But within thirty minutes, the phone on Yu Xiaoduo’s desk rang.
“Hello.”
“Come in.”
See? She can’t stay calm. What would you do without me?
“Watch how I cheer up General Gu,” Yu Xiaoduo said with a chuckle. Yan Li really couldn’t figure out what exactly the relationship was between General Gu and Yu Xiaoduo. Were they boss and subordinate? Friends? Lovers? It felt like they switched roles at any moment.
Walking into the office, Yu Xiaoduo saw Gu Wan’er sitting in her executive chair with her back to him. What’s she doing? Feeling down?
“These people really don’t want me to stay here for even a moment,” Gu Wan’er said softly. She hadn’t given in—there was a stubborn determination in her voice.
“Did they give you a hard time?”
Gu Wan’er gave a cold laugh. “Gu Lin tried to talk me into using the reserved funds. Gu Xiao just chimed in, saying it was fine, that the previous general manager had done it too.”
“Looks like your cousin really doesn’t want you to turn things around.”
Gu Wan’er clenched her small fists. The nails that Yu Xiaoduo had trimmed for her dug into her palms, the skin around them gradually turning white.
“I just called the bank. They said they wouldn’t release the funds until next month. Those bastards—they won’t be happy until I’m dead!” Gu Wan’er slammed the table hard. Success wasn’t just about herself—it was also about her sister’s future.
Seeing Gu Wan’er about to explode, Yu Xiaoduo sighed lightly and walked up behind her. Guess I’ll give her a free shoulder rub. “Getting angry at people like that just hurts you. We’ll figure something else out.”
Feeling the pressure on her shoulders, Gu Wan’er’s anger subsided a little. At least this guy isn’t pouring fuel on the fire for once.
“Figure something out? Where am I supposed to get two billion yuan? Every single path is blocked.” She had clearly seen hope, only to have it trampled mercilessly. She knew her cousin was behind it, but there was nothing she could do. Under such pressure, Gu Wan’er had no choice but to stand tall.
“Darkness always fades before the light. Heaven never seals off all paths—I’ve found one for you.” Yu Xiaoduo chuckled softly and patted Gu Wan’er’s delicate shoulder.
Gu Wan’er turned around, hope shining on her stunning face. “Really? Don’t lie just to make me happy, or I’ll bite you to death.”
“What are you, a dog? Biting people all the time. I’ve already contacted Sister Bai. She’s willing to lend you two billion. Together with the company’s money, it’ll be just enough.”
Listening to Yu Xiaoduo’s words, Gu Wan’er was stunned. Yu Xiaoduo actually borrowed that much money from Sister Bai…
“So? Pretty impressive, right? One Yu is worth two of anyone else,” Yu Xiaoduo said proudly, hands on his hips.
But just then, Gu Wan’er, who had been sitting, suddenly stood up and hugged Yu Xiaoduo tightly, catching him completely off guard.
In this unfamiliar, cold steel city, only Yu Xiaoduo had been helping her. Sure, he loved to annoy her, but at critical moments, he always stepped up—unlike her own family, which was full of scheming.
Yu Xiaoduo spread his arms wide, looking every bit the upright gentleman. No way I’d take advantage of her.
Still, he did feel sorry for Gu Wan’er. Such a delicate girl, getting bullied by a bunch of old men.
Ah, whatever. Let Brother Yu comfort you. This is the second time you’ve hugged me today. You’re the one taking advantage here.
“There, there, little Wan’er,” Yu Xiaoduo said softly. He gently embraced her and even stroked her silky hair, going all out with the comforting gestures.
Ahh, Wan’er’s waist is so soft. You really have to feel it yourself to appreciate it.
Suddenly, Gu Wan’er stomped on Yu Xiaoduo’s shoe. “There you go again, taking advantage of me!”
“Ouch! Why would I need to take advantage of you? I’m comforting you, and you stomp on me?”
“Comforting? Who comforts someone by getting handsy?”
Yu Xiaoduo noticed that Gu Wan’er’s eyes were a little red. He clicked his tongue twice. “No way. Did I move you to tears?”
“Oh, shut up. Who’s crying?”
Gu Wan’er had just lost control of her emotions. Women on their period always go up and down like a roller coaster. She quickly scurried off to the restroom. Looking back, it was so embarrassing. This guy could really touch your heart one moment and then make you absolutely furious the next.
After a while, Gu Wan’er came out of the restroom. Her whole demeanor had returned to normal, as if that person from before wasn’t even her.
“Don’t tell anyone what just happened—including my sister. Got it?” Gu Wan’er said seriously. I, Gu Wan’er, don’t need to rely on a man, and I certainly don’t throw myself into a man’s arms acting all cute.
Yu Xiaoduo lay back comfortably in the executive chair and laughed. “You know? I actually like that soft, vulnerable side of you that showed up just now.”
Gu Wan’er felt like Yu Xiaoduo would bring this up for the rest of his life. The only thing she could do now was change the subject. “Does Sister Bai really want to lend me the money?”
“Don’t believe me? Here, see for yourself.”
“No need. I trust you.”
Yu Xiaoduo smiled. This woman can be pretty cute sometimes. But sorry, I still like your sister better.
Gu Wan’er, now full of renewed energy, looked especially captivating. “Time to get to work. Let’s win this project.”
“You go for it. I support you in spirit.”
Gu Wan’er: “…”
Over in the finance department, Hong Lifei received a request from Gu Wan’er to transfer two billion yuan in funds.
Hong Lifei immediately called Gu Xiao.
“She wants two billion?” Gu Xiao frowned deeply, not quite understanding what Gu Wan’er was up to.
“Yes. Should I give it to her?”
“I’ll get back to you.” Gu Xiao didn’t dare make a decision on this matter himself. If he made the wrong move, years of hard work would be destroyed in an instant.
When Gu Yuanli got the call, he was actually quite curious. What exactly is my little sister trying to do? Who’s still helping her? It was also a good opportunity to test things out.
“Give it to her.”
Gu Xiao was taken aback but didn’t dare ask any questions. “All right. Got it.”
Gu Wan’er had braced herself for a fight, but unexpectedly, things went very smoothly. That made her sense something foul in the air.
But over the next day, nothing bad happened. Everything was just too calm.
The contract signing date was set privately for Friday. Once the signature was on the page, it would be a major achievement and would make the group headquarters see her in a new light.
Thursday at 7:00 PM, Yu Xiaoduo pushed open the office door and saw Gu Wan’er still hard at work.
“Hey, are you leaving or not? Because if you’re not, I am. I’m not staying every single day to work overtime with you.”
“Hold on, I’m almost done.” Gu Wan’er had gotten used to Yu Xiaoduo’s mouth by now.
Walking over, Yu Xiaoduo noticed she was reviewing project documents. “You’re signing the contract tomorrow. What’s there to be worried about?”
“Being careful never hurts. It’s four billion yuan—the biggest investment I’ve ever made,” Gu Wan’er murmured.
Yu Xiaoduo could only lie down on the nearby sofa. “I’ll take a nap. Wake me when you’re done.”
“Okay.”
Yu Xiaoduo had no idea how long it had been when he felt someone shaking him awake. “Finally done?”
“You grind your teeth in your sleep,” Gu Wan’er said, clicking her tongue in mock disgust.
“Heh. And you drool.”
“That’s a lie!”
“Fine. I’ll record you one of these days.” With that, Yu Xiaoduo took out his phone and checked the time.
“Damn, it’s already 10:00!”
