Page 24

As for Gu Yubai, the illegitimate son, the business news had reported for several days after the dinner that the Gu family had successfully brought him back into the fold.

The Gu family valued this illegitimate son highly. Gu Yubai was exceptionally capable and had closed several major deals just after returning to the family. His business abilities surpassed Gu Minghan's by far more than a little.

And so, the Gu family soon forgot all about Gu Minghan, their pampered young master.

When Su Wanqiao saw the financial news, she could not help thinking the same thing.

[When a wall falls, everyone gives it a shove. How glorious the Gu family's young master was when he still had his status. Now that he's lost his power, without the support of a marriage alliance with the Fu family, he definitely won't end well. But the Fu family is in the same boat. Their fate might be even more miserable than Gu Minghan's.]

"..."

Fu Huaiyan, who had been concentrating on the news, suddenly folded his newspaper.

He felt that Su Wanqiao was genuinely worried about the Fu family going bankrupt. Although the plot did indeed pose that risk, many things could be changed through human effort.

At present, the group was operating well, with no risk of bankruptcy. Besides, he had assigned people to keep an eye on all his younger siblings, leaving them even less opportunity to betray the company.

After the engagement was broken off, he had assigned many bodyguards to Fu Siyao. Gu Minghan had made no moves. As long as he dared to kidnap Fu Siyao, Fu Huaiyan would make absolutely sure she never returned.

Besides, Fu Siyao had also heard Su Wanqiao's thoughts. How could she possibly be completely unprepared?

So Fu Huaiyan was not worried. After all, although his younger sister had a gentle disposition, her methods were formidable. If the other party dared to lay a hand on her, they had better be prepared for retaliation.

Fu Huaiyan happened to be attending the Lansu Auction. He usually attended such events alone and had made very few public appearances with Su Wanqiao, partly because their relationship was poor and they seldom saw each other. He felt sorry for having treated Su Wanqiao coldly in the past.

It was also because the old Su Wanqiao had indeed had such an extreme personality that he had found it difficult to speak to her calmly.

But the current Su Wanqiao-he did not know whether it was because he could hear her inner voice-seemed to have changed enormously. She was completely different from before.

Through her thoughts, Fu Huaiyan had come to know this woman better, and he wanted to make up for their previously distant relationship.

He looked at the two auction lists in his hands.

Then he looked up at Su Wanqiao again.

Su Wanqiao acted as though nothing was happening.

[Don't look at me, don't look at me. I don't want to go. I still prefer you cold and distant, because you're especially charming with your eyes perched on top of your head...]

"..."

Fu Huaiyan knew just how good Su Wanqiao was at being sarcastic, but since she did not want to go, he was determined to take her along.

"My dear, there's an auction to attend. We might as well go together."

Su Wanqiao felt helpless at his words.

[Who knows what this villain is thinking? He used to barely acknowledge me, and now he's actually starting to act enthusiastic. Has he taken the wrong medicine, or has his personality suddenly changed? I really can't figure him out. Still, considering this man probably doesn't have much longer to live, I won't stir up any more trouble. I'll just quietly wait to send him a clock as a funeral farewell.]

"..."

Fu Huaiyan was truly furious. How was he about to die? Wasn't he alive and well right now?

It was not mere confidence on his part. Even if Fu Yichu were given twice the nerve, he would not have the ability to harm him in secret. Besides, even if it were someone other than Fu Yichu, it would still be impossible. Whatever unexpected twists the plot took, he would not die.

Yet all Su Wanqiao did day after day was think about becoming a widow. Was she that eager for him to die? He felt that before any accident could kill him, her thoughts would anger him to death.

Su Wanqiao finally sighed and agreed. "Fine, let's go, then."

"..."

This really was Fu Huaiyan's first time inviting someone, only to be met with such reluctance. He was utterly unaccustomed to it.

It was the couple's first public appearance together, and the auction was an upper-class event attended by many of the Fu Group's business partners. Quite a few people cast surprised looks their way when they saw Fu Huaiyan attending with his wife, Su Wanqiao.

After all, their unhappy marriage was no secret in high society. Previously, however, everyone had considered it normal. Marriages between wealthy families were alliances of mutual interest, and few involved genuine affection.

But unexpectedly, the chairman of the Fu Group had actually attended with his wife this time. It was truly something you might only see if you lived long enough. There were plenty of rumors about Fu Huaiyan in their circle: that he was frigid, had violent tendencies at home, and secretly abused his wife.

In short, Fu Huaiyan's swift, decisive approach in business had left him with a poor reputation. Su Wanqiao was also somewhat surprised. She was not quite used to being stared at so frequently. It seemed that these people's gazes had only changed after she appeared with Fu Huaiyan.

After thinking it over, Su Wanqiao no longer found it surprising. In the plot, the villain had always had a terrible reputation and had been the target of many people's jealousy and resentment. With the Fu family thriving, they naturally paid no attention to those looks. But once the Fu family fell, it would become a case of everyone shoving a collapsing wall.

[How come even the dogs turn their noses up at him? Fu Huaiyan really is terrible at getting along with people.]

"..."

Fine, Su Wanqiao was right this time. These people really were all dogs.

Naturally, Fu Huaiyan did not care what the people around him thought. After all, those people were not even fit to carry the Fu family's shoes, much less compete with them, so how could he possibly regard them as worth his attention?

Ignoring the irrelevant people, he led Su Wanqiao to their VIP seats.

Su Wanqiao, meanwhile, listened to the gossip around her with interest.

Another wealthy couple sat not far from them. They looked deeply in love. From time to time, the woman shot Su Wanqiao a contemptuous look, then took her husband's arm and giggled delightedly.

Puzzled, Su Wanqiao asked Fu Huaiyan who the woman was and why she was looking at her that way.