Chapter 144: Chapter 143: Bro, Your Reputation Isn’t Enough (10/10)
The issue of exchanging interests was settled, and next was discussing how to deal with Wu Qian.
For a moment, everyone in the room turned their gaze towards him.
This top idol who was full of vigor a few days ago now appeared like a lamb to the slaughter in front of the entertainment industry’s capital, utterly unable to control his own fate.
After all, Wu Qian had earned quite a bit of money for himself, Qi Jianhong also looked at Gu Bai and asked, "President Gu, if I may ask, what are you planning to do with him?"
Hearing this, Gu Bai drained the cup of tea made with Bi Luo Chun worth thousands per ounce, glanced at him indifferently, and then slowly said, "I understand Wu Qian’s situation. In the past, because of the pressure from your Yao Lai Group, it couldn’t be released. Now I’ve bought it with my own money.
...................(omitted)
Peng Shiba, sitting next to Gu Bai, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of compassion, but she didn’t open her mouth to plead for Wu Qian. Although this matter started because of her, it developed now to where it had nothing to do with her, and she didn’t think her words would have any effect on Gu Bai.
At this moment, Gu Bai was as hard-hearted as iron, just calmly drinking his tea without the slightest hint of softness.
Eventually, Chen Long couldn’t help but speak up, "President Gu, don’t blame me for playing the seniority card, but I hope you can grant me a favor and go easy on this matter. I promise that the name Wu Qian will never appear in the entertainment industry again!"
Hearing Chen Long’s words, the originally hopeless Wu Qian felt a glimmer of hope.
Gu Bai listened quietly to Chen Long, stood up, and poured him a cup of tea.
"The people in the circle all call you big brother, so I’ll call you big brother too. Since we’ve already agreed, let’s not mention it anymore. If it were something else, I, Gu Bai, would certainly grant you this favor, but in this matter, I can only say I’m sorry, big brother, your favor is not enough."
Seeing the delicate features of Gu Bai in front of him, Chen Long paused, ultimately not speaking further.
Finally realizing his last hope was gone, Wu Qian went completely mad.
.................(omitted)
If today the target of Gu Bai’s actions were someone else, Gu Bai could grant Chen Long a favor, letting him leave the entertainment industry intact, taking the money he earned, and enjoy the rest of his life.
But as someone reborn, Gu Bai knew that anyone could be given a break, anyone but Wu Qian.
As Wu Qian was escorted away, Room One also quieted down.
Everyone present might have felt that Gu Bai’s actions were a bit too ruthless, but also found it completely justified.
To have offended such a big shot.
A discarded top idol is less than a dog.
Since the matters that needed handling were resolved, it was finally time for a harmonious meal.
At the dining table, Qi Jianhong kept subtly probing about Gu Bai’s background, while Gu Bai hinted some information, maintaining a calm demeanor, only claiming to be from an ordinary family and doing some small business in the energy sector.
However, it was obvious that no one believed his words, all assuming that his identity was special and not easily revealed, leading everyone to speculate wildly.
The most truthful lie is often composed of nine truths and one falsehood.
Every word Gu Bai said was true, except for the casual remark that all his money came from his family, which precisely made it more believable.
As the meal wound down, Qi Jianhong invited Gu Bai, "I heard that President Gu loves luxury cars. It happens that our Yao Lai Group has taken on several luxury car brand dealerships, and there’s a car exhibition these days. I wonder if President Gu would be interested in taking a look?"
"Oh?"
To be honest, Gu Bai had gotten used to having a driver—driving pleasure had greatly diminished, but he couldn’t suppress his love for various luxury cars.
Some people like collecting watches.
Some people like antique paintings.
So why couldn’t he collect luxury cars?
Imagine having your villa garage filled with top-tier luxury cars of the world. Even if he doesn’t drive, isn’t that a kind of pleasure too?
Seeing Gu Bai’s interest piqued, Qi Jianhong continued, "There are quite a few limited edition luxury cars at this exhibition, like the Bugatti Chiron that was showcased in Geneva last year. We brought a limited edition Legend of the Sky as an exhibit, over to our Yao Lai Group."
Hearing this, Gu Bai’s interest immediately surged.
Bugatti Chiron, Legend of the Sky.
He had heard of this car before, in terms of rarity, it was almost on par with the Poison, globally limited to 20 units, with a promise to never increase the quota, meaning only 20 units of this car will ever exist in the future. This made Gu Bai quite tempted.
Thinking of this, Gu Bai also agreed to Qi Jianhong’s invitation.
Might as well, since he was in Kyoto, he ought to enjoy a few days before heading back.
"Principal, accompany me for a walk, will you?"
Before Principal Wang could speak, Qi Jianhong said, "Principal is already a VIP of our ’Yaolai Honor Society,’ included long ago on our company’s invitation list."
Principal Wang nodded towards Gu Bai hearing this.
Qi Jianhong’s words slightly indicated his intention to showcase his network to Gu Bai.
The ’Yaolai Honor Society’ he spearheaded had developed nearly ten thousand members, including over 3,000 millionaires and billionaires, making it quite a well-known elite circle domestically.
As the top elite private client of the Construction Bank, with only 165 people since the bank’s founding, would Gu Bai even consider this so-called Yaolai Honor Society? He gave a perfunctory smile, continuing to partake in the toast.
Originally coming to settle a score, Gu Bai ended up forming partnerships with Qi Jianhong, Chen Long, and others.
It can be said that the saying "there are no permanent enemies, only eternal interests" holds very true.