Chapter 55: Daughter-in-law

Liang Shu shook her head, "Not yet."

She didn't seem to be lying. Qian Hui's lips curled slightly, and her gaze turned cold. "Isn't your sugar daddy helping you pay it off?"

"The richer someone is, the stingier they are. With so much money, no one wants to help me pay it off."

Qian Hui tapped her fingers on her knee, looking at Liang Shu seriously. "Didn't you hook up with Gu Hansheng before? He's wealthy and powerful. How come you blew it?"

Liang Shu absentmindedly stirred her coffee with the spoon, "Qian Hui, do you know why Mr. Gu saved me last time?"

"Why?" Qian Hui's expression wasn't pleasant, but her tone remained unchanged. "When you were injured last time, he appeared at Yulou Chun as if he came specifically for you, and he seemed quite nervous."

Liang Shu clicked her tongue twice and then casually said, "Naturally, he had to be nervous."

"Because Mr. Gu has a soft spot for someone, he's seriously ill. I'm the woman whose blood can save him. Last time I was injured and bled so much, naturally, he felt heartache."

Qian Hui half-believed what she said, but she was aware of Liang Shu's panda blood.

"If that's the case, why not take advantage of the situation and climb up the high branch that is him?"

Liang Shu leaned back lazily, "How could I? So, do you have any other business today for inviting me out?"

Qian Hui shook her head, "No, it's been a while since we last met. I just wanted to check on you."

"Well, I have to go now. I have things to do."

"Okay."

Liang Shu left with her bag.

Shortly after, Qian Hui saw through the floor-to-ceiling window that the man who had been sitting in the car got out and respectfully opened the car door for Liang Shu. Liang Shu got into the car, and it drove away, disappearing from Qian Hui's sight.

Things had indeed changed.

Qian Hui made a phone call, her eyes showing a hint of coldness, "You asked me to introduce you, right?"

On the other end of the line, something was said, and Qian Hui narrowed her eyes and smiled, "Alright, I'll trouble you with that."

...

Recently, Zhi Zhen Group was competing with a mid-tier real estate developer for a piece of commercial land. The other party couldn't compete with the strength of Gu's family, so they took a crooked path.

The key to this crooked path was the city government.

Ultimately, the decision for this piece of land was in the hands of the municipal government.

Initially, Gu Hansheng didn't pay much attention to it. Gu's family didn't really need this piece of land, and if the other party had a better attitude, they could have given it to them.

But unfortunately, they refused to take the friendly gesture and even made big words in front of Gu's family. Moreover, they secretly contacted high-ranking officials in the municipal government.

Upon learning of this, Ji Chen reported it to Gu Hansheng.

After signing the last document with a sharp pen, Gu Hansheng threw the pen aside. The sharp tip of the pen drew a strong stroke on the paper. He then said, "We can't tolerate this kind of behavior. Find out who is providing them with convenience in the city government."

Ji Chen's thoughts were in line with Gu Hansheng's. They had already sent people to investigate, which took quite a bit of effort, but they managed to dig up the backgrounds of those people.

He placed the documents in front of Gu Hansheng. "This person, surnamed Su, in his mid-thirties, was recently promoted to become an assistant in Yucheng City. With the increase in power, he now holds considerable authority. With the upcoming change of leadership next year, the position of the council speaker is basically his."

The man sitting in the large chair flipped through the papers in front of him, closed the document, and clasped his hands together on top of it. "To reach this position at this age, he must have some ability."

Ji Chen continued, "The political landscape changes rapidly. Su Qiping relied on his father-in-law to get ahead in the past. Later, he developed his own network of connections, and now even his father-in-law relies on him. And our competitor has found Su Qiping, hoping he can help them."

"Su Qiping is not like some people who like to hoard wealth. He has quite a few other industries behind the scenes and isn't short of money. But there's one thing in particular— he's keeping a woman behind his wife's back."

The wife of this special assistant to the council speaker, Su Qiping, was known for being shrewd and jealous.

On Gu Hansheng's side, they had arranged meetings twice, but the other party had no time both times.

...

One noon, Gu Hansheng had a business luncheon, and after it ended, there was unusually good weather, so the afternoon plan was for golf.

Several cars drove together to the next destination. Along the way, Ji Chen suddenly received an invitation from Mrs. Su.

Covering the receiver with his hand, Ji Chen turned back to look at the man sitting in the back seat. With a questioning look, he showed him the phone. Gu Hansheng's dark eyes looked at the phone in Ji Chen's hand, with a hint of indifference in his expression. A faint, chilly smile appeared on his handsome face, then he nodded.

The black convoy deviated from the main group midway, heading towards the Imperial City Club.

On the way, Gu Hansheng received a call from Liang Shu.

She asked him, "Mr. Gu, are you coming back for dinner tonight?"

"Why?" 

He was waiting for her to explain herself.

She hesitated for a moment before saying, "Aren't I Mrs. Gu now? Since I was discharged from the hospital, I've been dutifully fulfilling Mrs. Gu's duties, as you know."

Her voice was soft and melodious, with a hint of teasing at the end.

Gu Hansheng raised the corner of his lips slightly, his tone warm and gentle. "Mrs. Gu's duties?"

"Evidence is all on me. You can't deny it. You toss and turn with me every night. Be careful, your body can't handle it?"

The man's fingers on his knee moved slightly. There was a smile in his deep black eyes, different from the one before. "So you called specifically to care about my health?"

Liang Shu paused for two seconds before saying, "...Not really, I'm here to remind you. Shouldn't you also fulfill Mr. Gu's duties?"

"What?"

"Those underworld bosses called to demand payment, one by one looking fierce and menacing. You've seen them before. Last time, I almost lost a finger. There's no reason for me to be threatened by them again..."

The man's thin lips curved slightly. "Then don't be threatened by them."

"Are you coming back for dinner tonight? I'll ask the chef to teach me how to cook two dishes you like."

Gu Hansheng thought for a moment. "Alright."

She hung up the phone with an unusually cheerful tone.

Ji Chen looked sharply at Gu Hansheng as he put away his phone. His normally gentle mood returned to its usual state.

What was Gu Hansheng's usual demeanor like among those in the circle?

His face never lacked a smile, but it never reached his eyes.

Regardless of friend or foe, he could maintain the perfect arc of his lips, and no one could see through him.

Ji Chen once used a phrase to describe Gu Hansheng: "In the midst of laughter, the sails and oars disappear into the mist."

His smile was Gu Hansheng's mask, and few had seen him take it off.

But Ji Chen had seen it.

He seemed to emerge from the depths of hell, intent on ensnaring all of humanity and dragging them down into the abyss.

Ji Chen never thought he could guess even a fraction of Gu Hansheng's thoughts, especially when it came to Liang Shu.

Even Ji Chen, as his assistant, used to think that this woman's methods were too lowly, but what about later?

Later, she became the most prestigious Mrs. Gu in Yucheng.

What impact does marriage have on a man?

There are many discussions about this online.

In Ji Chen's eyes, Mr. Gu changed, but also didn't change.

He still worked intensely, but occasionally he would show a different expression when dealing with others, albeit rarely.

Being in a high position, Ji Chen couldn't deny that Gu Hansheng was lonely.

Previously, Shi Qing would often tell him privately that besides the woman at the villa in Yushan, she had never seen Mr. Gu express normal emotions. This boss had ingrained "restraint" into his bones. If that woman didn't wake up, Gu Hansheng probably wouldn't experience the word "happiness" in his lifetime.

But Shi Qing didn't guess that, under circumstances that no one expected, Gu Hansheng married such a woman.

...

Imperial City Club.

Mrs. Su, with her nails painted bright red, dropped an ice cube into her drink with her fingers. The curve of her full lips exuded a mature charm.

Gu Hansheng glanced at her indifferently and spoke calmly, "It's freezing cold today, Mrs. Su, take it easy. Your health is important."

She paused, her gaze towards Gu Hansheng unusually alluring, but she didn't heed his words. Instead, she dropped another ice cube into her glass, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Gu. The previous two times, it wasn't that I didn't see you, it's just that at this crucial time for Qiping, I not only avoided seeing you, but also avoided seeing others."

With that, she slowly swirled the drink in her glass.

Gu Hansheng remained nonchalant, "With the upcoming change of leadership next year, it's necessary to be cautious. After all, a slight misstep could be seized upon by someone with ill intentions, and that wouldn't just affect your future."

Mrs. Su continued to smile, saying nothing.

They didn't use a private room in the club, instead opting for a secluded spot in the lobby. Gu Hansheng had Ji Chen watching over him, while Mrs. Su had her driver nearby. Everything was open and straightforward.

Mrs. Su is still unaware that Mr. Gu has already begun to lay a trap with a single sentence. He crossed his legs and shifted his sitting posture slightly, "Mrs. Su has been putting so much effort into paving the way for her husband. She should also appreciate the support from the Su City leadership."

Upon hearing this, Ms. Ye's face remained as if masked, not even the fine lines at the corners of her eyes altered as she smiled, "Mr. Gu, I must confess I find your words somewhat perplexing."

Mr. Gu looked at her, "Allow me to rephrase then. Your husband seems indifferent to his upcoming tenure at Su City. Yet here you are, as his devoted wife, tirelessly involved in this matter, fearing any potential repercussions on Su City's behalf. You seem unable to avoid entanglements."

The surroundings remained relatively quiet, thus Mr. Gu's words resonated with Ms. Ye's mind.

Her hands, clasped silently on her knees, tightened. Her face, adorned with makeup, appeared somewhat eerie in the dim environment. She replied, "Do you think I am unaware of whether he is indifferent or not? If such matters require external pointing out, then perhaps my role as the wife of the city official is inadequate?"

Ms. Ye maintained a semblance of composure outwardly. Even if there were things she didn't know about Mr. Su Qiping's actions, they were both tied to the same string, sharing the same purse. Regardless of anything, it was not for outsiders to judge.

Mr. Gu leaned slightly forward, and Ji Chen timely handed over an envelope. Mr. Gu accepted it and placed it in front of her, "Mr. Su carries himself discreetly. What's inside this envelope has cost me, Mr. Gu, considerable effort."

Before her lay a yellowish A5-sized envelope made of fine cowhide, thin and weightless in her hand.

She hesitated for a moment, glanced at Mr. Gu, and then slowly tore it open in his presence.

Inside was a photograph of her husband, Su Qiping, with another woman.

Clutching the photo tightly, Ms. Ye looked at the man sitting across from her, his demeanor unchanged, his lips maintaining a serene curve. "Mr. Gu, what is the meaning of this?"

Mr. Gu's expression remained unchanged, his lips retaining their gentle arc, "Mr. and Mrs. Su are renowned for their affectionate relationship in the political circle. Engrossed in such sweetened words and admiration, you naturally fail to comprehend the true nature of Mr. Su. So, I don't mind assisting Mrs. Su in understanding."

In the political realm of Yucheng, Ms. Ye and Su Qiping were exemplary spouses. Ms. Ye possessed a strong possessiveness. In public occasions, as long as she and Su Qiping were present together, she would invariably display the demeanor of a devoted wife. Su Qiping also particularly indulged her, to the extent of spoiling her.

Once, Ms. Ye had lost her manners in front of everyone, almost causing Su Qiping to lose his official position. But what happened later?

Su Qiping continued to dote on her.

This Mrs. Su, too shrewd for her own good, blinded by love, was unable to see certain things clearly.

Su Qiping deliberately spun a web of affection, enveloping her, blinding her eyes.

And now, Mr. Gu was not beating around the bush with her; he was dragging her out of this web in a manner almost cruel. Outside, thorns grew rampant, scratching her body until it bled.

Mr. Gu didn't spare her, continuing in his calm and unhurried manner, "Mr. Su's image is impeccable, free from corruption. Obtaining a photograph of him isn't easy, especially one so candid and clear. Mrs. Su should be grateful to me."

He mentioned that the photo was candid and clear. But how candid and clear was it really?

Upon seeing the photo, Ms. Ye clenched it tightly in her hand. Su Qiping and the woman were engaged in that act, his face was crystal clear, even the expression upon reaching the climax was particularly vivid, in such high definition that the flush on his cheekbones was visible.

That was the state when male hormones surged.

Su Qiping was in his prime, perfect in every aspect. In terms of age, he outshone others in the political arena; in terms of looks, he surpassed the average man; in terms of physique, amidst the gluttonous aristocrats, he stood out as exceptionally excellent.

Often, Ms. Ye felt it wasn't that her possessiveness was too strong, or that she was prone to jealousy, but rather that Su Qiping spoiled her enough.

Once, she even indiscriminately slapped a female colleague beside him, thinking the woman was his mistress. After hitting her, she realized, even she found her actions unreasonable.

But how did Su Qiping react at the time?

He simply looked apologetic at his colleague, then took her hand, speaking gently, "Lanlan, aren't you afraid of hurting your hand?"

Only after soothing her did Su Qiping apologize to the female colleague.

After that incident, Ms. Ye rarely dwelled on such thoughts.

She knew what kind of person her husband was, but now, someone had delivered a harsh reality check to her, claiming that the man who had always loved and spoiled her was cheating.

How could she accept it?

But faced with the undeniable truth, she had to admit it.

She tossed the photo onto the low table and looked at Mr. Gu, "What is your purpose?"

The man, nonchalant, wore a smile as if he were not the one who handed her the photo, "It all depends on what Mrs. Su decides to do."

Ms. Ye glanced at the photo, then closed her eyes, her nails deeply embedded in her palms, "Who is this woman in the photo?"

"Information is exchanged for leverage. What does Mrs. Su think?"

"What do you want from me? I may not interfere in his work matters, and you might not get the answers from me."

Mr. Gu chuckled, "Simple. Gu's just needs a piece of land for a municipal project."

Ms. Ye had heard occasional rumors about this piece of land. With Gu's capabilities, acquiring it would be no issue.

In a certain sense, this piece of land belonged to Su Qiping's jurisdiction. The other company, in terms of strength and background, was inferior to Gu's. Yet Su Qiping seemed inclined to allocate the land to that company.

The reasons behind it were unclear to Ms. Ye.

She pursed her lips, her face no longer as composed as before, "I don't know about this matter, and I cannot change his thoughts. Presumably, you are well aware that our Ye family also needs to rely on him now."

Before she could finish her sentence, the man across from her sneered, "Have you carefully observed Su Qiping's expression in the photo? Have you ever seen that extreme sensation in bed? Since you haven't seen it now, he won't change his mind in the future either. Once unfaithful, always unreliable. I believe Mrs. Su can understand this principle without me needing to elaborate further."

Ms. Ye stared at him.

The next moment, Mr. Gu stood up directly. His assistant, Ji Chen, promptly handed him a warm towel. Mr. Gu wiped his hands and then tossed the towel into the trash.

He regarded Ye Lan with a slight, mildly resolute curve of his thin lips. "I hope Mrs. Su can make a decision soon. Mr. Gu has always been a man of smiles, but I am least inclined to wait for others."

...

Leaving the Imperial Club, Gu Hansheng glanced at his wristwatch. It was three o'clock in the afternoon.

Liang Shu was cooking tonight. He was curious about what she would prepare, so he decided to head back and see.

The black silhouette began its journey towards Mansion Zero.

On the way, Gu Hansheng received a call from his grandmother at the Gu Mansion.

"Gu Hansheng, how long has it been since you came back? You're truly an unfilial child."

Gu Hansheng lowered his head to look at his long, clean left hand, feeling as if something was missing. He smiled gently, without a hint of apology in his tone. "The unfilial child you speak of is diligently earning money to support you in your old age."

"Don't use money as an excuse to fool me. Can the Gu family collapse if you don't go to the company for a day? Instead of wasting time, you'd better find a wife for yourself sooner. None of the ones I introduced to you were satisfactory. I'm getting old; I don't have time to wait for you."

Wen Mingting was also straightforward when complaining.

Gu Hansheng thought for a moment, intending to say something she'd like to hear, but she interrupted him, "Jing Yu called me. He's about to get engaged. What about you, Hansheng? And where did you put the gift he brought for me?"

The gift...

Ah, the gift for Wen Mingting was left at Mansion Zero.

Now it was a little after three in the afternoon. Returning to Mansion Zero and getting Liang Shu ready to go to the Gu Mansion would be just about dinner time.

Thinking of this, a smile couldn't help but appear on Gu Hansheng's face. He smiled and said, "Then we'll come back for dinner. Does that sound good to you?"

"Okay."

Gu Hansheng was about to hang up the phone when he heard Wen Mingting sounding somewhat surprised on the other end, "Who are you with?"

"Your daughter-in-law."

Informing Wen Mingting in this manner was not Gu Hansheng's intention. Marriage matters should have been notified to parents first, but he had gone against the norm by getting married to Liang Shu without informing her.

Now, telling the old lady in such a sudden manner was doubly disrespectful.

Well, well, the old lady could handle it.

...

Playing golf with a certain business partner in the afternoon was a task that Gu Hansheng had assigned to his female secretary, Shi Qing, when he was unavailable.

It was well-known that although Shi Qing and Ji Chen were Gu Hansheng's secretary and assistant, their positions in the Gu Group even surpassed that of the various shareholders and directors. In a sense, they represented Gu Hansheng himself.

So Shi Qing playing golf with a business partner in the afternoon was also a face-saving measure for Gu Hansheng.

However, Shi Qing was only a secretary, meticulous in her work, and adept at leveraging her minimal efforts for maximum results.

Playing golf was just playing golf; not a word about any work-related matters.

Two construction industry bosses couldn't extract any information, so they smoothly shifted the conversation to Gu Hansheng. "Miss Shi, Mr. Gu suddenly changed his schedule halfway through. Is there something important he has to attend to? We heard that Mr. Gu was coming to play golf today, and the famous star, Ruan Yunyun, specially rushed over just to see Mr. Gu."

Shi Qing was tired, handing the club to someone nearby and taking the towel to wipe her hands. She thought to herself, she had already kept quiet about business matters. If she didn't say a few words now, it probably wouldn't go down well.

So she said, "What other private matter could there be? There's someone important on his mind, and he must go meet them. As you know, Mr. Gu has always been generous towards them..." As she spoke, they happened to reach the rest area. She smiled warmly at Ruan Yunyun nearby, "It's difficult for Miss Ruan to make a special trip. It's us who are eager for you to endorse Zhenxin Group again. Where..."

Clearly, Ruan Yunyun wasn't here just to play golf today. She was wearing a figure-flattering dress, high heels, delicate makeup, and had a long down coat draped over her outside.

Seeing Shi Qing approach, she immediately stood up eagerly and approached, "Isn't Mr. Gu coming today?"

The other two bosses also looked expectantly at Shi Qing for her answer.

Shi Qing smiled faintly, "Hard to say."

Failing to elicit a response, the two bosses lost interest. Both were prominent figures in their respective industries; it wouldn't be right to have a dull conversation in front of a secretary.

Since this business wasn't going anywhere at the moment, there must be other business to discuss.

Shi Qing went with them, finding a place to rest on her own.

Ruan Yunyun sat next to Shi Qing, speaking straightforwardly, "I just saw him at the Gu Group the other night. Later, Mr. Gu personally called to arrange to meet here today. Why..."

Having been with Gu Hansheng for a long time, Shi Qing was familiar with many of his habits. When he was impatient, he wouldn't show it on his face but would subtly rub his thumb against his middle and ring fingers. Over time, she had picked up on this habit occasionally.

"Miss Ruan, it's just because of the scandal with Mr. Gu before. The scandal disappeared overnight, and Mr. Gu must have made it clear to you. I think what he means is he hopes you can be a bit self-aware."

Shi Qing's speech was always sharp, but that was based on a clear understanding of Gu Hansheng's intentions.

Suppose Mr. Gu were here now and said anything supportive of Ruan Yunyun. In that case, Shi Qing could easily change her stance without hesitation and wouldn't mind saying anything flattering to Ruan Yunyun.

Ruan Yunyun felt embarrassed for a moment, gripping the teacup tightly, her fingernails turning white.

Shi Qing saw this but showed no change in expression.

"Miss Shi, if Mr. Gu isn't coming today, you can find another celebrity for endorsements. Also, I heard that the new real estate project launched by Yuxin Group is very interested in the great achievements of the two bosses in the construction field."

Shi Qing narrowed her eyes, looking up—

On the lawn, a man with outstanding appearance and temperament was basking in the golden sunlight, wearing a navy blue suit, looking somewhat out of place but exceptionally eye-catching. He was nodding and shaking hands with several golfers, though there was no smile on his face.

This was Lu Jinsheng, the person in charge of the Lu-Yuxin Group.

Almost as outstanding as Gu Hansheng, if not more so.

Shi Qing had a habit of browsing entertainment news. Once, she had come across someone describing Lu Jinsheng as the "cold beauty of the financial world."

Lu Jinsheng must have gone to the changing room. Ruan Yunyun glanced back at Shi Qing with half a smug look.

Shi Qing thought, if the boss didn't come today, she might mess things up.