Campus Ace Girl-Chapter 328 - 329: Let’s inquire, we should play to their likes!
At this moment, Shen Congwen didn’t want to see Zhou Yunchen’s detestable face for even a second longer. He spoke softly, "In my opinion, this will be difficult. Perhaps we should..."
Gu Yuanshan smiled. "Congwen, when did you become so timid? Overcoming obstacles is part of achieving great things. Look into his preferences. Cater to his preferences; he’s bound to take the bait."
Thinking about all of Zhou Yunchen’s detestable qualities, Shen Congwen suddenly had an idea.
He lowered his head respectfully. "It seems he quite likes young and beautiful girls."
Gu Yuanshan laughed. "What’s so difficult about that? I’ll leave that task to you. Be sure to handle it well and satisfy Mr. Zhou."
Shen Congwen remained silent. They were both young men, both a bit proud and arrogant. Having suffered a significant loss at Zhou Yunchen’s hands before, Congwen was determined to teach him a lesson this time.
When he left the study, he ran into Gu Changqing.
Shen Congwen spoke respectfully but with hidden implications, "Young Master Gu seems to be coming home quite often lately."
Gu Changqing took a step forward, his smile beguiling. "Does Assistant Shen have issues with me, or perhaps some misunderstandings?"
Shen Congwen lowered his gaze. "I dare not."
"Dare not?" Gu Changqing laughed softly. "I think Assistant Shen is becoming more daring. You seem to be very comfortable playing both sides."
Shen Congwen held his ground. "Isn’t it Young Master Gu who colludes with others behind the scenes?"
Gu Changqing sighed. "Is that so?" Then his expression grew severe. "Shen Congwen, don’t you forget that Gu Anxi is my sister. What inner or outer are you talking about? Remember, Gu Anxi is the only sister I, Gu Changqing, acknowledge. If you harm even a single hair on her head, I’ll chop you up and feed you to the dogs!"
With that said, Gu Changqing didn’t go into the study but left arrogantly.
Hearing the commotion, Gu Yuanshan stepped out. "Was that Changqing’s voice just now? What did he say? Did you two have an argument? This child always thinks too highly of himself. Congwen, don’t take it to heart."
Shen Congwen chuckled lightly. "Young Master Gu just suddenly became interested in the dog you keep."
Gu Yuanshan showed a hint of paternal affection. "Oh, does he want to take care of it?"
"No," Shen Congwen spoke softly. "Young Master Gu wants to butcher the dog."
Gu Yuanshan frowned. "When did Changqing become so violent? A dog isn’t a bother to him. How could he despise it so much?"
After saying that, he waved his hand and went back into the study.
Shen Congwen remained standing there, his head lowered. At that moment, Gu Changqing no longer occupied his thoughts; only Zhou Yunchen did.
「...」
While Gu Yuanshan was busy, Tang Yuan was also occupied, preparing for the Spring Festival banquet. Writing invitations, paying visits—there were many things to do.
She wrote an invitation for Gu Anxi and put it together with those for the Bo family.
But Tang Yuan still wanted to observe the situation, so this invitation had not been sent out yet.
The Bo family didn’t care, but Gu Mingzhu did.
If Gu Anxi attended this banquet, she would undoubtedly gain a pass to the upper circles of Beicheng’s society, and she might have a stronger chance of returning to the Gu family...
Gu Mingzhu felt very uncomfortable. She quietly made several attempts to influence Tang Yuan.
But Tang Yuan, being a noblewoman, had some belief in her husband’s words. The Bo family was not to be offended lightly. Moreover, that child was indeed multi-talented. If... if she could return to the Gu family without causing a fuss... She, Tang Yuan, could claim to have nurtured two pearls, which would make her unrivaled in Beicheng. This was a little thought of hers, one she hadn’t shared with Gu Mingzhu. Of course, in her heart, Gu Mingzhu held a different status; she had affection for her. That other child, however... was hard to get close to.
Gu Mingzhu entered Tang Yuan’s bedroom. Seeing her mother busy, she spoke softly, "Mom, are you really planning on inviting that bumpkin?"
Tang Yuan reprimanded her, "Don’t ever say such things again. Your father has changed his opinion of her, and you know your brother’s attitude... In any case, be more restrained in the future and try your best to get along."
Gu Mingzhu looked down. "I understand."
Fearing she might upset her daughter, Tang Yuan stroked Mingzhu’s head and said gently, "Of course, I know you’re the best, Mingzhu. You’ve been busy with Director Nie on the movie, and he told me he was very impressed with the script you adapted. I know you’ve put in a lot of hard work this time. Keep it up!"
Gu Mingzhu nodded. "I’ll try my best, Mom. Director Nie is the best director for Chinese art and youth films, and his team is first-rate. I can’t waste this opportunity."
Originally, she had wanted Chu Ci for the male lead and had offered him a high fee. However, Chu Ci’s side declined, citing scheduling conflicts. But that didn’t matter; they could still use the possibility of Chu Ci starring to promote the movie, attract his fans, and boost its popularity.
Gu Mingzhu had to prove she was stronger than Gu Anxi. Only then could she ensure her position as the sole female heir to the Gu family. Now, Gu Anxi had become a constant source of anxiety for her.
While Tang Yuan continued to compose her invitations, she chatted privately with her younger daughter. "Oh, by the way, your father has invited Boss Zhou from Anpu Company over for dinner tonight. He’s determined to secure the agency rights for Jing, so don’t trouble him with your matters for the time being, alright?"
Gu Mingzhu nodded. "I understand."
Tang Yuan smiled involuntarily. "Think long-term. When the Gu family’s status is elevated, so is ours. Mingzhu, nobody can take away the title of Beicheng’s top socialite from you, do you understand?"
Gu Mingzhu leaned on her mother, a content smile on her face.
That night, as agreed, Zhou Yunchen came to the most atmospheric restaurant in Beicheng, which was also an appeal to his tastes.
Gu Yuanshan took the main seat while Shen Congwen sat with him.
During the dinner, Zhou Yunchen was remarkably eloquent, his demeanor perfectly composed.
Shen Congwen grit his fine, white teeth. When it came to being thick-skinned, no one could compare to Zhou Yunchen.
At this moment, Zhou Yunchen suddenly looked over at Shen Congwen, his eyes bright and carrying a hint of tipsiness—quite captivating.
Shen Congwen lowered his gaze. A wine glass was passed to him. "Congwen, how are you managing to avoid drinking tonight? Mr. Gu, don’t you think your capable subordinate deserves a forfeit?"
Shen Congwen was taken aback. As he raised his eyes, they revealed a rare hint of helplessness.
Zhou Yunchen had a deep smile on his face, resembling a cunning fox.
Gu Yuanshan quite admired Zhou Yunchen’s style and was also inclined to use his assistant to curry favor with Boss Zhou. In any case, they were two grown men; a little drinking was hardly a big deal.
When Gu Yuanshan spoke, Shen Congwen had no choice but to drink the wine.
The wine glass was one that Zhou Yunchen had already drunk from.
He reached out, took the glass, and took a sip.
Zhou Yunchen said with a smile, "Mr. Gu, your assistant drinks like a demure lady."
Shen Congwen felt utterly mortified and indignant. During his university years, his delicate features had often led to him being called effeminate. Now that Zhou Yunchen had dredged up this painful subject again, how could he not be furious?
So he drained his cup in one go.
"Excellent, Congwen! You really can hold your liquor." Zhou Yunchen clapped lightly and chuckled, his smile as warm as a spring breeze, as he picked up a piece of food for him with chopsticks. "Alcohol can be strong. Eat something to temper it."
Shen Congwen looked suspiciously at Zhou Yunchen.
Zhou Yunchen smiled gently, his eyes warm.
