The Gu Family Annual Meeting Begins

One week later.

18:00 in the evening.

A week had passed since the camping picnic.

The entire city of Jianghai was abuzz with discussions about the most prominent family in the region—the Gu Family.

Because today marked the annual [Family Gathering] of the Gu Family.

All the executives of the Gu Family's enterprises, along with every member of the family, would gather at the Gu Family Manor for the event.

Gu Family.

Gu Yan stood before a full-length mirror.

Servants bustled around him, selecting the perfect attire for tonight's gathering.

"Young Master, how does this look?"

The servants asked nervously. After all, this was the eldest son of the Gu Family, and today was an especially important occasion.

If he were displeased, they might as well be thrown into the Jianghai River to feed the fish.

"Hmm..."

Gu Yan studied his reflection, and soon, a smug grin crept onto his face. "When you're this handsome, anything looks good."

"Absolutely, Young Master is absolutely right!"

The servants hurriedly nodded in agreement—though it wasn’t mere flattery.

In their eyes, Gu Yan’s looks were world-class, and with his natural charisma enhanced by the formalwear, he could easily pass for a noble prince from some far-off kingdom.

That is... if he didn’t open his mouth and say something bizarre.

"Wow, praising yourself like a melon seller hawking her own wares."

A light scoff came from the side.

Gu Yan turned to see Gu Yingying and Gu Yunrou, both dressed in elegant evening gowns. The sisters each had their own charm, exuding an indescribable aura.

"Clearly, it’s not self-praise—just facts."

"If you can name a man handsomer than your dear brother, by all means, enlighten me."

Gu Yan smirked, radiating confidence.

"I don’t know whether to call you narcissistic or just overly confident..."

Gu Yingying gave him a once-over, her cheeks flushing slightly before she averted her gaze with a huff. "Anyway, let’s hurry and pick up Sister Ling'er!"

"Oh? So you’re also eager to see my beloved Qingqiu?"

"Beloved Qingqiu..."

Gu Yunrou’s eye twitched.

Her younger brother was perfect in every way—except for the occasional cringe-inducing remarks.

Wait... was this what love did to a man?

Just then, Old Gao approached and whispered to Gu Yan, "Young Master, it’s time to leave. Master and Madam are waiting."

Gu Tianming and Su Murong had already arrived at the Gu Family Manor earlier to accompany Grandmother Gu and Old Master Gu.

Gu Yan nodded. Glancing at Gu Yunrou and Gu Yingying, he said, "Alright, let’s go. Take two cars—you and Yingying head to the manor first."

"I’ll go pick up Qingqiu."

"?"

Gu Yingying immediately pouted. She wanted to see Sister Ling'er too—they had even exchanged contact info!

Gu Yunrou sighed in amusement. "Oh, so you just want some alone time, huh?"

She pulled Gu Yingying along, chuckling. "But fine, who told me to be the elder sister? I’ll indulge you."

"Thanks, sis~"

Gu Yan grinned.

Ah, having an understanding older sister was truly a blessing.

Unlike this little gremlin here!

---

Leng Family.

The Leng sisters had also finished preparing.

"Big sis! You’re definitely going to be the center of attention tonight!"

"Even I’m about to fall for you!"

Since this was the Gu Family’s grand annual gathering, Leng Ling'er had meticulously applied a glamorous evening makeup look on Leng Qingqiu.

As for the gown, it was custom-made based on her taste—and Gu Yan’s preferences.

Leng Ling'er was confident her brother-in-law would be utterly enchanted!

Leng Qingqiu chuckled softly. "Ling'er, don’t exaggerate."

"It’s not an exaggeration!"

Leng Ling'er insisted. Just then—

Buzz!

A message from Gu Yan arrived, confirming he was outside.

"Let’s go, sis! Brother-in-law is here."

"Mm."

Leng Qingqiu nodded, her heart inexplicably fluttering with nervousness.

The bold move she had made during the camping picnic a week ago still left her feeling shy.

When Gu Yan later asked what had been going through her mind at the time, she had stammered, unable to explain.

How could she admit she had acted on impulse—inspired by a scene from a romance novel she’d read?

Outside, a pristine white luxury car idled by the gate.

Gu Yan stood waiting, bouquet in hand, eagerly peering toward the entrance.

A proper romantic gesture was a must.

Then—

Creak.

The door opened.

Two figures stepped out.

Gu Yan... was utterly stunned.

"Hiss—!"

He sucked in a sharp breath.

This... this was...!

"Speechless, huh, brother-in-law?"

"Ooh! Are those flowers for me?"

Leng Ling'er reached out excitedly—only for her hand to be smacked away.

Thwack!

Gu Yan brushed her aside and presented the roses to Leng Qingqiu instead, his voice filled with awe.

"Truly, 'the lotus shies from your jade-like beauty.' Qingqiu, what are the other attendees supposed to do now?"

"You’re putting way too much pressure on your husband!"

Leng Qingqiu couldn’t suppress her smile as she accepted the bouquet.

The sweet fragrance of the roses seemed to seep into her heart. "Flatterer."

"Every word is sincere."

Gu Yan took her hand, grinning. "Come, Qingqiu. Let’s show those amateurs what a real goddess looks like."

"A goddess?"

"In every sense of the word."

"Oh."

Leng Ling'er rubbed her stinging hand, glaring at Gu Yan’s retreating back as he turned toward the car. "Jerk!"

So annoying! She had put effort into her look too! Stupid brother-in-law!

"Hey, brat! You coming or not?"

"Grr—fine!"

With a pout, Leng Ling'er scrambled into the car after them.

---

The car sped toward the manor.

The annual gathering always lasted three days, and this year was no exception.

The first two days followed the usual banquet schedule.

But the third day...

That was the main event.

The [Successor Vote].

Each heir had three chances. If, by the third vote, the number of rejections outweighed approvals, the candidate would permanently lose eligibility to inherit the Gu Family.

And this year... was Gu Yan’s final opportunity.

[Master, we’ve secured control over all voting members.]

[Some were already influenced by the Young Master’s prior negotiations, so they’re excluded.]

[This year, Young Master Gu Yan will undoubtedly become the Gu Family heir.]

[Soon, the Gu Family will be ours! Heh heh heh~!]

[As expected of you, Master! Achieving what we never could!]

Outwardly, Leng Qingqiu remained composed.

But internally, she was communicating with the Night Organization.

To ensure Gu Yan’s succession, she had pulled many strings behind the scenes.

Originally, she had planned to neutralize Gu Yunrou and Gu Yingying if they posed a threat—but it seemed her worries were unfounded.

Meanwhile...

[Sir, all Gu Family members have arrived. Gu Zihua’s faction has been completely neutralized.]

[Also, my lord, you should pay attention to Gu Linyi. Grandmother Gu and Old Master Gu seem to dote on him quite a bit.]

[Aside from that, many martial factions have arrived at the Gu Family Manor to attend the banquet—some even include... Grandmasters!]

Gu Yan maintained a calm expression, but in his mind, he was communicating with his subordinates about the situation.

So far, things were unfolding more or less as he had anticipated.

He stole a discreet glance at Leng Qingqiu—and whether by coincidence or not,

Leng Qingqiu was also using her perception to observe him in secret.

When she noticed him sneakily looking her way, her heart tightened.

[In any case, report to me if anything changes.]

[Understood, Master.]

Gu Yan seemed to sense something as well.

He responded mentally,

[Keep me updated if anything happens.]

[Yes, my lord.]

Hmph.

The corners of their lips curled up faintly.

Perfect—just as planned. (x2)