That's right.
The Gu Family Group wasn't just any company—it was a colossal business empire.
Although Gu Yan was the only direct heir, the Gu family had a long-standing rule to prevent an "uneducated fool" from inheriting everything by default.
At the end of every year, the Gu family would hold a family council.
Executives from all subsidiary companies—along with influential figures from various industries—would attend.
And at this gathering, they would vote on whether Gu Yan was qualified to remain the heir.
If the number of veto votes exceeded approval votes, the result would stand.
And if Gu Yan received three vetoes in total—
He would permanently lose his status as heir to the Gu Family Group.
A new successor would then be elected.
This tradition had existed since the founding of the Gu family.
Of course…
Gu Yan himself was also something of a legend.
He had already been vetoed twice.
Two years in a row.
Which said everything about how infamous and disappointing his reputation had once been.
Gu Yan maintained a calm smile on the surface.
But inside, he was quietly reviewing the rules of the upcoming year-end vote.
According to the original plot, Gu Yan would fail the vote this year.
He would lose his inheritance rights completely.
Because of that, Shen Wan'er—who had only ever treated him as a backup—would grow even colder.
Meanwhile, Xiao Lin would get closer and closer to her.
Driven mad by jealousy, Gu Yan would spiral…
Eventually kidnapping Shen Wan'er.
Naturally, the protagonist Xiao Lin would save the day, farm a wave of heroic prestige—
And Gu Yan?
Dead.
Killed by Xiao Lin.
"…Hiss."
Gu Yan shuddered slightly.
"Kind of scary when you think about it."
But—
He glanced sideways at Pu Songlin, who was clearly impressed by his performance today.
"Hehe…"
No, no, no.
I really shouldn't laugh right now.
Otherwise—
Jiejiejie…
No, seriously, I might burst out laughing.
Gu Yan lowered his head, clamping his lips together.
The corners of his mouth twitched upward uncontrollably, his shoulders trembling as he tried to hold it in.
"Gu Yan?"
Pu Songlin frowned slightly. "Are you feeling unwell?"
"It's nothing, Grandpa Pu."
Gu Yan covered his mouth, his eyes dimming convincingly.
"I was just thinking about my teacher… and how she ended up like this."
He took a deep breath, forced his expression back under control, then stood up.
"It's getting late. I'll head back first."
"Please take care of yourself, Grandpa Pu."
"I still want you to attend my wedding."
Those words struck Pu Songlin right in the heart.
Wedding?
The child he'd watched grow up was already planning to get married?
Though he had no idea who the bride was…
"Alright."
Pu Songlin smiled warmly. "I'll definitely attend."
After a few more pleasantries, Gu Yan left.
At the hospital entrance—
Lao Gao had been waiting in the car for a long time.
As soon as Gu Yan got in—
Vroom.
The car pulled away.
While driving, Lao Gao glanced at Gu Yan through the rearview mirror, hesitating.
He'd wanted to ask this for a long time.
Even though he knew it wasn't appropriate…
"…Young Master," Lao Gao finally asked, "was that Wang Lan… really your teacher?"
Others might not know.
But Lao Gao did.
Gu Yan hadn't even gone to school much back then—let alone formed any deep bond with a teacher.
Gu Yan shot him a look that clearly said Are you stupid?
"What?"
"Of course not."
"I only learned her name today from the inpatient list."
He waved dismissively.
"Stop asking questions."
"Focus on driving—and prepare for tonight's performance."
As he spoke, the corners of Gu Yan's lips lifted slightly.
It was obvious he was already thinking about something very entertaining.
Low laughter escaped him from time to time.
"…Oh. Okay."
Lao Gao nodded absentmindedly.
Watching Gu Yan laugh like that…
Something felt off.
Young Master…
Do you know you look exactly like a novel villain right now?
Lao Gao shook his head.
"Forget it."
At least this version of the young master was far better than the old one.
As long as he was still loyal to the Gu family—
Lao Gao would follow him no matter what he became.
But…
Lao Gao glanced at the rearview mirror again, his expression growing conflicted.
Young Master…
Do you have split personalities?
Crying one moment. Laughing the next.
Gu Yan, meanwhile, leaned back against the car window.
His sigh wasn't for Wang Yulan.
It was for something far more serious.
Ahhh…
Because of follow-up precautions—
I can't go see Qingqiu today!
Even though I asked my aunt to cook for her…
But does she really cook to Qingqiu's taste?!
She's already used to my god-tier cooking!
Poor Qingqiu's stomach…
Qingqiu, I miss you so much!
When I'm not with you, it feels like ants are crawling all over my body!
If only I could just take one sip of you—just one—and I'd feel refreshed!
…Huh?
Wait.
That's actually a good idea.
In the future, when I go out to do things…
Should I ask Qingqiu for something that tastes like her?
Whenever I miss her, I'll take a sip.
Perfect.
Is she thinking about me right now?
Wondering why I didn't come today?
…Though I really want her to miss me—
Gu Yan sighed softly.
He was very self-aware.
Knowing Leng Qingqiu's personality—
She was probably reading calmly right now, face completely indifferent.
"…Sigh."
He leaned against the window, dejected.
Still need to raise her favorability.
Lao Gao, driving in front, suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.
It's over.
The young master really is unstable.
Please don't split again.
Especially don't split back into a Shen Wan'er-licking personality.
Please. Absolutely not.
Leng Residence
In the study.
Leng Qingqiu rested her cheek on the desk, bored.
Her finger traced circles over and over.
"…Gu Yan said he wouldn't come today…"
Then she froze.
Her face flushed slightly as she hastily corrected herself.
"No, no, no—why am I thinking about that?"
"He just has something to do. He's only skipping one day."
"He's coming tomorrow anyway."
"I'm just worried because… if he doesn't come, no one will cook for me."
"Yes. That's all."
"…Then why didn't he come?"
"What was he doing?"
"…Did he go to see Shen Wan'er?!"
The more she thought, the messier her thoughts became.
She couldn't focus on reading at all.
So annoying!
If only Mei Xue were here—
She could go check what Gu Yan was doing!
At that very moment—
Mei Xue was lying flat beneath the chassis of Gu Yan's luxury car.
Her expression was calm.
But her brows were slightly furrowed.
She truly couldn't understand—
Why her master liked such a useless man.
From Mei Xue's perspective, Gu Yan's behavior today was absurd:
First, sending Leng Ling'er to school.
Then visiting a teacher who wasn't his teacher at all.
His exaggerated, hypocritical performance almost made her nauseous.
…Forget it.
She would keep following.
Inside the car, Gu Yan gazed at the darkening sky.
Evening was approaching.
"Hmm…"
Did I forget something?
Suddenly—
His expression changed.
"Hiss—!"
"Oh no."
"…I forgot about my sister-in-law."
Jianghai High School
At the school gate.
Leng Ling'er stood stiffly in the cold wind.
Her hair was a mess.
She stared blankly into the distance.
…Where's that damn Gu Yan?
She had been waiting for almost an hour.
Hello?
Hello???
Is anyone coming to pick me up?!
…There's a girl here who still hasn't gone home!!