Chapter 81
The Hyatt Hotel's venue was packed with people. Reporters from various media outlets in Beijing gathered below the stage. Xu Shengnan sat on the stage, looking a little tired.
"Mr. Xu, Nansheng Group is a newcomer in the industry and has rapidly gained a dominant position in the market in recent years. As the leader of the group, do you have any secrets to your success?"
At the press conference, Xu Shengnan listened to the questions from the reporters below and kept smiling: "Is there? At least I don't know. Maybe... it's good luck."
The audience laughed softly
"Mr. Xu, Fanghua is an old brand in Beicheng City. Its performance has been sluggish in recent years. After the acquisition is completed, will you replace Fanghua's original brand and carry out overall internal reforms?"
A young male reporter asked. Xu Shengnan looked over and smiled. "As an old brand, Fanghua carries the childhood memories of many people. I will preserve Fanghua's original corporate culture. The company name of Fanghua will not be replaced after the acquisition. This is my promise."
"Today's press conference ends here. Thank you all for coming."
Xu Shengnan slowly stood up, nodded, and quickly left the meeting. After leaving the hotel, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The car at the hotel entrance had been parked there for a long time, and Xu Shengnan strode over.
"Mr. Xu, did the press conference go well?"
"It went smoothly, but it was too noisy. I guess I'm getting older and I like quiet more and more."
"Gu Cunxi, you're so good... you're hiding behind the scenes."
Gu Cunxi looked at Xu Shengnan and smiled softly, his beautiful eyebrows curved into crescents: "Mr. Xu, you are wrong about me."
"You are the chairman. Acquiring a well-known and time-honored brand like Fanghua Company will attract the attention of the whole city. Of course, you have to come in person."
"You also said that you just wanted to run a small company and live a quiet life."
"That's good... In the four years since you came back, the company's performance has soared. It has even surpassed Huahai in the past. I'm afraid that we will have fewer and fewer days of leisure in the future." Xu Shengnan smiled and shook his head.
“!!”
In the blink of an eye, four years have passed... Gu Cunxi was slightly distracted: "Boss Xu, will you regret asking me to come back?"
"Stinky girl, what are you talking about? I'm so happy that the company is doing so well now. I'm very happy, but I'm also a little confused at the same time."
"Oh?" Gu Cunxi raised his eyebrows: "People like Mr. Xu will also be confused."
"Cunxi...when money becomes just a number, people become numb..."
“…”
She felt a sense of emptiness from Xu Shengnan's words. It was an emptiness from deep within her soul. After all, people are emotional creatures with flesh and blood. If they don't have spiritual sustenance, no matter how much money they have, they may not be happy.
"The new car is nice." Xu Shengnan looked at the center console inside the car: "Panamera, I remember you liked Porsche cars before."
"This is the extended version, right?" Xu Shengnan looked around.
"Yes…"
"100 kilometers per hour in 3.8 seconds, not bad!" Xu Shengnan looked at her with satisfaction.
"Cunxi, I'm very happy to see you now. Inviting you back is the best decision I've ever made. It has made you successful, and it has also made me successful!"
“This is also the best decision I have ever made!”
"By the way, Mr. Xu," Gu Cunxi paused, observing the road conditions on both sides and continued, "I will be returning to Jianghuai City in a few days. The subsidiary has been established for more than a year, and the business there is gradually developing."
"Yeah," Xu Shengnan nodded and said, "It was you who proposed the establishment of the subsidiary. Judging from the current development of Jianghuai City, your vision was right!"
“!!”
The hand on the steering wheel shook imperceptibly, and Gu Cunxi was distracted for a moment. Xu Shengnan didn't know that she had a more important reason for setting up Nansheng Technology in Jiang Huai!
"We are lucky!" Gu Cunxi curled his lips and smiled.
Xu Shengnan's chuckle could be heard: "Cunxi...luck is just a humble word used by successful people!"
"By the way, this needs your signature!" Xu Shengnan took out a document and placed it on the center console: "This is a document you must sign in person. You cannot refuse. Once you sign it, give it to me!"
Gu Cunxi took a glance: What file?
"This is a gift for you. You'll know when you open it!" Xu Shengnan kept it a secret.
“…”
"Okay, I'm old and want to live a more leisurely life. I'm relieved to leave the company's affairs to you."
"You've been away from Jianghuai City for many years. This is a good opportunity to go back and see your old friends over there. You've been working almost day and night these past few years, so I'll give you a long vacation!"
Old friends... these three words reminded her of some people, and she felt depressed.
I wonder if she's doing well, if her husband and wife are getting along well! Haha...
She twitched her lips in self-mockery
After all, we are strangers...Xiao Peiyin, do you still remember me?
This time when she returned to Jianghuai City, in addition to the business at the branch office, she wanted to make a break with the past. For the past four years, she has been trapped by the same dream... day and night, unable to sleep.
It’s time to settle the old scores!
The car roared down the street, and she stepped on the accelerator and sped off into the distance...
…
On the other side, at the gate of Xiyuan Airport in Beicheng City, stood a tall woman, dressed in a professional suit, revealing a sense of competence and charm. The sunglasses on her face covered her eyebrows and eyes. The woman looked at the passing cars in front of her, and the smile on the corner of her mouth became more and more obvious.
"Lawyer Jiang, please come this way. I've been waiting for you here for a long time." A man came over and looked at her and nodded politely.
Jiang Rao raised his hand to take off his sunglasses, looked at the man in front of him, and slowly walked forward.
"Hello"
"Lawyer Jiang, our boss has already arranged a hotel for you. I'll take you there first."
"good!"
Jiang Rao sat in the car and looked out the window at the city of Beicheng. He couldn't wait to take out his cell phone and dialed
…
At the gate of the Jiangcheng Villa District, Gu Cunxi had just seen Xu Shengnan off. She picked up the document on the center console, curious about what it was that required her to sign in person...
“!”
A share transfer agreement comes into view!
Xu Shengnan transferred half of his shares to her... Once this document is signed, it means that she will exercise the power of the group director on behalf of Xu Shengnan!
This gift is a bit too heavy...
A rapid cell phone ring rang in the car. The number on the screen showed the location was Jianghuai City...
“…”
She hesitated for a moment before answering the phone. A woman's magnetic voice came from the other end.
"Mr. Gu...long time no see, I'm Jiang Rao"
“!!”
Hearing Jiang Rao's voice, Gu Cunxi was stunned and silent for a while. Just as he was about to speak, he heard the person on the other end of the phone continue to say
"I just arrived in North City. I have a case on hand and will be here for a few days. Mr. Gu, should you treat me?"
“???”
"When did you change your number?" Gu Cunxi moved the phone away from his ear and looked at the number on the screen: "Of course I have to entertain you!"
"Why didn't you tell me in advance so I could pick you up?"
A woman's laughter came from the phone
"Forget it, you're a busy person with so many things to do every day, how can I dare ask you to come pick me up in person?"
"I'm on my way to the hotel now. I have a case to discuss later. Let's meet after that. I'll send you the address on my phone. Please pick me up at the hotel."
"good"
After hanging up the phone, memories flooded back. She had never seen Jiang Rao again since she left Jianghuai City that day.
However, they have maintained occasional contact over the past four years. After four years apart, Jiang Rao's sudden visit today caught her off guard. Facing Jiang Rao was like facing the past, with traces of Xiao Peiyin, which could not be torn apart.
After a while, the phone on the center console vibrated slightly. Gu Cunxi looked sideways and picked up the phone.
This is the address Jiang Rao sent...
“Room 2802, Hyatt Regency…”
Hyatt is the best five-star hotel in North City. The press conference about the acquisition of Fang Hua was also held there. Gu Cunxi checked the time and started the car and drove towards the hotel.
The company had a meeting to be held in the afternoon, but Jiang Rao's sudden visit forced her to put down her work. She picked up her phone and called Lin Yan.
"Mr. Gu~"
"Xiao Lin, the afternoon meeting is temporarily cancelled. I won't be returning to the company today. If you have any documents that need my signature, please leave them in my office first!"
"Okay, Mr. Gu," Lin Yan replied
Gu Cunxi drove very fast along the way. She stepped on the accelerator and felt a strong push on her back... She loved this speed and the roar of the engine. As her adrenaline rose, her heartbeat also became faster. Only in this way could she feel alive...
In a blink of an eye, the car stopped at the entrance of Hyatt Hotel
The doorman came forward and politely
Gu Cunxi handed the key to the doorman and walked inside. The hotel lobby was magnificent and bustling with people. She walked to the elevator door and pressed the button. Watching the elevator gradually descend, she felt a little nervous...
I haven't seen her for four years. I wonder if she is still as frivolous as before. The elevator door slowly opened. Gu Cunxi was stunned for a moment before walking in.
She stood in front of the door of Room 2802, raising her hand but never knocking...
It wasn't that she was afraid of facing Jiang Rao, she was just afraid that Jiang Rao carried traces of her past...
It's been four years, and she has never forgotten that person!
After taking a deep breath, Gu Cunxi slowly knocked on the door in front of her with her hand suspended in the air. In an instant, the door was opened from the inside out. Jiang Rao stood in front of her, his eyes deep...
For Jiang Rao... this moment is her eternal love
The two of them were speechless...
After a long while, Jiang Rao spoke slowly, with his usual playful tone: "After four years, Mr. Gu has become even more charming. My heart almost stops when I see him."
Gu Cunxi lowered his head and chuckled, looking a little helpless.
As expected...she is still so indecent!
"Why don't you invite me in, Lawyer Jiang?" She raised her hand and pointed inside.
Jiang Rao smiled and turned sideways: "Mr. Gu, please..."
The scorching sun shone through the French windows, filling the entire living room with a golden warmth. Jiang Rao stood behind her, his heart beating like thunder.
She has changed a lot...
If Gu Cunxi four years ago was cold yet gentle, then four years later she was only cold...
Even her clothing style exudes a cold aloofness. She wears a black haute couture suit, which is cold and solemn, giving people an infinite sense of alienation...
The person she had been thinking about for four years was standing in front of her. Jiang Rao felt like it was a dream, and her mind gradually lost control. She walked up quickly and put her arms around Gu Cunxi's waist from behind, with her cheek pressed against her shoulder.
“!!”
The warmth on her back and the hand tightening around her waist made Gu Cunxi's body startle slightly. She turned her head and looked at the figure behind her with her peripheral vision. The two of them were silent for a long time in the middle of the living room.
"We've been apart for four years. I miss you so much, Gu Cunxi!" Jiang Rao clenched his hands again, reluctant to let go.
"Jiang Rao..."
"Let me go first, it's too tight, I can't breathe." Gu Cunxi pulled the hand on his waist.
“…”
Jiang Rao reluctantly let go, walked half a circle, stood in front of her and smiled: "How is it? Is my hug also very warm? I wonder if Mr. Gu is satisfied?"
“…”
"You're strangling me so hard I can't breathe!" She rolled her eyes at Jiang Rao.
“…”
If it were someone else, she would definitely resist, but facing Jiang Rao, she did not dislike it and had gradually become accustomed to her playful and unruly behavior.
In fact, Gu Cunxi also thought about what kind of feelings Jiang Rao had for her, and whether her improper behavior in front of him...had something else in it?
The hug just now was the first time she and Jiang Rao had such close contact since they met. Her embrace was indeed very warm... but other than that, there was nothing else. No one else could give her that kind of heartbeat except Xiao Peiyin!
"Boss Gu... am I disliked by you?"
"Others want to hug me but can't..." Jiang Rao curled his lips, looking hurt and aggrieved.
"Jiang Rao...when will you be more serious?"
"Gu Cunxi, you're just too serious. Don't you think it's taking some of the fun away...
"It's really hard for me to imagine what it's like for you to be in love, but we complement each other quite well, don't you think?" She looked at Gu Cunxi and said
I wonder if she understood the hidden meaning of her words...
“…”
"You take a rest, we'll have dinner together later." Gu Cunxi avoided answering and changed the subject.
As smart as she is! She must have understood... No response is the answer...
Take it slow... Jiang Rao thought to himself, maybe one day she would accept it. When he hugged her just now, she didn't show any disgust... He just didn't know if she still couldn't forget Xiao Peiyin after four years, so she avoided him like this.
"Okay! I want to eat the best and most expensive...
"Will you please come, Mr. Gu?" Jiang Rao said with a smirk.
"Please, of course please, no matter how much it costs!"
"The autumn in Beicheng gets cold earlier than in Jianghuai City. You set the indoor temperature so high, be careful or you might catch a cold if you go out."
She took off her suit and put it aside, slightly rolled up the sleeves of her shirt, turned around and sat on the sofa beside her, raised her long legs, put her right hand on her legs, looked at Jiang Rao and smiled.
“!!”
A bright suture scar caught Jiang Rao's eye. The scar on his fair skin was truly glaring, like a centipede...
"???" Gu Cunxi frowned and tilted his head to look at Jiang Rao: "What are you thinking about?"
"Cunxi...is your right hand okay?" Jiang Rao frowned.
“!!”
"It's okay." She looked down at her right arm and put down her sleeve. "It's nothing. As long as I don't do strenuous exercise or lift heavy objects, it won't have any effect. Occasionally, it will hurt a little when it's cloudy or rainy."
"That scar..." Jiang Rao hesitated to speak.
"I have a scar constitution!"
“…”
Jiang Rao knew that those past events were things that Gu Cunxi would never forget, like the scar on her right hand and the occasional pain, which would accompany her for the rest of her life.
"In a few days...I will go back to Jiang Huai to stay for a while."
"???" Jiang Rao raised his eyes in surprise
She thought Gu Cunxi would not return to Jiang Huai easily.
Over the past four years, they have occasionally contacted each other, but she never mentioned anything about the past, as if nothing had happened...
Jiang Rao looked at her quietly without saying a word. In fact, she really wanted to ask her what she was going to do and why...
But Gu Cunxi didn't say anything, so she didn't want to bring it up.
The two looked at each other for a moment, and Gu Cunxi raised her eyebrows imperceptibly. Seeing Jiang Rao remained silent, she knew she was waiting for her to speak.
"The group's branch is over there, now is a good time to open up the market."
"So I will go back and stay for a while. I originally wanted to contact you when I got back there, but I didn't expect you to come here first."
So that's how it is, but... is that all... Jiang Rao thought
"Then...we can go together. When I finish discussing the case in a few days, we will go back to Jiang Huai together." Jiang Rao smiled nonchalantly.
"Okay, the acquisition is almost finished, and there are still some things to deal with. You don't need to book a flight in advance. Let's drive back."
"That's fine, this place isn't far from Jiang Huai..."
"By the way, I've always taken good care of your car, and now I can return it to you."
After that, Jiang Rao took out the key from his bag and handed it over.
"!" She glanced at the key in Jiang Rao's hand and didn't take it.
"You can drive the car... Didn't I tell you this is a gift in return for helping me? Besides, I just bought a new car."
"That's right... With your current status, Mercedes-Benz is not worthy of you..." Jiang Rao pursed his lips angrily: "Then... I won't be polite to Mr. Gu!"
In fact, she gave the car to Jiang Rao because the license plate on it had Xiao Peiyin's traces. Of course, she also wanted to thank Jiang Rao sincerely.
"Cunxi..." Jiang Rao opened his mouth, wanting to say something but stopped.
She didn't know whether she should tell Gu Cunxi that she had met Xiao Peiyin...
Jiang Rao had only seen her once in the past four years and was surprised because he was driving her car, causing Xiao Peiyin to mistakenly think that the person in the car was Gu Cunxi.
That day, she stood at the crosswalk, staring at the license plate for a long time, almost losing her mind... She didn't move even when the light turned green, as cars whizzed past her...
She didn't want to pay attention, but when she saw the extremely thin woman in front of the car, standing precariously in the middle of the zebra crossing, her heart softened...
Later, she walked over and pulled Xiao Peiyin into the car. She remained silent the entire time. They found a coffee shop nearby and talked about Gu Cunxi. She told Xiao Peiyin that it was Gu Cunxi who gave her the car and left Jiang Huai...
She didn't tell Xiao Peiyin anything else. She looked at the woman sitting in front of her. She had lost her former vitality, her eyes were dark and lifeless, and there was a bright scar on her wrist. Jiang Rao was slightly startled, a little depressed, but didn't ask, wondering if she regretted it. Looking at her current appearance, Jiang Rao thought that Xiao Peiyin must regret having pushed Gu Cunxi away with her own hands. That day, the two of them sat in silence by the floor-to-ceiling windows of the cafe for an entire afternoon, and they spoke very little. That was the last time she saw Xiao Peiyin...
That was three years ago...
"Jiang Rao...what are you thinking about? Why didn't you respond when I called you?"
"Oh, nothing... I suddenly remembered the case I was working on and was a little distracted."
"If you are tired, take a rest. I won't disturb you anymore. I will come and pick you up later."
Seeing Gu Cunxi stand up to leave, Jiang Rao immediately reached out and held her
"I'm not tired. Besides, I'm very happy that you're here. Why would I bother you? Take me for a walk. I want to see the city where you've lived for many years."
"Okay, then you pack up and I'll show you around."
She hurriedly pulled away Jiang Rao's hand and stood up to leave: "I'll go downstairs to get the car and wait for you at the door."
“…”
She... always avoided his touch. Jiang Rao smiled helplessly and shook his head. He stood up, put on his clothes and walked out.
After getting the car, Gu Cunxi sat in the driver's seat, leaning back in a lazy manner. She saw Jiang Rao coming out in a casual suit. Without the sense of distance brought by his professional suit, he seemed much calmer.
"Cunxi, this car is nice and suits you very well." Jiang Rao opened the car door and smiled at her with a hint of teasing in his eyes.
"I found that... you are a bit of a reserved person."
“???”
"Jiang Rao, what did you say?"
"You always like these sultry colors, emerald green, midnight blue. On the surface, they look calm and low-key, but in fact, the light blue-green that shines through the black is its true color, just like you."
“…”
Listening to Jiang Rao's remarks, she was speechless for a moment. This woman always made her speechless.
"Haha, okay, I won't tease you anymore. The color is beautiful, you have good taste!"
"I really can't stand you. Do your colleagues and clients know that you have such a shady side? Jiang Rao"
"You are the only one who has seen my impropriety." Jiang Rao smiled and made a face.
What she said was true. She just wanted to be indecent in front of Gu Cunxi, and only Gu Cunxi could make her do that.
Seeing Gu Cunxi's helpless and frustrated look after being teased by him, Jiang Rao's smile became even wider.
"Cunxi, is there an amusement park in North City?"
"Yes, you want to go to the amusement park?" Gu Cunxi raised his eyebrows.
"Is it not possible?"
"That's not the case, I'm just a little worried..."
“???”
Hearing Gu Cunxi say that she was worried about him, Jiang Rao's heart skipped a beat.
"Are you worried about me?" She turned her head, her eyes smiling.
"Yeah, I'm worried... After all, you're old. Can your heart handle that kind of thrilling activity?"
“…”
"Gu Cunxi!!"
I thought she was really worried about me...but she was just beating around the bush and saying she was old...
There was a cheerful chuckle in her ears. Jiang Rao looked at her and was not angry. She liked Gu Cunxi like this, who would joke with her and tease her.
"I'm only one year older than you, okay? I'm not old at all. Our ages are just right. What do you think about taking me with you, Mr. Gu?"
"Go ahead, you've already spoken, how can I refuse?"
After saying that, Gu Cunxi turned the car around and drove towards the amusement park.
There was music playing in the car, the sun was shining outside the window, and Gu Cunxi was sitting next to him, concentrating on driving. Jiang Rao liked everything at this moment very much, and it made him extremely happy.
It feels so good to be reunited!
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