Jing Li followed behind his brother as they left the Tan family’s gate. No one spoke along the way, and the surrounding atmosphere was gloomy and oppressive.
This was the first time Jing Li had seen his brother in such a state. He was evidently infuriated by the recent situation, with a hint of remorse in his eyes, as if berating himself for the unpleasant incident that occurred despite his younger brother’s rare willingness to attend a banquet with him.
Glancing at Gu Tingshen beside him, his expression was equally grim, radiating an even more intimidating aura than his brother. Jing Li was witnessing the fearsome Gu Corporation’s CEO, spoken of with trepidation by others, for the first time. Considering that his foul mood stemmed from him, Jing Li felt a warm sensation within.
The lingering gloom from the previous unpleasant encounter dissipated, dispelled by the actions of these two men.
Seeing that these two grown men had not come out of their previous emotions for a long time, Jing Li grew concerned. He paused briefly, then lowered his gaze and softly uttered, “Ge, I’m hungry.”
His tone was intentionally softer and more gentle than usual, conveying a hint of playful whining.
Despite recognizing his brother’s ploy to soothe their anger, the two men couldn’t help but pause upon hearing his tender, coaxing tone. Jing Yu’s expression softened as he tenderly responded, “Alright, brother will take you to get something delicious.”
Witnessing this, Gu Tingshen chimed in, “Let’s go to Gu’s restaurant. Many places are closed during Chinese New Year, but I’ll call ahead to have them prepare for us.”
“Our Jing family’s restaurant doesn’t close,” Jing Yu remarked, casting a sideways glance at his friend, clearly displeased by his attempt to upstage him in front of his younger brother.
Gu Tingshen paused, then smiled wryly, explaining to Jing Li, “I merely suggested it because the Gu restaurant is closer, since you seemed hungry.”
His reasoning was sound, as the Gu’s restaurant was indeed the closest from their current location.
Unable to refute his friend’s logic, Jing Yu could only purse his lips and nod in agreement.
“It doesn’t matter, just listen to Ge. The Jing family’s restaurant isn’t far either,” Jing Li interjected, unwilling to see his brother displeased. Turning to Gu Tingshen, who was gazing at him in bewilderment, he continued with a gentle smile, “I appreciate your kind intentions, Tingshen-ge. Didn’t you agree to join us at our home tomorrow for the premiere? I was planning to cook personally. Would you like to join us for a meal then?”
When Jing Yu heard this, he glanced at his younger brother and knew that he was trying to reconcile, so he didn’t say anything.
Of course, Gu Tingshen was not stupid. Besides, compared to Jing Li’s cooking and entertaining, it was much more attractive than taking him to Gu’s Restaurant to show off.
He readily agreed with a smile, “Very well. I just happened to have recently acquired a fine bottle of wine. I’ll bring it tomorrow, and we can sample it together.”
After their lighthearted exchange, the tense atmosphere between the three people noticeably dissipated. By the time they arrived at the Jing family’s restaurant, it had reverted to its previous state.
Because they called ahead, the dishes were promptly served upon their arrival at the restaurant. As soon as they opened the door to the private room, an enticing aroma enveloped them.
Jing Li, having not eaten since the afternoon, felt even hungrier upon smelling the tantalizing aromas.
“Let’s eat first,” Jing Yu remarked, and the three men found their seats and began their meal.
The chefs at Jing family’s restaurant were all Michelin chefs hired with high salaries, and their level of cooking skills was evident.
Jing Li ate with relish, and as he neared the end of his meal, he glanced at the two men who had already stopped eating. After a moment’s contemplation, he inquired, “Tingshen-ge, did you have a prior conflict with Guan Chi?”
Previously, he had only learned from Li Yuanpeng that Gu Tingshen and Guan Chi had engaged in business competition, and that the investment prodigy Guan Chi had suffered his only defeat at Gu Tingshen’s hands. However, based on Guan Chi’s remarks at the banquet, Jing Li sensed there was more to the matter than a simple business rivalry.
Probably because he didn’t expect him to ask such a sudden question, Gu Tingshen paused before glancing at Jing Yu across the table. He then nodded, “There was an unpleasant incident, and speaking of it, it is somewhat related to your brother.”
Upon hearing of his brother’s involvement, Jing Li’s expression grew serious as he turned towards Jing Yu.
“It was a normal business maneuver, but it didn’t cause a significant stir,” Jing Yu reassured with a smile, clearly unwilling to provide further details.
Even with his brother’s vague explanation, the mere mention of a “business maneuver” allowed Jing Li to imagine the thrilling and difficult circumstances they had faced.
Jing Li frowned and thought about it for a moment before asking, “Was it when you first took over the Jing Group?”
He deduced that the only time the Jing Group could have been vulnerable enough for Guan Chi to attempt a business maneuver was during the initial transition period under his brother’s leadership.
Jing Yu paused, not expecting him to make the connection so quickly. After a moment of silence, he didn’t attempt to hide it further and nodded, “Yes. At that time… there was a crisis in the family, and the entire Jing Group was in turmoil. I didn’t have much say, and our competitors seized the opportunity, colluding with some insiders in Jing Group, intending to devour the company.”
“I was isolated and helpless back then. Your Tingshen-ge had just taken over Gu Group and didn’t hold much sway. So, I thought of seeking out the legendary investment prodigy to help us through the crisis.”
“And you almost fell into his trap completely.” Gu Tingshen continued impassively, “That Guan Chi is ambitious and cunning. He had set his sights on the Jing Group as a fat lamb even before the crisis emerged. He even instigated your competitors to combine forces and put pressure on the Jing Group from behind the scenes. You can imagine the outcome when your brother approached him.”
Not only did he severely undermine Jing Yu’s confidence, but as soon as Jing Yu left, he spread the news, causing even the previously observant Jing Group elders to become restless, making Jing Yu’s situation even more precarious.
Jing Li’s heart tightened as he recalled Li Yuanpeng’s words about Guan Chi’s arrogant claim that not only would he refuse investment, but Jing Yu would be ruined. Instinctively, he clenched his fists.
If he wasn’t mistaken, his brother had just become an adult back then when the family faced a major crisis, yet he had so many enemies eagerly watching him from outside.
Recalling Guan Chi’s intentional approach towards him…
“So, in the end, Tingshen-ge took the risk to help my brother, and even counterattacked, making him suffer his first defeat. That’s why he still bears a grudge until now?”
“That’s why he would ally with the Tan family, still unwilling to give up, wanting to expand his influence in the domestic market and continue competing with Tingshen-ge?”
“And previously, at the banquet, he intentionally came to chat me up, so it seems he had ulterior motives.”
Not to mention the rumors about the Jing family’s second young master and the alleged discord between the brothers, just his close relationship with Gu Tingshen alone would be enough reason for Guan Chi to target him.
Recalling Guan Chi’s intentional intimate gestures towards him at the banquet, Jing Li narrowed his eyes and said, “With such a character, he can hardly be called an investment prodigy. I think this is the end of the line for him.”
Someone who would make such frivolous advances towards others at a banquet celebrating his own engagement announcement could hardly cause any major waves.
Jing Li spoke with utmost seriousness, clearly angered by the hypocritical pseudo-gentleman.
However, because he was lost in his emotions, he failed to notice a red light orb separating from his body and instantly floating out the window, disappearing into the vast night.
He didn’t notice, but Gu Tingshen saw it clearly.
His gaze followed the red light orb outside the window, then shifted back to Jing Li, his heart stirring slightly as something flickered through his mind. Ultimately, he only lowered his eyelids and said nothing.
As for the Guan fellow who dared to scheme against Xiao Jing, since the other party was seeking death themselves, he didn’t mind indulging them.
The meal ended with the three preoccupied with their own thoughts. As it was getting late after dinner, Gu Tingshen didn’t continue accompanying them, parting ways with the Jing brothers at the restaurant entrance before each returning home in their respective cars.
*
The Tan family’s minor incident did not dampen the moods of the Jing brothers or Gu Tingshen and was even forgotten due to Jing Li’s plan to cook personally.
Early on the third day after the New Year, Jing Li woke up, had a light meal, and began preparations for the evening dinner.
Being the New Year, the dinner naturally had to be more grand and sumptuous than usual.
Early in the morning, Jing Li started simmering the chicken broth, adding seasonings for the broth. By evening, he added dried mushrooms, fresh bamboo shoots, and crisp enoki mushrooms…instantly filling the kitchen with a rich, fragrant aroma that made one’s mouth water.
That was just the beginning. When the braised pork ribs, steamed assorted seafood, and various braised dishes were added later, even the outer hall could not escape the aroma. It was a true gastronomic feast.
Jing Yu was also lured by the permeating fragrance, frequently entering and leaving the kitchen. Eventually, he couldn’t resist calling his friend several times to inquire about his whereabouts.
Thanks to his repeated urging, the already eager Gu Tingshen quickened his pace, arriving at the Jing residence before evening.
With just the few of them, there was no need for formalities like other households. Since the kitchen preparations were almost done, the three simply set the dining table and brought out all the dishes.
“Happy New Year!” Gu Tingshen raised his glass of poured red wine towards the brothers with a smile. “Only being with you two allows for such relaxing moments.”
“Then you better cherish it.” Jing Yu smiled, taking a sip of the red wine. “After this New Year, Xiao Jing will likely be busy. To see him next year, you may have to watch him on TV.”
“Ge exaggerates.” Jing Li laughed. “My work isn’t for that purpose. No matter what, I’ll come back and celebrate the New Year with you every year.”
“What, you can’t celebrate with Tingshen-ge too?” Gu Tingshen gave him a playful glance, but a hint of seriousness flickered in his eyes.
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