Chapter 3: Gu's Family Has a Daughter Named Jiu Si

In Chen Mingmo's eyes, this son resembles him the most, possessing ambition and a sense of responsibility, yet it remains uncertain whether he is as ruthless as himself

Chen Muzhao's identity has always been a taboo in Chen Mingmo's eyes. At this moment, he could not say a word for himself and could only show weakness. He coughed a few times at the right moment and said, "Uncle, I am feeling a bit unwell, so I will head back first"

In a single sentence, Chen Muyun and Chen Muzhao were thrust into the spotlight; Chen Muzhao looked up and met Chen Mubei's gaze. He still appeared as he did a few years ago, albeit having matured a bit, and although he still bore that languid demeanor, it unexpectedly made Chen Muzhao feel a chill, causing him to break out in a cold sweat without realizing it.

He understands why Chen Mubai is doing this; he is taking the initiative to warn him not to repeat the same mistakes, harboring the delusion of collaborating with Chen Muyun while opposing him

Chen Muyun, upon hearing this, disregarded Chen Moubai and turned to explain to Chen Mingmo, "Dad, that's not what I meant! The third brother is framing me!"

A delicate and fair-skinned girl stands under the tree in the small courtyard, her eyes downcast, enveloped in the cold, icy hues of the night

Chen Mubai lowered his gaze in thought, then walked back to kick Chen Jingkang, who opened his eyes in a daze, looking at him with a bewildered expression.

At the dining table, everyone's flattery and attentiveness towards Chen Mubai were no longer concealed. Chen Mubai smiled and graciously accepted each compliment, while only Chen Mingmo seemed to understand what was truly happening.

A few years ago, Chen Mubai left the country without a word, and a few years later, he returned just as quietly. Not long after his return, he had already consolidated more than half of the Chen family's fortune into his own hands. The situation clearly indicated that this had been a well-prepared scheme, likely taking more than a year or two to execute. Despite being thousands of miles away, he was able to strategize and maneuver effectively. Such a thunderous approach naturally involved seizing the meat from others' bowls, which inevitably stirred public resentment.

Gu Jiu Si nodded slightly and smiled at him, "Thank you"

He said nothing and turned to go back inside the house

Chen Mu and the librarian still wore a languid smile on their faces

Chen Muyun saw Chen Mingmo silent and became increasingly anxious, "Dad ... ... "

Chen Mubai exclaimed exaggeratedly, increasingly sincerely rambling, "How could that be? Everything I have done is in accordance with your wishes, isn't it? Those positions were only occupied because you specifically pointed them out to me! Did you not say that they must not fall into the hands of the Dong family?"

Chen Ming looked up with an unchanging expression at Chen Mubai, who was sitting to his right. After several years apart, Mubai's features increasingly resembled those of that woman, becoming ever more elusive. In the prime of his life, he had claimed half of those who could speak in this setting for himself. His methods had grown increasingly ruthless, and his cultivation had reached greater depths. He truly lived up to being his son

Go call her in

Later, even Chen Jingkang, who had initially gritted his teeth in anger, softened his heart and cautiously pleaded with him, "Young Master, why not let her in? She has been standing there all night without moving at all"

After a while, Chen Mingmo finally spoke, "I am getting older and cannot manage many of your affairs anymore, but the rules still stand. Since there are rules, we should follow them. Mu Bai, in the future, try to interfere less in others' matters. Mu Yun, you are the elder brother, so this time, let your younger brother take the lead."

As for Chen Muzhao, his equipment is poor, and his attributes are not high; he truly cannot be regarded as a young talent. However, such individuals are the most dangerous, appearing to be indifferent and unambitious, yet they are like hidden snakes lurking in the shadows. Gu Jiusi remembers clearly seeing the malice in his eyes when he walked out just now.

After speaking, she cast a resentful glance at Gu Jiusi, who was standing under the tree in the courtyard

Chen Mubai smiled, casually making eye contact with Chen Mingmo, "I have to bear this notorious reputation, am I not allowed to gain some benefits from it?"

Chen Jingkang let out a sigh of relief, walked over to the girl, and after a long pause, finally spoke, "Um... the young master is calling for you to come in"

A single remark rendered the room silent, with no one daring to respond. This taboo topic has always been one that only the Third Young Master could casually bring up, treating it as if it were of no consequence. Yet, his languid demeanor only intensified the resentment towards him.

Chen Mingmo was aware of Chen Mubai's unreasonable behavior. Moreover, he had handled this matter quite well, so he no longer pursued it. He raised his hand and pointed to the person standing outside the door, saying, "You have just returned to the country, and you might not be accustomed to life here. Chen Jingkang is careless and clumsy, and I am not at ease with him taking care of you. I have found someone to look after you, and they will be by your side from now on"

Chen Muyun, feeling indignant and wanting to argue, was stopped by someone pulling at his sleeve from behind, while simultaneously regretting how he ended up following such an oblivious master

Chen Mubai lowered his head, fiddling with the tea cup in his hands, stirring the tea leaves floating in the cup, yet he did not take a sip. After a while, he slightly raised his gaze to look at Chen Muzhao, "Chen Muzhao, don't you think so? My dear elder brother is speaking up for you! According to reason, you, Chen Muzhao, are indeed the legitimate eldest grandson!"

Indeed, Chen Muyun was the first to speak, "The matters in the south have always been under my management, and this has also been tacitly approved by my father. However, as soon as that position became vacant, you sent someone to seize it, haven't you overstepped your bounds?"

What is your name

When Chen Mubai saw this scene while sending Chen Mingmo off.

Chen Mubai glanced outside and, upon recognizing the girl from the afternoon, immediately adopted an exaggerated expression, "Oh, I thought this was the sister you just found for me. I truly did not expect that you had prepared this for me! I am really flattered!"

He has just returned not long ago, and there are a multitude of matters concerning the Chen family and the company. He is so busy that he can hardly keep up, and upon hearing this, he merely responded with a distracted "mm".

The hall fell silent once again due to Chen Mingmo's unpredictable silence.

Chen Ming, with a dark expression, left without waiting for Chen Mubai to agree or disagree, taking Gu Jiusi with him.

Chen Mingmo glanced at him, his tone laced with reproach, "Then how can you occupy what I haven't even mentioned!"

In a room full of people exchanging barbs and sarcasm, the main person remained silent. Chen Mubai, however, was not in a hurry; he composed himself and lowered his head to sip tea. His calm demeanor would inevitably provoke someone who could not contain their impatience.

When there are more people, disputes are even more difficult to stop. Sometimes it is not about what one desires, but rather the circumstances, interests, the people behind him, and the people behind others that compel them, as fathers and sons or brothers, to turn against each other.

Hearing a sound, she lifted her head to look over, her eyes clear and bright, showing no signs of fatigue. In the few seconds of meeting his gaze, she remained as calm as water, and then, just like the first time she saw him, quickly lowered her head again

Also wearing a contemptuous smile outside the door was Gu Jiu Si. The performance had only just begun, and she already understood everything. Before coming, she had gone through the Chen family's affairs dozens of times, and after watching this scene today, her understanding had deepened even further

The surface meaning is quite simple; it is merely the father mediating the conflict between the two brothers, with each brother taking a step back. However, the underlying implication was understood by all. The old man said "to intervene less," rather than "not to intervene at all." It appears to be a fair distribution, yet it indeed leans towards Chen Mubai's side. Everyone sighed inwardly, realizing that from now on, the Third Young Master would truly be in a different league.

She has seen this kind of performance many times, but it is rare to see one so realistic, especially with both sides being equally matched experts. Indeed, she has watched countless shows, yet she could not help but applaud and praise in her heart

The sun gradually rose, and as the first ray of sunlight streamed into the room, Chen Mubai lazily nestled on the sofa, rubbing his forehead. Gu Jiusi stood a few steps away, his gaze lowered, indifferently counting the patterns on the carpet

Chen Mingmo also expressed the concern that a senior should have, saying, "Take care of your health and rest more"

Chen Mubai finally spoke just as Chen Jingkang was about to strain his eyes from signaling, "Do you have something to discuss?"

This is their first meeting, yet it is not the first meeting. This is the first sentence they spoke, yet it is not the first sentence. This scene is reminiscent, especially like the return of an old friend

Chen Jingkang felt quite uncomfortable about Gu Jiusi suddenly coming to take his job. As soon as Chen Mingmo left, he pitifully clung to Chen Mubai's thigh and asked, "Where have I been careless or clumsy? Young Master, tell me, have I not taken good care of you?"

Chen Muzhao smiled bitterly, "My health is deteriorating day by day, who knows how long I will live..."

Gu Jiu Si

Gu Jiu Si raised her eyes to look at the man on the sofa, a fleeting emotion passing through her gaze as she faced the sunlight

After Chen Mingmo shot him a glare, Chen Muyun immediately became obedient and did not dare to explain any further

By the time he finally finished his work, the sky was already dimly lit. Chen Jingkang sat on the ground, hugging the leg of the sofa, sound asleep. When he pushed open the window, he was surprised to see that the girl was still standing there; the stone bench was clearly just a few steps away, yet she had stood there all night.

Chen Mingmo's expression became increasingly grim, yet he spoke in a calm tone, "You have gone too far this time"

Chen Mubai went about his business inside the room, while Chen Jingkang would occasionally sneakily open the door, peeking through a small crack to observe her

Chen Mubai watched the play with great concentration, and could not help but admire the increasingly exquisite acting skills of these performers, a hint of disdain unconsciously curling at the corners of his lips

Chen Mubai finally understood Chen Jingkang's thoughts and nodded with a hint of amusement

Chen Mubai knew that this banquet was never a good one. Sure enough, he had barely taken his seat when the voices of condemnation, both overt and covert, began to rise. However, he was no longer the isolated and helpless youth he once was. There were now many more people standing behind him and supporting him. His intentions were never something he had to express himself; there were plenty of people to speak on his behalf. What he himself said was only half true, shrouded in ambiguity, capable of deceiving others without them even batting an eye.

Chen Mubai has become increasingly profound and reserved, yet the gloom and severity between his brows cannot conceal his elegance. His exquisitely beautiful face surpasses that of the past, and he retorts slowly, "If you cannot maintain your own territory, it only indicates your lack of ability. Moreover, since when has the Chen family begun to emphasize seniority and hierarchy in their dealings? If that were the case, how could the old master, not being the eldest son, possibly assume the position of the leader?"

During the gathering, Chen Mubai drank a few more cups and decided to stay at the old residence to rest. As dusk approached, Chen Mingmo entered Chen Mubai's room. The older one remained silent, his face as dark as a pot bottom, while the younger one appeared calm, relaxed, and cheerful

Chen Mingmo glanced at everyone and said, "What was supposed to be a pleasant family dinner has turned into a chaotic scene because of you all. Alright, the food is almost cold, let's go eat!"

He spoke in a calm manner while observing Chen Mingmo's expression; his words were merely intended to reassure Chen Mingmo. He would not live for many more days and had never considered fighting for anything on behalf of his father.

Chen Jingkang unexpectedly blushed due to Gu Jiusi's smile, stammering in response, "No... no... no need to thank..."

Chen Jingkang rubbed his eyes and stood up, taking a moment to react. With a frown on his face, he asked, "Young Master, even if you allow her to follow you, I am still the person you trust the most, right?"

In Gu Jiusi's eyes, the so-called young talents can be divided into two types. One type is well-equipped, like Chen Muyun. Although he lacks knowledge and skills, he is the product of the marriage between the Chen and Mu families. Just these two surnames alone make many people look up to him in awe. The other type, regardless of whether they were born with a golden key, can easily attract everyone's attention just by standing there. In short, they possess a high status, like Chen Mubai.

He is inside the house, while she is standing outside the house