Gu Yaoyang, the silent backer of SH Research... how could it be Gu Yaoyang!
The others were just as shocked as Gu Yaoqing.
Everyone had assumed that Gu Yaoqing would be the next head of the Gu family. But now, Mr. Gu not only owned his own entertainment empire, but SH Research was also under his purview, and he had secured privileges in the new energy sector. His future was undoubtedly bright.
Who would be the next head of the Gu family was truly anyone's guess!
Though their minds were churning with various thoughts, everyone understood that this matter involved more than just the Gu family.
Those who had discreetly inquired with the CEO of Huajin were now subtly observing his expression. Seeing him calm and composed, they inwardly cursed him as an old fox.
Without a doubt, everyone now knew that Huajin was highly likely to be SH Research's subsequent collaboration partner.
“I believe everyone has heard the news that for the later stages of investment and utilization of new energy, SH Research is seeking another partner,” Mr. Gu announced, scanning the room. “This time, we are honored to have reached a strategic cooperation with the Xia Corporation.”
After a few more perfunctory remarks to conclude, Mr. Gu left the stage.
Even at this point, the audience seemed dazed, as if they hadn't fully processed the announcement.
The Xia Corporation?
Why the Xia Corporation!
It shouldn't be like this!
Seeing the strange silence that had fallen over the entire hall, Xia Qingtian raised her hand and began to applaud.
Led by Xia Qingtian, the crowd seemed to snap back to reality and joined in with applause.
Mr. Gu glanced in Xia Qingtian's direction, his gaze gentle.
Xia Honglang, from his seat, also smiled and nodded, thanking those who offered congratulations.
Following this, the conference was soon declared a "resounding success."
The closing address, which should have been delivered by the CEO of Huajin, was instead given by the young master of Huajin.
As the event concluded, Xia Qingtian was about to accompany Mr. Gu back to Gu Shi Entertainment to film the remaining parts of "The Best Intern."
Before they could even get into the car, someone stopped Mr. Gu mid-way: "Mr. Gu, please wait. The CEO of Huajin wishes to speak with you."
Upon hearing that the CEO of Huajin wanted to see Mr. Gu, Xia Qingtian frowned slightly. Just as she was about to say something, she heard Mr. Gu speak: "Qingtian, you go back to the company. I'll see you later."
"But..." Xia Qingtian looked hesitant, a little worried.
"Earlier, Assistant Lin must have told you something, right?" Mr. Gu looked at Xia Qingtian as he spoke.
"Trust Mr. Gu, trust Mr. Gu unconditionally."
Assistant Lin's voice echoed in her mind once more. Xia Qingtian took a deep breath and nodded, "I'll see you at the company later."
Mr. Gu also nodded with a faint smile, watching Xia Qingtian get into the car. Then, he accompanied the other person to the hotel's rest area upstairs.
It was the same room where the CEO of Huajin had rested the previous day. The young master of Huajin was waiting by the door.
Upon seeing Mr. Gu, the young master of Huajin politely nodded, then knocked twice on the door before opening it, signaling Mr. Gu to enter.
After Mr. Gu entered, he saw the weary CEO of Huajin leaning against the bed, a pot of tea beside him. "Mr. Gu, please have a seat."
After Mr. Gu sat down, the CEO of Huajin chuckled, "I'm getting old and can't keep up. This two-day conference has really taken a toll on me."
"Today, your decision has surprised and puzzled me a little," the CEO of Huajin said, pouring Mr. Gu a cup of tea. "Please allow me to say a few more words, Mr. Gu. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Mr. Gu said, taking a sip of his tea.
This action by the CEO of Huajin was something Mr. Gu had anticipated.
He had indeed considered cooperating with Huajin before, but that was before Xia Qingtian had told him about that matter.
"Choosing the Xia Corporation was a last-minute decision. Although we've had collaborations before, I wouldn't say I know them very well," Mr. Gu stated. "However, since Assistant Xia came to my side, I've come to know the Xia Corporation much better."
Assistant Xia?
The CEO of Huajin's mind conjured the image of Xia Qingtian, charming and beautiful. Even at his age, having seen countless beauties, he couldn't help but be struck by her beauty the first time he saw her.
"Xia?" The CEO of Huajin paused before, as if recalling something, asking, "Assistant Xia and Mr. Xia of the Xia Corporation..."
"Qingtian is the apple of Mr. Xia's eye," Mr. Gu said in a calm tone, as if recounting a trivial matter.
"!" The CEO of Huajin immediately understood, a surge of suppressed anger rising within him.
So that's how it was! That respectable-looking Xia Honglang!
He had been plotting this scheme right under his nose and had snatched away such a lucrative deal!
Although the CEO of Huajin was inwardly furious, he couldn't outwardly express it. "Heh, in that case, I understand. However... business involves many considerations. Decisions made on impulse often lack thoroughness."
"In life, what we chase is someone worth being impulsive for," Mr. Gu said with a light laugh. "Isn't that right?"
"Heh," the CEO of Huajin's eyelids twitched, and he let out a dry chuckle. "Youth is truly wonderful."
"It's alright. There will be many more opportunities for cooperation in the future."
"Now that everything has been clarified, I won't keep Mr. Gu any longer, lest the lady waits impatiently."
Upon hearing the CEO of Huajin's words, Mr. Gu also rose and bid farewell.
After Mr. Gu left, the CEO of Huajin swept the teapot and teacups off the coffee table in frustration, his expression turning grim.
"Dad, what's wrong?" the young master of Huajin asked immediately upon hearing the sound of porcelain shattering.
"Is Xia Honglang trying to bully me because I don't have a daughter?" the CEO of Huajin's eyelids twitched as he spoke. "Go, tell your cousin who is studying abroad to come back and stay for a while! It's just a honey trap, but if I don't have a daughter, I still have nieces! Hurry! Go and bring Mumu back!"
"Uh... yes!" Although the young master of Huajin hadn't fully grasped the situation, he still responded and complied.
"Hmph!" With a cold snort, the CEO of Huajin raised his hand to his chest, gasping for breath, his face full of displeasure.
Meanwhile, on the other side, as soon as Xia Qingtian returned to Gu Shi, she noticed a crowd gathered near the entrance of Gu Shi.
However, this was an entertainment company, a veritable hotbed of gossip, so a gathering wasn't entirely unusual.
Upon entering Gu Shi, Xia Qingtian immediately looked for Li Xiaoxiao.
Li Xiaoxiao seemed to be engrossed in a conversation with the head of the creative department. When Xia Qingtian approached her, Li Xiaoxiao reacted and immediately gave Xia Qingtian a big hug: "Qingtian, you look so beautiful today!"
"When do I not look beautiful?" Xia Qingtian tilted her head and retorted.
"You look beautiful every day, but today you have an extraordinary aura!" Li Xiaoxiao gave a thumbs-up.
"Tch." Xia Qingtian rolled her eyes playfully, thinking Li Xiaoxiao was truly a glib-tongued girl.
Knowing that the time was getting late, the department head also chimed in with a few pleasantries before excusing himself to attend a small meeting.
"Why don't I see Fu Ruya?" Xia Qingtian asked curiously, looking around for the most striking beauty.
"Uh..." Li Xiaoxiao gave an awkward laugh and said, "This is a long story."