan replied.
After hanging up, Gu Yan got into the car. He tapped the phone screen, pulled up a contact, paused for a moment, then sent a message: Look into Tomato Media.
A few seconds later, the other person replied with a “Got it” sticker.
He put down his phone and looked out at the streets sweeping past the window, his gaze darkening.
Tomato Media didn’t have especially deep-pocketed investors backing it, but it was always up to something behind the scenes.
Fang Yutong could run the company as she pleased only because she had the higher-ups’ favoritism and some unsavory connections.
“Contact the director of 《Heartbeats for You》. I’m joining the show.”
“Huh?” Wu Qiwei turned around from the passenger seat. He was Gu Yan’s secretary as well as his Agent.
“That’s a dating variety show. Someone of your stature has absolutely no need to go on it. Besides, Director Liu of 《Heartbeats for You》 already called me, and I turned him down…”
Wu Qiwei chattered away from the front seat.
Gu Yan closed his eyes to rest and ignored him.
Wu Qiwei: …A cold and aloof boss. A wicked capitalist.
✦✦✦
Shu Zi wore a light apricot knit cardigan today, over an ivory camisole adorned with pearl buttons, paired with high-waisted denim shorts. She had on light makeup, and her thick, long black hair fell loosely around her shoulders, giving her a relaxed, carefree air.
She hit the gas and soon arrived at a private dessert shop.
“My Miss, I’ve been waiting ages for you!”
A girl in a strawberry-pink knit pinafore waved at Shu Zi. The hem of her dress swayed gently, making her look like a soft, sweet little cake.
A caramel macchiato sat beside her—the flavor Shu Zi loved most.
Shu Zi walked over, slipped off her shoes, and curled up on the soft sofa.
“I finally got out! If I didn’t get some fresh air soon, I think Sister Wen’s nagging would’ve made me explode on the spot.”
She lifted her cup and took a sip. The sticky sweetness of caramel mingled with the rich aroma of milk on her tongue, easing some of her irritability from the past two days.
Watching her, Fang Ran teased, “Big Star, aren’t you watching your sugar?”
Shu Zi replied with a serious expression, “Live in the moment.”
She grumbled inwardly: Who cares about watching my sugar? Sister Wen isn’t here anyway.
“By the way, where’s Qiao Qiao?” Shu Zi turned to look around.
“She got held up by that person,” Fang Ran said with a helpless shrug, a teasing note in her voice.
Shu Zi clicked her tongue twice. “As expected…”
“Don’t change the subject. What about you?” Fang Ran suddenly leaned closer, her eyes glittering with gossip.