Even for ordinary office workers, resigning requires thanking the boss for their care over the years and completing the necessary procedures with the HR department.
Although Xia Qingtian did not want any further contact with Mr. Gu, she still had to attend the meeting tomorrow out of obligation.
"Really... tsk." Dropping the phone after ending the call, Xia Qingtian threw herself onto her bed.
On the other end of the call, Mr. Gu put away his phone, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Mr. Gu." After three knocks on the door, Assistant Lin pushed it open and said politely, "Dr. Li and his wife have arrived."
"Alright, I'll be right there," Mr. Gu responded, suppressing the smile on his face, and walked straight out.
Assistant Lin led the way, and upon reaching the special lounge, he opened the door, letting Mr. Gu in before closing it again and standing guard outside.
This special lounge was designed to isolate all signals and had excellent soundproofing, specifically for receiving such guests.
"Mr. Gu." Dr. Li and his wife beamed with gratitude upon seeing Mr. Gu.
When their project was on the verge of collapse, it was Mr. Gu who provided sufficient funding and introduced them to many influential figures in the industry, allowing the new energy source to be fully researched and successfully selected as a national-level scientific research project.
Therefore, when the new energy source could be put into use, they immediately thought of those who had helped them.
The entire collaboration had been very pleasant, and upon their return from Kyoto, they wanted to thank Mr. Gu at the earliest opportunity.
"It's been a while," Mr. Gu said, offering a polite greeting before continuing, "Regarding the application of the new energy source, I would like to hire both of you as consultants for SH research."
"Mr. Gu, we shouldn't refuse this matter," Dr. Li said with a troubled expression. "However, my wife and I are now just ordinary teachers. If we frequently enter and exit SH research or Gu's Entertainment... I'm afraid..."
"I understand your concerns," Mr. Gu replied. "But please rest assured, we will not disturb you frequently, nor will we expose your identities."
"Furthermore, Li Xiaoxiao is likely your beloved daughter, isn't she?" Mr. Gu changed the subject.
"Xiaoxiao?" Hearing the name, Dr. Li and his wife showed a moment of tension. "What happened to her?"
"You don't need to worry, she is doing very well. Gu's Entertainment, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, has produced a workplace reality show called 'The Best Intern.' Li Xiaoxiao participated, and due to her outstanding performance, she has already signed an internship contract in the creative department. If all goes well, she will also be employed by Gu's Entertainment."
"Mr. Gu, all of this is your arrangement, isn't it?" Dr. Li looked at Mr. Gu and said, "Xiaoxiao is our daughter. We know her capabilities."
Hearing Dr. Li and his wife say this, Mr. Gu did not explain, merely smiling faintly. "I was also very surprised when I suddenly saw Li Xiaoxiao's information among the participating guests."
Seeing Mr. Gu's gesture as an implicit confirmation, Dr. Li and his wife were momentarily at a loss for words.
"You should be familiar with this person, shouldn't you?" Mr. Gu handed an unopened file from the table to Dr. Li and his wife.
"This is..." Unfolding the document before them, Dr. Li and his wife's faces grew grave. "We would recognize him even if he were reduced to ashes!"
"His daughter, Freya, is also a guest participating in 'The Best Intern.' By chance, she should have had contact with Li Xiaoxiao," Mr. Gu said.
"What!" Dr. Li and his wife immediately widened their eyes.
"This was my oversight. Freya was a guest brought by another artist, and I failed to verify her identity promptly," Mr. Gu said. "However, it can now be basically confirmed that Freya was likely acting under her father's orders to come to China to probe the truth about the new energy source through Gu's Entertainment. She was discovered in time and expelled from Gu's Entertainment."
Although he only learned today that Xia Shang had used such... unusual methods.
However, the outcome was still satisfactory.
"Why can't he just leave us alone!" Dr. Li's wife covered her face with her hands, trembling uncontrollably.
"This persistent beast!" Dr. Li gritted his teeth. "Beast!"
"I understand your feelings very well," Mr. Gu said, looking at the couple. "Regardless, the fact that the new energy source has been successfully developed in our country is enough to prove your innocence. It was not you who betrayed the laboratory and caused the data leak. You have worked hard all these years."
"Now that their conspiracy has been exposed, the classified information stolen from the country has become worthless paper with the success of your experiment. It is normal for them to be unwilling to accept it."
"The urgent priority now is to ensure the safety of Li Xiaoxiao and Li Xiaozhong, and to prevent a recurrence of tragedy," Mr. Gu said to Dr. Li and his wife. "I will have someone install a tracking and distress signal system on Li Xiaoxiao's work badge and arrange sufficient personnel to protect them discreetly. I also hope that you, as consultants for SH research, will receive better protection."
"Mr. Gu, we are very grateful for your thoughtful consideration..." Dr. Li and his wife's eyes reddened. The couple exchanged a glance before looking at Mr. Gu and saying, "Then, let's proceed with this matter as Mr. Gu suggested."
"Alright," Mr. Gu nodded and chatted with Dr. Li and his wife about subsequent work before having them escorted home and formally issuing the protection orders.
After all these matters were settled, Mr. Gu returned to Xiaoyao Pavilion and continued to busy himself with his work.
The next morning, Mr. Gu got up early and went to the morning market, buying the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meat before beginning to marinate and prepare them.
At 11:45, Xia Qingtian was picked up and taken to Xiaoyao Pavilion.
Despite her strong reluctance to come, even contemplating just playing along and making a perfunctory effort.
However, as soon as the driver arrived at the Xia family residence, he announced his identity, informing the Xia family that Mr. Gu had sent him to pick up Xia Qingtian.
Good heavens, let alone making a perfunctory effort, Xia Honglang immediately forced her, dressed in casual clothes, back to her room, insisted she put on a full face of makeup, and chose a flashy dress that suited Xia Honglang's old-fashioned aesthetic, before shoving her into the car.
Before closing the car door, Xia Honglang did not forget to remind her, "Mr. Gu is knowledgeable, wise, and upright. Don't be temperamental. You've caused him trouble before, so you mustn't be rude today. Talk to him properly, and it would be best if you could learn something! Give him my regards! That's all! Go!"
Good heavens, if one didn't know better, they would think she was going on a blind date!