“Mr. Chen, we’ve found the person. The investigation report has been sent to your email. Please check it.”
Chen Wenyuan replied, “Thank you for your hard work.”
The head of the private detective agency assured him, “Rest assured, Mr. Gu has a connection with our boss. We’ll keep everything confidential.”
Chen Wenyuan expressed gratitude, “Thank you. The final payment will be transferred to your account shortly. It’s been a pleasant collaboration.”
The agency head responded, “Likewise.”
After hanging up, Chen Wenyuan opened his email and clicked on the attachment. When he saw the photo, his expression turned to one of surprise.
Was it him?
In the VIP ward.
Chen Wenyuan said, “Sir, we’ve located the Qiao family.”
He handed over a paper report.
Gu Chenyan accepted it and opened it.
When he saw the photos inside, his fingers paused slightly, and he looked up at Chen Wenyuan.
Chen Wenyuan understood instantly. “I personally went to his family to confirm. Qiao Shu is indeed a member of the Qiao family. Now, he’s the only one left in the Qiao family, and there’s nothing wrong with him.”
He added, “As for Gu Yan’s side, we haven’t found anything on him yet.”
Gu Chenyan nodded.
He flipped through the investigation report page by page, then set it aside, lost in thought.
His slender fingers tapped the wheelchair handle.
After a moment, Gu Chenyan said, “Let Secretary Wu contact him.”
Chen Wenyuan replied, “Understood, sir.”
Gu Chenyan continued, “Stir up some trouble for Gu Yan.”
Chen Wenyuan assured him, “Certainly, sir. Rest assured, we won’t let Gu Yan’s people find Young Master Qiao.”
…
As the filming neared its end, Qiao Shu still had some promotional events to attend after the wrap. He arranged to meet with Secretary Wu in five days.
In the final scene, the young police officer chases the main villain alongside the captain. Unexpectedly, they fell into an ambush. At the critical moment, the young officer took a fatal bullet meant for the captain.
Director Zhu called out, “Action!”
Qiao Shu’s eyes widened. The bullet was fast, and the captain, who was being held back, couldn’t protect him.
The captain couldn’t die!
Not having time to think, Qiao Shu instinctively rushed forward, attempting to shield the captain, but he was still too slow.
The bullet pierced through his heart.
Blood spilled out, and Qiao Shu looked at his chest in disbelief. Finally, a relieved smile appeared on his face. “It was worth it.”
Director Zhu called out, “Cut!”
“Perfect!”
Qiao Shu quickly climbed off Chu Chisheng, leaping three steps away from him. Then he bowed to everyone. “Thank you all for your hard work.”
Chu Chisheng, who had been avoided like a snake, remained silent.
Jiang Jiayu excitedly rushed over and hugged Qiao Shu. “Ah! Qiao Qiao! You’ve finished filming!”
Others also applauded, celebrating Qiao Shu’s wrap.
Director Zhu stepped forward. “Young man, well done. Your expression in the final scene was excellent.” He patted Qiao Shu’s shoulder. “Don’t slack off in the future.”
Qiao Shu quickly bent down. “Thank you, Director Zhu.”
“Take this bonus for a job well done,” Director Zhu said, handing him a red envelope.
It was a tradition on set that anyone who played a deceased character received a bonus for good luck. The amount wasn’t large, but it was meant to bring fortune.
After taking the wrap-up photo, Qiao Shu went to remove his makeup and change clothes. Lu Yue had already packed up and was waiting outside for him.
Jiang Jiayu had initially wanted to see Qiao Shu off, but he had more scenes to shoot next.
The company’s chauffeur-driven car waited outside.
Despite Qiao Shu being the only one to wrap up filming, the busy production continued without pause.
As Qiao Shu walked out, the cacophony of sounds from the set gradually faded until it disappeared.
After resting for a night in the artist’s apartment arranged by the company, Qiao Shu and Lu Yue flew to Spring City the next day to shoot a music video.
Following that, he participated in several more promotional events. Finally, just one day before his scheduled meeting with Secretary Wu, he returned to Haicheng.
They arrived at a discreet tea house.
Secretary Wu placed a cup of tea in front of Qiao Shu. “Please enjoy, Mr. Qiao.”
“Thank you,” Qiao Shu replied.
Secretary Wu pushed a black-and-white photograph across the table. “Is this your grandfather, Mr. Qiao Manfu?”
Qiao Shu recognized one of the young men in the old photo. He nodded and pointed to that person. “Yes, that’s my grandfather. There’s a nearly identical photo in my hometown.”
Secretary Wu smiled. “Mr. Qiao Manfu and old Mr. Gu were close friends in their youth. They verbally arranged a marriage between the next generation. Before old Mr. Gu passed away, he asked Mr. Gu to find you and fulfill the engagement.”
“Of course, Mr. Qiao, you have the right to refuse.”
Qiao Shu immediately declared, “I refuse!”
Secretary Wu: “…”
“Ahem.”
Realizing that he rejected it too quickly, Qiao Shu smiled apologetically at Secretary Wu. “I apologize. It’s just that I’ve always wanted a partner with mutual affection. Mr. Gu is outstanding, but marrying a stranger feels a bit…”
He chuckled apologetically. “Sorry.”
Secretary Wu, despite being momentarily taken aback by the rejection, quickly regained composure.
“I understand your feelings. Before old Mr. Gu passed away, he emphasized that you shouldn’t be forced. However, he hoped that you could at least meet with Mr. Gu, understand him, and then make a decision.”
Qiao Shu, who had already made up his mind, replied, “I apologize.”
Meet Gu Chenyan?
Absolutely not!
Even without a meeting, Qiao Shu knew he wouldn’t like someone older. Moreover, the rumors about Gu Chenyan’s fierce personality were widespread. Facing such a formidable person in person would be like inviting trouble and courting disaster.
Better to reject outright, wait for the contract, and safely take home fifty million.
Fifty million!
Qiao Shu felt excited. It was within reach!
After consecutive rejections, Secretary Wu was a bit bewildered. How could Mr. Gu have such a lack of appeal?
Soon, he thought about the current rumors circulating outside.
“Mr. Qiao, you might have heard some rumors about Mr. Gu…”
“Apologies,” Qiao Shu said, flashing a shy smile. “To be honest, I already have someone I like.”
Secretary Wu paused for a moment, then smiled. “I apologize.”
He stood up. “I will convey this to Mr. Gu. There might be one more interruption in the future. Please bear with us.”
Qiao Shu replied, “No problem!”
Could accepting fifty million really be considered an interruption? Bring it on!
As the meeting concluded, an excited Qiao Shu immersed himself in the joy of soon becoming a half-billionaire.
In the VIP ward.
Gu Chenyan asked, “Did he really say that?”
Secretary Wu respectfully replied, “Yes, Mr. Gu.”
Gu Chenyan lowered his eyelids.
A few seconds later, he raised his head again. “Ask Lawyer Kang to draft a contract and send it over, following the late patriarch’s will…” He paused. “Give him one billion.”
Secretary Wu promptly left.
Gu Chenyan gazed at the sunlight outside for a moment, then turned and settled into his wheelchair. “Let’s go downstairs for a stroll.”
Chen Wenyuan supported the wheelchair. “Certainly.”
The sunlight bathed his body, warming him.
Suddenly, Gu Chenyan asked, “What kind of person does he like?”
Chen Wenyuan hesitated, then instinctively replied, “Young Master Qiao?”
Gu Chenyan nodded.
Chen Wenyuan’s expression briefly turned peculiar, and he finally said, “I apologize, sir. I don’t know.”
The wheelchair glided over the cobblestone path.
Just when Chen Wenyuan thought the topic had concluded, Gu Chenyan asked again, “Do you know who the person he likes is?”
Chen Wenyuan: “…”
Today, the gentleman seemed off again.
He offered, “Sir, would you like me to investigate?”
A few seconds later, Gu Chenyan said, “No need.”
The topic came to an end.
Gu Chenyan lowered his gaze, watching the sunlight dance on the palm of his hand.
Suddenly, Chen Wenyuan spoke up. “Sir.”
Gu Chenyan looked up. “Yes?”
Chen Wenyuan said, “It’s Young Master Qiao.”
He pointed in a direction. “Young Master Qiao is over there.”
Gu Chenyan raised his head, following Chen Wenyuan’s gesture. His gaze landed on a brilliantly radiant smile.
⌈Weekend chapter:0 ⌉ ⌊Progress: 0/2 ⌋
