The Fang parents were also taken aback. Although they had wavered slightly, they hadn't expected Fang Yining to agree so quickly.
Her recent behavior had led them to believe she was disappointed in Gu Zhaoye and had become more headstrong.
Lately, she was often not at home; sometimes they couldn't even find her when they looked. So, when Gu Zhaoye came to apologize to them, they thought the biggest obstacle would be Fang Yining's refusal.
The old couple, while furious and resentful about Gu Zhaoye's recent actions, deep down, it was more a case of frustration at his failure to meet expectations—after all, they had watched him grow up.
Spring Day
Moreover, being traditional in character, they believed that since the engagement was already set, how could they just call it off? If they were to arrange another engagement for Fang Yining with a young man from another family, it wouldn't sound good when word got out.
What if people said Fang Yining was a social climber who only shared prosperity but not adversity, who could enjoy wealth but not endure hardship, and who decided to abandon Gu Zhaoye just because he seemed to be heading for trouble? That would be terrible for a young woman's reputation.
It would also make things difficult if they tried to arrange blind dates for her later or introduce her to other eligible bachelors.
The Fang family was quite traditional. It wasn't that they didn't dote on their daughter—Fang Yining had been given the best upbringing they could provide, but this "best" was defined by conventional standards.
They gave her the finest educational resources, sending her to top schools abroad to study medicine.
Originally, Fang Yining worked overseas, but they felt sorry for her being so far from home without family support, thinking her life wouldn't be as comfortable as back in China. So, they persuaded her and called her back. Now, she was practically idle at home, supported by the Fang family.
After all, she would get married sooner or later. Being a doctor is such a busy job; wouldn't that hinder her from resting and recuperating properly?
Seeing Fang Yining's attitude soften now, they found it hard to maintain a stern stance any longer.
Having been an established wealthy family for so many years, what kind of situation hadn't they seen? Who hadn't experienced times when public opinion was against them?
They had watched Gu Zhaoye grow up and believed in his capabilities. He definitely wouldn't let himself remain in a precarious position for long.
Their biggest concern now was the issue of Gu Zhaoye being removed from his position.
The Fang parents exchanged a glance, then turned to Gu Zhaoye with some hesitation.
"In your current situation, what guarantee can you offer that you will treat Yining well?"
"The life she leads with our Fang family shouldn't be better than the one she'd have married to you. Otherwise, what's the point of her getting married?"
Gu Zhaoye was prepared for this question. Immediately perking up, he began outlining his plans.
He said this was merely the Gu Family's way of having him lay low temporarily. Once the storm passed, they would probably assign him to a position overseas or in some inconspicuous role. Having invested so many years in grooming him, they absolutely wouldn't give up on him so easily.
He was still young and had plenty of room for mistakes.
The Fang parents pondered for a while.
Finally, they said, "Zhaoye, you should go back for now. This matter is of great importance; we need more time to think it over."
A flash of joy appeared in Gu Zhaoye's eyes, but he dared not show too much, merely nodding with apparent composure. "Then, Uncle, Auntie, I'll take my leave. Regarding Yining, I will definitely demonstrate my commitment even more."
Fang Yining just wore a smile as she watched him leave, showing no other reaction, like a mannequin.
Only after Gu Zhaoye had left did the Fang parents ask Fang Yining again, "Do you truly agree to this yourself?"
"Agree? Of course I agree. I'm a love-struck fool," Fang Yining blurted out. Seeing her parents' stunned expressions, she corrected herself, "Oh, no, I mean I'm a person of steadfast will. Once my heart is set, I won't change my mind."
"Besides, Gu Zhaoye's scandal is so huge. If I cancel the engagement and get engaged to someone else later, whoever it is would be rumored to be 'taking Gu Zhaoye's leftovers.' That wouldn't sound good either. Might as well stick with Gu Zhaoye."
Her tone was full of sarcasm, but the Fang parents only found it slightly odd, not grasping much beyond that.
They were helpless. After some discussion, they finally sighed and made a decision: "Then let it be so. We'll observe first to see if he is genuinely repentant. If he doesn't contact that little starlet for a period of time, then we can tentatively believe he truly knows how to reflect."
"You're not young anymore. Once things stabilize, we can find a time to formally set the engagement and arrange the betrothal."
As they spoke, the Fang parents looked at Fang Yining with kindly eyes. "Seeing you engaged and married, our life's mission would be nearly complete. If we could even see you hold a grandchild... Hey, what are you laughing at?"
Fang Yining stifled the laugh she really couldn't hold back and said with a straight face, "Nothing. I'm just so touched by how much you both care for me. I must be filial and take good care of you, so you won't have to worry about me anymore."
Save your breath. I will absolutely not give you another chance to meddle in my marriage.
...
Gu Zhaoping paid no attention to these unexpected complications.
Even if she wanted to concern herself, there were others to handle them for her. Such matters wouldn't trouble her directly now.
What Gu Zhaoping needed to handle were the major affairs of the Gu Family.
"President Gu!"
Several people from Yuanqi Technology had been gathered together somewhat anxiously, as if waiting for someone.
When they saw Gu Zhaoping's car stop and her step out, they immediately stiffened, not daring to delay, and hurried over to surround and greet her.
By now, everyone inside and outside Yuanqi Technology clearly understood that Gu Zhaoping was their true person in power, officially recognized by the Gu Family and even publicly announced.
With Yuanqi Technology in turbulent times, she was the only one they could rely on.
They had initially thought that since the entire upper management of Yuanqi Technology previously had absolutely no close ties with Gu Zhaoping, and many were firmly in Gu Zhaoye's camp, they would be met with cold indifference from Gu Zhaoping.
Unexpectedly, unlike Gu Zhaoye in the past who would walk straight to the CEO's office without a glance, Gu Zhaoping cast a few glances around, giving those she saw a slight nod of acknowledgment.
Those who caught her eye were momentarily stunned, feeling intensely flattered.
After she passed, however, it made people even more uneasy.
What was the meaning of her attitude? Was she planning to coexist peacefully with them to weather this crisis together, or did she have other plans?
It was impossible to discern her emotions, and therefore impossible to guess her intentions.
It really is strange. Back when Gu Zhaoye was here, those under him could always clearly discern his mood.
When Gu Zhaoye was angry, they would all feel on edge; when he was in a good mood, some even dared to crack a joke or two in his presence.
But Gu Zhaoping is different. None of them understand her.
The elevator ascended floor by floor, reaching almost the very top. Assistant Little Zhao stood motionless beside her, while someone else held the elevator door open for Gu Zhaoping, using an arm to block it, somewhat eagerly gesturing for her to enter.
Their efficiency was quite impressive. In just a few short days, they had already cleared out Gu Zhaoye's belongings and prepared a brand-new CEO's office.
They had even moved Gu Zhaoye's desk to who-knows-where, replacing it with a brand-new one, even larger than the previous.
Little Zhao felt a subtle, complex sense of triumph—like "when a man gets to the top, all his friends and relations get there with him." As the most frequently seen face by the CEO's side, she knew the importance of maintaining composure, not letting her elation show no matter how great.
However, she was also eagerly anticipating the new boss immediately starting to shake things up in the company!
She remembered all too clearly the disdainful looks those people used to give their CEO. It was hard not to feel a bit of schadenfreude, waiting to see their expressions now.
After sitting down, Gu Zhaoping looked up and saw Little Zhao staring at her eagerly, her eyes brimming with barely contained expectation and excitement.
Gu Zhaoping asked amiably, "What are you looking at me for?"
Little Zhao quickly responded, "Boss, when are we planning to notify the entire company for a meeting to rally the troops and chart our future direction? I'll start preparing right away."
Taking over definitely calls for a big move. Under Little Zhao's expectant gaze, Gu Zhaoping simply smiled, looked away, and said, "There's no hurry for now."
Huh?
Little Zhao didn't know what her plan was, but she had complete faith in CEO Gu. Therefore, she showed not a hint of dissent, just nodding with an expression full of admiration. "We await your instructions."
Gu Zhaoping had her own arrangements. This matter couldn't be rushed for the time being, so she set it aside, waiting for the people at Yuanqi Tech to stir up trouble on their own.
After she took office as the CEO of Yuanqi Tech, the first familiar person to seek her out was Theodore.
He sent a video call request.
Gu Zhaoping didn't even glance at it, pushing the phone aside as she reviewed documents with someone.
The phone, set to silent, lay quietly to the side, its screen lighting up persistently, without even a vibration.
The subordinate couldn't help but be curious, but although the newly appointed CEO didn't seem particularly fierce, which of the things she had done in these past days suggested she was easy to get along with? No one dared to look too long; they finished their report and quickly excused themselves.
Theodore's call persisted silently and stubbornly for a long time, finally giving up at some unknown point.
In the end, he contacted Little Zhao, saying, "Request a video conference with CEO Gu."
Little Zhao scheduled it for half a day later.
That wasn't Little Zhao deliberately trying to stall him, but Gu Zhaoping was simply too busy; he had to wait his turn in line.
There were plenty of people trying to get an audience now. Even someone of Theodore's status couldn't enjoy the privilege of jumping the queue.
There was a time difference between the two countries. By the time Theodore finally saw Gu Zhaoping's face on the screen, it was already late at night on his side.
He usually kept regular hours, but this time he stubbornly waited until past midnight, determined to see this video conference through and see Gu Zhaoping's face before he would relent.
The background showed one of his manor properties. The night was deep, and it was already early winter, yet he sat outdoors in the darkness.
A few antique brass lamps stood beside him. He wasn't dressed casually either; it seemed he had put in some careful preparation for this call.
Gu Zhaoping looked at him leisurely. "What did you want to say?"
"First and foremost, the most important matter is regarding the bet we made previously." Theodore didn't waste words on pleasantries or congratulations.
Through his interactions with Gu Zhaoping, he had become very clear that she didn't care for such tactics and games. Since he had requested this video conference, he needed to bring up something substantial. Gu Zhaoping wasn't one to indulge in idle chit-chat during meetings.
If he had been flippant and tried to trivialize the matter, Gu Zhaoping would have hung up without hesitation.
Gu Zhaoping gave an "Mm," signaling him to continue.
How strange. Theodore rarely experienced the feeling of having the entire dynamic of a situation controlled by someone else.
Adopting the attitude one would use with a highly respected business partner, he said sincerely, "Thank you for the wager with me. It allowed me to witness a masterful maneuver."
When she discussed the bet with him, Gu Zhaoping must have already been eighty to ninety percent sure. She then swiftly enhanced her image through the summit, proved her capabilities, gathered evidence against that younger brother of hers, and prepared to make him step down.
He could almost guess Gu Zhaoping's next moves: with the sudden change in leadership, Yuanqi Tech would certainly experience some turmoil. Some might even try to profit from the chaos, or her brother's loyalists might try to muddy the waters. Gu Zhaoping just needed to seize this opportunity to firmly establish her authority within Yuanqi Tech.
Following that, by continuing her cooperation with Aurora Green Energy Group, coupled with the complete reversal of her public image and her decisive handling of the Gu Zhaoye situation, she would quickly get things on the right track.
And from beginning to end, Gu Zhaoping maintained this calm, composed demeanor, as if not a single thing had happened outside her expectations.
Even all the members of the Gu Family hadn't realized where this upheaval of changing the heir had truly originated from.
Actually, there was no particular reason.
It was simply that from the moment Gu Zhaoping appeared in this world, she was meant to stand at a higher place.
Many people wear their ambition and sharp edges on their sleeves. Theodore had met many such individuals. He appreciated them but wouldn't consider them true rivals.
But Gu Zhaoping was different. She always sparked in him a sense of curious incomprehension, and going a step further, a kind of trepidation—like dropping a stone into a well and never hearing it hit the bottom.
This was precisely Gu Zhaoping's allure.
Seeing Gu Zhaoping merely give him a slight nod before turning to serious business, Theodore showed no outward change on the surface, calmly discussing the next steps of the plan with her.
Yet, for some reason, he couldn't help but let out a soft, shallow sigh in a pause between sentences.
He knew that at this moment, it was impossible to introduce any topics with a heavier personal meaning with her.
Looking at Gu Zhaoping, all businesslike, a faint sense of powerlessness he had never anticipated quietly arose in his heart.
By the end of the discussion, Gu Zhaoping was still looking at him with that same calm expression, asking, "Is there anything else?"
Clearly, she was preparing to end this video call.
It was only then that Theodore finally said, with a sense of finality, "Wait a moment."
Then he moved the camera back slightly, revealing the place in front of him.
Only then did Gu Zhaoping see that before him was actually a dining table covered with a white tablecloth, the light coming precisely from the candlestick on the table.
On it sat a small cake, exquisitely crafted and looking quite luxurious, with a simple, smooth frosting and only a few small decorations, its craftsmanship almost artistic.
Gu Zhaoping remarked casually, "Nice cake. But is it your habit to eat this in the early hours of the morning?"
"It was originally planned for the afternoon," Theodore replied. Gu Zhaoping remembered how she had left him hanging from daytime until midnight, but she showed neither surprise nor any trace of guilt.
Theodore read her subtext and explained, "—I didn't sit here waiting all afternoon. I'm hardly likely to use such foolish behavior to portray myself as making a sacrifice, hoping to elicit your guilt. This isn't any kind of sacrifice."
"This is because I wanted to celebrate with you, Miss Gu."
Gu Zhaoping raised an eyebrow, showing a slight flicker of interest in what he said. However, before her word of thanks could be uttered, Theodore continued, "When I was inquiring about you previously, I heard that you once said you don't like celebrating birthdays, and that you prefer to treat the days of your actual achievements as your anniversaries."
"So, I apologize. While investigating your information for my brother before, I also learned your specific birthday. Unfortunately, it was yesterday, which we have already missed."
Gu Zhaoping's brow paused slightly, and she was taken aback for a moment.
The person under the gloomy sky stood straight and upright.
"But that doesn't matter," Theodore paused.
"I believe you would prefer to use the moment you assumed the presidency of Yuanqi Tech as the signal to celebrate you."
The person on the other side raised the silver tray with both hands, bringing the cake, delicate as a work of art, a little closer to the screen.
He freed one hand, his slender fingers flicking a beautiful brass-colored lighter he picked up from beside him to life.
The flame instantly cast a brilliant glow across his sculpted features.
His hand moved inward, lighting a single slender candle on the cake.
With a soft scratch, a tiny light flared.
His smile flickered into view, hidden behind the shimmering candlelight.
"Happy birthday, Miss Gu."
