Chapter 264: We Have a Common Enemy

At first hearing Jiang Lai's name, Gu Sen was startled for a moment, originally wanting to ask which two characters it was, but that would put Gu Hui in a difficult spot; who would go right away to inquire how the other person's name is written.

He thought again: "Are you friends with Ke Zhongying?"

Gu Hui nodded.

That could be the Jiang Lai the three kids mentioned this afternoon, Gu Sen thought.

"Investigate Jiang Lai's whereabouts through official channels, don't anger the people behind her, gather as much as you can." As soon as the words finished, Gu Sen's eyes flashed again, recalling his son's remark, "She seems to be a child who grew up in a welfare home."

Gu Hui was taken aback: "Grew up in a welfare home…"

They exchanged a glance, Gu Sen shifted his posture and said seriously, "Don't rush to book a ticket yet; if possible, I'd like to meet this child."

Gu Hui indicated understanding.

Gu Sen: "How's the investigation into Zhi Yan's crush? It should be Lin Shutong."

Gu Hui: "At the latest tomorrow, the people downstairs will send the information over."

Gu Sen lightly nodded, his brows calm, showing no other emotion.

He took out his phone and called Ms. Nian and her husband, thanking Ke Zhongyu for taking time to have tea and a meal, and casually mentioning Jiang Lai during the chat.

"I heard today that Zhongyu said he already has a crush and even brought them home for a meal?"

Since ancient times, bringing a crush home for a meal signifies approval and a hope for parental acceptance.

By asking this, he also wanted to know the Nian couple's view on their son's crush.

Ms. Nian smiled: "Yes, they came back for a meal. Earlier I was wondering why my fine son had no one, and now finally there is."

Those words already gave Gu Sen the answer he wanted.

He laughed and teased, "Zhongyu always has high standards."

Neither his daughter nor the Fu family's miss have caught Ke Zhongyu's eye; instead a child named Jiang Lai has won his favor.

Ms. Nian on the phone originally wanted to say her son's taste is always good, but saying that would imply her son didn't choose Gu Yinxue because Gu Yinxue is lacking.

She could only say, "Affairs of the heart depend on fate; the two children are more fated."

Gu Sen became more curious about Jiang Lai.

He shares some similarity, having grown up in a welfare home.

Not only has won Ke Zhongyu's favor, but also earned the Nian couple's approval.

"Looks like we should congratulate you early on having a daughter‑in‑law."

In the call, Ms. Nian was delighted and said, "I'll take your good wishes; I hope my son lives up to them."

If Ke Zhongyu were not ambitious, there would be no ambitious youngsters in the circle.

Gu Sen knew the Nian couple are usually low‑key, so he didn't continue the conversation and ended the call after a few brief words.

Back at the hotel, he saw the brother and sister enter the same room; although he knew they had private talk, it still felt off, so he sent his son two messages on his phone.

Gu Yinxue saw her brother frowning and asked, "Whose news? Shutong?"

Gu Zhiyan shook his head: "Dad's. He says even if we're siblings we can't always stay together."

In the past Gu Yinxue wouldn't have overthought, but after returning from G Province her mind became much more sensitive; hearing that reminder, her hanging fingers tightened.

"What is dad thinking? We're blood siblings."

"The Gu family has always been like this, many rules," Gu Zhiyan, who never liked following family rules, set his phone aside and asked the main matter, "How was today's court hearing?"

"Shutong lost the case." This point Gu Yinxue wouldn't hide, "Jiang Lai won; her lawyer is formidable. Even with an investment contract, she still defined the 120 million as marital communal property, and the court ordered Shutong to return the full amount."

"How could there be an investment contract?" Gu Zhiyan didn't know the contract was signed later.

Gu Yinxue wouldn't say that; she only said what benefited her: "Shutong used some of that money to buy equipment, attended a banquet, and was caught by the opposing lawyer; if she doesn't return it as marital property, they plan to sue her for fraud."

"Shutong isn't the type who only buries herself in scholarship; besides, pulling investment for projects and attending banquet drinks are normal, harmless. Jiang Lai and her lawyer pressed relentlessly; not only Shutong suffered, even Shen Xun, the ex‑husband, was ruled to have no separate property."

Gu Yinxue sighed lightly, "This matter is hard to judge in black‑and‑white terms; each has their own grievances and faults. In the end there are winners and losers; Jiang Lai became the winner, while Shutong and Jiang Lai's ex‑husband were utterly defeated."

By Gu Yinxue's silver‑tongued deliberate evasion, she laid a pre‑conception groundwork for Gu Zhiyan.

As long as the follow‑up doesn't lay bare all of Lin Shutong's dirty deeds, Gu Yinxue's statements today can preserve some of Shutong's dignity and cushion Gu Zhiyan's disgust and contempt when he learns the truth.

Gu Zhiyan already had a poor impression of Jiang Lai, and deep down harbored upper‑class superiority over the lower class; hearing this, his view of Jiang Lai became that she was overly ruthless.

At least they loved once, at least they were a married couple; why push someone to a dead end?

As for Shutong, it can't be called a senseless disaster, but she is the most tragic.

Gu Yinxue saw him pull out his phone, presumably to talk to Lin Shutong, and immediately urged, "Brother, Shutong has been hit with one setback after another. If even you don't comfort her, if you don't stand on her side, she'll truly have no desire to live. Her matter with Shen Xun is over; what's past should not be mentioned. At a time like this she most needs unconditional companionship."

"I understand," Gu Zhiyan gave his sister a slight smile, "I'll call her."

"Alright, I'll go back to rest first; brother, you should rest early too." Gu Yinxue left her brother's hotel room and sent a message to Lin Shutong.

【I didn't really tell my brother about the court case; you keep your mouth tight too】

【My brother can't find the court record; at most he hears rumors, and rumors have some truth】

Lin Shutong: 【Why are you helping me?】

【I'm not doing this for you; I'm doing it for myself, for my brother. I don't want my brother to suffer. Let the past stay past; the chastity arch of this era has no meaning】

【It's because of Jiang Lai. I like Ke Zhongyu; I've liked him since I was little. I always thought I'd marry Ke Zhongyu and have children】

【Jiang Lai suddenly appeared and blocked my path】

【We have a common enemy】

【I've already played my trump card; I hope we don't hold each other back】

Lin Shutong: 【Got it】

Gu Yinxue looked at the message, a faint smile curling her lips.

She only made a modest self‑revelation, and Lin Shutong believed it; even if not fully, she'd believe five percent.

Compared with illusory friendship, profit is eternal.

Put Lin Shutong's matter aside for now; the pressing question is how long the father will stay in A City.

What if she runs into Jiang Lai?