Chapter 34
Seeing her father still hesitating, Gu Xi leaned in and gently urged, "Dad, now that the entire city of Jiangcheng is talking about the demolition at Shuangguanqiao, this is the perfect moment to let it go."
Gu Changan frowned. "But… your uncle—"
"Dad," Gu Xi cut in firmly, "this is exactly how we prove we're clean. Everyone knows how lucrative real estate development is. If we take the initiative to give up a major profit, won't that silence those accusing us of violent demolition? At the same time, I want to convince Uncle not to fight Gu Wantong for the position—at least not this time. We can guide Gu Wantong's attention toward Jiangcheng instead."
"Why?" Gu Changan asked, confused.
Because there's a ticking time bomb under Shuangguanqiao, Gu Xi thought silently.
She wasn't sure whether that hidden danger would explode again like it did in her past life. But now that she knew it existed, she couldn't allow her father to walk into that trap. If Fuhua Real Estate was willing to take over the land, then the Beijing Gu family—who had so desperately tried to seize it—would be forced to swallow the consequences.
She had a plan. A bold one.
If she could persuade her uncle to accept a promotion in Yunzhou instead of competing for a position in Jiangcheng, things might shift. Gu Wantong had his eyes set on the Jiangcheng appointment because taking down Wei Fangzheng would boost his career. But if her father gave up Shuangguanqiao, and her uncle left no vulnerabilities to be exploited, then Gu Wantong's so-called "opportunity" would vanish. Wei Fangzheng's chances of securing his role would rise sharply.
With that, the Gu family—now owners of a volatile Shuangguanqiao plot—would focus their ambitions on Jiangcheng. As long as Gu Wantong changed course and sought his promotion through Jiangcheng, both her father and uncle would be safe.
Conveniently, there was an open deputy post in Jiangcheng—specifically in charge of urban construction. If Gu Wantong, Fuhua Real Estate, and the Beijing Gu family all became entangled in that mess, then the opportunity for revenge was within reach.
Gu Xi shared her plan in careful, measured fragments, leaving out some of the deeper implications.
When Gu Changan realized that his daughter wanted to tie the fate of the Shuangguanqiao land directly to Gu Wantong's career path, he was stunned. Her boldness left him speechless.
"Do you really think it'll work?" he asked, unsure.
"Can it get any worse than it already is?" Gu Xi countered calmly. "I heard the bank stopped lending to us. If we pour more money into Shuangguanqiao, we'll need to raise capital from outside sources. That's risky. And if someone with ulterior motives manipulates the situation, it could all turn into another trap."
Gu Changan hesitated, his tone softening. "But I can't just let it go… not like this."
"Sometimes," Gu Xi said softly, "letting go takes more courage than holding on."
The office fell quiet.
The tea in Gu Xi's hand had gone cold, and without a word, Zhan Mingyuan gently replaced it with a fresh cup. Gu Xi looked up and smiled in thanks.
Zhan Mingyuan's expression was conflicted. Though he was older than Gu Xi, he hadn't dared interrupt the conversation between her and her father. Watching her discuss political maneuvering and strategic real estate deals with such confidence—it made him feel strangely… inadequate.
How did she learn all this?
When did she become so formidable?
Gu Changan caught the flicker of astonishment in Zhan Mingyuan's eyes. He, too, found it hard to reconcile the poised, calculating young woman before him with the daughter who used to avoid company meetings at all costs. And yet, despite her audacious proposal, he didn't feel resistant to her ideas.
In fact, after all his years in the business world, he knew the truth—fortune favored the bold. Gu Xi's idea sounded daring, even reckless, but when examined closely, it was full of subtlety, calculation, and potential.
Maybe… just maybe… it was time to speak with his brother-in-law.
And take the leap.