Gu Shuning got into their car, and within moments, they arrived at a nearby coffee shop.

Following their guidance, he entered the store, which seemed to have been reserved exclusively for them. There was no one else inside, except for a man sitting on a chair and a staff member at the front desk.

The man, leaning against the backrest with his fingers crossed, tilted his head slightly and greeted him with a smile, “Mr. Gu, take a seat.”

Gu Shuning, flattered by the other’s gentle and polite demeanor, couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration. Most powerful Alphas were known for their arrogance, expecting everyone to bow down to them, but this man in front of him was different. His approachable nature made him seem far more extraordinary.

Gu Shuning swallowed, trying not to seem too awed, and greeted the man politely before sitting down opposite him.

“The incident came up suddenly, so I was a bit anxious to meet with you, Mr. Gu,” Liang Xianzhang said smoothly, pushing the menu in front of him. “Would you like something to drink?”

Gu Shuning, his mind buzzing with curiosity over the reason for this meeting, barely paid attention to the menu. “An iced Americano will be fine,” he replied, trying to keep his composure.

The waiter took the order and soon walked away. The man who had brought Gu Shuning in sat some distance away, clearly giving them space.

After a moment of silence, Gu Shuning finally asked, “Mr. Liang, may I ask what this is all about?”

Liang Xianzhang took a sip from his coffee, then placed it down with a calm smile. “Mr. Gu, I need a favor from you.”

Gu Shuning was taken aback. “A favor? I don’t believe I can be of much help to someone like you,” he said, his voice tinged with surprise.

Liang Xianzhang chuckled softly, his eyes lingering on Gu Shuning’s face. “It should be simple for you.”

Gu Shuning, still unsure, glanced at him. A sense of unease crept in as he wondered what this favor might be. Was he being manipulated?

“Don’t be nervous. I’m just stating the facts,” Liang Xianzhang reassured him when he noticed his growing discomfort.

Gu Shuning hesitated but said nothing.

Liang Xianzhang’s tone became more direct. “Mr. Gu, you have a good relationship with the second generation of the Shang family, don’t you?”

It didn’t take long for Gu Shuning to realize Liang Xianzhang was referring to Shang Yichen. He couldn’t help but wonder why Shang Yichen was being brought into the conversation. He didn’t want to reveal too much, so he asked again, “Mr. Liang, what exactly do you need me to do for you?”

Liang Xianzhang’s gaze remained steady. “I would like you to return to China and help me capture Shang Yichen’s attention.”

Gu Shuning blinked in confusion. His mind raced to process what was being said. He understood every word, but the combination of them made no sense. As the waiter brought his iced coffee, Gu Shuning took a sip, trying to clear his foggy thoughts.

“May I ask why you need me to do this?” he asked, tracing the rim of his cup with his finger, his mind swirling with questions.

Liang Xianzhang set his coffee cup down with a soft clink. “I think you have no right to ask about this.”

Gu Shuning froze, taken aback by the coldness in Liang Xianzhang’s words. His voice shook slightly as he responded, “Then I think I have the right to know why I’m being asked to help you.”

Liang Xianzhang interrupted him, his voice flat. “Your family’s business can’t withstand a second liquidation, can it?”

Gu Shuning’s heart dropped. He clenched the cup in his hand, the words echoing in his mind. “Are you… threatening me?”

“I’m not threatening you,” Liang Xianzhang said calmly. “I’m asking for your help. And since it’s help, there will be a reward.” He pushed a check folder toward him. “I can guarantee that everything you do for me will be legal. You won’t bear any responsibility. You just need to return to China and stay with Shang Yichen for a while, and you’ll receive a considerable reward.”

Gu Shuning’s hands trembled as he took the check folder, his eyes widening when he saw the sum inside.

“To show my sincerity, I’ll pay half of it upfront,” Liang Xianzhang continued, his gaze focused on Gu Shuning’s reaction.

Gu Shuning struggled to find his voice. “Is… is this half of the total reward?”

“Yes,” Liang Xianzhang replied. “The other half will be transferred to you after everything is complete, or given to you in whatever way you prefer.”

The amount on the check was so large that it made Gu Shuning’s heart race. This reward was enough to cover his studies abroad and help relieve his family’s debt. The temptation was almost too much to resist.

Gu Shuning hesitated, caught in deep conflict.

Liang Xianzhang, sensing his indecision, raised an eyebrow and added, “It would be more comfortable for you to cooperate with me than to keep relying on others, wouldn’t it? You’re already living comfortably, studying abroad on someone else’s dime. But what if one day, Shang Yichen stops helping you, stops paying for your studies, stops supporting the Gu family? How will you continue living that easy life?”

His words struck deep into Gu Shuning’s heart. Cold sweat formed on his back, and his grip on the cup tightened.

Liang Xianzhang, seemingly aware of his internal struggle, continued, “I don’t think you want to risk losing everything you’ve come to rely on.”

Gu Shuning swallowed hard. Liang Xianzhang’s words were unnervingly accurate. His relationship with Shang Yichen had always been one of convenience, and the reality of that became clearer with each passing moment.

Finally, Gu Shuning spoke, his voice low. “I understand,” he said, still unsure of his own decision.

Liang Xianzhang smiled faintly, sensing that the deal was close to being struck.