Chapter 15
While Gu Changan was on the phone, Zhang Yue stood nearby, his forehead beaded with cold sweat. The plan had seemed foolproof—until now. But with the way Gu Changan's eyes bore into him, full of fury and suspicion, Zhang Yue knew this was going to end badly.
Just over ten minutes later, the police arrived on the scene.
Aside from the unconscious man, four people remained at the site. Yu Dalong, still lying under the injured man, hadn't dared to move a muscle to avoid disturbing the scene. He had done his job as a human cushion with admirable commitment. By the time the officers finished taking evidence photos, his limbs had gone numb.
"Uncle Yu, you can get up now," Gu Xi said, helping him gently as paramedics approached with a stretcher.
After quickly administering emergency treatment, the medical team loaded the injured man into the ambulance. Zhang Yue instinctively tried to follow, but Gu Changan's glare froze him in place.
"Zhang Yue, where do you think you're going?" Gu Changan asked coolly.
"I... I was going to ride along, check on the man's condition," Zhang Yue stammered.
"I've already arranged for Xiao Liu to meet them at the hospital. You don't need to worry yourself," Gu Changan replied, his voice sharp and final.
Zhang Yue's heart sank. From the moment Gu Xi had arrived at the demolition site, he'd had a bad feeling. Now, under Gu Changan's intense scrutiny, that feeling curdled into dread. There would be no easy way out this time.
"Dad, have you set things up?" Gu Xi asked in a low voice. The situation was chaotic, but she knew Zhang Yue couldn't be acting alone—there had to be someone pulling the strings behind the scenes.
If they didn't strike decisively now, the real culprit might slip away again.
"Don't worry," Gu Changan said, gently brushing a strand of hair from her pale face. "I'm still in charge of this company. These petty schemers think they can shake us? They're dreaming."
"But don't let your guard down," Gu Xi warned, her eyes filled with concern.
"I know," Gu Changan said, taking her hand as he led her out of the shadowy building.
After spending so much time in the dark, stale room, Gu Xi was momentarily blinded by the sunlight. Her vision blurred, and she staggered.
"Xixi!" Gu Changan caught her immediately, alarmed.
"I'm okay," Gu Xi said softly, gripping his arm for balance. "Just a little light-headed." As the dizziness passed, she gave him a small, reassuring smile.
Gu Changan's heart ached. This precious daughter was his entire world. Even a slight cold used to keep them up at night with worry. Now she stood pale, exhausted, her frail body looking like it could be blown away by the wind—and yet she still stood tall.
"I'm taking you to the hospital," he said firmly.
Gu Xi shook her head. "No, Dad."
Everything—her family, their future, her second chance at life—depended on what happened next. If she could protect her parents from the disaster she knew was coming, even at the cost of her own health or life, it would all be worth it.
"It's just a cold. I'll be fine," she said, locking eyes with her father. "Right now, the most important thing is finding the traitor. If their plan had succeeded today, what would've happened to our family? If something happened to you… what would Mom and I do?"