Deadly Trap.

Chapter 84. Public Threat
"If Mr. Sheng is interested, I, Gu, will naturally hand over the construction bidding to him. Besides..."

After a moment, the two looked at each other; Gu Mufei's phoenix eyes were incomparably cold, which made Sheng Chunqiu momentarily dazed: he really looked like Gu Zhipei.

Sheng Chunqiu immediately became restless.

"Please allow me to offer my opinion." As if oblivious to Sheng Chunqiu's change in expression, Gu Mufeng spoke again:
"By taking over the Gu family, you were clearly taking a greater risk. Yet you could only get a mere half from Tang Quan."

Unable to contain himself, Gu Mufeng sneered.

"Besides your two daughters, President Sheng also has several illegitimate sons. He wants to use the Gu family's assets to avoid disputes between legitimate and illegitimate children. His plan is sound."

Gu Mufeng couldn't help but chuckle to himself again.

"Mr. Sheng, if you only receive half of the Gu family's share, after covering the deficit, will it still be enough for everyone? You should calculate this carefully first."

Hearing Gu Mufeng openly mock him, even bringing up the private matter of "illegitimate child," Sheng Chunqiu's palms sweated, and he clenched the envelope in his hand tightly; in an instant, he realized he had lost his composure and hastily let go.

The only exception was this matter: because of Gu Mufeng in Minzhou, he had his sons raised overseas from birth. Logically, only his wife should have known about this.

His first wife, aside from being a well-bred lady and being loyal and submissive, had no redeeming qualities in his eyes.

But how could Gu Mufeng possibly know the truth from his wife?

Sheng Chunqiu cautiously raised his eyes: Gu Mufeng, this man's tone and gaze were cold and indifferent, yet his methods were sharp and invisible. It was laughable that this powerful capitalist, who could command the wind and rain, was now like someone openly stripped naked. He dared not say another word, dared not do another thing.

Now, Sheng Chunqiu could also see that, despite their completely dissimilar facial features, Tang Quan and Gu Mufei's expressions were indeed inexplicably similar.

However, Tang Quan is ruthless and goes to extremes in everything he does. In stark contrast, Gu Mufeng always seems to leave room for maneuver.

Gu Mufeng must be too young!
"Mr. Gu is being nosy!"

Seizing the opportunity, Sheng Chunqiu immediately launched a counterattack from his advantageous position: his gaze was fixed down on Gu Mufeng as he sternly rebuked him. His palms, however, were sweating profusely.

“Illegitimate child, Mr. Gu, you should first consider your own worth.”

Sheng Chunqiu gave a disdainful snort.

"You first said you had no intention of taking care of the Gu family; yet you went on to talk about how to divide the Gu family property among yourselves. It's unclear who has the final say in this matter!"

Gu Mufeng clasped his hands together and said, "That's not difficult. It all depends on whether President Sheng wants half or all of it."

Is it all about family?

Unable to resist the temptation, Sheng Chunqiu's heart skipped a beat.

"Then Mr. Gu really thinks too highly of me." With an arrogant demeanor, Sheng Chunqiu casually poured the teacup half full, suppressing his excitement, and brought it to his lips.

But clearly, the tea had gone cold.

Disappointed, Sheng Chunqiu had no choice but to put down his teacup: "I am willing but unable."

Unexpectedly, Gu Mufeng did not refute: "In front of Tang Quan, President Sheng is powerless to do anything about it."

Sheng Chunqiu was startled. He glanced at Gu Mufeng again.

Great plan!
His passivity and negligence are not necessarily unacceptable. However, since the Sheng family has already taken the lead, it would be too easy for Gu Mufeng to bear the risks alone.

"Mr. Gu's offer is too good!" Instantly, Sheng Chunqiu's expression changed drastically.

"Does Mr. Gu intend to play dumb? Min Gang's most precious reputation doesn't rest on your shoulders! Do you think I, Sheng, can simply refute you as I please?"

Taking the opportunity, Sheng Chunqiu said with a face full of annoyance, "Since Gu and Tang have a connection from the beginning, why don't you go and talk to Mr. Tang? I won't see you out."

Having said that, Sheng Chunqiu immediately stood up, strode to the desk, and hurriedly rang the bell. Using his broad back as cover, he quickly stuffed the sweaty, crumpled envelope deep into his pocket: "Secretary Bai! Show the guest out!"

Unperturbed, Gu Mufeng remained silent. He obediently rose. Sheng Chunqiu, secretly worried, watched Gu Mufeng leisurely walk towards the door.

Sheng Chunqiu was almost able to breathe a sigh of relief.

At this moment, Gu Mufeng stopped.

"Mr. Sheng."

Just as he stopped at the wide-open doorway, connecting the office and secretariat, as if waiting for this moment, Gu Mufeng stood upright, speaking clearly:

"Tang Quan kept the matter between father and son a secret from you; but I chose to be open and honest. Isn't it simple to tell what is permissible and what is not?" His smile was straightforward.

"Mr. Gu has excellent eloquence." Sheng Chunqiu, sitting at his desk, spoke in a sarcastic tone, "His voice resounded throughout Minhang."

“President Sheng is reasonable, and I, Gu, will gladly learn from you.” Gu Mufeng said calmly.

"President Sheng, it's just a small matter."

"Oh? Mr. Gu, please enlighten me."

Although there was a heated exchange today, major issues have been resolved. Sheng Chunqiu can use Gu Mufeng as a fallback against Tang Quan, effectively controlling both sides. The situation is looking very promising.

At this moment, Sheng Chunqiu couldn't help but feel happy, and even Gu Mufeng, that brat, seemed more pleasing to the eye.

"Sheng Chunqiu, you're not allowed to lay a finger on Miss Su. Otherwise, you'll regret it."

With a half-smile, Gu Mufeng's eyes held a sharp edge, aimed straight at Sheng Chunqiu's throat.

He moved quickly in and out, then directly threatened, "Did you hear me?"

Sheng Chunqiu was horrified.

He left subtle room for interpretation in his words; and it was precisely this room that allowed Gu Mufeng to easily lead others to become complacent and fall into his trap.

At some point, Sheng Chunqiu almost forgot who this civilized and handsome young man in front of him was.

"President Sheng." Gu Mufeng's eyes widened in surprise.

"...I heard you clearly."

“Then,” Gu Mufeng said with a slight wave of his hand, his tone as relaxed as could be, before turning to a suggestive deep smile, “You’d better do as I say. See you later, Mr. Sheng.”

A hazy, gray rain and mist blanketed the city. Skyscrapers stood shoulder to shoulder, barely slivering a sliver of sky; beneath the Shengshi Liyong Building, the Minpu Avenue bustled with traffic.

Compared to the city, people seem like mere ants following a set routine.

At this time, office buildings were in their lunch break, and the sidewalks were crowded with people. The suits and uniforms worn by the people were similar, but the umbrellas they carried were varied and colorful.

Weaving through the umbrellas and crowds, even with her large black umbrella towering over him, Welsh appeared unremarkable.

He followed closely behind Gu Mufeng.

Just two streets away from Shengshi Liyong, Gu Mufeng was on his way to a meeting at Minzhou Bank, and he also had an appointment with the municipal government that afternoon.

The journey wasn't far. It was a rare sight to behold, and Gu Mufeng was in a truly good mood: even the bleak winter rain was a delightful scene in his eyes.

From his pocket, Gu Mufeng pulled out his recently purchased cell phone. Without even memorizing it, he carefully dialed the number.

"Su Li".

The street was noisy, and his voice was very soft; but Welsh could hear the sudden gentleness in the Boss's tone: "How did the design exhibition go?"

Although they were separated by half a city, Su Li answered in a soft, fragmented manner. Even through the phone, her lively tone was evident on Gu Mufeng's face.

He listened as he walked, a smile playing on his lips: "Hmm. It's settled."

As they spoke, they crossed the intersection. The pedestrian light was flashing white, and the crowd surged and crisscrossed. Welsh cautiously watched both sides of the road.

"Don't worry. Welsh is with you. Hmm? About the Sheng family's illegitimate child?"

Gu Mufeng smiled slyly: "Thanks to you, you've been a great help."

"When you play cards with Mrs. Sheng, you become more and more adept at listening to information; you deliberately lose money to me like water, but you keep an eye on how to win back the wives."

"With your strong desire for revenge, shouldn't I thank you for letting me go and showing mercy back then?"

Welsh was secretly surprised. Not only were his words unusually witty, but Gu Mufeng's face also showed a sincere and genuine smile.

"That's certainly a compliment."

By this time, they had reached the area between Minzhou Bank and the convention center. The magnificent buildings flanked them, leaving a small but perfectly sized riverside viewing platform.

It was a rainy day, and the viewing platform was deserted. As you climb the steps, a vast river view suddenly unfolds. Right across the river, seemingly within reach, Pear Island pierces the mist like a flagship. This instantly brightens the rain-soaked landscape.

Ruan Ruan lowered her head, and Gu Mufei spoke again: "Su Li—"

A "chi" sound.

Welsh immediately raised his hand. The black umbrella shielded him, creating a burst of water. A long gash appeared on the umbrella's surface instantly. As the umbrella fell, Welsh's right hand precisely caught the blade that was thrust at him. Blood mingled with the rain, streaming down his wrist.

"Hey, isn't this Welsh, who used to be in the top three on the Dark List? Couldn't make a living as an assassin, so you became a babysitter?"

The voice slipped out from between his lips and teeth, as sticky as a leech, carrying an inherent cruel manipulation.

Gu Mufeng had already ended the call. The switchblade in his sleeve revealed its sharpness. The man's throat was clearly being pressed against the blade, but he let out a few low, hissing laughs, like fingernails scraping against copperplate paper.

Gu Mufeng's blood was surging.

The intense memories of the burning flames and dripping blood that flooded back on the night his sister died. His wrist trembled as he forcefully suppressed his fierce killing intent.

Butcher. The murderer of her sister.

"Oh dear. I've heard about it." Despite being nearly fatally wounded by a blade, with blood streaming down his face, this top assassin of Minzhou remained completely unconcerned, casually glancing at Gu Mufeng.

"Under my blade, there was actually a brat who managed to keep his head."

Like a thin knife, Butcher's gaze swept across Gu Mufeng's collar. Deep red gums were revealed through Gu Mufeng's thin, cracked lips. An unusual flush instantly rose on Butcher's gaunt face.

His smile tightened, and his handsome features suddenly turned menacing: "That won't do. I'm an 'expert.' How can there be a head I can't cut off? What would people say if word got out?"

Like savoring a delicacy, Butcher stared intently at Gu Mufeng's neck, his tongue carefully tracing over his teeth:

"When are you going to give it back to me? This, beautiful head?"

His pupils were fully dilated, and Butcher's face was filled with a morbid fanaticism.

"listen."

Beneath the lapis lazuli tie, the scar on Gu Mufeng's neck throbbed with an unusual pain. But as he slowly pressed forward, he was now inches from those completely crazed eyes.

The winter rain pattered down, its fine threads brushing against Gu Mufeng's pale face beneath his golden hair: "I have no interest in you. I will only speak with Tang Quan personally."

"Oh?"

The voice rang out, and Gu Mufeng's soul trembled.

"What a coincidence." Tang Quan strolled down the steps of the observation deck in the rain, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I'm in the mood to listen attentively."

>>>>>
Next Chapter: Father and Son's Empire
[Author's Note | Chapter 84]

Sheng Chunqiu had painstakingly cultivated his power for many years, only to have it so easily manipulated by Gu Mufeng.

Regarding the Gu family's inheritance, what choice will Sheng Chunqiu make between "half" and "all"?
Gu Mufeng never threatened anyone lightly. But this time, in front of the entire office, he did threaten them. Sheng Chunqiu instantly understood the ferocity behind "You'll regret this"...

Butcher drew his blade, and Tang Quan officially arrived. Gu Mufeng's vengeful blade was ultimately aimed at his final opponent.

If Su Li knew...

In the comments section, guess why Tang Quan approached Gu Mufei? And how will Gu Mufei respond?

The next chapter will feature a shrewd young lady and her ruthless gangster, along with her parents' love story (definitely not!).

Adding your favorites, following updates, and voting will help the author write even better!
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(End of this chapter)