Young Master Ni never expected Gu Zhaoye to appear at this moment.
Wasn't he supposed to be dealing with all those messy, headache-inducing matters at Yuanqi Tech? How did he suddenly end up here?
His face paled, and he blurted out, "Gu Zhaoye, how did you..."
Gu Zhaoye was so angry his face was contorted!
He had originally heard that this group of friends was going to help him teach Gu Zhaoping a lesson, or at least stall her, preventing her from having the spare time to mess with him too much, or simply to take her down a peg.
But in the end, he still couldn't rest easy. While chatting with Yang Qi, the topic came up, and he learned they planned to invite Gu Zhaoping to this shooting range. After turning it over in his mind, he decided to come anyway.
These people were all influential figures in the business circle, and the collective energy they formed when gathered together was not to be underestimated.
Someone among them had once said with a hint of pride that if their little group went on strike, half of Haishi's business district would grind to a halt.
Countless socialites and starlets considered it an honor to enter their circle, or even to latch onto one of them. For such a group to band together against one person was a spectacle never seen before.
Just thinking about it made Gu Zhaoye feel a sense of vindication.
Although he still had some subconscious psychological shadow regarding Gu Zhaoping, he thought to himself, if it was just him suffering, then he was simply unlucky. But could it be that this gathering of so many chosen sons of heaven from their circle still couldn't outmatch Gu Zhaoping?
That would be a complete joke.
Holding onto the idea of dropping by to see Gu Zhaoping get humiliated, Gu Zhaoye didn't tell anyone and came alone.
On the way, he was sneering coldly. Facing the collective siege of their entire circle this time, Gu Zhaoping, let's see how you can possibly win?
During the drive, he imagined over and over how Gu Zhaoping would be cornered by these people and end up embarrassed and disgraced.
The pent-up frustration in Gu Zhaoye's heart was finally about to be released. He even slammed the steering wheel hard in venting.
He accidentally hit the horn, letting out a loud honk, which caused the driver ahead to turn around and curse him out.
Gu Zhaoye's expression changed.
His first instinct was to argue with the man, but then he remembered his current reputation. If he really got out of the car, the surrounding crowd could drown him in their spittle.
So, he swallowed his anger and didn't confront the driver ahead.
The driver ahead was a tough one too. Seeing Gu Zhaoye's luxury car didn't intimidate him in the slightest. He hurled curse after curse. Several times, Gu Zhaoye almost lost his temper.
He held back in the end. After all, he was the one who had inexplicably hit the steering wheel first, so he couldn't really say much.
Gu Zhaoye couldn't help but feel a wave of irritation.
How had he fallen to such a pathetic state?
Moreover, when a conflict arose, his first reaction wasn't to have his assistant handle it, but to get out and argue with the person himself.
In the past, Gu Zhaoye himself would have found this beneath him.
Once again, he had a clear sense that times had changed.
He finally arrived at the shooting range, eagerly anticipating the exciting scenes. But the moment he stepped inside, he heard Ni Tianjun saying something about not really counting as friends with him.
Gu Zhaoye's face instantly turned ugly.
Ni Tianjun, what kind of nonsense are you spouting!
Then he realized that Ni Tianjun actually seemed to be... currying favor with Gu Zhaoping?
A surge of anger overwhelmed him. Ni Tianjun, what do you mean by this? What are you trying to do?
Ni Tianjun even said that whether in business investments or other aspects, he was simply no match for Gu Zhaoping, and if he wanted to collaborate, he would seek out Gu Zhaoping.
You've betrayed me too, and in secret? Surrendering without a fight? With that little backbone, are you even fit to mix in our circle?
Gu Zhaoye immediately shouted, "Ni Tianjun, what are you doing?!"
Hearing the familiar voice, the whole group turned around in surprise. Damn, it's Gu Zhaoye? How did he get here? No one invited him today!
Their expressions became even more unexpectedly brilliant upon seeing him.
This was the first time they had seen the two siblings in the same frame since the incident at the summit.
Seeing Gu Zhaoye storm in so furiously, everyone—even though they had originally come to help him—couldn't help but have the same thought cross their minds...
By comparison, Gu Zhaoping really did seem much calmer and more commanding. It was as if she were the one in control of the entire situation.
Yang Qi was momentarily stunned and quickly stepped forward to grab Gu Zhaoye, urging him not to be impulsive, especially since Ni Tiansong was present. "Zhaoye, Zhaoye..."
But Gu Zhaoye shook him off with a jerk!
He wanted to vent his anger at the group, but something—perhaps a fear etched into his bones—stopped him from directing it at Gu Zhaoping. Instead, he turned without hesitation to Ni Tianjun. "What did you mean by what you just said?"
Ni Tianjun was startled by his sudden appearance, but seeing Gu Zhaoye questioning him so self-righteously made his own anger flare up!
Fine! I even deceived my own cousin for you, and now I'm here trying to make amends, and you come to sabotage me? Putting on that arrogant act? Who do you think you are?
They were all second-generation young masters. Even if they had once revolved around Gu Zhaoye, not everyone was without a temper.
Ni Tianjun immediately retorted angrily, "Am I not stating facts? Look at who your family's old man took to the last summit? Who gave the speech? Isn't it obvious to anyone with eyes? What are you yelling at me for? Can't handle the truth?"
Indeed, those who know you best know where to strike.
Gu Zhaoye's face was practically changing colors from anger. Before he could get his next question out, Gu Zhaoping glanced at Ni Tianjun, as if understanding, and said to him with a slight lift of her chin, "Your friend?"
Her tone was calm, yet dripping with sarcasm.
Gu Zhaoye thought, what friend! He had no such friend.
But then he froze, suddenly realizing... Could it be that this group's plan to target Gu Zhaoping had already failed?
Had they already been seen through by Gu Zhaoping???
How was that possible? Gu Zhaoye was instantly dumbfounded.
How could such a large group, specifically gathered to set a trap for Gu Zhaoping, not succeed?
A sudden chill ran down his spine! Looking at Gu Zhaoping, he felt something akin to the uncanny valley effect. He began to feel that Gu Zhaoping wasn't quite like a normal person!
Gu Zhaoping seemed utterly bored. She just turned her eyes away and put down the gun in her hand.
“Still able to play these boring games, Gu Zhaoye. It seems you won't give up until you hit the wall. Living quite comfortably, aren't you?”
Only then did Gu Zhaoye's gaze follow the gun in her hand as it descended, and he trembled slightly.
Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he glanced at the screen beside him.
Only then did he discover that they had already played one round.
He froze for a moment, noticing that the scores on Gu Zhaoping's side were clearly almost all one or two rings higher than those on the left.
He couldn't help but look incredulously, slowly turning his gaze towards Yang Qi. Under his stare, Yang Qi's face instantly flushed red with embarrassment, looking like he wanted to hide from the shame.
"I thought you could arrange something to entertain me. Looks like your bunch of fair-weather friends are about the same skill level as you." Gu Zhaoping took a towel handed to her by someone else and wiped her hands. The others were furious but dared not speak up!
Gu Zhaoping looked up and said, "You have too much free time, don't you? The shareholders' meeting is tomorrow. I'm telling you now, don't forget to attend."
Lost in his anger and fear, Gu Zhaoye was stunned for a moment. Shareholders' meeting?
As the CEO of Yuanqi Technology, a subsidiary of the Gu Group, he hadn't received any news at all. Moreover, he wasn't just a CEO; he was the heir-apparent within the Gu family, a true core figure.
If a shareholders' meeting was being called, how could he only be notified one day in advance?
Wait, what's the purpose of calling a meeting at this time?
Gu Zhaoye's already twisted expression instantly turned even uglier.
He stared at Gu Zhaoping in disbelief, his eyes somewhat dazed.
Could it be... could Grandpa be planning to use the shareholders' meeting to decide on his punishment? Was the negative public opinion he caused this time really that severe?
The Gu family should be doing everything to protect him, right? They couldn't possibly be giving up on him, could they?
His heart skipped a beat in panic. Then he suddenly remembered he had a deal that was about to be finalized, just waiting for the person in charge of that energy group to fly into the country.
Once he closed this deal, Yuanqi Technology would be able to weather this crisis.
And he would go explain things clearly to Liang Zhiwei. As long as he gained Liang Zhiwei's forgiveness and properly explained the incident on the mountain, reversing public opinion was also achievable!
But he was still deeply unsettled, afraid Gu Zhaoping might pull something at this critical juncture. So, with a face full of wariness, he looked at her and asked, "What are you trying to do?"
"You'll find out when you get there."
Chun Ri.
Gu Zhaoping smiled slightly, not bothering to say more to him. She simply turned to bid farewell to Ni Tiansong. "Feel free to visit often. Until next time."
Ni Tiansong agreed. "Miss Gu must be very busy lately. I won't disturb you further. I will definitely visit when Miss Gu has some free time."
Everyone, especially Young Master Ni, watched as she exchanged such pleasantries with Ni Tiansong. It seemed as if Ni Tiansong was placing himself in the polite, lower position of someone seeking a favor from her...
Young Master Ni's heart was truly pounding with panic. He felt he was really done for this time.
Good grief! Just how much weight does Gu Zhaoping carry in the eyes of the main branch of the Ni family?
Gu Zhaoping didn't linger with them any longer. She strode forward, and everyone instinctively parted to make way for her.
Their attitude was completely different from when she first arrived, when they had all sat there glaring at her menacingly. Now, they looked at her somewhat as if they'd seen a ghost.
By the time they realized they had stepped aside, it was already too late.
Amidst the crowd's unpleasant expressions, Gu Zhaoping turned her head to look at Young Master Zhou and said, "What a pity we didn't get to have a match. Next time?"
Young Master Zhou's face was a picture of barely-contained devastation.
Who would dare compete with her now? She had even deliberately missed a shot just to lose to Yang Qi and humiliate him. Why had he even suggested competing with Gu Zhaoping in the first place??
Discovering someone was far more skilled than you in your own area of expertise was a massive blow to his pride, especially for someone as arrogant as him who had hardly ever faced failure in his life!
And looking at Gu Zhaoping's expression, she had seen through their little game from the start. Coming here today was just to toy with them!
Who would want to compete with her again?!
After she left, Ni Tiansong finally turned his gaze to Gu Zhaoye, who was trembling with rage.
He had already realized that this group was likely friends of this Miss Gu's younger brother, here to help him vent his anger on her.
As for the reason for the anger, it was simple enough. Probably because Miss Gu was the one who attended the summit this time, and this incompetent younger brother couldn't handle it.
He turned his head and asked, "Ni Tianjun, you usually hang out with him?"
What did that mean?
Already on edge, Gu Zhaoye was even more infuriated upon hearing this. He instantly looked up and glared angrily at the man. "What's it to you?"
Young Master Ni was startled and quickly snapped at him, "Gu Zhaoye, have you lost your mind? This is my cousin!"
"So what if he's your cousin? I don't care who he is—" At this point, Gu Zhaoye suddenly froze, remembering who Ni Tianjun's cousin was.
It was Ni Tiansong, the one from the Ni family who had been abroad for a long time, unable to return, yet whose family held the real power within the entire Ni clan.
He hadn't seen Ni Tiansong in ages and hadn't recognized him at first.
Once he realized who this man was, and then recalled his attitude towards Gu Zhaoping earlier, his face immediately changed.
Ni Tiansong? Why was he acting that way towards Gu Zhaoping?
When did she get to know Ni Tiansong? Could it be that during the summit, Grandpa even introduced her to people from the Ni family?
Great. Gu Zhaoye's expression twisted even more. Gu Zhaoping, you're really something, using this opportunity to do everything!
The sense of panic in Gu Zhaoye's heart grew stronger and stronger, especially as he watched Ni Tiansong frown at him. An unprecedented feeling of unease assaulted him.
He had always thought his connections were definitely superior to Gu Zhaoping's. But how could this be... Why did the people Gu Zhaoping know completely overshadow the people he knew?
Why was this Ni Tiansong so polite to her, even helping her? So Young Master Ni's earlier change of sides was because of his cousin's influence?
Gu Zhaoye's mind was in complete chaos. Coupled with the thought of the shareholders' meeting and the looks his so-called good brothers were giving him, he couldn't stay here any longer. Gritting his teeth, he turned and left without another word.
"Hey, Zhaoye!" Yang Qi tried to call him back, but Young Master Zhou immediately pulled him aside.
"What are you rushing over for? Their sibling rivalry, you want to jump in and become cannon fodder?" Young Master Zhou lowered his voice and said rapidly, "After that round you played with her just now, I thought you'd had enough of being humiliated?"
Yang Qi's face turned pale then flushed, and he fell silent.
This was just too humiliating! They had all been acting like clowns.
"Forget it, let's not bother with them for now. Let's wait for the outcome of this incident. Didn't you hear what Gu Zhaoping said just now? Their Gu family is even calling a shareholders' meeting. What if the trouble Gu Zhaoye stirred up this time is truly massive, to the point where even the Gu family's board and shareholders can't help but punish him? Then, will you get involved or not? If Gu Zhaoye asks for your help to oppose the Gu family, will you help or not?"
Having been thoroughly put in his place once and having witnessed Gu Zhaoping's methods, Young Master Zhou was surprisingly clear-headed at this moment, analyzing the pros and cons for Yang Qi.
Yang Qi suddenly came to his senses. Yes.
Why had he been so obsessed earlier, so determined to help Gu Zhaoye vent his anger? This wasn't even his business. Why was he so eager to be Gu Zhaoye's lackey?
Did Gu Zhaoye thank him even once during this whole visit?
Their family backgrounds were similar, so why had they subconsciously always revolved around Gu Zhaoye, calling him 'Brother Ye' or 'Master Gu'?
Thinking about it this way, Yang Qi found it even stranger. Why had someone like Gu Zhaoye been able to gather so many people around him, all vying for his favor?
It wasn't like he had achieved anything particularly remarkable. He was just the CEO of Yuanqi Tech. But didn't everyone present have a company or two under their name? Weren't they all heirs?
It felt as if Gu Zhaoye had some kind of protagonist halo around him, inexplicably drawing people to him.
Even if they were good friends, helping out with small favors was one thing, but would they really go so far as to oppose the Gu family for him?
They were just juniors, all living under the shadow and allowance of their families. How could they dare to openly confront their elders?
It was as if Yang Qi had been slapped awake.
Ni Tiansong finally withdrew his gaze and said indifferently to his cousin, "Let's go back. From now on, you won't be responsible for my affairs in the country."
Young Master Ni felt a wave of relief upon hearing the first half of the sentence, thinking the matter was over. But upon hearing the second half, his face turned deathly pale. Was he being cast aside?
His father would definitely reprimand him if he found out he hadn't taken good care of his cousin!
Moreover, if his uncle's side found out that he had offended Miss Gu, whom they wanted to collaborate with, right from the start, his future career would likely be over.
"Cousin, cousin! I know I was wrong, I really know! I already apologized to Miss Gu. No, no, no, I'll go apologize to Miss Gu again right now!"
Seeing Ni Tiansong stride away, Ni Tianjun, not caring about face anymore, quickly followed, pleading.
He racked his brains for another solution. Right, the last person who offended Miss Gu was... that Li Xunwen! He could follow Li Xunwen's example and write a letter of apology praising Miss Gu. Would that earn her forgiveness?
"Cousin! How about I write an apology letter to Miss Gu!!"
Seeing the two Ni family members leave one after the other, the remaining people had no face to stay either. Muttering among themselves about Gu Zhaoye's lack of loyalty, they dispersed resentfully.
They had brought this humiliation upon themselves.
Utterly mortifying.
They really never wanted to see Gu Zhaoping again.
This was almost the most agonizing night of Gu Zhaoye's life.
After returning home, he didn't sleep at all. Instead, he sat on the sofa in his luxury penthouse all night.
The projector in front of him displayed all his achievements and financial reports from over the years since he took full control of Yuanqi Tech.
There were also various reports about him over the years: business prodigy, Gu family heir, heaven's favored son, perfect man, most eligible bachelor, the top-rated golden bachelor in every mother-in-law's heart, and finally, numerous reports about him and Ruan Nian over the years.
Of course, there were also recent gossip pieces about him and Liang Zhiwei.
Gu Zhaoye watched as his public perception gradually shifted from being universally admired, the nation's husband, to what it had become now.
His heart felt as if it were being cut by a knife, filled with unprecedented fear and a profound sense of confusion about the future.
Why had it come to this? His life used to be so bright, brilliant, and promising. He had never imagined encountering any setbacks.
No matter what mistakes he made, someone always forgave him. Everything had a safety net. Since childhood, he had never lacked money, power, or even love.
As a man born into such privilege, handsome, tall with an imposing, cold demeanor, and highly educated, his life had been smoother than what the vast majority of people could ever imagine.
And these qualities destined many, many people to love him.
Especially women. They were so good at loving. Once they loved him, they would place him on a pedestal, showering him with meticulous affection, making him feel the entire world was without hardship.
Just a few years ago... no, even a few months ago, he would never have imagined he could be thwarted at every turn like this.
He used to believe all women in the world loved him. Even that sister of his, always causing trouble, was just trying to win his favor despite his cold shoulder.
But now, one woman after another had slapped him in the face with such severity.
They didn't care about him at all, only about themselves.
Even the Gu family calling a shareholders' meeting didn't notify him. He was like a prisoner awaiting sentencing, sitting uselessly in his cell waiting for the verdict.
Involuntarily, after sitting for a long time, he finally bowed his head,
chunri
and thought of apologizing to Liang Zhiwei.
At this point, his pride, his stubbornness, none of it mattered anymore. The most important thing was to obtain Liang Zhiwei's forgiveness.
But when he thought about calling, he stopped, not daring to.
Liang Zhiwei had already berated him so harshly. He could no longer avoid believing that she truly had no feelings for him whatsoever.
There was even a possibility, one that made him deeply resentful yet had to consider: Liang Zhiwei probably wished for him to suffer even more, ideally receiving the harshest punishment from the shareholders' meeting.
Finally, holding his phone in silence for a long moment, he could only cautiously draft a text message and send it. Regardless of whether she forgave him or not, he had to offer this explanation.
Maybe Liang Zhiwei would see it eventually.
And as this thought took shape, Gu Zhaoye felt as if something was gradually detaching from his mind, only to be replaced by an even stronger surge of confusion and anguish in his heart.
Looking at Liang Zhiwei's account, he suddenly realized—did he actually have feelings for her?
If he didn't like her, then none of his recent behavior seemed to make sense.
If it were merely due to the unwillingness and humiliation of being insulted by Liang Zhiwei like that, the pain in his heart probably wouldn't be this intense...
Suddenly, in that very instant.
It was as if a deity had cleared Gu Zhaoye's mind, a flash of light crossing his thoughts.
Yes! It seemed he had truly, genuinely liked her at some moment—or at many moments.
He had liked her always sweet and gentle smile, liked all the food she carefully prepared, liked her ability to make everything feel beautiful and well-managed.
But at some unknown moment, that sentiment had been completely erased. He could no longer feel it, only acting towards Liang Zhiwei on instinct.
With this realization, Gu Zhaoye almost impatiently drafted a text message, ending it with: "I'm sorry. I've realized that all these years, I actually did have feelings for you."
No matter what Liang Zhiwei might think upon reading it, he would have no regrets.
Gu Zhaoye closed his eyes, let out a deep sigh, and sent the message.
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