Why not just look in a mirror?

Three hours had passed, and the bidding was still going. This was only an intermission; it would resume in an hour.

After coming out of the restroom, Gu Zhiyue left the venue to get some air on the balcony outside.

Gu Shuoyan followed him out, and the two stood together in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. The setting sun in the west shone against the glass, reflecting a wash of orange-red.

Standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows along the corridor, Gu Zhiyue gazed at the city outside. "One session lasted over three hours, and there's still more to come. Being a boss really isn't something just anyone can do."

Gu Shuoyan laughed. "Looks like none of us in the family have a talent for business except Dad and our eldest brother!"

Gu Zhiyue asked curiously, "Where's our eldest brother's company? Is it far from here?"

"In Panxiang City, Jizhou. A seven- or eight-hour flight from here."

"That far?! Doesn't that mean he's settled down away from home?"

Gu Shuoyan nodded. "Pretty much. His company keeps him busy, too. He comes home four times a year at most. He always comes back for New Year's, though there are exceptions. He also comes home when things aren't busy at the company."

Gu Zhiyue nodded. "Sounds like he's on the same level as Dad."

Gu Shuoyan checked the time. "Let's go in. The next session starts in a little over twenty minutes."

"Okay, let's go. Let's pick out something good to eat first."

Zhao Wanling stood in front of Gu Jiangfeng, straightening his collar and fixing his hair. "You seem to be doing well today. Remember to drink the invigorating tea in your thermos."

Gu Jiangfeng smiled. "I have. I've already finished half of it. Where are those two, our third and fourth?"

"Picking out food over there. It'll be starting soon."

Gu Zhiyue held a small tray in one hand and a pair of tongs in the other, choosing food and transferring it onto the tray.

Gu Shuoyan held a tray with several drinks on it, keeping it so steady that not a drop spilled.

Gu Zhiyue looked at his tray. "This should keep us going for a little while. We can get more when we finish. Let's head back to our seats, Third Brother."

A man stood resting in a corner by the wall. He had chosen that spot because he did not want to attract attention.

Holding a glass of red wine, the man glanced toward Gu Zhiyue before looking away. "I don't think I've seen him before."

The assistant beside him explained, "Boss, that's the youngest son the Gu family recently found. Why the sudden interest in him?"

The man chuckled, gently swirling his glass and sending ripples through the red wine. "I noticed him earlier, when I was on the main stage."

The assistant asked, "Would you like to go introduce yourself? We've worked with the Gu family a few times. Their youngest son might want to make friends with you."

"There's no rush. There'll be opportunities later." The man drained the remaining wine and handed the empty glass to his assistant. "The next session is about to begin. Let's return to the main stage."

The assistant dipped his head. "Yes."

The man returned to his seat on the main stage and glanced toward the guest seating. The corners of his lips curved slightly before he casually looked away.

Gu Zhiyue bit into a chocolate cookie. [I have to get his contact information later!]

Xiao Jiu responded helplessly, [Host, why didn't you ask during that hour-long break? You've said that at least seven times already.]

[I was being reserved. What if I scared him by walking up out of nowhere?]

[Ha! Keep making things up, Host.]

Zhao Wanling covered her lips and chuckled. "Xiao Yue, I've seen you look over there several times. Interested in that young man?"

Gu Zhiyue paused mid-bite and stammered, "I, um... I was just curious..."

Zhao Wanling said, "He's the current head of the Xing Family's group. His name is Xing Yisheng. Our family has worked with the Xing Family a few times, and the two families are on fairly good terms. If you want to meet him, I can introduce you."

Gu Zhiyue's eyes lit up. "Really?!"

"Of course. He's the first friend you've wanted to make since coming home. Of course I'll support you."

Gu Shuoyan ate a piece of fruit. "You must take after our second brother, being such a sucker for good looks. You're so good-looking yourself. If you want to see a handsome guy, why not just look in a mirror?"

Gu Zhiyue shook his head. "I see my own face every day. No matter how handsome it is, I'm used to it by now."

Zhao Wanling merely smiled without speaking, then took out her phone and sent Gu Jiangfeng a message.

Gu Jiangfeng opened his phone. There was only one sentence in the chat: [Xiao Yue wants to meet Yisheng. Help him out when this is over.]

Gu Jiangfeng replied with a yellow-face emoji making an "OK" gesture, then switched off his screen and returned his attention to the bidding.

Gu Jiangli had left the venue as soon as his bid was declared invalid. He was probably off somewhere throwing a tantrum now.

Gu Zhiyue asked what Gu Jiangli was doing. After checking, Xiao Jiu told him that Gu Jiangli had smashed everything in his office after returning to his company. Judging by the look in his eyes, he probably would not stop until he brought their family down.

Gu Zhiyue sneered. [He can't even steal properly. What could he possibly accomplish?]

The Xing Group's bid focused primarily on technological innovation: developing Disaster-Relief Robots. The project interested not only the people from Party B, but Gu Jiangfeng as well.

The group's R&D department had recently been discussing trying its hand at technology research, but had hit a wall over research direction and technical expertise. Now, the Xing Family's bid fit their group's needs perfectly.

Wait, didn't our fourth son want to meet Yisheng? This was a good opportunity. Discussing business would give the two a natural chance to get acquainted.

Gu Jiangfeng said quietly to Xing Yisheng beside him, "Yisheng, I'm quite interested in developing these Disaster-Relief Robots, too. Shall we discuss it together once this is over?"

Xing Yisheng nodded slightly. "All right."

Gu Zhiyue sighed. [I don't understand a single one of these terms, but it sounds like a lot of money.]

Xiao Jiu said, [Host, if your family's project is carried through to completion, both companies will make several hundred million in net profit at the very least.]

[Really?! Can't they hold more bidding events like this? Wouldn't that make loads of money!]

[Host, it takes several months to organize a bidding event. Even three a year would be very good, and the workload involved is no small matter.]

Gu Zhiyue was a little disappointed. [All right, then. It makes money, but the technical standards still have to be maintained.]

Gu Shuoyan picked up a glass of juice from the tray and handed it to him. "Have some juice. It'll go nicely with this cake."

"Thanks, Third Brother."

Gu Zhiyue got through this session entirely by either eating or chatting with Xiao Jiu to pass the time.

On the main stage, both parties stood to shake hands and say goodbye. The attendees filed out in an orderly fashion, while those who had secured partnerships walked toward the exit, chatting and laughing together.

Zhao Wanling stood. "Let's go over and see how things turned out."

Seeing the three approach, Gu Jiangfeng raised a hand to beckon them over. Zhao Wanling asked, "Are you all right? Does your back hurt after sitting for so long?"

Gu Jiangfeng said, "I'm fine. The seat was quite comfortable. My back could handle it."

Gu Zhiyue stole several glances at Xing Yisheng, whether intentionally or not. Noticing this, Gu Jiangfeng cleared his throat. "Xiao Yue, let me introduce you. This is the Xing Family's boy, Xing Yisheng. He's five years older than you."

Xing Yisheng held out his hand to Gu Zhiyue. "Hello. May I get to know you?"

"Oh... oh! Hello! Of course! My name is Gu Zhiyue."