Before the entire internet exploded.
At first, no one saw it coming.
Online, people were still fervently discussing Liang Zhiwei’s disappearance. Since there was no news coming back from the ski resort, no one knew whether Liang Zhiwei was safe, or even what exactly had happened.
But just then, someone suddenly discovered something terrifying.
After seeing the news, she was stunned for a moment, then immediately posted it online in disbelief.
“Holy crap, did anyone see this? What’s going on? Is this for real?!”
Other netizens squinted at the message, unable to process it at first.
Once they read the words clearly, their eyes all widened instantly.
What does this mean?
Wait, did they understand that right? Guinness World Record?
Some official certification from the international chess federation proving that someone broke a record in chess?
Who is this person? What’s their name?
— It’s Gu Zhaoping?!
At first, no one really cared about any chess records, but the appearance of this name was like dropping a bomb into still water — everyone was blown away.
[Is it just a coincidence? Another person named Gu Zhaoping is so good at chess?]
[That name isn’t common at all. How could this coincidence even happen?]
[Is this even possible?]
At first, people were confused and discussing these questions.
Then suddenly, someone realized something.
They quickly went back and flipped through the episode with the self-introductions!
Wait, no way, it can’t be…
Someone remembered that Gu Zhaoping had mentioned in that episode that she was good at chess!
But she had listed so many skills back then that nobody took her seriously — they even thought she was just bragging, treating it like a joke and spreading it around.
It wasn’t until she demonstrated her jujutsu skills later, and those who doubted her were proven wrong, that people started to quiet down a bit. But even then, they couldn’t believe she had mastered all those other skills as well.
Yet, as the show slowly aired more episodes and various spoilers and leaks about it surfaced, Gu Zhaoping’s image appeared more and more vividly before their eyes…
Her words suddenly gained an inexplicable credibility.
Could it really be true…?
Some people shuddered, their scalps tingling.
Honestly, if the news had come from a less absurd source, they probably would have believed it. For example, if Gu Zhaoping had simply shown extraordinary chess skills while playing against someone, demonstrating talent comparable to professional players, that would have been acceptable — even impressive.
But to come out swinging like this?
A Guinness World Record? Is that something any normal person could break?
Isn’t this way too exaggerated? Way too sudden?!
Everyone who received the news first was utterly stunned — completely dumbfounded!
However, the development of events truly, utterly disregarded their ability to mentally cope.
Soon, the Chess Association released the video footage, including the on-site personnel who reviewed the recordings and a comprehensive replay of the entire finale, complete with expert commentary and high-level analysis.
Though it was hard to fully understand, it was clear that the content was seriously impressive!
Then the camera in the footage shifted, focusing on the face of the player.
Everyone’s pupils suddenly contracted.
Gu Zhaoping!!
Who didn’t recognize her? This was Gu Zhaoping, the very same figure who had been constantly appearing on screens and social media lately!!
The same young lady who had previously used her superb judo skills to throw around a burly judo coach, and even slapped her own CEO brother, Gu Zhaoye, during a recorded show!
How could it be her?
Could it really be her??
Watching the person in the video solve the final chess problem, lifting the opponent’s black king and setting it aside, then raising her head.
Although she didn’t truly meet anyone’s gaze, that look still made people’s hearts skip a beat.
It really was her!
Everyone was dumbfounded—she really was!
No way, Gu Zhaoping is actually an international chess master? This kind of thing can’t be faked, right?? It’s recognized by the International Chess Federation. You can’t just dismiss it!
No way, so everything you said was true! You really are that amazing? Wait, my sister, what else can you do?
Could it be that all the skills you mentioned have already reached a pinnacle of mastery? This isn’t just a hobby anymore?!
Everyone was stunned, shocked, utterly speechless!
They simply couldn’t believe it!
Those who had doubted her before now felt the sting of shame, their faces burning far worse than Gu Zhaoye’s did when he was slapped!
A blogger had once claimed Gu Zhaoping couldn’t possibly be that skilled, but now, suddenly online, countless people were sharing that very tweet and furiously asking him, “Still doubting? What did you say back then? Why were you so confident?”
Even the official program’s social media account was overwhelmed, flooded with frantic netizens demanding answers: “Is it real? Is it real? Say something!”
Suddenly, someone remembered—damn! Didn’t Gu Zhaoping take a leave of absence during the second episode? So what was she really up to? Could it be that she was off breaking this record?
Sis, your reason for taking leave wasn’t because you were scared of extreme sports after all—it was because you actually had something important to do!
This matter goes back further.
Ever since Gu Zhaoping announced she’d be taking a break during the extreme sports episode, entertainment bloggers online had confidently analyzed that maybe she simply wasn’t good at sports, especially high-difficulty extreme sports.
Of course, many others argued against this, pointing out how impressive Gu Zhaoping’s physical skills were, and that she definitely didn’t look like someone who was bad at sports.
But this blogger was stubborn as a mule, insisting that Gu Zhaoping was definitely just making excuses.
So after this matter was exposed, many people’s first reaction was to immediately go and confront him.
“You said Gu Zhaoping was just making excuses, so what exactly is she doing then? This is a real issue!”
“Do you really think everything is as you imagine? That’s just mistrusting others with a petty mind. The people you see aren’t even one ten-thousandth of who they really are, but you think you know everything about them!”
“Still doubting? Huh?”
That blogger got scolded so badly he didn’t dare show his face anymore!
At this time, even Tan Li, the judo gym owner who had been publicly proven wrong by Gu Zhaoping before, was dragged back into the spotlight.
Netizens didn’t even care whether this incident had anything to do with him or not—they just chased after him again with questions.
“Last time, weren’t you the one doubting Gu Zhaoping’s abilities and saying she couldn’t compare to professionals? Care to say something now?”
“Did you see that? She even broke the world record!!”
“Weren’t you the one saying she was no good?”
Tan Li was dumbfounded. His business had been miserable lately, and he was overwhelmed dealing with lawsuits—every day felt like a living hell. How did this suddenly become his problem? He never questioned international chess!
He wanted to cry but had no tears to shed!
All he wanted was to be left alone!
Even many professionals who couldn’t believe the news were stunned when they heard it.
What? She broke the record? And it was done by someone no one had ever heard of… Well, not exactly unheard of—Gu Zhaoping had been quite a topic online recently, but that had nothing to do with international chess!
This person, who seemed so ordinary, was actually a chess prodigy? And she just broke the record silently?
Some refused to accept it and suspected fraud. For a while, many people flooded to rewatch the video. But the more they watched, the more chilling it became—this really seemed legit, with no obvious flaws.
Even the professionals who watched it with suspicion fell silent.
One of them quietly came forward, and others, still in disbelief, asked him, “Teacher, what level is this really? Is Gu Zhaoping’s record credible? Does it hold any real value? If you played, could you be faster than her?”
The professional was put on the spot and awkwardly replied, “Don’t ask.”
I’m nowhere near
Chun Ri
her!
Then he swept his sleeve and left, refusing to answer any more questions.
This was just too embarrassing.
To have a complete unknown, even an amateur player, break the record!
Many other chess players, upon hearing this, were excited to find the game footage to study it. They asked, “Who is she? Is she some grandmaster from this country or that?”
The result of the inquiry was Gu Zhaoping—a name no one had ever heard of. At first, people thought she was just being low-key, but upon checking, it turned out she had no points, no battle experience, and no titles whatsoever. She looked like a complete amateur!
The only connection she had with chess was a single remark she made on a variety show, casually mentioning that she was good at chess!
Countless professional players immediately started reviewing the game, rapidly searching for loopholes, but there was simply no problem!
Absolutely no problem could be found!
The shock was overwhelming!
Almost the entire online community was plunged into deep astonishment over this brief piece of news!
Now, everyone shared a common question—
Where is Gu Zhaoping?
They all wanted to find her, to ask her how she had done it!
Could she possibly tell them how she pulled it off?!
And Ni Tiansong’s shock was no less than anyone else’s.
He hurried after her, catching the door before it fully closed, then took a few steps forward.
He saw Gu Zhaoping quickly descending the stairs, about to get into a car.
He hesitated for a moment, wondering if chasing after her now would disturb her urgent business. But then he thought that a few words wouldn’t be too much of a bother, so he called out, “Miss Gu.”
As she was getting into the car, Gu Zhaoping paused, her gaze turning toward him.
Sure enough, it was Miss Gu. Ni Tiansong let out a slow breath of relief.
He had never met Gu Zhaoping before, and had never been interested in the intricate relationships within the wealthy elite—only a vague impression.
But just at that moment, after hearing the butler’s phone call, something suddenly clicked.
Gu Zhaoping.
Yes. It was her.
Ni Tiansong quickly descended the steps as well, approaching her car but keeping a respectful distance, slightly out of breath, and politely nodding his head.
Finally, all he said was, “My name is Ni Tiansong. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Gu Zhaoping didn’t understand the implication, but she didn’t need to. Plenty of people were eager to get acquainted with her, so it was nothing unusual.
She simply extended her hand, lightly shaking his in the brief moment they had, and said, “Pleasure to meet you.”
Then, in the blink of an eye, she suddenly remembered that the name sounded very familiar—Gu Zhaosi had mentioned it to her just yesterday.
Oh, so this was the young man Master Qi and Grandpa wanted to introduce to her?
This piqued Gu Zhaoping’s curiosity.
Was it a coincidence? She hadn’t expected such a coincidence. She had thought he was just an assistant Li Xunwen had brought along to help—a skilled player—but hadn’t realized he also had a connection to Master Qi.
This was fate, she thought for a moment, then said, “Grandpa and Uncle Qi have introduced you to me.”
Master Qi said he had extended an invitation to him, but he had no intention of coming, so Gu Zhaoping felt that this meeting probably wouldn’t happen after all.
The moment Ni Tiansong’s hand released his grip, he paused for a moment.
What?
Had Uncle Qi already introduced him to Miss Gu?
Did Miss Gu already know he existed? Or perhaps she even had some understanding of him?
In that instant, Ni Tiansong didn’t quite know what emotion flashed swiftly through his heart.
He only thought that there were still some things he wanted to say to Miss Gu, but it seemed she was in a hurry, so Ni Tiansong swallowed those words down hard.
He told himself, “I’ll say it later, there will be another chance, there’s still time.”
He nodded slowly and said, “Sorry, I promised Li Xunwen I’d help with something, so I couldn’t come along with Master Qi.”
Saying this made him feel a bit embarrassed and nervous.
After all, Li Xunwen seemed to be completely at odds with her, even hostile, yet he had somehow mistakenly agreed to help Li Xunwen compete against her.
No matter who it was, their impression of him probably wouldn’t be very good.
Not wanting to waste any more time, he finally lifted his eyelids, made up his mind, and said, “But I’m not here to help Li Xunwen cheat against you.”
“It’s because I want to play the next round with you.”
Gu Zhaoping nodded indifferently. “It’s fine, it’s already over.”
“I don’t want to…” Ni Tiansong blurted out, then hesitated for a moment. Finally, as if steeling himself, he lowered his gaze and said, “It’s over.”
It sounded like he regretted speaking out of turn, yet the words came out resolutely.
Gu Zhaoping paused, lifted her eyes, and glanced at him.
At this rare moment when Ni Tiansong showed such nervousness in his life.
Her next words caught him completely off guard, unexpectedly, almost like she was letting him off the hook.
“I have a speech at the venue later,” she said calmly, tilting her head slightly as if signaling him to leave. “Do you want to come watch?”
Ni Tiansong was stunned. If you stood close enough, you’d see his pupils tremble slightly.
It seemed he hadn’t expected to have a next step so soon, and his heartstrings were struck by a sudden, unprepared reaction.
After blinking twice, Ni Tiansong said, “I brought my car.”
Gu Zhaoping told him the location.
Ni Tiansong opened the door and got in. Two cars then drove off one after another.
He didn’t know why he made such a sudden decision. He wasn’t usually the type to decide so abruptly.
But when Gu Zhaoping suggested it, he didn’t refuse.
Maybe because this was a chance to erase the outcome of that last game.
Maybe it shouldn’t have ended the moment the match was over.
He thought it was quite absurd.
But his curiosity simply hadn’t settled yet.
And he had a feeling: if he didn’t catch up now, there might never be another chance.
Gu Zhaoping didn’t seem like someone who gave second chances…
By the time the few people inside the tea room finally registered what was happening, Li Xunwen suddenly lifted his head, intending to rush out after them. But he found that the two cars parked outside had already left, and he had no idea where they were headed.
Li Xunwen searched around in disbelief. Tian Songge? How did Tian Songge leave so quickly? Could it be that he was angry?
Was Tian Songge upset because he hadn’t told him he was going to face off against someone like that?
His voice trembled as he turned back to ask Gu Zhaosi, "Why is Gu Zhaoping in such a hurry to leave?"
Gu Zhaosi sneered, completely ignoring his question. "Sorry, you have no right to ask about my sister’s plans now. Your priority should be to figure out how to write and post a 1,000-word rainbow praise article within 45 minutes!"
Li Xunwen panicked. "Gu Zhaosi, are you trying to force me?"
"Yes, I am!"
Li Xunwen’s face turned ashen.
The cars stopped just outside the venue, where security personnel came to open the doors for Gu Zhaoping to get out.
Gu Zhaoping stepped down gracefully. Before putting on her glasses, she told the security guard, "The car behind is with me. Let them in."
She strode forward without looking back or exchanging many words or arrangements with Ni Tian Song.
After the security guard acknowledged her, he quickly turned back and nodded, signaling for Ni Tian Song’s car to move forward into the parking lot.
Only then did Ni Tian Song take in the surroundings of the venue—the dazzlingly bright signs—and realize where he had followed Gu Zhaoping.
This was the Energy Industry Leaders Summit taking place in his hometown. Naturally, he was familiar with it. When the summit was being organized, his family had even considered whether to take on some projects from it.
This summit was a gathering of big names, an excellent social occasion. Even though Ni Tian Song was usually low-key and not fond of socializing, he had already been dragged out to mingle a few times.
Miss Gu was... going to give a speech here today?
Ni Tian Song found himself zoning out for her once again.
It truly was a strange day—he hadn’t expected to react this way.
As the car rolled forward, another stretch limousine passed by.
The driver glanced over and said with some curiosity, "Looks like that’s Theodore from the LaRoche family."
Compared to his recently high-profile younger brother Valentin, Theodore was very low-key. Few outsiders knew that he was actually the true heir of the LaRoche family.
Theodore hadn’t planned to attend this summit, so many who wanted to connect with him were greatly disappointed.
But since young master Valentin was present, they had come along as well.
Perhaps this young master was even easier to approach than Theodore. Those who have held power for too long often lack the reckless drive of emerging forces and are more willing to meet new people.
The people and forces active around them were fixed and unchanging; it was difficult to break into their circle.
Ni Tiansong snapped out of his thoughts and glanced at the car without giving it much thought.
Only after the car stopped and he got out did he realize that Gu Zhaoping’s entrance to the venue was different from everyone else’s.
It seemed to be a more important passage, perhaps reserved for those who were going to deliver significant speeches at the afternoon meeting.
Ni Tiansong stared at the path she took, momentarily stunned.
He was dressed in a formal jacket when a security guard approached to escort him, “Hello, are you Miss Gu’s friend? Please follow me this way.”
Ni Tiansong withdrew his gaze and gave the guard a polite nod, “Thank you.”
It wasn’t until he was led inside the venue and seated that Ni Tiansong noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that Theodore seemed to have gotten off at a similar spot as everyone else, then followed a nearly identical route, arriving at a seat very close by.
Just two rows ahead of him, with barely any space in between.
He could clearly see the back of Theodore’s neck, the deep navy suit embroidered with a subtle, expensive pattern.
Theodore sat quietly, eyes fixed on the stage, not engaging with anyone around him, and no one could disturb him. Even when someone excitedly tried to approach and greet him, they were politely turned away by the people beside him.
It was strange, really—no one knew why he was here. Was he simply attending the speech?
Ni Tiansong only glanced twice before turning his attention back to the stage, knowing it was none of his business.
He found today’s circumstances quite peculiar, but he understood that Gu Zhaoping had invited him because her father and Uncle Qi had introduced him previously, and she was just showing respect to her elders.
And coincidentally, because of a slip of the tongue on his part, this might be an opportunity for them to get to know each other better.
But it was just that—an opportunity.
Ni Tiansong’s gaze was calm yet focused intently on the stage. He didn’t know what Gu Zhaoping was going to say today or when she would step up to speak.
But Theodore seemed to know much more.
He sat back relaxed at first, quietly watching the stage, unaffected by the distractions around him.
Until his younger brother, Valentin, arrived. Surrounded by a crowd, Valentin smiled and chatted happily with those around him.
Then, hearing something someone said, Valentin turned and spotted Theodore sitting there. Theodore finally smiled and nodded to him from a distance.
Valentin was a bit stunned. How could his older brother show up? Hadn’t it been said before that he wouldn’t appear here?
Valentin excused himself to those around him, approached his brother to greet him, and after exchanging pleasantries, even sat beside him, folding his hands and watching the stage seriously.
“Brother, what brings you here today?”
“Someone invited me to come and take a look,” Theodore said calmly.
Who could possibly have the clout to invite him? Valentin was somewhat puzzled but didn’t dwell on it and simply nodded.
Although he originally had a seat, with his older brother already present, there was no way he would sit elsewhere. So, he took a seat right beside him.
The two of them, despite the few years’ age difference, bore a striking resemblance and were both exceptionally handsome. In this gathering of prominent entrepreneurs, they shone like blazing suns. Anyone who glanced toward the stage would be drawn to the two brothers—radiant and captivating.
How unusual. It was rare to see both young masters of the LaRoche family attending an event together.
This summit must indeed be significant enough to warrant such attention from the LaRoche family.
Ni Tiansong sat quietly two rows behind them. People who recognized him were surprised and came over to greet him, “Mr. Ni, you’re here too? I didn’t expect you to attend this conference.”
Ni Tiansong nodded politely in response, “I was invited, so I came to take a look.”
The entrepreneur in front of him was momentarily stunned, then glanced back once more. It was truly remarkable to hear two nearly identical conversations in such a short span of time.
The speakers on stage were all well-known entrepreneurs, names familiar to everyone. The audience was listening attentively.
However, Ni Tiansong wasn’t really here as a participant, so his interest wasn’t particularly strong. He was quietly waiting for Gu Zhaoping to take the stage.
He was thinking about what Gu Zhaoping might say. He needed to find a topic and identify what she cared about so he could express his admiration for her speech and perhaps discuss some professional matters with her.
As Ni Tiansong pondered this, he soon noticed that Theodore in the front row didn’t seem very focused either, as if he was waiting for something else to happen later.
He glanced at him a few more times.
Outside the venue, the old man was earnestly giving Gu Zhaoping some advice.
But as he spoke, he realized there wasn’t much to say. He had witnessed Gu Zhaoping’s ability to command the room—there was nothing to worry about. If it were one of those grandsons, he might be more concerned, but Gu Zhaoping?
Forget it, the old man decided not to say more. He simply raised his hand and patted Gu Zhaoping on the shoulder. “Do your best. This event is being broadcast worldwide. It’s a very important opportunity to showcase yourself.”
Gu Zhaoping nodded, “Don’t worry, Grandpa.”
Once she said not to worry, nothing would go wrong.
At that moment, the old man’s phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and saw it was Gu Zhaoye calling.
His mood instantly darkened. He frowned—why was this grandson contacting him now?
He was about to ignore the call and slip the phone back into his pocket, but Gu Zhaoping gestured to him, “Grandpa, answer it.”
The old man hesitated, stunned for a moment, then took the phone back out and answered the call.
Gu Zhaoye on the other end of the line sounded breathless and anxious.
He had rushed to the estate where the old master was staying, only to find that everyone had already left. Knowing the old master should be at the conference venue, Gu Zhaoye hurried over.
He had lost some time on the way and almost missed it. Since he wasn’t an invited guest, Gu Zhaoye had to enter through the farthest side entrance, where his identity had to be verified before he could attend as a social guest.
While hastily walking inside and talking on the phone, he anxiously scanned the crowd for any sign of the old master, unsure where exactly the meeting was being held now.
The moment the call connected, he was filled with relief. “Grandpa, you finally answered! Where are you now? I’m just near the venue—I came to apologize in person.”
Gu Zhaoye spoke rapidly, not even noticing the old master on the other end was momentarily stunned. “What happened on the show before was all my fault—I was impulsive, and I was wrong. I shouldn’t have upset my sister, nor should I have made a scene about Liang Zhiwei in public. I’ve embarrassed you, and it’s all my fault. You can punish me however you want, just please let me hear it from you directly.”
He spoke so quickly that he even started to quicken his pace, almost running. Ruan Nian struggled to keep up behind him but didn’t dare interrupt; she just gritted her teeth and followed.
“Grandpa, which conference hall are you at? I thought it hadn’t started yet?”
“Hmph! So now you know to come find me and apologize?” The old master snorted. Without a second thought, he knew exactly what Gu Zhaoye was up to and couldn’t help but feel deeply dissatisfied.
What kind of person had the grandson he once cherished become?
After all that had happened, he never showed genuine remorse. Instead, he kept causing trouble, chasing after that little actress day and night, neglecting his responsibilities. He was even unreachable when asked to visit the nursing home during times like this.
Now that the summit was almost over, he finally thought to reach out? What, could he not sit still all these days? Did he think the old man wouldn’t contact him and just expect him to show up? Was he waiting for the next time, two years from now?
Hearing the old master still scolding him like this, Gu Zhaoye suddenly felt a wave of relief. He knew the old man was tough on the outside but soft at heart. After a few harsh words, his anger would subside, and he’d agree to bring him along.
Gu Zhaoye’s tone softened noticeably, even unconsciously adding a touch of pleading. “Grandpa, it’s all my fault. I realize my mistakes now. Can you forgive me? I haven’t seen you in so long, and since I’m nearby, why not let me come see you?”
He was waiting for the old master to say: “You still know to admit your mistakes.”
Or to scold him for being the heir of the Gu family yet behaving so irresponsibly—it was enough to make anyone despair of him.
He knew that the old man had high expectations for him. In the past, these expectations sometimes even made him feel a bit annoyed.
He wanted a freer life, one that he could truly control—at least the freedom to decide whom he would marry and be with, to decide how to run the company in his hands, to make decisions without being ordered around or restrained by anyone.
But recently, he had gradually come to realize that it wasn’t possible.
At least not yet.
After all, he hadn’t truly taken over the Gu family’s affairs. Even if he felt annoyed, he had to hold it in front of his grandfather.
Otherwise, he even vaguely sensed a kind of unprecedented crisis—as if the old man might really be disappointed in him at some point in the future.
This feeling was only just beginning to show, so he had to be on guard immediately. He absolutely couldn’t let his other brothers find any opening to take advantage.
Especially now that Gu Zhaosi had appeared again. It seemed like he intended to meddle in the Gu family’s matters as well.
Gu Zhaoye couldn’t help but suspect that Gu Zhaosi also harbored some ambition for the family inheritance. Otherwise, why would he be so confrontational with him?
His relationship with Gu Zhaoping hadn’t been good either.
Thinking about the brothers at home, each one was fiercely ambitious. Even Gu Zhaoping no longer behaved as controllably as before; it was like offering a warm face only to get cold shoulders in return.
Gu Zhaoye clenched his teeth tightly. Reflecting on everything he had been through recently, it felt as if his jaws might shatter from the strain.
You all, one by one, just won’t let me have peace of mind.
Once he firmly took the helm of the Gu family and truly inherited the family business, then he would slowly settle the scores with all of them.
Gu Zhaoye was running forward, glancing left and right, looking for someone. Suddenly, from a distance, he saw someone almost mirroring his movements, running toward him from the opposite direction while holding a phone.
Gu Zhaoye froze for a moment, his eyes fixed. Gu Kaichang? What was Gu Kaichang doing here?
A chill ran down his spine in an instant.
No way, could it be that Gu Kaichang had already taken advantage of the situation during this time and followed the old man to participate in the summit?
Gu Zhaoye’s heart turned cold, and his back tingled with a shiver.
He never expected that just because he had angered the old man a few times recently, Gu Kaichang would seize the opportunity to get in his grandfather’s good graces ahead of him.
He stopped in his tracks, glaring fiercely at Gu Kaichang across from him, as if he wanted to beat him up right then and there.
Gu Kaichang, startled by the sudden confrontation, quickly came to a halt.
“What—Gu Zhaoye, what are you doing here?”
Gu Kaichang was instantly furious. “Oh, so you said you weren’t coming to Los Angeles, but you sneaked in behind everyone’s back! The old man still ended up bringing you here, huh? And you even dare to show up at the most important speech of the final session? You’re really something!”
Gu Kaichang was practically boiling with rage, on the verge of losing his temper entirely.
But just at that moment, a voice came through the phone in Gu Zhaoye’s hand, calmly instructing him, “You don’t need to come.”
Gu Zhaoye almost blurted out a reply, but the words got stuck in his throat.
He was stunned for a moment, unable to react, and after a while, he asked in disbelief, “Grandpa, what did you say?”
“I said you don’t need to come. The Gu family already has a representative this time.”
His grandfather’s voice was calm on the other end, and as he spoke, he glanced up at Gu Zhaoping sitting in front of him.
Gu Zhaoye’s anger flared up instantly, almost clouding his mind.
Gu Kaichang! I’ll beat you to death!
But unexpectedly, Gu Kaichang was stunned for a moment too. Then the call in his hand connected. He quickly stopped, not even bothering to be angry with Gu Zhaoye, and immediately started flattering the person on the phone, “Hey, Grandpa, Grandpa, you finally answered!”
Amid Gu Zhaoye’s raging fury, the expression on Gu Kaichang’s face froze in an instant, then shattered completely.
“What? What did you say?”
“Hm? You want me to leave?”
Gu Kaichang stood there, dazed and nearly broken, unable to collect himself for quite some time, disbelief written all over his face.
After a long while, he realized his grandfather had already hung up on him. Slowly, he looked up and met Gu Zhaoye’s gaze.
Then he glanced at the phone Gu Zhaoye was holding, which had also been disconnected.
What’s going on here?
Is Grandpa really not planning to send any of the younger generation? Such an important opportunity, and they’re both being rejected? And Grandpa’s attitude is so resolute?
No, he said there’s already someone representing the family?
Suddenly, both their hearts skipped a beat as they thought of a more troubling possibility.
Could it be Gu Zhaosi?
Gu Zhaosi was also in Los Angeles!
In the blink of an eye, the two of them rushed forward, scrambling toward the last venue!
The door of the venue wasn’t completely closed.
Just as they ran inside, there were still people at the entrance checking invitations. Seeing that neither of them had an invitation, they were stopped.
Both were frantic, jumping up and down, struggling to verify their identities in broken English, gesturing wildly this way and that, completely lacking the demeanor of wealthy heirs or domineering CEOs. The security guards at the door were stunned, almost ready to have them removed.
After much effort, their identities were finally verified, and the two hurriedly strode into the conference hall.
Their footsteps echoed through the empty corridor. Normally, such sounds would attract attention, and indeed some people gradually glanced toward the door. But at this moment, something even more captivating appeared.
Someone stepped onto the stage.
She stood quietly before the microphone.
Raising her hand, she adjusted its height, then lifted her eyes.
Gazing down at the crowd of over a thousand people, the woman on stage let a subtle smile curl at the corners of her mouth and eyes.
Her expression was calm and composed, seemingly indifferent to the grandeur of the occasion. Facing a conference broadcast live to the world with hundreds of cameras trained on her, there was nothing about it that seemed to faze her.
There was even a sense of pent-up passion finally unleashed, a surge of ambition brimming within her as she grasped the microphone.
“Distinguished guests, colleagues from the industry,” she began.
“I am Gu Zhaoping.”
As soon as those words fell,
hundreds of cameras simultaneously flashed bright lights, all focused on her sharp-featured face—still unfamiliar to most of the public.
She met the glare head-on, fearless and unflinching.
But at the very moment her face was illuminated,
Gu Zhaoye and Gu Kaichang, who had just arrived outside the door, both widened their eyes in shock, their pupils contracting sharply!
In that instant, it was as if a heavy hammer had struck them hard, their minds ringing.
They couldn’t believe what they were seeing!
At the same time, Theodore was the first to break the silence and start applauding.
Valentin caught on and joined in the applause, but then he sensed something was off. He was startled.
He slowly turned his head, disbelief written across his face, and looked toward his own brother.
Of course, he understood the unspoken question in his brother’s eyes.
Who had extended the invitation?
Could the answer really be anything but obvious?
Theodore smiled faintly at his younger brother.
That smile was hard to define—a look that was calm and direct, yet his eyes didn’t truly acknowledge his brother’s presence. He nodded.
“It was her.”
