Chapter 113: Gu Shiyan Discovers a Secret

“Mr. Gu, these are the photos taken from the Huo lawyer’s side.” Gu Ming looked at the stack of photos placed by his assistant on his desk. He picked one up to examine it. In the image, Huo Xingzhou was dining with a woman in a restaurant, and the second photo captured them kissing as they parted. “This woman is his junior from the same year. They lost touch after graduation, only reconnecting gradually in the past two years. They officially started dating in January this year.” “I’ve given him three days to think things over. Since he has his own ideals to uphold, let’s see if the people around him can hold firm.” Gu Ming folded the photos and pressed them onto the desk, tapping his index finger in a steady rhythm. “Contact her privately. Don’t let Huo Xingzhou find out.” “Yes.” ... After Shen Que woke, the team members offered no questions about why he had fallen ill. Nor did he ask Luo Xing when he noticed Shen Runji’s WeChat had been deleted. The group was absorbed in experiment design, leaving almost no leisure time. Meals were the only moments they could glance at their phones. “Hello?” Gu Shiyan answered, setting down his chopsticks and stepping away to take the call. The dining area belonged to the organizer, shared with other students. Gu Shiyan moved to a secluded spot before replying to Song’s assistant. “I still have a week left.” “Huo lawyer contacted Gu Ming, who sent a check. Huo refused, and Gu Lao still hasn’t regained consciousness. The doctor fears the worst. The Gu family has sent people to all three corners, keeping close watch on Gu Lao, and they’ve been probing me as well.” Gu Shiyan tightened his grip, his gaze drifting to the white snow and bare branches beyond the window. A black bird passed overhead, and pine needles rustled down from the branches. He suddenly longed to hang up, to avoid confronting these bothersome matters. Withdrawal was the safest retreat into one’s shell, yet once outside danger loomed, once inside, one could only remain hidden forever. “The second will... can’t I see it?” His voice came out hoarse with fatigue. “Only two people know about the second will—Gu Lao and Huo lawyer. Even the second young lady is unaware...” The other line seemed to hesitate, then continued, “But the will appears linked to the second young lady and you.” Gu Shiyan fell momentarily silent, having never imagined this will concerned him. He had smashed the lock beneath the old master’s nose, effectively renouncing the Gu family inheritance. Over the years in Beicheng, the old master had not sought him again. Their only recent contact had been the trade Gu Shiyan made with the old master over the matter involving Qi Zhi. Besides him, was it also tied to Luo Xing’s grandmother? Gu Shiyan turned away, scanning the moving figures around him. She gripped a fork and stuffed a meat bun into her mouth, yet her eyes remained fixed on the tablet screen, as if a sudden insight had struck. She chewed hurriedly, then lifted the tablet to show the others. When Xu Yan accepted it, Luo Xing looked up and met Gu Shiyan’s gaze. Gu Shiyan paused, then turned sideways and withdrew his eyes. “After the competition, I need to meet Huo lawyer. Help me arrange it.” “You... also want to ask about the second will?” “Gu Ming will never give up easily. Huo lawyer himself may uphold Grandpa’s words, but who knows whether accident or tomorrow comes first. Gu Ming’s listed company has been investigated, its market share squeezed, its capital chain severed. He wants to rise again and will not abandon the old master’s legacy.” “Very well. I’ll arrange the meeting for you.” Gu Shiyan ended the call, walked to the smoking area, and slowly finished a cigarette while viewing the message from Song’s assistant about Gu Ming’s remittance of a private asset. Next came the profiles of the people Gu Ming had most recently contacted. He scrolled downward until his gaze stopped on one name. Yao Xiangming? His household registration is in M country... Song’s assistant had just sent the bank account number of the remittance recipient as an American Express card. Yao Xiangming. Gu Ming... He typed a request for Song’s assistant to keep a closer watch on Yao Xiangming, then turned off his phone and returned to the cafeteria. “What took you so long? The food’s already cold.” Qi Changbai asked. Gu Shiyan replied casually that he had not eaten and turned to Shen Que. “You know Yao Xiangming?” Shen Que’s complexion still carried a hint of illness. He nodded. “Yes.” “Do you know his parents?” Gu Shiyan asked again. Shen Que disliked hearing others speak of parents and rarely inquired about others’ private matters. He shook his head. Luo Xing had spoken with Yao Xiangming. “He once mentioned that his parents are engaged in business abroad and rarely return to the country.” “Besides that, you know nothing about him?” Gu Shiyan raised an eyebrow. “He never mentioned his family situation?” Luo Xing frowned, thinking back. “Only that he said choosing physics was his father’s wish. His mother seemed quite strict, calling several times to check on his studies.” Gu Shiyan lowered his gaze, recalling the old master’s visit. Even Gu Liang had learned of it later, yet Gu Ming had dispatched inquiries the next day, meaning he already knew Gu Shiyan was heading to Beijing. At that time, while still beside the old master, Gu Ming had once secretly asked what major Gu Shiyan intended to pursue. “Why the questions?” Luo Xing asked. Gu Shiyan’s lips curved into a meaningful smile. Luo Xing felt a chill. He sensed the smile boded no good. “Nothing. Just discovered something rather interesting.” ... After the meal, they returned to the experimental base. They encountered Xu Yuxiao. Facing him stood Tan, the teacher who had led the Beijing team this time. “So the main rivals this time are Xingda’s team and two teams from North America...” Xu Yuxiao listened to the teacher speak, then smiled at Gu Shiyan. “Teacher, weren’t your former students also strong opponents?” Tan turned and swept a glance toward Gu Shiyan. Pity showed in his eyes, overshadowed by regret and disappointment. Back then, Gu Shiyan, Wenruan, and Xu Yuxiao had been the most gifted students he had trained. Unfortunately, after that award win, the Wen family collapsed, Wenruan vanished, and Gu Shiyan transferred schools and left Beijing. Without a sound, his two prized disciples had disappeared. Gu Shiyan nodded in greeting, still respecting the teacher. “Not everyone can slump for a few years and then rise again.” He left the words behind and departed without a backward glance. Xu Yuxiao patted Gu Shiyan’s shoulder with a smirk. “What a pity. Quitting the team for Wenruan back then was too impulsive.” Gu Shiyan glanced at the hand on his shoulder and answered indifferently, “The little stuttering fat boy was far cuter back then. How is it that the more you’ve grown, the less pleasing you become?” Xu Yuxiao’s smile froze. As a child he had stuttered and been chubby. These past years, no one had dared speak to him that way.