I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

Meanwhile, at the high-level meeting, the projection screen displayed the Gu Group's annual investment financial report, with densely packed numbers that made people dizzy.

The executives around the long conference table sat upright, even their breathing became slightly softer.

This newly returned CEO, Mr. Gu, has an incredibly imposing presence.

Gu Yan's fingertips were pressed against the phone screen, his gaze fixed on the light "Oh," his Adam's apple bobbed almost imperceptibly, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

That smile vanished in an instant, but it was enough to send another layer of cold sweat down the back of the investment director across the table.

He casually placed his phone face down on the smooth mahogany table, crossed his long, slender fingers in front of him, and said in a deep voice, "Continue."

The investment director wiped the sweat from his brow, his hand trembling as he gripped the laser pointer, and stammered as he reported on the losses of the overseas subsidiaries.

With each sentence he spoke, he would secretly glance at Gu Yan's expression.

They knew that this young CEO Gu, the future heir of the Gu family, was a ruthless character, even though he didn't often appear at the company.

Just as the investment director was hesitating about whether to skip the worst-looking loss data, a bell rang in the silent conference room.

The investment director was terrified and instinctively checked his phone. Luckily, it was on silent mode.

The executives at the table all lowered their heads, wishing they could shrink themselves into nothingness.

I thought to myself: It's over, this is completely over.

However, the expected thunderous fury did not materialize.

All they heard was a soft "click," the sound of a phone unlocking.

Then, they saw that the usually cold-faced CEO Gu pick up his phone again in full view of everyone.

He lowered his eyes, his gaze fixed on the screen. He seemed to see something, and his previously icy expression softened once more, a faint smile even appearing on his lips.

The investment director stood there, stunned, and forgot to say a word.

Gu Yan glanced at him, his expression calm but much gentler than his previous coldness: "Finish what you've said."

The investment director snapped out of his daze, quickly swallowed, and stammered through the rest of his explanation. Then, with a death wish, he awaited Gu Yan's rebuttal.

The meeting room was silent for a full half minute.

Just when everyone's hearts were in their throats, Gu Yan finally spoke, his voice still low and deep, "I hope next time, you won't give me something like this."

As soon as he finished speaking, he didn't look at the people at the table again. He stood up, took a long stride, and left the conference room with a clean arc in the hem of his black suit.

Only after the heavy conference room door closed did everyone breathe a sigh of relief; their shirts were already soaked with cold sweat.

The investment director slumped in his chair, muttering to himself, "Just now... Mr. Gu was smiling, wasn't he?"

The assistant beside him nodded hesitantly, "I guess so."

Recalling what had just happened, the investment director secretly rejoiced: Who was this person who saved my life? If I ever see her, I must kowtow to her three times!

On the other side, Gu Yan had just stepped out of the conference room when he took out his phone and made a call. His tone was no longer as cold as before, but rather more nonchalant:

"Dad, you can come to the meeting yourself next time."

A booming voice came from the other end of the phone: "You brat, you're already unhappy after I, your old man, held one meeting?"

"No time," Gu Yanjian said curtly.

"Hmph," Gu Danchen scoffed, "What do you mean you don't have time? I think your mind is elsewhere."

Gu Yan leaned against the elevator wall, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the screen of his phone, a faint smile playing on his lips: "You found out again?"

"How come I didn't know?"

Gu Danchen's tone was full of understanding.

"It's because of that girl Nuonuo, isn't it? Everyone in the industry knows about the incident where someone threw dirty water at her. I wanted to step in and resolve it, but your Uncle Shu wouldn't let me, saying that this girl should learn a lesson from this."

The Gu and Shu families have been close friends since childhood.

Gu Danchen had watched Shu Zi grow up and had long regarded this girl as half a daughter-in-law. He was unhappy to learn that she was being bullied by an artist favored by the company.

If Gu Yan were to make a move, that would suit his purposes perfectly.

"bite--"

When the elevator reached the first floor, Gu Yan remained silent, stepped out, and his secretary quickly followed to report on the upcoming schedule.

"I know what you're thinking even if you don't say it."

Gu Danchen's tone softened on the other end of the phone, "Nuonuo is an honest child with a strong personality. The entertainment industry is a mixed bag, and she's likely to suffer losses there."

"If you're going to help her, then help her to the end. Don't let her be manipulated by others anymore."

He paused, then added, "By the way, next time I bring my daughter home for dinner, I'll have the kitchen make her favorite sweet and sour pork ribs."

"Understood," Gu Yan replied.

After hanging up the phone, Gu Yanzhi got into the car, tapped his phone screen to bring up a contact, paused for a moment, and sent a message: Check Tomato Media.

A few seconds later, the other party replied with a "Received" emoji.

He put down his phone, looked at the street scene flashing past the window, and his eyes gradually darkened.

Tomato Media doesn't have a strong financial backing, yet it always likes to do some underhanded things.

Fang Yutong's ability to wield absolute power in the company is simply due to the favoritism of higher-ups and her somewhat shady connections.

"I want to contact the director of 'For You I'm Moved' and ask him to participate."

"Huh?" Wu Qiwei, who was in the passenger seat, turned around. He was Gu Yan's secretary and agent.

"That's a dating reality show. With your current status, there's absolutely no need for you to participate. Besides, Director Liu from 'For Your Heart's Desire' has already called me, and I politely declined..."

Wu Qiwei was chattering away in front of him.

Gu Yan closed his eyes and pretended to sleep, ignoring him.

Wu Qiwei: ...A cold and aloof boss, a wicked capitalist.

*

Today, Shu Zi wore a light apricot-colored knitted cardigan, with a beige camisole adorned with pearl buttons underneath, paired with high-waisted denim shorts. She wore light makeup, and her thick, long, straight black hair was casually draped over her shoulders, exuding a lazy and carefree vibe.

She stepped on the gas and soon arrived at a private dessert shop.

"My dear lady, we've been waiting for you!"

A girl in a strawberry pink knitted pinafore dress waved at Shuzi, the hem of her dress swaying slightly, like a soft and fragrant little cake.

There was also a caramel macchiato next to her, which was Shuzi's favorite flavor.

Shu Zi walked over, kicked off her shoes, and curled up in the soft sofa:

"I'm finally out! If I hadn't come out for some fresh air, I was afraid Sister Wen would have scolded me until I exploded on the spot."

She picked up her teacup and took a sip. The sweet caramel mixed with the rich milky aroma spread across her tongue, and the irritability of the past two days finally dissipated a bit.

Seeing her actions, Fang Ran joked, "Big star, not controlling your sugar intake anymore?"

Shu Zi said earnestly, "Live in the moment."

She muttered to herself: What's the point of controlling it? Wen-jie isn't here anyway.

"By the way, where is Qiaoqiao?" Shuzi turned her head and looked around.

"I'm stuck with that guy," Fang Ran shrugged helplessly, her tone tinged with a hint of teasing.

Shu Zi clicked her tongue twice, "As expected..."

"Don't talk about her yet, what about you?" Fang Ran suddenly leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with gossip.