Chapter 159

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Main Character:

Shen Yao

Company Office

Shen Yao held her phone, a smile on her face, "General Manager Zhou, I wonder if you're free this Sunday at seven? I'll host, and I sincerely hope you'll grace us with your presence."

A burst of hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone, "Hahahaha, niece-in-law, this wouldn't be a Hongmen Banquet, would it? Does Jing Run know?"

The corner of Shen Yao's mouth curled slightly, her gaze cold and calm, "Jing Run knows, of course. He'll be coming along then too.

Second Uncle, please do make sure to come. Jing Run and I both miss you very much."

A pleasant voice came from the other end, "Sunday at seven, definitely."

"..."

Thump-thump-thump—thump-thump-thump—

Shen Yao looked up and saw Gu Jingrun standing in the doorway, hands in his pockets.

Rising from her seat to greet him, Shen Yao hadn't expected him to arrive so quickly.

"Since President Shen invited me, I naturally can't be tactless. I'm still counting on President Shen to continue looking after me in the future."

Gu Jingrun finished showing off in front of Shen Yao and decisively found a sofa to sit on.

Shen Yao crossed her arms at her waist, eyes narrowing, "President Gu probably doesn't know yet, but you were just sold off by me."

Gu Jingrun countered, "How's the price? If it's too cheap, it's not worth my value."

Shen Yao hummed, the hand resting in the crook of her arm naturally lifting to prop up her chin, "Although it's just a few meals, the other party's worth is considerable.

President Gu, rest assured, I have a plan. I absolutely won't let you suffer a loss for nothing."

Gu Jingrun nodded with an 'oh', "Could it be this meal is with the Zhou Family?"

Shen Yao smiled radiantly, "Worthy of President Gu, truly smart."

Gu Jingrun spread his hands helplessly, "Still have to thank President Shen for the praise, but this meal... if I go eat it, my stomach will feel uncomfortable."

After all, they were discussing how to reasonably bypass the Gu Group. He was, after all, the Young Master of the Gu Group. Digging into his own family's corner so brazenly, he'd inevitably get a scolding when he went back.

Shen Yao walked over and sat down next to Gu Jingrun, "President Gu, just treat it as doing it for me, sacrifice a little more?" There shouldn't be any problem.

Gu Jingrun:...

Gu Jingrun sighed, "So has President Shen thought about how to repay me?"

Shen Yao wrapped both arms around his neck, her sweet smile needing no further words.

She originally thought 'heroes struggle to pass the beauty test' referred to her two brothers-in-law, but it turns out he himself is no better.

Gu Jingrun secretly despised himself, but having already been soothed, he chose to keep his promise and showed up on time for this dinner with the Zhou Family's number two.

The three of them, mainly Shen Yao and Zhou Minning, chatted very happily.

Gu Jingrun was just as Shen Yao said—he attended, but only in his capacity as Zhou Min Hui's son and Zhou Minxian's nephew.

Zhou Minxian:...

"President Shen cooperating with our Zhou Clan, that's naturally no problem."

Business delivered to the door for free—how could there be any reason to refuse? Besides, the Zhou Clan had long coveted Shen Yao's money-making ability.

Previously, Zhou Minxian had even sighed with Eldest Brother Zhou Mincheng about the Gu Family's good luck, finding a daughter-in-law so capable, her achievements in a few years would only be high, not low.

Now joy fell from the sky; Zhou Minxian just needed to ensure this money was made without issue.

As for certain other schemes behind the scenes, Zhou Minxian wouldn't quibble over them.

After dinner, Zhou Minxian left first, leaving Shen Yao and Gu Jingrun to wrap things up.

Gu Jingrun looked at the exceptionally happy Shen Yao, his heart sweating for her boldness.

"If it falls through, you, the fiancée most liked by the Gu Family elders, will lose favor."

Zhou Minxian is Zhou Min Hui's own second brother, and also Gu Jingrun's own maternal uncle.

Good grief, looking at it now, who wouldn't admire Shen Yao's skill at picking allies?

"The Zhou Family is also Mom's ancestral home; in the end, the money didn't fall into an outsider's pocket."

We're all one family, why quibble over so much?

Gu Jingrun continued asking what Shen Yao would do if the Zhou Family didn't work out.

Shen Yao spoke with righteous confidence, "There's still the Wei Family and the Wei Family. Worst case, just give up a bit more profit." Anyway, she was determined not to let the Gu Family eat more.

Gu Jingrun:...

Gu Jingrun could only concede, because from Shen Yao's perspective, doing this had absolutely no problem, but from the Gu Group's perspective, the problem was huge.

For better silence-sealing, and for family harmony, Shen Yao naturally soothed Gu Jingrun thoroughly, putting in several times more effort than before.

Gu Jingrun:... This kind of thing, in the future, can actually happen a bit more often.

It's not that Gu Jingrun's elbow turns outward on his own, but regarding the Gu Medical sector, besides Gu Mengyan's forces inside, there are even more of Gu Mengqing's forces.

And Gu Jingrun's own Kangye and Kanglai companies are in a normal cooperation phase with Shen Yao's side, with no impact on Gu Jingrun whatsoever.

It's just that the family revenue is a bit lower. At that time, the one who suffers relevant losses and gets held accountable by the board will be Second Uncle.

Calculating it this way, Gu Jingrun should even thank Shen Yao for doing this.

It counts as using the maternal family's hand to give his own detestable Second Uncle a slap. Even if exposed, there's an excuse to shift the blame.

For the Eldest House and Second House, who have never gotten along as heirs, isn't it normal to dig pits and trip each other up? Eldest Brother's matter is blatant proof.

Another early morning. Gu Jingrun lived in the apartment. When he got up in the morning, he mentioned to Shen Yao that Gu Jingxing's upcoming marriage.

Time had already come to November, and the wedding was only a few days away.

During this period, the reason Gu Jingrun had not stayed at the Old House had something to do with Gu Jingxing.

Moreover, Jiang Peiyi had just given birth to a little daughter, and her condition was terrible.

Gu Jingrun did not want to get involved in these matters, so he simply ran out to find Shen Yao and seek some quiet.

"When the time comes, just attend obediently; no matter what happens, it won't be pinned on us."

Shen Yao's cooperation with Madam Zhou had already been launched, and naturally she encountered some trouble during this period.

Fortunately, it was resolved fairly smoothly; whether it was Gu Mengyan or Gu Mengqing, neither had the energy to focus on this, which instead let Shen Yao exhale in relief.

"Speaking of which, I should thank Eldest Young Master and Cousin Mingyue Tang; without those two, I'm afraid I'd have a headache."

After Shen Yao finished speaking, she added that for the next two weddings she would definitely give each side a generous gift, all as thanks for helping divert attention during this period.

Gu Jingrun reached out and pinched Shen Yao's nose tip, "Was it on purpose?"

If others don't know, it's fine; if they truly find out, they'll probably hate Shen Yao to death.

Shen Yao laughed out loud, shaking her head and brain in a very cute manner, "They're allowed to bully and scheme against us, but we're not allowed to find an opportunity to strike back?" Where is there such reasoning.

Shen Yao would not indulge them at all; everyone is human, so why do they still like double standards?

Gu Jingrun loved Shen Yao's smug little appearance, and asked the other party to keep a low profile, "Don't provoke them too much for now; next year you still need to live at the Old House for a period of time, there's no need to make the relationship between both sides too stiff."

Of course, Gu Jingrun was extremely supportive and agreed with Shen Yao striking back after suffering a grievance.

Enduring and yielding blindly cannot bring peace; it will only make others think you are easy to bully.

Sometimes, when one should be forceful, one must be forceful; moreover, his status at Gu Group on the surface has improved now, and opportunities to bully others by relying on power are not many—if not now, when?

……

November 22nd, Gu Jingxing's wedding.

Compared to Shen Yao and Gu Jingrun's engagement banquet, the wedding was somewhat shabby.

But after all, he was the eldest son of the Head of Gu Group; the guests invited were all big names, and it could be considered one of the few places that could uphold the family's dignity.

Shen Yao wore a light-colored long dress, her hair slightly gathered and placed behind her head.

Standing beside her was Gu Jingrun in a matching suit; the two were handsome man and beautiful woman, extremely eye-catching.

Once again smiling and sending off the xx Company director who came over to greet them.

Shen Yao exhaled and complained to Gu Jingrun that her feet hurt a little.

Gu Jingrun smiled gently, "Go sit on the sofa for a while? There's still some time before it starts." They came this early merely out of the host's hospitality etiquette.

Shen Yao blinked, and once seated on the sofa, she could finally free her sore feet.

"I'm fine, go busy yourself."

"Alright, I'll be back in a bit; if anything comes up, send someone to find me."

Shen Yao sent Gu Jingrun off with a cute and obedient expression, holding her wine cup and shaking it unsteadily, occasionally lowering her head to take a sip, enjoying herself immensely.

The Old House's great hall had been redecorated, and precious flowers and plants visible everywhere were all airlifted from abroad.

Shen Yao hadn't eaten much when she came, and was thinking about whether to take some pastries to fill her belly, but before she could stand up, she ran into an acquaintance.

"Miss Liu."

Liu Zhenru, the Second Daughter of the Liu Family; oh, if one must be clear, this person was the other main character who previously pushed Jiang Peiyi down at the mall.

As for the Eldest Daughter of the Liu Family, Liu Zhenyuan, her wedding to Gu Jingzhe is set for next September, despite the age gap between the two parties being somewhat surprising.

"Miss Shen."

Liu Zhenru was very beautiful, looking cute, sweet, and graceful.

It was a pity that she had been spoiled by the Liu couple into an unpresentable state; because she liked Gu Jingxing too much, the messes she caused were countless.

Shen Yao did not understand a beauty's thoughts at all, but she knew people's inherent flaws.

At this time, the Liu Family still dared to bring Liu Zhenru to Gu Jingxing's wedding; tsk tsk tsk, should one admire the Liu couple's boldness, or envy Gu Jingxing's peach blossom luck? Jiang Peiyi's marriage wasn't a happy one either.

The two usually had little interaction; they nodded and greeted each other, then went their separate ways.

It was just that Shen Yao had sharp eyes; any stir in the great hall could not escape her.

Forced to watch another big show, Shen Yao yawned rather boredly.

"General Manager Shen."

Mm?

Shen Yao looked up, revealing her eyes filled with misty haze.

"It's Miss Qiao, please sit."

Qiao Xiyue wore a red backless long dress, with black large waves draped to her side.

Nodding slightly reservedly, Qiao Xiyue sat beside Shen Yao.

"Did you and Second Young Master come together? I've recently watched Miss Qiao's new drama; the acting is still as superb as ever," it just had no freshness at all, no different from the previous few, changing the styling and makeup as if it were copy-paste.

But what did that matter? With a boyfriend backing her and fans brainwashing, Qiao Xiyue was still a big star.

"I dare not accept General Manager Shen's praise; I have no talent in other aspects, and can only act to make a living."

Qiao Xiyue was clear about her own fame, but she knew that this bit of skill was not presentable before the Gu Family.

Even though Gu Jingzhi acted as if he liked her very much, she still had no sense of security.

This time, Qiao Xiyue had privately pleaded for a long time before Gu Jingzhi brought her back to the Old House.

Choosing to actively approach Shen Yao was also because she had other thoughts.

Shen Yao: ……?

Shen Yao tilted her head, watching Qiao Xiyue painstakingly flatter her, and felt a trace of inexplicable emotion in her heart.

Was she trying to get me to do something? It really didn't seem like Qiao Xiyue's style.

One must know that Qiao Xiyue had debuted smoothly since childhood, presented a cool and proud image to outsiders, and acted even more arrogantly in private.

How long has it been since then? That her temperament could be worn down like this is truly unexpected.

When Gu Jingrun returned from the distance, it was just when Shen Yao and Qiao Xiyue had finished speaking.

Both sides had agreed to go out shopping and have a gathering when free; Shen Yao turned her head and met Gu Jingrun's meaningful gaze.

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao truly felt wronged, "I didn't scheme against anyone on my own initiative." Clearly it was Qiao Xiyue who came to her door; could she still refuse?

Gu Jingrun took a sip of wine using Shen Yao's hand, "When I came over, Second Young Master was chatting very happily with the Cao family's young lady."

Shen Yao raised an eyebrow, "What a coincidence; Miss Qiao also just recently consulted me about her relationship problems."

Gu Jingrun touched Shen Yao's cheek, "Then you'd better seize the time; if you're late, Second Young Master might just follow Mother's wishes and marry a true young lady as a second sister-in-law."

After all, Eldest Young Master's wedding was terrifyingly shabby; Gu Jingzhi was also having a hard time at Gu Group — a beauty is merely an ornament adding flowers to brocade; sending charcoal in the snow still depends on clan strength.

Shen Yao smiled gently, "Indeed should seize the time; I still prefer being sisters-in-law with Miss Qiao."

Although Qiao Xiyue is harder to deal with than Jiang Peiyi, the two of them are unchanged in essence.

Shen Yao feels that before her wings (Company) harden, she still has to continue maintaining the persona of the daughter-in-law most liked by the Gu family elders.

Not to mention anything else; even if it's just less nagging on ordinary days, her ears would be much cleaner.

A whole huge family wailing and bustling — Shen Yao really can't be bothered to deal with them.

The two people hid on the sofa side for not long; when the time came, they had to go over.

Gu Jingxing and Jiang Peiyi appearing in wedding attire looked very happy; only a pity the smiles didn't reach their eyes — looking at them was boringly dull.

Reaching out to smooth her long skirt, Shen Yao was still sighing with Gu Jingrun about the wedding's anticlimax when she left the old house — her anticipation had been in vain.

Gu Jingrun found it funny, "There's still another one in about half a month."

Shen Yao: ……

Shen Yao couldn't help but wail after hearing that, "Won't our wedding be like this too?"

Gu Jingrun nodded, "Everyone's the same."

A wedding is not the joyous event of two newcomers; it's merely an excuse to negotiate business.

Like today's wedding, the most Gu Jingxing did was greet the people attending the banquet, rather than accompany the clearly nervous Jiang Peiyi who needed verbal soothing.

Shen Yao sat in the car, sighing that this sister-in-law of hers really couldn't be considered lucky.

The fairy tale of Cinderella marrying a prince only has a perfect ending in fairy tales; placed in real life, everyone has their own hardships.

"At least she'll have no worries about food and drink in the future, provided she can truly see her own position clearly."

Gu Jingrun spoke lightly, just like chatting in daily life.

"Feels a bit difficult though; after all, Eldest Sister-in-law doesn't look like someone who can let things go."

At least this person does some things that are quite outrageous, always giving people a sense of dissonance.

Similar behavior where words don't match actions — hope there can be some improvement; otherwise the one who suffers will definitely be oneself without background or backing.