Old Master He tapped the ground with his cane, sighing helplessly. "Some things cannot be forced. Lishu, you are a child with your own opinions, and I respect your choices. If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask your godfather. We are family, there's no need to be so polite, you understand?"
Chen Lishu's lips curved upwards slightly. She then went to Mother He and buried her head in her embrace, saying, "I know. Thank you for taking care of me like this all along."
Mother He dotingly stroked Chen Lishu's head and said, "What thanks? So many things have happened today. Hurry back and get some rest. After replenishing your energy, we'll deal with the upcoming troubles properly!"
Just as Gu Xingdong was about to lead his men inside, a phone rang. It was Yang Zhiguo. Since he had returned to the military, sulking and refusing to answer the phone was not an option.
After answering, he heard the voice on the other end say, "Come to my office. I have something important to discuss with you."
Gu Xingdong readily agreed, "Alright, I'll be there in about thirty minutes."
After hanging up, Gu Xingdong looked down at Chen Lishu in his arms and softly said, "I have other matters to attend to. You go back to your room and rest. I'll be back later."
He then escorted Chen Lishu to her room. After ensuring she had settled down, he left the quad.
----
Yang Zhiguo's office.
"Here, have a smoke?" Yang Zhiguo took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and tossed it in front of Gu Xingdong.
After lighting the cigarette, Yang Zhiguo took a deep drag. He hesitated for a moment before revealing the purpose of summoning him. "I want you to go to Modu to complete a mission for me. I know your wife is in trouble now, and whether the company can continue to operate is still a question. However, this is not a trivial matter, and I hope you can follow the organization's arrangements!"
Facing Yang Zhiguo's request, Gu Xingdong didn't rush to refuse. Instead, he asked, "What do I need to do in Modu?"
Yang Zhiguo clasped his hands on the desk, his gaze distant. "There's been a drought there for some time, and the residents are quite panicked. I hope you can go there to stabilize their morale and assist the local staff in distributing supplies.
I had originally intended to have Xiao Hei and the others handle it, but you are someone I brought up. I trust you more, and your abilities are far superior to Xiao Hei's. I am one hundred percent confident that you can handle this matter!"
Gu Xingdong nodded, tucked the cigarette behind his ear, and said with great alacrity, "Since you want me to go, then I will go."
Yang Zhiguo had been prepared to spend some time persuading Gu Xingdong to go to Modu, but he never expected him to agree so readily. His expression was one of surprise, and he was momentarily at a loss for words.
Seeing Yang Zhiguo's silence, Gu Xingdong raised an eyebrow and asked, "What, do you have any other instructions?"
Gu Xingdong lowered his head and smiled. "I don't have anything to add. However, there is something I want to clarify with you. I hope that for the sake of our many years of friendship, you will tell me the truth and not deceive me!"
"Ask whatever you want. You know I dislike lying. I will tell you everything I know!"
With Yang Zhiguo's affirmative answer, Gu Xingdong curved his lips in satisfaction. Then, his gaze sharpened as he stared at the other man and asked word by word, "I really want to know if what happened to my woman in prison was your doing?
They said that only with help from 'above' could she escape the prison and come to Lishu's room. After thinking about it carefully, I haven't offended anyone I shouldn't have recently. The only ones who might hold a grudge against us are you and Zhang Wan'er. So..."
Hearing Gu Xingdong's speculation, Yang Zhiguo slammed his hand on the table in anger, his tone firm. "This matter has absolutely nothing to do with us. Do you think I am such a despicable and shameless person who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals?
Furthermore, regarding Zhang Wan'er's obsession with you, I am firmly against it! She is the most doted-upon child of the Zhang and Yang families. She can have any man she wants! I know what I'm about to say might be presumptuous, but the truth is, with her qualities, she could have a much better man.
And you are already married and have a wife. I would never instigate her to become a mistress. If this were to get out, it would not only shame the Zhang and Yang families but also be a great disrespect to her father. I cannot let my brother know that his daughter has become a shameless woman due to my instigation!"
Looking at Yang Zhiguo's agitated demeanor, Gu Xingdong pondered for a moment and then smiled. "I believe you are telling the truth. If that's the case, then I won't disturb you any longer. When should I go to Modu? Send me the time on my phone. If there are any other arrangements or points to note, you can also specify them on the phone."
Yang Zhiguo rubbed his forehead with a headache. "Alright, I have nothing else. You can leave if you need to."
Gu Xingdong nodded and then left Yang Zhiguo's office. About half an hour later, the office door was pushed open again. Yang Zhiguo looked up in confusion, only to see Zhang Wan'er, her eyes red, rush up to him and demand harshly, "Uncle, I heard you plan to send Gu Xingdong to Modu to complete a mission for you? What will happen to me if he leaves? Won't I be unable to see him for a long time?"
Yang Zhiguo scratched the back of his head, looking quite vexed. "Why do you need to see him? You two will have no relationship whatsoever. I advise you not to waste too much of your energy on him. I've already spoken to your mother, and I have a suitable candidate for you. You will go on a blind date in a couple of days."
Upon hearing that Yang Zhiguo wanted her to go on a blind date, Zhang Wan'er exuded an aura of resistance. She sniffled and said stubbornly, "I don't want to go on a blind date, I absolutely refuse! In this life, I've only set my heart on Gu Xingdong. No man is more outstanding than him!"
"I think it's because you haven't interacted with other men that you believe Gu Xingdong is a good match. Let me tell you, there are plenty of people better than him in this world. What's so great about someone who is already married?
If you refuse to go on the blind date, then don't blame me, your uncle, for being ruthless. I will tell Gu Xingdong everything you've been doing. I don't believe he will still be able to face you after knowing all this!" By the end, a hint of ruthlessness had crept into Yang Zhiguo's tone.