Chapter 170: Chapter 156: Rising to Become a Phoenix
One o’clock in the afternoon the next day.
Gu Bai, who was leaning on the sofa with Peng Shiba watching TV shows, received a call from the front desk.
"Mr. Gu, a gentleman named Wang Quan has an appointment with you and would like to meet. Do you have time now?"
The sweet voice of the front desk echoed from the phone.
"Please arrange a lounge and invite him over. I will be there shortly."
"Alright."
After hanging up the phone, Gu Bai softly mumbled to himself, "Pretty fast."
Wang Quan had called half an hour ago saying he would visit, and now he’s here, clearly showing he cares about what happened at MIX last night.
"Who’s looking for you?"
Peng Shiba asked softly while leaning against Gu Bai’s embrace.
"A business friend. You watch alone for now. I’ll be back soon."
Hearing Gu Bai’s response, Peng Shiba nodded understandingly and got up from his embrace. The fact that Gu Bai explained was already nice; further insistence would be pointless.
Seeing the considerate Peng Shiba, Gu Bai lowered his head to give a gentle kiss on her plump lips, tidied his clothes, and walked out.
A few minutes later, led by the hotel concierge, Gu Bai arrived at the lounge where Wang Quan was arranged.
Opening the door and walking in, he noticed not only Wang Quan but also a sullen-faced Lu Mao.
"Young Master Wang, sorry for keeping you waiting."
Gu Bai greeted Wang Quan with a smile while completely ignoring Lu Mao.
Upon hearing his voice, Wang Quan and Lu Mao hurriedly stood up.
"Young Master Gu, no need for formalities. We also just arrived. You can call me Wang Quan; I can’t bear the title of Young Master in front of you."
Wang Quan wore a smile, and though his tone wasn’t humble, it was evidently modest.
"Then you can call me Gu Bai directly. I don’t like others calling me Young Master Gu.
Don’t stand there; let’s sit down and talk."
Having said that, he sat directly on the main sofa.
Although Lu Mao had no presence, he dared not show any temper. Only after Gu Bai and Wang Quan both sat down did he slowly sit.
Gu Bai reclined with his legs crossed without speaking, Wang Quan remained silent, and Lu Mao dared not even breathe loudly. The entire lounge was unusually quiet.
After a few awkward minutes, Wang Quan spoke, "I believe you know the reason I’m here. I want to ask whether last night’s events at my MIX were at your behest?"
Gu Bai looked at him, and after a few seconds, slowly said, "Since you brought Lu Mao over, haven’t you already got your answer?"
Wang Quan was startled by Gu Bai’s straightforward admission.
"President Gu, there’s no conflict between us, right? There’s no need to involve the entire MIX over your dealings with Lu Mao?"
"It’s precisely because there’s no conflict that I gave you my card last night. I acted with good intentions, and believe you should perceive that as well."
Wang Quan was cursing internally.
What good intentions? First have someone disrupt his venue, then give a card for contact, calling that good intentions? If not for being powerless, Wang Quan would have slammed the door in anger.
But this thought was swiftly dismissed from his mind.
He came today for negotiation. No matter the grievances, he had to endure; otherwise, his humble demeanor now would be futile.
"I have some understanding of the conflict between President Gu and Lu Mao. I brought him here to apologize personally, hoping President Gu would let MIX off the hook. You surely understand, expanding MIX to this extent can’t be broken with a few sudden inspections or causing trouble. It’s best if some conflicts can be handled openly, right? President Gu wouldn’t want to exert efforts that don’t yield rewards, would you?"
Though Wang Quan’s posture was humble, his tone became firm when discussing interests.
Upon hearing his words, Gu Bai nodded slightly, indicating agreement.
However, Gu Bai did not respond to his statement, instead diverting the conversation elsewhere.
"Young Master Wang, I’ve heard from Du Jun and others that although you’re a native of Kyoto, you seem unpopular in the circle, even having poor relations. Could I ask why?"
Wang Quan replied without reservation, "There’s no point forcing connections if you can’t get along, and even if I don’t engage with them, who dares undervalue me?
They only play tricks behind the scenes. Facing me openly, they count for nothing."
His tone was full of self-confidence.
"What you say is true, but I still think it’s beneficial for humans, as social creatures, to make more friends, so I’d like to become friends with you, Young Master Wang. How about it?"
"President Gu, feel free to speak your mind."
On seeing this, Gu Bai straightforwardly spoke, "Previously, I intended to assist Zeng Yaning in getting back at Lu Mao and be done with it. But those who know me understand I’m not one to bear losses easily.
Although Lu Mao is insignificant, it still takes effort to deal with him.
I don’t want to expend effort for nothing, hence I have another idea."
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"I’m considering acquiring your MIX. Are you interested in selling, Young Master Wang?"
Upon hearing Gu Bai’s words, Wang Quan’s expression turned cold, "President Gu must be joking, right?"