Watching Gu Hongda, who had been acting all high and mighty just moments ago, now getting dragged around and beaten up by Gu Hongyun left everyone momentarily stunned.
The contrast was just too extreme!
The most shocked of all was Lan Yihe.
He had genuinely believed this young master of the Gu family was some untouchable big shot, capable of anything—only to find out that the million-yuan-per-bottle "Jade Beauty Elixir" was bought with embezzled company funds!
He had been sucking up to a useless rich kid?!
The thought alone made Lan Yihe feel like he'd swallowed a fly—utterly disgusted.
After a chaotic flurry of punches and kicks, Gu Hongyun seemed to tire himself out. Wiping sweat and fanning himself, he finally stopped.
This wasn’t the first time!
Damn bastard never learns!
Unlike most people, Gu Hongyun didn’t really care about the embezzled million yuan—that was small potatoes.
But using his car to pick up girls?!
That was a death wish!
That flashy pink Lamborghini was his pride and joy—worth over nine million! Back in the day, it had accompanied him on conquests through nightclub after nightclub, drawing flocks of women wherever he went!
Just imagining this guy driving his car to woo girls—maybe even doing unspeakable things in it—made Gu Hongyun’s blood boil.
Gu Hongda, face covered in blood, cowered like a quail, begging pitifully: "Hongyun, I was out of my mind! There won’t be a next time!"
Gu Hongyun pulled out his car keys and kicked him hard: "Get the hell out of here!"
If this bastard weren’t his cousin, Gu Hongyun would’ve already had him shot!
"Sorry for the disturbance—holy shit, Boss Yi!"
Only after cooling down did Gu Hongyun notice An Yi and the others, his expression instantly shifting to shock.
Hearing the title "Boss Yi," Lan Yihe was equally stunned.
Who was Gu Hongyun?
The "Little White Dragon of Jiangbei"! The number of women he’d bedded surpassed the number of tea leaves Lan Yihe had ever steeped.
Without relying on his politically connected parents, he’d built two companies from scratch.
Just last year, under the guidance of his district-chief father, Gu Hongyun had been named one of Jiangbei’s "Top Ten Outstanding Youths"—far surpassing the likes of Qiu Xu, who only knew how to flaunt his family name.
Yet this incredibly impressive figure was addressing An Yi with the honorific "Boss"!
This wasn’t just respect—it was outright fawning.
Old Lady Lan was equally bewildered, staring at An Yi, unable to fathom what made this seemingly ordinary guy so special.
Lan Yihe’s mind reeled.
Now he understood why this guy had nearly crippled Qiu Xu yet walked away unscathed.
Clearly, there was more to him than met the eye!
"My apologies, Boss Yi—I had no idea you were here," Gu Hongyun said with an ingratiating smile. Then, spotting Lan Ruoxi, he exclaimed, "Ah! CEO Lan! We’ve met before—do you remember?"
"CEO Lan?"
Lan Yihe froze, then flushed with excitement, his entire body buzzing.
See that?!
Even Gu Hongyun had to address him respectfully as "CEO Lan"!
"Hello, Young Master Gu," Lan Ruoxi nodded politely.
Lan Yihe gaped at her, petrified.
Wait—not him?
But how could this little girl be a CEO?!
No way!
Gu Hongyun rubbed his hands sheepishly. "My visit today was rather abrupt—I had no idea you were part of the Lan family. Last time we met was too rushed. Our company is very interested in your Jade Beauty Elixir. Could we discuss a potential collaboration?"
"Jade Beauty Elixir?"
Lan Yihe’s throat went dry, as if stuffed with a sanitary pad.
His eyes bulged like a dead fish’s as he stared at Lan Ruoxi in disbelief.
The Jade Beauty Elixir—was it really her company?!
Impossible!
No way!
Just half a year ago, this girl had been begging at the hospital for 200,000 yuan to cover medical bills!
How could this happen so fast?!
Gu Hongyun looked at Lan Ruoxi eagerly.
As a businessman, he knew the potential of the Jade Beauty Elixir.
Countless companies across Xia were eyeing this product. If he could secure an early investment, the returns would be unimaginable!
When Lan Ruoxi didn’t respond, Gu Hongyun pressed on excitedly: "Our company is willing to invest 100 million for a 5% stake!"
Lan Yihe and Old Lady Lan exchanged glances, their shock evident.
A hundred million…
That was beyond their comprehension—and it only bought 5%?!
Lan Ruoxi frowned slightly.
A mere 100 million for 5%?
Were they dreaming?
She offered a polite smile. "The decision isn’t mine to make. An Yi is the real owner of our company."
"Boss Yi!"
Gu Hongyun’s eyes lit up with realization.
An Corporation!
Of course! Now it made sense why a cosmetics company had such a ridiculous name—the boss’s surname was An!
An Yi replied coolly, "No need for investment. We’re not short on funds, and we’re not looking for partners right now."
Gu Hongyun took in An Yi’s indifferent demeanor and the tension in the room, realizing this wasn’t the time for business talk.
Pushing further would only backfire.
So, with exaggerated deference, he handed over his business card, grinning obsequiously. "Boss Yi, my apologies for any misunderstandings. A wise man overlooks minor grievances—in business, harmony brings prosperity. Money isn’t an issue; we can discuss details another time. I’ll take my leave now."
With a cheerful wave, Gu Hongyun dragged the battered Gu Hongda out by the collar like a dead dog.
Once he was gone, the room fell silent.
Lan Yihe gazed at An Yi as if beholding a deity, his voice trembling. "Nephew-in-law—no, CEO An! Is An Corporation really yours?"
"That’s right," An Yi replied calmly.
Old Lady Lan clasped her hands excitedly. "I knew it! I always knew Ruoxi was destined for greatness!"
Lan Yihe opened and closed his mouth several times, struggling to speak.
Noticing his pathetic expression, An Yi smirked. "What’s on your mind, fatty? Spit it out!"
Swallowing hard, Lan Yihe forced a smile. "CEO An, if you and Ruoxi really end up together, blood is thicker than water—I’d be your uncle, right? Well, lately, your uncle’s been in a bit of a tight spot—"
"Sorry, but I’m just a figurehead. Ruoxi handles all company decisions—she holds 20% of the shares. If you want something, ask her."
An Yi’s tone was firm.
"20%?!"
Lan Yihe and Old Lady Lan locked eyes, their shock deepening.
Gu Hongyun had just offered 100 million for 5% and been turned down.
Yet Lan Ruoxi owned 20%!
How much was that worth?!
Even Lan Ruoxi was stunned.
She whispered urgently, "An Yi, what are you saying? Do you even realize what 20% means?"
"I’m serious."
An Yi shrugged with a smile. "So, money matters aren’t my concern. Don’t come to me for loans."
Hearing this, Lan Yihe turned hopeful eyes to Lan Ruoxi. "Ruoxi, your uncle’s at his wit’s end. Two million would be nothing to you—you wouldn’t leave me hanging, would you?"
Lan Ruoxi glanced at An Yi, bewildered.
An Yi met her gaze, his expression serene.
How could the CEO in charge of his company tolerate being constantly harassed by these despicable mediocrities!
Some matters required her to settle them personally!
--