“You don’t need to thank me. With your capabilities, even if you marry into that family, you wouldn’t suffer, would you?”

After learning about Gu Yueluo’s actions through the gossip system, Gu Xicao couldn’t help but admire her. This Second Miss truly had the patience and determination. She had already planned in advance how to win over the Li family’s servants, divide the Li brothers, and sow discord to reap the benefits.

A woman with such formidable tactics could thrive even without anyone’s help.

“That’s true,” Gu Yueluo replied with a smile. “But if I could avoid stepping in dog poop, who would want to?”

Gu Xicao exchanged a glance with Gu Yueluo, and they shared a knowing smile.

Gu Yueluo pulled a business card from her pocket. “This is my card and contact number. If Master Gu ever needs anything, you can shop at any of our MIC stores for free, even for limited-edition items. Also, if you encounter any issues in the future, don’t hesitate to let me help you. Give me a chance to return the favor, all right?”

Gu Xicao accepted the card, secretly impressed.

This Second Miss was truly capable—even her words were so eloquent.

“Alright, I’ll remember. Thank you, Miss Gu. I believe you’ll certainly make the Gu family thrive.”

Gu Yueluo smiled, her expression brighter than ever before.

As the car drove out of the Gu family’s estate, it followed the coastal road. Waves crashed against the shore, and stars sparkled in the sky, illuminating the earth with an extraordinary brilliance.

Secretary Lin had witnessed quite the spectacle tonight. Before arriving, she never imagined there would be so much drama.

The revelation that none of Gu Xinhui’s sons were biologically his was shocking enough to require days of processing.

And then there was the fact that Old Master Gu seemed inclined to let his second daughter inherit the family business. If this news spread, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves through all of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong had always been a traditional and patriarchal place, especially within wealthy families, where it was generally assumed that only sons could inherit wealth and businesses. Daughters were usually given some money and married off.

Old Master Gu was among the most traditional, often declaring that only men could handle business, while women should embody virtue and focus on raising families.

Who would have thought that in the end, his fortune would be left to his daughter?

A low-profile black BMW drove past their car. Under the streetlights, the man in the driver’s seat had a gentle and refined appearance.

Gu Xicao couldn’t help but take another look. It was rare to see such a handsome and scholarly man.

Secretary Lin noticed and smiled as she introduced him. “Master Gu, the driver is Lin Qianshi, the eldest son of the Lin family.”

“Lin Qianshi? The Lin family heir who recently returned to Hong Kong?” Gu Xicao asked, coming back to her senses.

Secretary Lin nodded. “That’s right. This young master Lin is quite accomplished. Both he and Second Miss Gu studied at Cambridge. He majored in architecture and finance. I heard his professors wanted him to stay for a PhD, but his father insisted he return to Hong Kong.”

“Oh, he’s truly impressive. Studying two majors simultaneously isn’t easy,” Gu Xicao remarked with admiration.

In her past life, even studying just history had been overwhelming. She’d heard that architecture required drawing skills and finance involved advanced math—subjects notorious for driving students to the brink.

Yet this young master Lin hadn’t even lost his hair. His thick, lush hair was a marvel.

“Achoo!”

Lin Qianshi sneezed as he parked his car.

The housekeeper at the entrance rushed over. “Young master, are you cold? Did the wind chill you? Let me make you some ginger tea.”

Inside the grand hall, Grandpa Lin, upon hearing his grandson had returned, stood up to welcome him. Lin Qianshi’s parents reluctantly followed suit, with his mother giving his younger brother, Lin Hexu, a meaningful look.

“Grandpa, why are you still awake?” Lin Qianshi asked with a smile, pausing momentarily at the sight of everyone gathered.

He casually removed his suit jacket, revealing a slim waist emphasized by a tailored vest. His long legs and upright posture made him the epitome of elegance.

Grandpa Lin chuckled. “Your father and I stayed up to wait for you. Qianshi, this time, you can’t avoid it. Your Aunt Zhao is hosting a banquet to introduce you to some young ladies. You must make an appearance.”

“A banquet?” Lin Qianshi frowned. “Grandpa, I’m still young and not in a rush to get married. Besides, I think of all those girls as sisters.”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Grandpa Lin scolded. “Our family is small. I only have one son, and he has only two sons—your younger brother is still studying and can’t marry yet. You’re almost 25. If you wait any longer, you’ll be an old bachelor.”

Grandpa Lin declared decisively, “It’s settled. The banquet will be at the end of next month. Don’t tell me you’re busy—I already checked with your company. Your schedule will be free by then.”

Seeing his grandfather so insistent, Lin Qianshi could only agree reluctantly, knowing further refusal might worsen the old man’s hypertension.

He turned to Zhao Ruyu. “Aunt Zhao, I’ll leave the arrangements to you.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” Zhao Ruyu replied with a forced smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

After a night of work, Gu Xicao reaped significant rewards—80,000 yuan, generously given by the Gu family.

The next morning, the weather was cool. As Gu Xicao prepared to leave, Mrs. Lin remarked, “Xiao Gu, you’re always wearing the same clothes. Aren’t you cold? You should buy some better outfits. In Hong Kong, people respect your appearance first. Wearing nicer clothes earns you more respect.”

Gu Xicao pondered for a moment—it made sense.

The original owner only had a few clothes to rotate through. Previously, it was out of necessity due to lack of funds, but now that she had money, it was time to buy some new clothes.

With that thought, she called out to Lin Yuan, who was about to head to his tutoring class. “Xiao Yuan, you’re not going to class today. Go tell your teacher. We’re going shopping for clothes.”

“Really?!” Lin Yuan’s eyes widened in delight. “Sister, you’re amazing! I’ll go right now!”

Mrs. Lin chuckled. “Xiao Yuan really has no filter. He says whatever he’s thinking. Just look at how happy he is about skipping school.”

Gu Xicao couldn’t help but laugh as well. After all, he was just a child, and playing was his nature. Considering how obediently he had been going to school these past few days, Lin Yuan was truly a well-behaved kid.

The MIC clothing line only sold women’s apparel, so Gu Xicao purchased two formal outfits and matching shoes for special occasions. For autumn and winter wear, she went with Lin Yuan to inexpensive street stalls.

Even a pair of pants that cost only ten yuan made Lin Yuan incredibly happy. He spun around in delight and said to Gu Xicao, “Sister, you’re so good to me. When I grow up and make something of myself, I’ll be sure to take care of you.”

“Such a sweet talker. Is it because you know I’m taking you to KFC?” Gu Xicao teased, smiling as she ruffled Lin Yuan’s hair.

Although they weren’t related by blood, the hardships they had endured together over the past had made them closer than biological siblings.

“Wow, KFC! Are we really going? I’ve heard it’s really expensive to eat there,” Lin Yuan exclaimed, caught between excitement and disbelief. “Sister, maybe we should just go home. I can whip up a stir-fry and an egg. It’ll cost just one yuan for the whole meal.”

“If I said we’re going, we’re going.” Gu Xicao took Lin Yuan by the hand and grabbed their shopping bags. “Your sister can still afford a KFC meal. You don’t have to envy others for getting to eat chicken wings. Today, you can eat whatever you want.”

Lin Yuan was overjoyed and quickly took the bags from her. “I’ll carry everything! When we get home, I’ll do a deep cleaning and give you a massage. You’ve been working so hard lately, Sister.”

“Fine, fine, whatever you say,” Gu Xicao replied, making no effort to refuse.

The two of them happily went to KFC. In the end, Lin Yuan only ordered a kid’s meal, and it was only after Gu Xicao ordered some chicken wings and fries that he shyly ate a bit.

Even so, Lin Yuan’s face was glowing with happiness on their way back.

Looking at him, Gu Xicao felt a twinge of sadness in her heart.

This child had been through so much. At such a young age, he had crossed the ocean, and his father had been killed by human smugglers while trying to protect them. His mother had worked herself to death. If it had been any other child in his situation, they might have already broken under the pressure.

Yet Lin Yuan had found a way to live resiliently. When the original owner of her body had fallen ill, it was Lin Yuan who had taken care of her. For a ten-year-old boy, he truly…

Ding—

The elevator doors opened.

Lin Yuan held Gu Xicao’s hand as they walked out, only to find a crowd gathered at the elevator entrance.

Mrs. Lin and a group of residents were red-faced, surrounding Mrs. Leung and arguing about something.

“Landlady, Mrs. Lin, what are you all doing here? Isn’t it time for lunch?” Gu Xicao asked casually.

The landlady, upon hearing her, immediately looked distressed. “Lunch? Who has the appetite to eat right now?”

Gu Xicao stopped in her tracks, telling Lin Yuan to take the bags home first. She then turned back to the landlady and the others with concern on her face. “What happened? What’s going on?”

“Xiao Gu, you don’t know? They’re going to demolish our building!” Mrs. Leung exclaimed angrily, stomping her foot in frustration. “Those people up there have nothing better to do! We were living perfectly fine. Why tear down our homes?”

“Exactly. Even if they provide resettlement housing after demolition, it probably won’t be as good as Ziwei Building,” Uncle He complained as he fanned himself, his displeasure evident.

Mrs. Lin and the other tenants also looked upset. “You’re lucky you’ll have a place to live after demolition. Us renters don’t even know where to find new places to rent. Housing prices are skyrocketing faster than my blood pressure. Even a tiny apartment costs over a thousand yuan a month in rent. It’s killing us!”

Hearing this, Gu Xicao was stunned.

She had heard rumors about nearby demolitions but hadn’t expected it to affect their building.

“When is the demolition scheduled?” she asked urgently.

Mrs. Leung sighed. “The notices have already been issued. It’ll probably happen in a few months.”

A younger resident stomped his foot. “No way! We’ll fight to the end. I don’t believe they’d risk lives over this. Demolition compensation is so little—you’d have to move all the way to Pengcheng to afford land!”

Gu Xicao thought to herself that buying in Pengcheng might not be a bad idea since property prices there were about to soar. But the problem was that most of these people worked in Hong Kong, so moving to Pengcheng made no sense.

Even if it were feasible, commuting between the two places was already a hassle.

As she was deep in thought, she noticed a neighbor leading a man over.

The man was dressed in a simple shirt and trousers—nothing remarkable about his clothes. But his face was unmistakably familiar. It was the same man she had seen last night—Lin Qianshi.

What was going on? Why was he here now?