Chapter 106: Three Years Later

Three years later.

“Gu Xia Group’s president, Gu Pingsheng, will return to the country today. As one of the top financial companies domestically, Gu Xia Group is led by Gu Pingsheng, a young and accomplished figure who has become a role model for countless young people. In just eight years, he has risen from an industry rookie to a titan…”

News like this scrolled across social media. The president of a conglomerate was as well-known as a celebrity—not just because of his position, but because over the past three years, Gu Pingsheng, who had previously shunned the public eye, suddenly changed his habits and began appearing frequently on social media platforms.

Some even joked that Gu Xia Group no longer needed celebrity endorsements; the president’s own exposure and popularity were more than enough.

“President Gu.”

On the plane, Zhou Anbei woke the resting Gu Pingsheng punctually and handed him a coffee to relieve fatigue.

Stepping out of the cabin, a chill swept over them. Snowflakes began to drift down, and a thin layer of snow had already settled on the ground, casting the scene in a soft white veil.

Gu Pingsheng paused, tilting his head slightly upward to watch the snowflakes land on the bridge of his nose, instantly melting into droplets.

“It’s snowing,” he said softly.

Hearing this, Zhou Anbei replied, “Yes, Sifang City is expected to have continuous snowfall from 3 PM until after midnight.”

Gu Pingsheng’s voice remained low, almost swallowed by the falling snow. “This is the third first snow since she left Sifang City. Three years. Do you think… she should be back by now?”

Zhou Anbei hesitated, unsure if Gu Pingsheng had truly spoken aloud. “President Gu? What did you say?”

Gu Pingsheng narrowed his eyes slightly. “Return to the company.”

“As you wish.”

The large airport screen displayed news of Gu Pingsheng’s return, while he strode briskly into the waiting business car.

For three years, Gu Pingsheng had expanded his business empire with an almost reckless abandon, like a cold machine that only knew work, tirelessly and ceaselessly.

“President Gu.”

“President Gu.”

“President Gu.”

“…”

After being away for a month and a half on a business trip to the continental region, Gu Pingsheng’s first appearance at the company was met with orderly welcomes and lined-up greetings at the entrance.

Yet, Gu Pingsheng showed little reaction to the ceremony. At the stairway, he gave a sidelong glance at the senior management. “Have the negotiations with KD Group been finalized?”

The executive replied, “Still at an impasse, but news should be coming soon.”

“Soon, huh,” Gu Pingsheng adjusted his cuffs. “It’s been nearly half a month of talks, hasn’t it?”

The executive gave a wry smile. “Yes.”

“Ding—”

The elevator arrived at the top floor, and Gu Pingsheng strode out with purpose.

Before Zhou Anbei could follow, he glanced at the executive wiping sweat from his brow. “Mr. Cui has time to organize a welcome line but perhaps should spend more effort on the project. President Gu needs solid data.”

The first thing on Gu Pingsheng’s agenda upon returning was a senior management meeting.

He sat at the head of the table, rarely speaking. But when he did, it meant there was a problem with the reports—either negligence or mistakes—and either could shake the senior leaders to their core.

Some executives privately admitted that every meeting with President Gu felt like a race against death, a test of their heart’s endurance.

Li Yueting was also present, but no longer as a secretary; now, she was part of management—no longer Secretary Li, but Manager Li.

All of Gu Pingsheng’s affairs had long since been handed over to Zhou Anbei.

Halfway through the meeting, the shrill sound of police sirens echoed from below the building.

Zhou Anbei’s phone beeped. After reading the message for a few seconds, he leaned over and showed it to Gu Pingsheng. On the screen was a clear message: “Secretary Zhou, the person in charge of Qingfang Jewelry is on the rooftop of the company building, threatening to jump. Police have already arrived.”

Qingfang Jewelry had been ordered by Gu Pingsheng to be acquired at a low price just half a month ago. It was also closely affiliated with the Zhang Group, whose head, Zhang Zhanrong, had called Gu Pingsheng multiple times during this period, never once getting through.

It wasn’t only Qingfang Jewelry; over the years, Gu Xia Group had steadily snatched many lucrative assets from the Zhang Group.

At first, Zhang Zhanrong didn’t care, but when the small sparks turned into a blazing fire, it was already too late.

Thus, the business world widely knew of the tensions between Gu Xia Group and Zhang Group.

Gu Pingsheng tapped his fingers lightly on the table. Zhou Anbei’s phone rang again—it was the front desk. “Secretary Zhou, the jumper wants to see President Gu. The police hope he can cooperate in the rescue.”

Zhou Anbei frowned, covering the microphone and quietly asked Gu Pingsheng for his instructions.

Gu Pingsheng’s narrow eyes lifted, casting a heavy, oppressive glance at Zhou Anbei.

Zhou Anbei straightened. “I’ll handle it.”

The continuous movements by Zhou Anbei and the sirens created a strange atmosphere in the meeting room.

Leaning back in his chair, Gu Pingsheng’s deep eyes swept across the room. His thin lips parted: “Continue.”

The police officers had reached the rooftop, where an air cushion was laid below to catch the jumper. They tried to calm the person down: “Please don’t get agitated. If you have anything to say, say it calmly. Didn’t you want to see the president of Gu Xia Group? We’re contacting him now; he’ll be here soon.”

But the promised person didn’t come. Instead, Zhou Anbei appeared.

“I’m the president’s secretary. You can talk to me.”

The police had expected Gu Pingsheng, but were surprised to find a secretary instead. The captain hissed at his men, “What’s going on? Weren’t you supposed to get Gu Pingsheng? Why send a secretary?”

If a secretary could solve this, they wouldn’t be lingering here.

The officers sighed helplessly. “Captain, it’s not that we’re not trying. But President Gu is very imposing; he’s still in a meeting. We haven’t even seen him.”

The captain wanted to curse. “Is a life less important than his meeting?”

“I don’t want to talk to you. Tell Gu Pingsheng to come speak with me, or I’ll jump!” the jumper shouted.

As the situation spiraled, the police decided to bypass intermediaries and went straight to the meeting room.

The first snow still fell gently, dusting the jumper’s clothes with a fine white layer.

“If anyone could see President Gu just by threatening suicide, then he wouldn’t need to do anything else. He’d be busy all day meeting with such people,” Zhou Anbei said, adjusting his glasses. “With all due respect, if you jump from here, it won’t affect Gu Xia Group. It’ll just mean more cleaning for the janitors. Why not come down and talk?”

The officers exchanged glances. His words were cold and ruthless, revealing the merciless nature of a capitalist. If the secretary was like this, one could only imagine how the legendary President Gu was.

The captain frowned and briefly questioned whether sending someone directly to find Gu Pingsheng had been a wise decision.

Meanwhile, the dispatched officer finally burst into the meeting room after some searching. When the door slammed open, all eyes turned, but the impeccably dressed man at the head of the table remained unfazed, still studying the reports in his hand.

The officer caught his breath. “President…”

“Bang.” Gu Pingsheng tossed the last report onto the table with force, his cold eyes scanning everyone with an oppressive intensity. “Is this the report you’re submitting? Two consecutive quarters of losses! Gu Xia Group supports you to create value, not to provide you a place to retire!”

No matter how arrogant the executives were outside, under President Gu’s fury, they all trembled nervously.

The air in the room dropped to a near-freezing point.

Through the officer’s earpiece came the captain’s voice: “Still no sign of the person?”

The officer pressed his earpiece and stepped forward. “President Gu, there’s a suicide attempt on your company rooftop. The person demands to see you. Please come with me to assist the police rescue.”

Gu Pingsheng glanced up. “Officer, Gu Xia Group will cover cleaning costs. Beyond that, I’m afraid I can’t help.”

The captain heard this and cursed inwardly—indeed, cold-blooded and ruthless were written in the company’s very bones.

“That’s a human life!” the officer said angrily.

Gu Pingsheng withdrew his gaze. “If there’s nothing else, please leave. We have a meeting to continue.”

The captain gritted his teeth. “Get him to talk to the jumper. See if he agrees.”

Though skeptical, the officer complied. To his surprise, Gu Pingsheng consented, and the call was put on speaker.

The captain breathed a sigh of relief and instructed Gu Pingsheng to calm the jumper’s emotions and stabilize him, no matter the demands.

Gu Pingsheng said nothing, his silence taken as assent.

The officer stepped closer to the jumper on the rooftop, turned the speakerphone on, and raised a hand in a gesture of peace. “The person you want to speak to is willing to talk. Don’t be nervous. Calm down.”

The jumper’s limbs were already numb from the cold. Though he hadn’t seen Gu Pingsheng, connecting by phone was a small relief.

But no one expected Gu Pingsheng’s first words: “The greenery area east of Gu Xia Group is filled with expensive plants we purchased. If you intend to stage a fall, I suggest you avoid that area. Otherwise, the damage will depreciate the acquisition price of Qingfang Jewelry even after your death.”

With this one sentence, he epitomized the cold-heartedness and cruelty of a capitalist.

The captain couldn’t help but curse aloud this time.

The jumper’s emotions flared further. “Gu Pingsheng, why gamble with my lifelong work because of your feud with the Zhang family?”

“President Feng, since you know about my feud with the Zhangs and still choose to be their pawn, isn’t that admirable courage?” Gu Pingsheng replied icily. “If I didn’t act, everyone would think anyone and everyone could stroll around Gu Xia Group.”

President Feng screamed hysterically for Gu Pingsheng to spare Qingfang Jewelry. Gu Pingsheng’s lips curled coldly. “I’m in the north conference room. Looking forward to your performance.”

A performance of a fall from the sky.

“Continue the meeting.”

The officers were dismissed, and those on the rooftop looked grim—Gu Pingsheng was truly pushing him to the limit.

Li Yueting watched from her seat. Three years had sculpted the man before her into one of mature charm, yet also colder and more ruthless.

Before the meeting ended, President Feng was rescued. Zhou Anbei came to report, but Gu Pingsheng’s expression remained unchanged.

“Only those who don’t want to die make a big show.”

Often, those who truly wish to leave do so silently.

“Doctor’s appointment tomorrow morning… President Gu, maybe drink less coffee tonight so you can rest earlier,” Zhou Anbei advised softly, watching Gu Pingsheng stand by the floor-to-ceiling window, quietly observing the falling snow.

Gu Pingsheng gazed intently at the snowy scene. Normally, the sky would have been fully dark by now, but the snow illuminated the night.

He remembered—Wen Zhixia loved snow, though she was afraid of the cold.

That day, she wore a white down jacket with a fur collar. The fluffy hood covered most of her face, revealing only her delicate, beautiful eyebrows and a glimpse of her face. Her rosy lips and white teeth, combined with her gentle personality, made her stand slowly in the snow, reaching out to catch snowflakes.

A tuft of fur from her collar stuck to her nose. She sneezed, scattering the snow in her hands. Gu Pingsheng, standing nearby with a snowball ready to throw, was utterly captivated.

At that moment, he thought no girl anywhere could be more beautiful than her.

Beautiful, gentle, a decent student—except she didn't like him much. Otherwise, she was perfect.

How could she be so wonderful, that just seeing her brought him joy?

When Gu Pingsheng returned to Lanhu County, the snow lay thick.

In front of the door was a plump little snowman, wearing a red scarf and a small red hat, its chubby cheeks resembling its owner.

“President Gu, dinner is ready. Would you like to eat now?” Aunt Zhao asked.

Gu Pingsheng took off his coat and set it aside, nodding. “Has Youzhi gone to sleep?”

“Master Youzhi built snowmen all night. After a hot bath, he’s tired,” Aunt Wang said, bringing the meal to the table.

Gu Pingsheng nodded. After a simple meal, he went upstairs to the nursery.

On the sky-blue bed lay a little boy, sleeping peacefully. On the nearby table was a drawing of a family of three—rough, childish strokes, but clearly a man, a woman, and their child holding hands.

Gu Pingsheng stroked the boy’s cheek and, after a moment, tucked the blanket around him.

Morning sunlight was gentle, reflecting off the snow with little melting. Snow continued to fall, lighter than the day before, preserving the first snow’s presence longer.

“Why aren’t you wearing more clothes? Your cold isn’t better yet, and you forgot again,” a voice murmured.

In the garden, beside the long corridor, a woman leaned against the wall holding a warm cup of coffee. She looked as if she had just woken, eyes still heavy with sleep, yet stubbornly watching the snow through clear, bright eyes.

Xu Qichen approached from behind, draping a thick down jacket over her, enveloping her completely.

The warmth behind her deepened the curve of her lips. “I knew you would bring me a jacket.”

Xu Qichen chuckled softly. “Should I praise your cleverness?”

She raised her eyes, silent but clearly asking, “Isn’t that right?”

He laughed at her teasing. “I can’t accompany you to your follow-up today. The driver will take you. But you have to go if you want to continue your medication.”

“If others knew Mr. Xu was such a housekeeper, they’d be terribly disappointed,” she sighed.

Xu Qichen reached out, touching her forehead. “If others knew how disobedient you are, they’d understand why I worry so much.”

She pouted at him.

Bundled tightly from head to toe, she entered the hospital for a thorough checkup.

“You still have a slight fever. You need to continue your medication. If you have a fever again tonight, we recommend another day of IV treatment,” the doctor said.

Wen Zhixia looked down at the needle marks on her hand, frowning slightly. Another injection?

For over six months, she had been either receiving injections or taking medicine. She had only just felt better after two years. Now, a cold and fever lingered for so many days without abating.

Xu Qichen suspected postoperative complications and had urged her to undergo full-body examinations repeatedly. The hospital’s sterile scent made her stomach churn.

Leaving the consultation room, Wen Zhixia wrapped her scarf around her face again. The cold air hit her sharply. Had it been years since she returned? Why did Sifang City feel so much colder this year?

The driver appeared with an umbrella. Wen Zhixia, feeling that an umbrella spoiled the snow’s charm, told him to put it away.

Nearby, a small child tripped and fell flat on his back. Wen Zhixia instinctively worried he might cry.

But to her surprise, the child was stunned briefly, then slowly pushed himself up, snowflakes clinging to his hair and clothes. He was so adorable, like a little dough ball.

Wen Zhixia couldn’t help but smile. Whose child was this? Their parents must have big hearts letting such a beautiful child roam. What if a bad person kidnapped him?

She found a candy in her pocket and stepped forward.

“Youzhi, did you hurt yourself?” A familiar female voice called out, and Wen Zhixia paused.

Li Yueting was walking ahead, followed by a man talking on the phone.

Gu Youzhi ignored Li Yueting’s attempts to tidy his clothes and looked toward Wen Zhixia and the candy in her hand.