Unfortunately, the iron rod hadn't even touched Wang Kuo's clothes before the person was already on the ground.
"With such meager ability, you dare to come out and make a fool of yourself?" Wang Kuo looked at his pained face and couldn't help but sneer coldly.
'Mei Qiu's' jaw twitched. "Kid, you've got guts. It seems if I don't draw some blood today, you won't know how formidable I am."
As soon as he finished speaking, the more than twenty people behind him immediately revealed the tools in their hands and charged towards Wang Kuo and Gu Xingdong.
Seeing that the situation was not good and lacking any suitable weapons, Gu Xingye immediately grabbed a broken brick from the ground and rushed forward.
"Auntie, that side looks a bit off. Please wait here for a moment, I'll go take a look." Hearing the commotion, Li Hongyu said to the couple, quickly got out of the three-wheeled vehicle, and ran towards the demolition site.
At the same time, several others who were helping people move also stopped their work upon hearing the noise. They casually grabbed whatever tools were readily available in the courtyards and ran towards the scene of the incident.
The reason 'Mei Qiu' had brought so many people today was planned with Gao Mingyuan. Even if they injured or crippled someone, the goal was to make Gu Xingdong retreat. Afterward, they could just pin the blame on one of their subordinates.
However, what he hadn't expected was that although Gu Xingdong's side only had a few people, each of them could fight like several others. In a short while, all of his men were beaten to the ground, leaving him somewhat stunned.
"I'm telling you, this matter isn't over! We'll see!" 'Mei Qiu', clutching his injured arm, spat out a harsh threat before taking his men and leaving in a sorry state.
Gao Mingyuan sat irritably in his office chair, the ashtray in front of him piled high with cigarette butts.
The office door was suddenly pushed open. Gao Mingyuan looked up and saw 'Mei Qiu' enter. "How did it go? Was the matter resolved?" he asked.
'Mei Qiu' shook his head helplessly. "A miscalculation. This Gu Xingdong is quite capable, and his subordinates are almost as good as several people. I brought over twenty people, and the result... but it's fine. Next time, I'll bring more people. Even if he's skilled, I'll make sure he can't handle the consequences."
Gao Mingyuan frowned. "If things escalate too much, it won't benefit us."
'Mei Qiu' said unyieldingly, "The west side of the city is a rich prize. Are we just going to let it go? All our money is invested in it."
"Letting it go is naturally out of the question. I originally thought Gu Xingdong would choose to back down if he was sensible. Since he's refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit, then don't blame me for being impolite," Gao Mingyuan said, his eyes filled with ruthlessness.
First, he had found reporters to expose Gu Xingdong for stealing the west side project. This matter couldn't be easily dismissed.
Moreover, it was Zhu Shasha who had given him an opportunity when he was at his most difficult time. Now that he had reached this point, he would not surrender no matter what.
Gu Xingdong, this stumbling block, must be removed.
"Why are you back so late today?" Chen Lishu asked curiously as Gu Xingdong walked in.
Gu Xingdong replied, "The last batch of residents moved out, so I went to the site."
Ruirui said, "Daddy."
Gu Xingdong looked up and patted his little head.
"Bada." Xiao Chengzi, in Chen Lishu's arms, heard his brother call for Daddy and quickly extended his little hands, seeking a hug.
It was rare for his son to acknowledge him, and Gu Xingdong was overjoyed. Just as he reached out, Xiao Chengzi immediately turned around and hugged Chen Lishu's neck.
"You rascal." Jostled by his son, Gu Xingdong raised his hand and playfully spanked his bottom.
Chen Lishu smiled. "Mom and Ruirui need to sleep early. If we eat too late, it can cause indigestion. We've already eaten. The food is in the kitchen; help yourself."
Gu Xingdong nodded and went straight to the kitchen. After eating, he washed the dishes and bowls, and then the couple took their three children upstairs.
The next day, Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong left home together.
"Just drop me off at the entrance of the National Cotton Mill. I've arranged to meet Da Zhu and the others; we need to deliver the goods today."
The six thousand dresses that had been custom-ordered were due for delivery today, and Chen Lishu had to go in person.
Soon, the car arrived at the entrance of the National Cotton Mill. Watching Chen Lishu get out, Gu Xingdong couldn't help but remind her, "Be careful on your own."
"Okay," Chen Lishu waved and turned towards the entrance of the National Cotton Mill.
Not long after, Wang Da Zhu and Zhao Xingwang also arrived. A total of six thousand pieces. After the inventory was completed, they began loading the truck, and Chen Lishu also paid the remaining balance.
Zhao Xingwang said, "Since the last exhibition, quite a few people have contacted us for wholesale orders. As soon as we had inventory, I immediately called them. Many expressed interest in coming to take a look, and I estimate these six thousand pieces will be sold quickly."
Chen Lishu nodded. "Yes, at the previously agreed-upon prices, you handle it as you see fit."
After staying at the store for a while longer, Chen Lishu prepared to head home.
As she exited the store and saw the bus stop sign not far ahead, a car suddenly approached from behind. Chen Lishu instinctively moved aside.
To her surprise, the car stopped right in front of her. Two people quickly rushed out. As flashes of cold light glinted in their hands, Chen Lishu felt a sharp pain in her waist.
"Don't speak. We don't want to make a big scene. Get in the car." One of them grabbed her arm and, regardless of her willingness, pushed her into the car. Then, the two of them, one on each side, controlled her in the middle of the back seat.
With a knife pressed against her waist, Chen Lishu dared not move rashly, but her mind was racing.
She quickly scanned the people in the car, confirming she didn't recognize any of them. If they wanted to rob her or assault her, they likely wouldn't be doing it so brazenly in broad daylight.
If it wasn't for either of those reasons, then the situation would be even more dire.
Chen Lishu tried to swallow, attempting to extract some useful information.
"I have no quarrel with you all. I don't know why you've kidnapped me. I'm just a small business owner; it shouldn't require such a large operation, right? Is there some misunderstanding involved?"
"Misunderstanding?" 'Mei Qiu', sitting in the passenger seat, let out a cold snort. "Rest assured, as long as that Gu fellow is willing to cooperate obediently, we won't do anything to you."
Hearing him mention Gu Xingdong, Chen Lishu's expression tightened, and her heart sank...
In the office, listening to the voice on the phone, Gu Xingdong's expression turned extremely stern.
"What do you want?"
Sensing the urgency in his tone, Gao Mingyuan's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "I'll give you two days. Prepare one million. I know with your capabilities, this amount shouldn't be a problem. However, remember, only two days. If you can't gather it, the consequences are likely not what you'd want to see."
After saying that, he directly hung up the phone.
"Third Brother, what's wrong? Who was on the phone?" Gu Xingye asked worriedly, seeing his troubled expression.
"It's nothing," Gu Xingdong replied, standing up. "Didn't Dong Sheng transfer a sum of money the day before yesterday? Check how much is left in the account; I need it."