Chapter 128: The Higher the Expectation, the Greater the Disappointment

“Shi Yan, haven’t you always avoided getting involved in these disputes? What’s changed? Are you looking to take a piece of the pie now?”

Gu Shiyan glanced at him coldly. “Just because I don’t get involved doesn’t mean I’m afraid.”

“Is this about that girl?” Gu Ming chuckled. “You know, the old man was cast out by the family because of a woman. Later, he learned his lesson and cut ties with Yun Zhi, which is how he became the one in power. Are you planning to follow in his footsteps?”

If Gu Taihua hadn’t given up on Gu Yun Zhi back then, they probably wouldn’t be where they are now.

“My affairs don’t concern you,” Gu Shiyan said as he pulled out a file. “Here’s what you wanted.”

Gu Ming looked at it, stunned. “What is this?”

“My shares in Kesheng,” Gu Shiyan said, placing the file on the table. “I’m transferring all my shares to you.”

Yao Xiangming’s eyes widened, unable to fathom why Gu Shiyan would give up his only shares.

Even Gu Ming’s expression became complicated.

He slowly opened the file and studied the share transfer agreement.

The old man had three children, each son holding two percent of the shares, while the grandchildren held one percent each.

That was more than enough to live comfortably for life.

But for those with ambition, a small piece of the cake wasn’t satisfying—they wanted the whole cake.

Gu Shiyan voluntarily relinquished his portion, giving Gu Ming a slightly larger share than the second and third branches, naturally increasing his advantage.

“Why are you transferring your shares to me?” Gu Ming asked.

He flipped through the papers; the signatures on the agreement were still blank.

Clearly, Gu Shiyan had conditions.

“What do you want?”

Gu Shiyan smiled faintly. “I just want your shares in the subsidiary, Rongxin.”

Rongxin was a small subsidiary of Kesheng Group, mainly focused on tech machinery and still in its infancy. Even holding absolute control over Rongxin wasn’t as valuable as one percent of Kesheng’s shares—one was a small head, the other a phoenix’s tail.

Gu Ming naturally chose the latter.

“Why Rongxin?” he asked.

“That’s my business.”

“Does Gu Liang know about this?” Gu Ming traced the paper thoughtfully.

“These are my shares. As long as you agree, I’ll sign immediately.”

“Is that your only condition?”

Gu Ming nodded. His sharp, hawk-like eyes fixed on Gu Shiyan. “Gu Liang’s shares in Kesheng must not be transferred.”

Gu Shiyan understood Gu Ming’s meaning. The third branch had long lost power; the core of Kesheng was controlled by Gu Ming and Gu Xiang. The subsidiaries were divided between them. Gu Liang was gradually withdrawing from the capital city to settle in the northern city.

His shares had become crucial. If Gu Liang transferred his shares to the second branch, Gu Ming would lose his advantage.

A flicker of light crossed Gu Shiyan’s eyes, but he answered expressionlessly, “He won’t. Even if he holds them, they’re useless to him. He won’t let go of his own shares—you should know that by now.”

Gu Ming was satisfied. Gu Shiyan signed, and the secretary personally escorted him out.

Yao Xiangming looked on, puzzled. “How could he give up so easily?”

He dismissed what others coveted.

“He’s still too young. He’ll regret this,” Gu Ming said, eyes carrying hidden meaning.

“He doesn’t know the contents of the second will yet, which is why he let go of his shares so easily to stay safe. But I know it now—there’s no way I’ll let him succeed.”

Gu Ming’s expression darkened as he thought of the will’s contents. “The old man was so biased—throwing scraps at us while giving the biggest piece to someone who doesn’t even want it. It’s truly disheartening.”

Gu Shiyan stepped out of the company building and into the backseat of the car. Assistant Song looked at him. “Did he take it?”

Gu Shiyan leaned back, rubbing the edge of his phone, holding back the urge to open a certain chat window. “Do you think Gu Ming would refuse meat placed right in front of him?”

Assistant Song nodded. “What’s your next move?”

“He’s already aware of the share distribution in the will. He’ll likely target me deliberately. I’m not worried about him revealing his hand,” Gu Shiyan said, looking at Assistant Song. “What exactly is in it…?”

Gu Shiyan had suspected Gu Ming hadn’t given up on the will after Grandmother’s incident.

When the police were called to investigate Tian Di Hua, Gu Shiyan sensed something was amiss.

He had Assistant Song move the will stored at Tian Di Hua to another place.

The second will Gu Ming obtained was one he thought authentic but was actually fabricated by Gu Shiyan and Assistant Song to deceive him.

It stated that the old man transferred all remaining shares to Gu Shiyan.

Gu Shiyan was the key figure to watch.

“If you truly want to know, then take over the company. That was the old man’s instruction,” Assistant Song repeated.

Gu Shiyan withdrew his gaze. “You’d better keep that to yourself for life.”

“Where to now?”

Gu Shiyan opened his phone. “Go find Gu Xiang.”

He paused. “But first, take me to Gu Liang.”

The driver acknowledged with a nod.

Assistant Song glanced at him. “Are you really going to push things that far with him?”

“I know my limits,” Gu Shiyan said, still stroking his phone’s edge, resisting opening that chat.

He turned to Assistant Song. “Has she been discharged?”

The doctor said she should wake up today, but already discharged?

Assistant Song shrugged. “How should I know? If you want to know, why don’t you go see her yourself?”

Gu Shiyan pressed his lips. “Not now.”

Gu Ming had his eyes on him. He couldn’t get entangled with Luo Xing anymore.

Especially now, that madman Gu Ming would stop at nothing to exploit his weaknesses.

If he showed any concern for Luo Xing now, she would become a weapon Gu Ming could use against him.

Assistant Song understood what was on Gu Shiyan’s mind and finally grasped why the old man had set up a second will.

...

“The discharge procedure is complete.”

Luo Zhou helped Luo Xing off the bed. “Want to eat something first?”

Luo Xing shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

She looked toward the door, then lowered her gaze.

“What’s wrong?” Luo Zhou asked. “You’ve been staring outside since you woke up. Who are you waiting for?”

Luo Xing put on her shoes. “Who has come to see me so far?”

“Me, your parents, Assistant Song… besides us, who else do you want?”

Luo Xing lowered her eyes. “No one.”

Her voice was soft, as if a breeze could scatter it.

Luo Zhou chuckled, lightly flicking her forehead. “I don’t know you well enough yet. You’re probably waiting for Gu Shiyan, aren’t you?”

Seeing her silent, he grew serious. “Actually, I don’t oppose your dating. Who you like is your own freedom. But there’s only one thing my brother wants to say!”

“That is, don’t get too involved, don’t build up too many hopes.”

“The higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment.”