Gu Zhaoye was stunned for a moment. How did Gu Zhaoping know it was President Lin?
He saw Gu Zhaoping looking at him calmly, and suddenly his heart raced wildly. A flood of ominous premonitions surged in his mind. Beyond confusion, what he felt more was sheer panic.
Let him guess why? How could he possibly know why?
Could it be that President Lin had already... talked with her and it fell through?
The calm, composed, and utterly in-control expression on Gu Zhaoye's face faded instantly, replaced by a look of visible tension.
His lips felt parched. For a moment, all he could blurt out was:
"You—"
In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but Gu Zhaoping just smiled slightly and averted her gaze. When she looked up again, her tone was even more indifferent than before.
"President Lin contacted you the same day the summit ended, right?"
"He attended our celebration banquet that day. He left in displeasure because he didn't secure the cooperation opportunity. What do you think?"
Gu Zhaoye listened to her words as if hearing a fantasy, only snapping out of his dazed expression at the very end.
President Lin attended their celebration banquet?
He had no idea there even was a celebration banquet! After leaving the summit and learning about the major public opinion crisis back home, he had returned to the country immediately!
Initially, the thought that Gu Zhaoping, accompanying the old master, had hosted a banquet for those entrepreneurs and undoubtedly expanded her network, made his heart twist with discomfort. While Gu Zhaoping was enjoying such glory, he could only scurry back in disgrace to handle these problems...
Then it finally dawned on him. What did she mean by President Lin attending their celebration banquet and leaving unhappy without securing cooperation?
Did it mean that perhaps President Lin only became interested in cooperation after hearing Gu Zhaoping's speech? That he approached Gu Zhaoping first, she refused, and so he turned to him instead?
Was he something Gu Zhaoping had rejected?
Gu Zhaoye's heart skipped a beat.
This feeling made him clench his fists tightly.
A silent wave of resentment and unwillingness gradually rose in his chest.
Then, with another sudden jolt, he was stunned again.
Compared to being something Gu Zhaoping rejected, there seemed to be an even more serious issue, which was...
Back when President Lin first contacted him, he had asked a question: "The old master of the Gu family still favors you, right?"
He had been somewhat impatient at the time. What kind of question was that? Moreover, his mindset then was one of fearing others might find out the old master was already leaning towards Gu Zhaoping, so he immediately assured him that the old master certainly valued him.
But why did President Lin bother asking that extra question back then?
Was it just to spite Gu Zhaoping?
His sincerity must have been genuine, he truly wanted to cooperate. Then, the technical cooperation proposal he brought up... could it be targeting Gu Zhaoping?
Sweat dampened Gu Zhaoye's palms. He hadn't heard a word of what Gu Zhaoping said at the summit and had no idea which direction she intended to develop in.
If President Lin came to negotiate with him now, he might... truly be unable to present a concrete plan.
Gu Zhaoye began to feel slightly panicked.
How could this be? Was the lifeline he thought he had found... actually coming to him like this?
Impossible.
Absolutely impossible.
How could he have become Gu Zhaoping's backup option, only approached because she refused? How was that possible!
But if he couldn't produce a plan, would the other party still continue cooperating with him?
However, could a problem Gu Zhaoping could identify really be beyond his grasp? Gu Zhaoye gritted his teeth, a moment of clarity striking him. Even if it was picking up the scraps, once President Lin arrived, he could just carefully consider the cooperation direction and work with him then!
If he could secure this deal now, the Gu family would place great importance on it. He could then pressure the old master to force Gu Zhaoping to hand over her plans. Wouldn't that kill two birds with one stone?
He had figured it out, but the next moment, Gu Zhaoping had already turned back to face the shareholders at the meeting and continued speaking calmly, "Please cast your vote."
She showed no intention of offering him any further explanation.
As if he were merely an insignificant bystander.
Gu Zhaoye suddenly froze.
A chill of unease crept up his spine. For a moment, he pressed his hands against the table, unmoving.
His back still appeared composed, but the muscles in his arms had gone rigid.
Would they really vote? Why wasn't anyone else objecting? Had Gu Zhaoping truly won them over to the point where they had no desire to refute?
Even in the past when he proposed ideas, the shareholders would never be this quiet; someone would always have objections.
Why?
After a period of silence, Gu Zhaoye remained stiff, unable to turn his head. It took him a long moment before he finally looked over. Someone raised their hand surprisingly quickly.
It was a shareholder who had never been on good terms with him.
After raising his hand, the man didn't even glance at him, putting on a solemn expression, but Gu Zhaoye knew he was surely gloating inside. He had probably held back this long just to maintain appearances.
How could he let these people have their way!
Gu Zhaoye stared daggers at this first voter. However, the other man seemed fully prepared, speaking with lofty justification: "The social impact caused by Gu Zhaoye this time is too significant. Even without the issues of concealing accounts or misappropriation, serious disciplinary action is warranted. Delaying a response for so long has already drawn strong public criticism. From my position, I must support the young lady's proposal. After all, our fates are tied to the Gu family's—we rise and fall together. None of us want to see our stock values plummet, do we?"
For him, it's 'Gu Zhaoye', but for Gu Zhaoping, it's 'the young lady'?
Had he already been bought off by her?
Gu Zhaoye's face flushed with anger! You despicable hypocrite!
Stop pretending! You've probably been waiting for this day, haven't you?! Seeing Gu Zhaoping propose his removal must have excited you the most, you couldn't wait to agree immediately!
Gu Zhaoye had some awareness of his own popularity and influence. Knowing that staring at this man wouldn't yield answers, he sharply shifted his intense gaze to the others. Some had been on good terms with him before, and they shared deep connections of interest—they couldn't possibly stand against him.
As for others, he felt that out of respect for their relationship, they would at least be conservative, remaining neutral or abstaining.
Impossible, it's impossible...
Under his intense stare, it happened...
Gu Kaichang was the second to raise his hand.
Second Uncle Gu also raised his hand.
Together, they held a portion of the shares.
This immediately made Gu Zhaoye's expression turn grim!
He glared at the two of them, eyes wide with fury. Had they severed ties with him so quickly? Did they think he could never make a comeback?
These fools! Didn't they understand that, no matter what, he was still the Gu family's eldest grandson? What good would it do them to burn bridges with him now?
Were they that eager to see him fall?
Gu Kaichang only tilted his head slightly, but couldn't hide the gleeful expression on his face.
He just thought that since he had offended the old master at the summit before, this time he had better quickly go along with the old master's idea and vote Gu Zhaoye out. Anyone with eyes could see that the old master had long since made up his mind; otherwise, he wouldn't have let Gu Zhaoping preside over the entire meeting.
Although he didn't necessarily want to see Gu Zhaoping take the position just like that, he was still happy to give Gu Zhaoye a hard time.
After seeing the two of them raise their hands, other shareholders who had been watching and waiting also raised their hands one after another.
In truth, many people weren't unwilling to vote; they just didn't want to be the first to stick their neck out. Now, seeing that even members of the Gu family had already voted, they no longer worried about being the vanguard.
"I agree as well. The young lady's idea is very good."
"Our company's reputation has already been affected. If we let this continue, who knows how much greater the losses might be in the future."
"This is also a necessary measure for crisis management. He should be punished, and the decision on Gu Zhaoye's punishment should be announced to the public to seek their forgiveness."
Gu Zhaoye was utterly furious.
Were people really agreeing with Gu Zhaoping? After being the heir for so long, could he really be voted out just like that?
At that moment, someone timidly said, "It might not need to be that severe. After all, President Gu has been the CEO of Yuanqi Tech for so many years. Removing him abruptly might cause instability."
"Could any instability be greater than the current public opinion turmoil? I think you're missing the point. If it reaches the point of a nationwide boycott, will you still think Yuanqi Tech's instability is no big deal?"
The first person to vote turned and retorted.
Gu Zhaoye glared angrily again at the shareholder who had a conflict with him. In the past, perhaps because he was the Gu family's designated heir, the other party had shown him considerable forbearance. But now, that person had long since cast aside all reservations.
If he couldn't pull Gu Zhaoye down this time, then his earlier statement would have been for nothing.
Who knew how long it would be before another opportunity like this came along? Even though he didn't necessarily support Gu Zhaoping, at this moment he had to stand with her.
And so, those hesitant shareholders raised their hands one by one. Gu Zhaoye's expression grew increasingly rigid.
But his mind was in too much turmoil and panic. For the moment, he simply couldn't speak up or think of the best solution.
He couldn't even try to stop it, as he couldn't even be sure now if President Lin, his last lifeline, was truly reliable or not.
He wanted to go find that President Lin immediately to confirm, but the other party hadn't arrived yet, while the shareholders' meeting was happening right before his eyes.
Hands were raised one after another, like a forest of tombstones.
These were the people who had once fawned over him and flattered him.
The people who were seemingly close to him, who said he had a brilliant future ahead.
At this critical moment, they showed not the slightest regard for past affections.
This "when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter" moment had arrived faster and more violently than he had imagined.
Gu Zhaoye gripped the edge of his seat tightly, but he couldn't think of anything, didn't know what to say.
His mind was completely occupied with the thought that his misappropriation of company funds for investment had been discovered. How could he salvage this?
He had truly misappropriated company funds. If he had maintained an iron grip on Yuanqi Tech, perhaps no one would have discovered it, or no one would have dared to speak up.
But with Gu Zhaoping here, it was different. Even the slightest mistake on his part, she could dig it out and use it to crush him!
Soon, by the time he regained his senses, the number of shareholders who had raised their hands had actually exceeded half!
This was more than Gu Zhaoye had imagined, and they had made their decision faster. His face had turned extremely ugly!
He thought his position within the Gu family would be at least a bit more solid than what was now being demonstrated, but reality had once again slapped him in the face!
Finally, there were some who remained neutral or chose not to express their views, keeping their heads down in silence, not looking at anyone else.
In some corporations, this voting ratio might already be enough to remove him. But the Gu family's rules required over two-thirds. So, Gu Zhaoye still clung to a sliver of hope at the end, staring intently at the people below.
Gu Yingjie also raised his hand!
He looked at this cousin in disbelief. He actually also...
In the past, this cousin had had little presence. But now he was being so brazen...
Did he think he could gain some benefit by voting him out??
Gu Yingjie didn't think he could gain any benefit. He just felt that Gu Zhaoping was too terrifying, and at a time like this, it was more important to try and earn a slightly better impression from her.
No matter who inherited the Gu family in the future, he felt it certainly wouldn't be him. So, whoever was stronger, he would listen to them. That would be more beneficial for his future life.
It had now gradually exceeded 60%, approaching the critical point.
Gu Zhaoye's throat was parched.
Looking at them, his life's various trajectories over the past twenty-plus years even began to replay before his eyes.
Once the center of attention, surrounded by crowds and greeted with smiling faces, he walked to the front in formal attire, announcing under his father's appreciative and loving gaze that he would assume the role of CEO of Yuanqi Tech. Wherever he went, people would stand up applauding, smiling kindly and bowing to him.
When he entered the meeting room, everyone, whether seated or not, would stand and nod to him.
Everyone smiled at him.
And now, in this entire world, it seemed everyone else had lost their presence, and only he and Gu Zhaoping still existed here.
Suddenly, a thought stirred in his mind. It seemed he remembered something, as if a long time ago, the Gu Zhaoping in his impression was also a very driven, overbearing, and strong-willed figure. But he didn't know when it started that Gu Zhaoping's image had transformed into that of an unambitious, good-for-nothing playboy.
Even the moment of that impression reversal felt as if it had been forcibly imposed on him.
This sense of unease filled him with extreme dread. It felt as if the world was being manipulated by someone, giving him an intensely unreal sensation.
Those things regarding Ruan Nian before... why had he suddenly, uncontrollably invested in a film for Ruan Nian? And he had clearly liked Liang Zhiwei before, so why had it later become like that? These bewildered and terrifying conjectures flashed rapidly through his mind.
Looking at Gu Zhaoping, he had a premonition that his world was about to shatter.
The final few votes were delayed in decision, no one raised their hand, and the scene was in a stalemate.
Gu Zhaoye cleared his throat, his lips finally catching up. He immediately spoke up, "All shareholders eligible to vote have cast their votes. No one is adding more votes now. Without exceeding two-thirds, are we planning to just drag this out until we run out of time and have to end it? Gu Zhaoping, what are you trying to do? If it doesn't exceed two-thirds, you can't remove me!"
Gu Zhaoping, however, simply raised her hand and placed a finger to her lips in a shushing motion.
Then, looking down at the phone on the table, she picked it up to show Gu Zhaoye, before holding it up for all the shareholders to see, saying, "The final shareholder is calling in."
The final shareholder? Who else could it be? Gu Zhaoye's mind came to a screeching halt.
Then, he saw clearly who the contact name was.
Gu Zhaosi, his own younger brother.
The one who had once been closest to him.
It had just been many years since they'd last met. When he ran into him on the snow mountain before, he thought Gu Zhaosi would stand by his side, but he actually—
The call connected. Gu Zhaoping didn't greet him, but simply put it on speakerphone, placed it on the table, and connected the phone to the conference room's large screen.
Just like that, the meeting room fell silent, everyone watching quietly as that three-character name flashed on the screen. Then, a familiar voice came from the other end:
"Sis, I vote too. I vote to remove him!"
Gu Zhaoye's pupils trembled violently!
—He still betrayed him so decisively, siding with Gu Zhaoping!
Indeed, among all the remaining people, there was actually one person everyone had overlooked because he had been absent for so long—Gu Zhaosi, who still held 3% of the shares.
Adding Gu Zhaosi's 3% shareholding, the votes now... just exceeded two-thirds.
Gu Zhaosi, on the other end, saw the result and immediately wiped his brow. Good thing he showed up in time. Otherwise, Gu Zhaoye would have really gotten away with it!
Gu Zhaoye sat in his seat, staring at that familiar face projected on the large screen, unable to move.
He still couldn't believe it, but Gu Zhaoping merely gestured sideways with her hand towards the screen on the table and looked back at him.
"Sixty-eight percent," Gu Zhaoping said calmly. "The remaining shareholders need not state their positions."
It was over. She didn't need anyone else's opinion.
"Gu Zhaoye, congratulations. You have been removed."
Her gaze crossed the conference table, swiftly transmitting to Gu Zhaoye. His lips parted slightly, as if he had fallen into an abyss. His entire body turned cold.
"Effective immediately, a lawsuit will be filed against Gu Zhaoye in the name of the Gu Group. Anyone's mistakes must be borne by themselves."
She turned to look at the entire meeting and said indifferently, "Meeting adjourned."
This was her first time chairing a meeting. It started simply and ended simply, yet not a single person dared disobey her.
Perhaps her presence was too commanding.
And the subject of this meeting was also unprecedentedly significant.
Gu Zhaoye had never experienced such a moment in the spotlight either.
The conference room door opened, the projection on the screen ended, and Gu Zhaosi's face vanished from his sight.
Gu Zhaoping's task was complete. She nodded to her grandfather, turned, and walked out.
She needed to prepare for the press conference.
Under Gu Zhaoye's gaze, she walked further and further away until she disappeared outside the door, turning and leaving.
Inside the meeting room, none of the many shareholders or members of the Gu family moved to follow her.
Only the old master stood up afterwards. Gu Zhaoye just heard him heave a heavy sigh behind him before he, too, slowly walked out.
Gu Zhaoye remained motionless, his gaze shifting to the side where his parents sat. They had not participated in the vote just now.
But participating or not was the same.
They had also averted their gazes, no longer looking at him. Finally, Ms. Hua was the first to stand, placing her hands on the armrests of her chair.
Her chair was pushed back a step, then she left her seat and walked out.
President Gu sat a little longer before also rising to his feet.
Thus, none of his family stood by his side, nor spoke another word in his defense.
He sat in the chair, his entire body icy cold.
Gu Zhaoye's life as a CEO had come to an end.
A CEO novel thus concluded.
...
Liang Zhiwei returned to the company, still feeling dazed.
Her boss had notified her to go to his office first. Liang Zhiwei felt somewhat apprehensive, unsure why he wanted to see her.
She wasn't exactly a highly promising artist, so why was the new boss of this big company paying her more attention? Her previous boss had never been this attentive to her.
When she knocked and entered the office, she saw that the boss wasn't alone inside. She just glanced over with the corner of her eye and politely looked away, telling herself not to stare.
But then she realized something and suddenly turned her head back, nearly scaring herself silly.
Sister Li?!
Even though the boss had mentioned before that Sister Li had joined their company, seeing her in person still triggered a subconscious fear!
After all, she thought Sister Li joined because she held a grudge over being fired because of Ruan Nian. Having dealt with Sister Li for so many years, she still felt Sister Li must have quite a negative opinion of her.
Her heart skipped a beat in panic, but then she saw Sister Li smile at her. Sister Li stood up, her attitude extremely polite, even seeming slightly guilty, so her gaze wasn't very direct, even somewhat evasive.
"Well, Miss Liang."
Sister Li, always poised and socially adept, was showing such a seemingly apologetic demeanor towards someone for the first time, not even daring to meet Liang Zhiwei's eyes.
After her initial confusion, Liang Zhiwei gradually realized Sister Li's tone towards her wasn't as aggressive as before. She slowly caught on, while the boss watched them with a smile, seeming pleased with the development.
"Zhiwei, what are you standing there for? Greet Sister Li."
The boss said with a smile, "Thanks to you. If it weren't for you, Sister Li wouldn't have joined our company."
Liang Zhiwei gave a slightly awkward smile and said, "It's not my credit. It's more because Ruan Nian dug her own grave."
Sister Li interjected at this moment, speaking with rare firmness, "No, it's because of you."
Liang Zhiwei was taken aback. Sister Li's expression grew resolute, her eyes fixed on Liang Zhiwei as she said, "Miss Liang, you might think I'm being wise after the fact, trying to make up for things, but I genuinely feel, from the bottom of my heart, that I should have been your manager all along. It's a strange feeling. I hope you don't think I'm making excuses."
"Everything about you feels very familiar to me. After taking you on, everything fell into place quickly."
Sister Li paused, then her tone grew even firmer. She even reached out her hand in a gesture of goodwill, offering to shake hands. "Enough said, Miss Liang... it's a pleasure to meet you."
Liang Zhiwei was momentarily stunned. Although she still felt a latent fear upon seeing Sister Li, now that Sister Li was on her side,
and her attitude was so good...
This time, the effort to quell the public opinion had been spearheaded by Sister Li, and it was she who had escalated the issue with Gu Zhaoye. Liang Zhiwei quickly composed herself and extended her hand to shake Sister Li's, treating her as a colleague from now on.
"You're too kind, Sister Li."
But the moment she grasped Sister Li's hand, Sister Li's hand trembled slightly, her grip tightening with some force. An overwhelming surge of emotion welled up in her heart, even bringing a hint of tears to her eyes.
Why? This feels so familiar.
No matter why.
She swore she would help Liang Zhiwei reach the position she felt Liang Zhiwei rightfully deserved.
"Aurora Green Energy Group has already sent people to discuss cooperation. Let's go now," Sister Li suddenly declared with righteous determination, leaving Liang Zhiwei taken aback.
Huh??
What that Manager Hou mentioned before... could it actually be coming true?
Liang Zhiwei was utterly dumbfounded.
No way... kicking Gu Zhaoye to the curb, and my life can actually be this awesome?!
Recently, endless rumors about Gu Zhaoye and Liang Zhiwei had been emerging one after another, causing a huge uproar.
Just as online discussions were at their most heated, someone from the Gu Group finally issued an announcement: a press conference would be held soon to disclose the handling results.
This caused another stir.
[What kind of result could it be? Gu Zhaoye has been the heir apparent domestically for so many years. Could the Gu Group possibly not come up with some way to exonerate him? Hah, with the Gu Group being such a large conglomerate, would they really abandon an heir they've cultivated for so long?]
[He's still the CEO of Yuanqi Technology. Even if the Gu Group punishes him, isn't he
still a CEO? Once the storm blows over, he can still act arrogantly and disregard human lives as usual.]
[The world is still too lenient towards men. Why is it possible for him to be forgiven after doing such things?]
[Didn't he show remorse? And after all, nothing serious actually happened to Liang Zhiwei. Why launch such a full-scale online attack against him? Don't you think this is cyberbullying? Just because he comes from a privileged background and has power and influence, does that mean we should hate him? Isn't that just being envious of the rich?]
[LOL, there are actually still people speaking up for him now. Don't tell me he still has supporters? Do you also want to be forgotten on a snowy mountain and almost lose your life?]
[Hey, haven't you all noticed? The enterprises under his control were inherited from the Gu Group. It seems he never had any competitors, not even needing to compete to take the position. Everyone calls him a business prodigy, but has anyone actually heard of his successful cases?]
[...Now that you mention it, we in the industry haven't really heard of any either. That's really strange.]
The most panicked person at this time was Ruan Nian.
As someone within this story world, she understood better than anyone else that all of this was because Gu Zhaoye was the male lead of this book, the genuine domineering CEO.
As the male lead of a domineering CEO novel, of course he didn't need to have any real successful cases. He only needed a sufficiently noble background, astonishingly good looks, and to be doting enough towards her, allowing readers to self-insert, dreaming of a perfect man descending from heaven to change their destiny.
Relying on oneself was too exhausting; it was better to fantasize about marrying into a wealthy family, sacrificing one's youth, beauty, physical value, and emotions, and placing the rest of one's life in someone else's hands.
Since the initial goal was to rely on others, over time, Ruan Nian even developed a fear of the difficulty of relying on herself to win over Gu Zhaoye.
She wanted to escape, to use simpler methods to achieve this outcome.
She began to trade with the system.
At first, she exchanged her remaining health points, which she had the most of, for beauty points.
However, the health she lost was soon restored with the money and ability she gained after leveraging her newfound beauty for benefits.
As time went on, she grew bolder, shifting various attribute points from left hand to right hand.
Starting with this cycle of using new loans to pay off old ones, she surprisingly managed to thrive by utilizing this exchange system.
Of course, the most useful was others' affection points. This value could be directly converted into charm points. The closer the relationship, and the more important the person was in this domineering CEO novel, the more points they could provide.
Initially, she had genuine feelings for them and saw them as real people.
But later on, once she interacted with them, the increases and decreases in affection became visualized as data.
Ruan Nian began to disregard them, no longer feeling they were real characters, and started the process of manipulating them with data.
But now, realizing her methods were no longer working, Ruan Nian had completely broken down.
She didn't know how, without the system's attribute exchanges, she could make Gu Zhaoye more devoted to her, or how to gain public affection.
She tried exchanging health points again like at the very beginning, but her health had now dropped to a critical threshold. Lowering it further could be life-threatening; she couldn't activate it.
Other attributes were also almost depleted. Looking at her pale, ashen face in the mirror, her ordinary voice and figure restored, she was filled with terror and despair, feeling life wasn't worth living.
After parting with Gu Zhaoye at the summit, she immediately found a place to hide, contacting no one, absolutely must not show her face. If this trend continued, all those perfect settings she had obtained before would completely fade away.
Stripped of all these, when it came down to it, Ruan Nian was just an ordinary person dreaming of marrying into a wealthy family so she'd never have to rely on herself again.
The system, silent for a long time, finally came online again. Sensing its presence, Ruan Nian immediately perked up and hurriedly asked, "System, you're still there, right? Can you give me some way to stabilize the current situation? I know you have so many tools, there must be something that can help me, right?"
"You've helped me get this far. If you don't save me at the end, wouldn't you feel all your efforts were wasted?"
She was still begging for its help. The system fell silent for a moment, then said, "I have no way."
Ruan Nian's face turned ashen as she slumped down. Still, it couldn't help but remind her: "Actually, your starting point now is much higher than before. Although the current public opinion is dangerous, you already have so many connections. Find a PR team, negotiate with them to help you weather this storm, apologize to the public, correct yourself, seek Liang Zhiwei's forgiveness. So many people liked you; if you truly reform, many will still forgive you. And from now on, sever ties with Gu Zhaoye, focus on developing your own career properly. It's not a dead end."
"You can hone your acting skills through practice without relying on system points. For vocal training, you can find a teacher to learn techniques. Even the appearance you're concerned about—you still have substantial wealth to change your looks. Ruan Nian, you have never truly reached a dead end."
Listening to the system ramble on with its advice, Ruan Nian's impatience had long peaked.
Reason told her she should consider the system's words, but emotion and fear left her no room for thought. Someone accustomed to solving problems with the fastest shortcuts—how could she endure such a drastic change?
For her, the idea of undergoing plastic surgery herself, strictly scheduling time to sculpt her figure, straining her voice to learn singing, or studying acting with others—all of it seemed far too difficult.
"If I could do it myself, what would I need a system for?!"
Hearing Ruan Nian's outburst, the system fell silent.
After her outburst, it took Ruan Nian a while to realize the system had stopped trying to persuade her.
When she finally noticed, a string of garbled code had already appeared on the system's screen.
Panic began to set in. She tried to reactivate it: "System, are you still there? Is there any other solution?"
For instance—Ruan Nian's mind raced, and after much thought, she finally landed on an idea she could accept—"I'm not asking for those things you exchanged for me anymore. At the very least, can't you keep what I originally had from being taken away? Or... or since you can immerse me in the plot, can't you create a save point? Send me back to a previous key moment, before all this started?"
The system remained silent. In the quiet, Ruan Nian's heartbeat thundered in her ears—she had never been so terrified.
Just then, the television behind her, which had been playing a program, suddenly emitted a familiar name. Instinctively, she turned to look. The moment she read the subtitles, Ruan Nian's pupils constricted sharply.
Her worst fear was happening so soon—the Gu family was holding a press conference to address and apologize for the recent public opinion crisis.
This station has dispatched a reporter for a live broadcast.
She stared blankly at the fully occupied seats. Several people were seated there, likely Gu family executives and spokespersons.
All were dressed in sleek suits, impeccably groomed, mostly men.
Ruan Nian seemed to recognize a few of them. Back when she was by Gu Zhaoye's side, these men would report to him, sometimes being impatiently shooed away by Gu Zhaoye for interrupting their interactions.
At that time, in Ruan Nian's eyes, they were mere tools in a domineering CEO novel, lackeys to be summoned or dismissed at will, only there to remark that the president hadn't smiled like this in a long time.
But now, watching them seated on the stage, facing so many cameras with such an elite demeanor, each holding a speech draft, orderly and solemn, all seemingly tense as they waited for someone—occasionally casting nervous glances toward a side passageway.
The room was silent, save for the occasional flash of camera lights.
Watching this scene, Ruan Nian suddenly wondered who would appear at this conference. Would it be Gu Zhaoye? What would he say? Could he possibly be about to apologize to the public?
Frankly, Ruan Nian couldn't accept that either. As the male lead of a domineering CEO novel, how could he be brought down by such a trivial matter? How could he care about public opinion or fear mass criticism?
Shouldn't he be overwhelmingly powerful, above the law? Shouldn't he navigate the edges of legality with ease, surrounded by the wealthy and influential, capable of resolving any issue?
And the thought that Gu Zhaoye's potential apology stemmed from Liang Zhiwei caused a sour, aching sense of resentment to spread within her.
Why? Why should that mere stand-in become the focus of everyone's attention, forcing even a domineering CEO to bow his head and apologize to her?
But after staring blankly for a while, she noticed a hint of awkwardness hidden within their waiting posture.
It seemed as if they wanted to please the arriving person but didn't quite know how.
This wasn't their attitude toward Gu Zhaoye. If it were Gu Zhaoye, given the recent major events, they wouldn't be acting so obsequious.
One had to admit, Ruan Nian was unexpectedly perceptive at this moment, but her perception was useless.
Next, she saw a person walk out from the back passageway, stride directly to the center seat, and sit down.
It was Gu Zhaoping.
Ruan Nian's eyes widened. It was Gu Zhaoping.
Why Gu Zhaoping?? Was she representing the Gu family to hold a press conference about Gu Zhaoye's recent affairs?
Where was Gu Zhaoye? Where had he gone?
Even if an apology was necessary, shouldn't he appear in person?
Upon seeing who had taken the stage, the reporters below erupted in waves of exclamation!
It seemed no one had expected Gu Zhaoping to be the one to step forward, yet upon second thought, it made sense. After all, Liang Zhiwei was rescued by Gu Zhaoping, and she had already delivered the keynote speech at the previous summit.
So, did this mean Gu Zhaoping had now succeeded Gu Zhaoye and was being groomed as the Gu family's heir?
Struck by disbelief, Ruan Nian stared fixedly at her. Impossible! She was just a supporting female character brought in by the system! How could Gu Zhaoping ascend to such a position while she was suffering so miserably?!
Shouldn't Gu Zhaoping be the one humiliated and contrasted against her, retreating in disgrace after being vilified online, witnessing Ruan Nian marry into the wealthy family and take control of the Gu empire? Why had everything developed in the complete opposite direction of what she imagined?
But there was more she couldn't believe.
After Gu Zhaoping walked over, the Gu family executives beside her all stood up, nodding somewhat stiffly, some even giving slight bows of courtesy.
The person next to her proactively pulled out her chair. Only after Gu Zhaoping was seated did they sit down in turn.
The hierarchy was clear, the order impeccable.
Ruan Nian stared blankly, a deep sense of injustice welling up inside her. This was exactly the life she had imagined for herself after joining the Gu family—everyone fawning over her, looking up to her, not daring to offend, constantly trying to please.
But why had Gu Zhaoping achieved this outcome?
Yet, no matter how furious she was, it had absolutely no effect on the person on the screen.
Gu Zhaoping adjusted her glasses and said, "Regarding the recent public opinion issues concerning the Gu family, we are here to provide another update to everyone who is concerned."
"I am Gu Zhaoping, the designated spokesperson for the Gu family."
The room fell silent again, broken only by the frantic clicking of camera shutters and the flashing of lights as the reporters processed the information!
Every lens competed to capture the demeanor of this female representative. She sat alone on the stage, as if rendering everyone else completely devoid of light, utterly invisible.
"The first issue. Gu Zhaoye's mistake was too significant. Within our Gu Group, we have already held a shareholders' meeting for a ruling and a revote. The final result was that over two-thirds of the shareholders agreed to remove Gu Zhaoye from his position."
This decision was announced so matter-of-factly, catching everyone off guard. They widened their eyes in disbelief.
What? Gu Zhaoye was just removed like that? Has the Gu family truly decided to abandon their eldest grandson from the main branch?
Who decided this? Who proposed it?
The torrent of anger initially directed at Gu Zhaoye hadn't even had a chance to be unleashed. After hearing this outcome right from the first statement, everyone was somewhat dumbfounded!
Although, given the nature of his actions, this might not even seem like a corresponding punishment, but perhaps because they were accustomed to the phenomenon of the powerful bullying the weak, seeing a wealthy conglomerate president actually face such a removal penalty due to public opinion was still utterly shocking!
As the crowd erupted into frantic discussion, Ruan Nian was completely stunned.
Her entire body turned cold. Gu Zhaoye was removed? How could that be? He's no longer the president?
He's the male lead! How could the male lead possibly be removed?!
But what was even more jaw-dropping was the next sentence.
Gu Zhaoping raised his head and said calmly, "Moving forward, Yuanqi Technology has been decided to be taken over by me. Subsequently, we will launch a new energy battery project in collaboration with Aurora Green Energy Group. It holds significant innovative advantages in the current market. Please stay tuned."
