[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-national-guardian-s-gone-and-we-re-done":3,"chapter-national-guardian-s-gone-and-we-re-done-national-guardian-s-gone-and-we-re-done-chapter-4":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","National Guardian's Gone and We're Done",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1743770,2228,"Chapter 4: I Lost Faith in You and Your Company a Long Time Ago","national-guardian-s-gone-and-we-re-done-chapter-4",4,"\u003Cp>In the dazzling nightscape of the Royal City,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Canglan Grand Hotel stood like a lustrous pearl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A river of luxury cars flowed toward the hotel’s entrance, their mirror-smooth bodies gleaming under the lights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These cars were more than just vehicles;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>they were symbols of status and power, each one a testament to its owner’s extraordinary influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the most exclusive hotels in the Royal City,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the Canglan Grand Hotel offered both luxury accommodations and grand banquet halls, complete with impeccable service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its rooftop was even cleverly designed with a helipad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, a simple meal started at four figures,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>while the more elaborate gourmet dishes were so expensive you couldn’t walk out the gilded doors for less than five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the steep prices, the Canglan Grand Hotel still drew countless celebrities and aristocrats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the entire venue had been booked for a grand business gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over fifty percent of the most distinguished figures in the Great Jing Empire’s high society had gathered here to witness the momentous event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a two-tone Maybach slowly pulled up, it drew everyone’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The car was particularly dazzling under the lights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened smoothly, and a young woman with an extraordinary air stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a sleek, elegantly tailored gown, looking like a graceful princess stepping out of a fairy tale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gown was form-fitting without being restrictive, perfectly outlining her magnificent figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In high heels, she appeared even taller and more statuesque, each step taken with graceful composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her beautiful hair fell loosely over her shoulders, flowing like a black waterfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carrying a designer handbag, she waved with a faint smile at the reporters held back by security on either side of the red carpet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she walked into the hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Gu Shuling, Chu He’s ex-wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight, as usual, she was expected to be the center of attention at this business gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier that day, after signing the divorce papers with Chu He, Gu Shuling had taken a deep breath of free air, feeling as if a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had returned home and carefully selected an exquisitely crafted, expensive gown for the evening’s banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wealthy rarely conducted business in an office. Instead, they sealed one spectacular deal after another over drinks, amidst laughter and casual conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Shuling’s competitors were also in attendance, their objective just as clear as hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To compete for the materials supply contract for the ten-billion-plus tower being funded by the real estate magnate!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Gu Shuling paid them no mind, for she was well aware of her own strength and influence in the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she entered the hotel, she saw that many prominent figures from various circles had already gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She steeled herself for the inevitable networking and socializing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On her way over, Gu Shuling had seen online that the news of her divorce from Chu He had already caused a huge stir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew that she and Chu He were high-profile figures, and their every move would attract immense attention and speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight, many people from high society would likely approach her to ask about the divorce,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and some wealthy men might even try to pursue her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Gu Shuling actually stepped into the banquet hall, she found the situation rather odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single person came up to socialize with her, nor did any of the wealthy men she expected show any obvious interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left her confused and puzzled, unable to understand what was going on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Shuling was proud. Even if no one approached her, she wouldn’t stoop to shamelessly currying favor with others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was confident in her own abilities and charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「...」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As night fell and stars dotted the sky, the banquet hall glowed with brilliant lights, filled with the elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man in an expensive suit, the real estate magnate President Yang, walked slowly to the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hand was elegantly tucked into the pocket of his trousers, while the other held a glass of crystal-clear champagne,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the liquid shimmering with an alluring luster under the lights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s gaze swept over every guest present before finally landing on Gu Shuling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corner of his mouth curved into a meaningful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good evening, esteemed guests. Most of you here should be familiar with me, so I’ll skip the self-introduction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight, we have gathered to witness a historic moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Yang’s voice was deep and magnetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a small sip of his champagne and continued, \"I have a ten-billion-plus tower project in the works, as I’m sure all of you are aware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An investment of this scale is unprecedented in the years since Blue Star’s bizarre invasion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And today, I have the honor of personally breaking that record.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished speaking, the room erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, President Yang’s tone shifted. \"As for the procurement of construction materials for this project, I have decided to partner with the Jinjing Group.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An uproar instantly swept through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile on Gu Shuling’s face froze. She felt as if her heart had been struck by a sledgehammer, a dull ache spreading through her entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She subconsciously clenched her fists, her nails digging so deeply into her palms that she felt no pain at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’What is happening?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pot-bellied man walked onto the stage and shook President Yang’s hand enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face was wreathed in smiles, his eyes glinting with triumph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this scene, Gu Shuling’s sense of loss intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been certain that, with her capabilities and business acumen, this ten-billion project was hers for the taking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But reality had dealt her a cruel blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, after several long hours, the high-society gathering came to an end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Shuling took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hurried forward and caught up with President Yang, who was about to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"President Yang, please wait a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Shuling was direct. \"I’ve always been your partner. Why did you choose the Jinjing Group this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Yang stopped and turned to look at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earlier warmth and courtesy in his eyes were gone, replaced by a cold detachment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"President Gu, in business, there are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Yang said flatly, \"I just felt I should give some other companies a chance. Besides, you’re rolling in money now, you don’t need this one project from me, do you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"President Yang, I’ve fought my way through this industry for so many years. You don’t need to fob me off with excuses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rage seethed within Gu Shuling as she asked, \"Please, just tell me the truth. Was there something I did wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>President Yang was silent for a moment, then slowly began to speak. \"Fine, I’ll tell you the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact is, I lost faith in you and your company a long time ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your management style, your decision-making, even your personal character—it all disappointed me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, I decided not to work with you anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Shuling was stunned. She felt as if her entire world had collapsed in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t accept this reality, nor could she understand why President Yang was so disappointed in her. \"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1209,"2026-06-06T16:46:31.807Z",1,"novelbin.me","c62e6e82ab286c426200722a29ab58e98f595107e619eb1eaf3288b8722d2c01","national-guardian-s-gone-and-we-re-done-chapter-5","national-guardian-s-gone-and-we-re-done-chapter-3",274,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnational-guardian-s-gone-and-we-re-done-cover.jpg"]