Gu Ze didn't care about Gu Xiangdong's situation, but he couldn't afford to be complacent about someone secretly causing trouble. He didn't care about the other members of the Gu family, but Gu Ye was his Achilles' heel.

Having spent so many years working alongside high-ranking officials, Gu Ze would have been completely devoured long ago without considerable cunning and resourcefulness. Gu Ze's actions, however, were swift and decisive; everything he did left a trace.

"Gu Ze, wait for me."

"Han Weiguo?"

Gu Ze was surprised that the person who called out to him was Han Weiguo. They didn't have much in common, except that Han Weiguo's younger brother, Han Weidong, was a sent-down youth on an island, and he had once asked Gu Ye to take care of him.

"What, you seem so surprised to see me? This isn't like Secretary Gu at all. Aren't you the kind of person who remains unmoved even when faced with all odds?"

"Rumors are not credible. I'm just an ordinary person. Your words make it sound like I'm beyond human capabilities, which is terrifying."

Han Weiguo wasn't familiar with Gu Ze either. Because of his father, he wasn't exactly unknown among his peers. Although he couldn't compare to Gu Ze, that guy not only had excellent resources but was also very capable.

Gu Ze's father was of average ability, and his grandfather was retired, but Gu Ze's mother had a considerable network of connections, forming a truly vast network. After all, Comrade Xu Ning had given away his entire fortune to help many people.

"I never expected you to be like this, Gu Ze. Rumors can be deadly! Do you have time? Let's find a place to have a drink and talk about something."

Why not?

Gu Ze led the way, and the two disappeared into the crowd.

"Come in. This is a keepsake left to me by my mother. It's quiet here, and it's easier to talk."

While the matter Gu Ze had uncovered wasn't particularly difficult to handle, doing it discreetly wouldn't be easy either. If Han Weiguo was willing to join forces, he wouldn't refuse. The world isn't black and white; it's not simply a matter of being enemies.

"Thanks, I didn't expect you to be so open-minded and reveal your hand."

"That's right. When gentlemen associate with each other, they shouldn't engage in petty and despicable acts."

Gu Ze brought Han Weiguo here to make his stance clear: if you want to cooperate, be open and honest.

"I admire you. No wonder my father always talks about you and often says, 'A son should be like Gu Ze!'"

"I am truly grateful for General Han's kind words. My father never felt this way; he probably wishes he had never been born!"

Gu Ze felt good just thinking about the chaotic and messy life that would follow in Gu Xiangdong's household. He knew that although his mother had barely survived saving someone's life, her health had truly collapsed.

Gu Ze hated that Gu Xiangdong and Xu Fang had caused his once proud mother to lose all face at the end of her life; that pain was worse than death. He was already fifteen years old then, and he fully understood his mother's thoughts and temperament, but the reasons for his hatred were different from those of twelve-year-old Gu Ye.

He would never forgive Gu Xiangdong and Xu Fang. They had caused his mother to lose face on her deathbed, so he would make them live with that shame forever. He knew that family; they weren't exactly kind people, so he would just keep them bound together.

"That's because your father was blind and mistook a fish eye for a pearl. By the way, last time during the internal commendation, your Gu Ye's wife was the one who deserved the most credit. I heard that thing is very valuable. My old man said that Han Weidong was lucky and got a bargain along with her."

"You're quite well-informed. They were lucky, and they deserve a lot of credit. I heard your Han Weidong is doing well too; he's even teaching the kids on the island how to read and write."

Han Weiguo thought of his younger brother, who, disliking their competition for resources with their father's older children, had volunteered to go to the countryside and stayed far away. That stubborn boy had actually submitted and obediently followed orders; even his father found it unbelievable.

“My husband is a stubborn mule, but I never thought he would be obedient one day. The boys from the Zhou, Li, and Zhang families also did well. All the credit goes to Gu Ye’s wife, and you are also a beneficiary.”

“My Gu Ye is really lucky. He never wanted to get married or have children, but he met a partner who can walk alongside him. He’s a lucky guy. Bao Ni is the same. Her vision and perspective are beyond what most people can match.”

Gu Ze genuinely felt that his younger brother was lucky; he was rescued and also got a good wife. As for his sister-in-law, despite doing such a big thing, she didn't seem to care much; her focus wasn't on that.

"Because of some unexpected fate, we've become somewhat connected. This time, what you've found out, I also know a bit about—he's a scoundrel. To prevent him from falsely accusing people in the future, let's take this opportunity to get rid of him."

Han Weiguo happened to run into Gu Ze while investigating some matters, which led to the idea of ​​joining forces. They wouldn't actively harm anyone, nor would they be lambs to the slaughter, waiting for others to harm them.

"make a deal!"

"It's a pleasure doing business with you!"

There are no permanent enemies or permanent friends in the world, only permanent interests!

"That guy has gotten too arrogant. He even tried to use your dad to control you and wanted to take over your house. I really don't know what to say about him. We should all take this as a warning. Child, even if you can't become successful, you can't be too stupid."

Great minds think alike!

Gu Ze thought about his two sons. So far, they seemed to be doing well. The older one was showing some composure in his reactions and dealings with others. As for the younger one, he couldn't tell anything yet, but he didn't seem stupid either.

When the topic of children came up, Gu Ze began to envy Gu Ye again.

From Gu Ye's letter, he also learned about Liu Jiu and San Qi's personalities.

Liu Jiu is naturally strong and very smart. San Qi is still young, but he has an exceptionally sharp tongue. This proves that the child is quick-witted!

Sigh, let's not talk about it!

The two have initially agreed to cooperate, but some things still need to be planned and cannot be completed all at once.

"In the future, even if we can't become close comrades-in-arms, we won't become enemies either. I'm confident of that."

Han Weiguo admired Gu Ze, even though his father always compared him to him. But Gu Ze was outstanding, and you had to admit it. Only by associating with outstanding people could you become outstanding yourself; otherwise, you'd just get dumber and dumber.

"I feel the same way. Putting everything else aside, I still admire General Han's character and abilities. As long as your family doesn't hold you back, the future is promising!"

Two people, two hands, clasped tightly together in mid-air.

After Gu Ze and Han Weiguo left, they went home. The rest will take time to verify.

"What, you met with Gu Ze?"

"Yeah, no wonder you always praise him. He's a very good person, someone I can learn from. I'm not even on the same level as him; I'm far behind."

"Just understand yourself. You and he started from different points and had different experiences, so you can't compare them like that. You have your own strengths. I hope that Weidong can learn something from Gu Ye and his wife on the island."

General Han truly admires the Gu brothers, and now he's paying more attention to Gu Ye's wife.