Chapter Thirty-Seven

Gu Liuyun arrived at the headquarters of the family conglomerate accompanied by Ye Manman and Chen Jiaojiao. The building stood imposingly, its glass facade reflecting the piercing glare of the sun. Yet, beneath this polished exterior, turbulent undercurrents churned. Inside, the atmosphere was suffocating; everyone wore hypocritical smiles, like masks that rendered them unfathomable. The air felt thick with tension, as if a violent conflict could erupt at any moment.

"This atmosphere feels like a battlefield," Ye Manman whispered into Gu Liuyun’s ear, her breath sweet and her eyes brimming with allure.

"Indeed, the storm is brewing," Gu Liuyun replied with a faint smile. He could sense the hostility permeating the air, which only served to heighten his vigilance.

During the corporate management meeting, Uncle Gu and Cousin Gu launched a joint, aggressive offensive. They demanded a reduction in Gu Liuyun’s authority, sought to restrict his resource allocation, and even insisted he disclose the core secrets of the family business.

"Liuyun, you are young and lack experience. Some matters still require us elders to oversee them," Uncle Gu said with a insincere smile, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Exactly. You’ve already made some unwise decisions since taking over the company, which has us quite worried," Cousin Gu chimed in.

Gu Liuyun sat at the head of the table, his expression calm, as if this were all within his expectations. He tapped his fingers rhythmically against the tabletop. The sound was unnervingly clear in the silent conference room, stirring a sense of unease among those present.

"Are you suggesting that I, the heir, am merely a figurehead?" Gu Liuyun’s voice was icy, his gaze sharp enough to pierce through anyone.

"Of course not. We only have the company's best interests at heart," Uncle Gu replied hastily, though his tone remained disingenuous.

"The company's best interests? I think you mean your own selfish gains!" Chen Jiaojiao, quick-tempered as ever, could not help but snap back.

"Jiaojiao!" Gu Liuyun patted her hand gently, signaling her to stay calm. He stood up, scanned the room, and curled his lips into a cold sneer. "Since you think I am incompetent, I will prove to you who the true leader is!" He paused, his gaze falling upon Housekeeper Lin. "Housekeeper Lin, bring out my proposal."

Housekeeper Lin approached tremulously and handed a document to Gu Liuyun. Gu Liuyun took it but did not open it; instead, he tossed it onto the table. "This proposal outlines the future development of the company, including new investment directions and management models. If you have better plans, present them. If not, follow my directives!"

The room fell into a stunned silence. They had not expected Gu Liuyun to be so prepared and so assertive. Gu Liuyun took a sip of tea, his eyes deep and unfathomable. "Gentlemen, the show has only just begun."

The tension in the meeting room intensified. Ye Manman’s exquisite brows arched, her alluring eyes flashing with annoyance. She parted her red lips, her voice soft yet laced with an unquestionable authority. "Honestly, Liuyun, you should have just slammed the table and shown them who’s boss! All this tactical maneuvering is just a waste of time."

Chen Jiaojiao immediately retorted, her delicate face flushing pink as she stood with her hands on her hips like a bristling kitten. "Ye Manman, what do you know? A direct confrontation would only shatter the family completely! No one would benefit from that!" Her voice was sharp and fiery.

"Oh, Miss Chen, are you worried about your share of the family interest? Let me tell you, you have to be tough with people who try to climb over your head! Look at them—aren't they all just treacherous villains?" Ye Manman smiled seductively, her eyes filled with disdain.

"You!" Chen Jiaojiao was left speechless by Ye Manman’s retort, her chest heaving. She glared at her and snapped, "Besides seducing men, what else are you capable of?"

"Enough, enough." Gu Liuyun felt a splitting headache; the combined force of two peerless beauties arguing was akin to a nuclear explosion. He massaged his temples, trying to calm them down. "This is not the time for bickering."

Just then, Grandfather Gu, who had been silent throughout, gave a heavy cough. His clouded eyes rested on Gu Liuyun with a hint of disappointment and disapproval. "Liuyun, I have looked at your proposal. Some parts are far too risky. Our family’s foundation cannot be left to your reckless hands!"

Gu Liuyun froze, unable to believe his ears. His grandfather, who had just been supporting him, had suddenly switched sides. The transition was far too abrupt. The air seemed to solidify; the silence in the room was so profound they could hear each other breathing. Uncle Gu and Cousin Gu wore triumphant smiles, and Housekeeper Lin wiped cold sweat from his forehead, secretly relieved by his choice.

"Grandfather, you...?" Gu Liuyun was stunned. He searched for answers in his grandfather’s eyes but found only deep concern and a flicker of uncharacteristic evasion. The situation had plummeted; he felt unprecedented pressure, stemming not only from the internal family struggle but also from the betrayal of his elders. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. It seemed this chess game was far more complex than he had imagined.

Gu Liuyun slowly raised his head, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. He stood up, picked up the proposal, and riffled through the pages. The faint sound of paper rubbing together was jarringly loud in the silent room.

He looked at everyone present with a playful glint in his eyes. "Gentlemen, it seems I need to audit the accounts thoroughly. Perhaps... I might discover some unexpected things."

Gu Liuyun was no pushover. While he appeared calm on the surface, he had already activated his "Eye of Truth" internally. He secretly investigated the family’s financial status and the distribution of cultivation resources. With his memories as an Immortal Venerable, the petty tricks of falsifying accounts were child's play to him.

As expected, he discovered that Uncle Gu and Housekeeper Lin had been colluding to embezzle significant cultivation resources and were even using the family business to launder money. The evidence was conclusive, and he had caught them red-handed!

During a subsequent family meeting, Gu Liuyun cast the evidence down like a bombshell. "Everyone, look at this. Uncle, Housekeeper Lin, thank you for your hard work!" He wore a cold sneer, his gaze sharp enough to penetrate the soul.

Uncle Gu and Housekeeper Lin turned deathly pale, sweat pouring off them as they trembled like rats caught in a trap. The family members were in an uproar, staring at Gu Liuyun with astonishment. This boy had been playing the pig to kill the tiger!

"This… this… Liuyun, let me explain!" Uncle Gu stuttered, but Gu Liuyun did not give him the chance.

"Explain? The evidence is absolute; what is there left to explain?" Gu Liuyun’s tone was as cold as eternal ice.

Taking advantage of the situation, Gu Liuyun pulled Ye Manman and Chen Jiaojiao aside to initiate "emotional mediation." "Manman, Jiaojiao, I know you both have my best interests at heart, but infighting only benefits our enemies. We must unite and face the outsiders together!" He spoke with such sincerity that both women were moved. They exchanged a glance, and their previous animosity dissipated.

"Liuyun, don't worry, we won't fight anymore," Ye Manman said, her eyes alluring and her tone gentle.

"Yes, we will both support you," Chen Jiaojiao added, her voice firm.

With the internal conflict resolved, Gu Liuyun pressed his advantage, proposing a more robust plan for family business management and the allocation of cultivation resources. This plan balanced the interests of all parties, forcing the family members to re-evaluate his capabilities.

As Gu Liuyun’s status within the family rose, he walked to the window and looked out at the scenery. "It is time to start the next phase of the plan..." he murmured to himself, then turned and walked toward the door. "Go to the garden and summon the family members."