"Yan, if you’re not feeling well, let me attend this meeting for you," Mrs. Gu said, looking worriedly at Gu Yan.

Since his last plea for forgiveness from Ye Lu, when he fainted in the hospital, his health had seriously declined.

After spending some time in the hospital, and despite asking for Ye Lu’s forgiveness repeatedly, she remained unyielding and rebuffed his visits. Eventually, he gave up and returned home to recuperate.

"This is a business meeting called by city officials. It’s important for the Gu Clan, and I also need to discuss certain matters with Shang Jingchen," Gu Yan declined coldly.

"Let go of Ye Lu. You were never meant to be together."

Gu Yan smirked contritely. How could he let her go? She had become ruthless, unyielding, showing no ounce of mercy. She was not the same woman he used to know.

On his way to the meeting, Gu Yan browsed the web and happened upon a news story featuring Third Young Master Jun holding Ye Yiyi as they gave an interview. His eyes darkened involuntarily. Didn’t she say she wouldn’t have anything to do with the three of them anymore?

Why was Ye Yiyi with Jun Huang?

This conference was of significant scale in the city, with most of the renowned businesses in attendance.

It didn’t take long for Gu Yan to spot Shang Jingchen.

Shang Jingchen had previously been furious at him over his involvement with Ye Lu and harbored clear animosity towards him.

The partnership between their two houses had been lukewarm, but ever since Ye Lu had publicly rejected Gu Yan, Shang Jingchen began contacting him again, showing signs of empathy - they had both been disposed of by the same woman, after all. United by their common disdain, they grew closer.

"Has Shang Family’s stocks stabilized recently?" Gu Yan inquired.

"Yes. If it were not for my grandfather’s passing and my consequent disinterest in managing the company, we wouldn’t have suffered such a terrible loss. However, I, Shang Jingchen, have regained my vigor. I won’t let the person responsible get away with this," Shang Jingchen replied with ferocity, resentment lurking in his eyes.

Gu Yan dropped a bombshell, "I’ve been investigating this issue as well and have found some trails. Although there’s no direct evidence, I can’t see anyone else being the culprit but Third Young Master Jun."

Shang Jingchen was taken aback, his gaze becoming even more somber. "I originally thought it was foreign speculators. I didn’t expect him. However, it isn’t surprising. He has always been eyeing the Shang Family."

"His actions have caused substantial losses for the Shang Family, but that’s not even the worst part. Your grandfather’s death was indirectly related to the company’s numerous scandals and fluctuating stock market. The instability severely strained Old Sir Shang, exacerbating his illness." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Gu Yan gazed back at him, his eyes deep with inscrutable desire, stirring up Shang Jingchen’s hatred towards the Third Young Master Jun.

"Therefore, I will by no means let Third Young Master Jun go unpunished," Shang Jingchen declared, his voice icy. The hate he harbored for the man who stole his wife and indirectly caused his grandfather’s death had reached an extreme point.

"I heard that there’s been disagreement between the Third Young Master Jun and his father, perhaps you can make use of this opportunity. We can work together and tackle him from both inside and outside," Gu Yan suggested.

...

Ye Lu detested attending business meetings most, as she found them dreadfully dull.

But since her boss insisted on her going, she had no choice.

What was even more frustrating was that her boss left her in the care of Third Young Master Jun, instructing her to accompany him and apologize.

Consequently, Ye Lu found herself trailing behind Third Young Master Jun awkwardly. To her surprise, his attitude had become aloof, and he did not taunt or trouble her.

This development suggested that he no longer cared about her. That she had become a nonentity in his life.

What she hadn’t counted on was running into Gu Yan and Shang Jingchen at the conference. Seeing them, she felt a surge of stiffness overtaking her.

This was a perfect example of the saying ’enemies meet on a narrow road.’ This was quite simply the most awkward situation she could’ve ended up in.