Gu Xinglan knew the enemy's momentum would not falter just because Zhao Gang had been defeated. She needed to tighten her grip on the company while bracing herself for the incoming barrage of overt and covert attacks. Just as she was fine-tuning her plans, a gilded invitation landed on her desk.
The invitation was for the Annual Business Alliance Gala, a premier event in the upper echelons of the corporate world. It was both a platform for networking and a battlefield for showcasing power and influence.
Gu Xinglan studied the gold-edged card, a faint smile curling her lips. "How timely," she murmured.
She understood that this gala was not only an opportunity to demonstrate her strength but also a potential stage for the enemy's next move.
Prelude: The Grand Entrance
On the morning of the event, Su Yao arrived at Gu Xinglan's apartment to assist with preparations.
"Ms. Gu, this gala won't just have competitors—it'll also be crawling with media. We need to tread carefully," Su Yao warned as she adjusted Gu Xinglan's gown.
Gu Xinglan slipped into a tailored black evening gown with a slight train, exuding elegance and authority. Standing in front of the mirror, she lightly brushed her hair back, a sharp gleam in her eyes. "The more treacherous the occasion, the more I need to remind them: Gu Xinglan is not someone to be trifled with."
Su Yao nodded, picking up a folder to continue her briefing. "Zhao Qiang and Lin Wan will also be there. Lately, they've been stirring up negative publicity about our company through the media. They'll likely make a move tonight."
Gu Xinglan smirked coldly. "Perfect. I'll settle the score with them in public."
At the Banquet
The gala was held in a luxurious ballroom at a five-star hotel downtown. Sparkling crystal chandeliers and opulent gold accents showcased the host's wealth and status.
The moment Gu Xinglan stepped into the venue, all eyes turned to her.
"That's Gu Xinglan, the rising star among CEOs?"
"I heard her company's been a mess since she took over. Can she really handle it?"
Whispers buzzed around her, but Gu Xinglan paid them no mind. She gracefully adjusted her gown and strode into the center of the room, her composure unshaken by the murmurs.
While exchanging pleasantries with a few business partners, Zhao Qiang and Lin Wan approached her, one after the other.
"Well, well, isn't this Ms. Gu? It's been too long," Zhao Qiang said mockingly, his tone dripping with provocation.
Gu Xinglan turned to him with a faint smile. "Your concern flatters me, Zhao Qiang. Unfortunately, I've been too busy running my company to entertain idle gossip."
Lin Wan giggled behind her hand. "My, such a commanding presence, Ms. Gu. I wonder how you'll steal the spotlight tonight?"
Gu Xinglan raised an eyebrow, retorting coolly, "That almost sounds like someone's prepared a 'show' for me to watch."
The pair froze momentarily, their smiles stiffening. Lin Wan quickly recovered, her tone sweet but defensive. "Oh, Ms. Gu, you're overthinking. We'd never target you—it's just a friendly check-in."
Gu Xinglan's eyes turned icy. "Then perhaps you should focus more on checking in with yourselves."
A Fragile Balance
As Gu Xinglan mingled with key partners, she noticed Yan Yichen leaning casually against the bar in the corner of the room, sipping his drink with an air of detachment. His presence made her frown slightly, but she chose not to engage.
Just as she was about to leave the area, a waiter approached her with a tray. "Ms. Gu, this is for you."
On the tray was an envelope containing a photo and a piece of anonymous text.
The photo depicted Zhang Feng meeting a middle-aged man in a discreet club. The text identified the man as the hidden financier who had been secretly acquiring shares in her company.
"So, the water runs deeper than I thought," Gu Xinglan murmured, her gaze growing colder.
The Decisive Moment
At that moment, Lin Wan stepped onto the stage with a radiant smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's gala includes a special segment where esteemed business leaders will share their insights on future developments. Our first speaker is none other than the renowned Ms. Gu Xinglan!"
Sparse applause broke out as attendees turned their attention to Gu Xinglan, clearly eager to see her stumble.
Gu Xinglan scoffed inwardly. This was undoubtedly a trap set by Lin Wan to humiliate her. But she kept her composure, walking gracefully to the stage and scanning the crowd with calm confidence.
"Thank you, Ms. Lin, for the introduction, and thank you all for your attention," she began, her voice steady and commanding. "Since tonight is about discussing future directions, I'd like to ask Ms. Lin a question. Are the recent scandals surrounding your company also part of your 'exploration of future trends'?"
Lin Wan's smile faltered, her face paling slightly. She forced a laugh. "Ms. Gu, you must be joking. In business, misunderstandings are inevitable."
"Is that so?" Gu Xinglan's lips curved into a cold smile. "How curious, then, that these 'misunderstandings' always seem to target me."
Laughter rippled through the audience as Lin Wan's expression darkened further.
Yan Yichen's Assist
As the tension peaked, Yan Yichen suddenly stepped onto the stage, taking the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and magnetic, "I must say, Ms. Gu's courage and capabilities are precisely what make her a standout leader in our industry. As for those who resort to underhanded tactics, well, they're merely fighting a losing battle."
He shot Lin Wan a meaningful glance before turning to Gu Xinglan with a faint smile. "Ms. Gu, I look forward to seeing you shine on the international stage."
Gu Xinglan nodded slightly. "I'll take that as a promise, Mr. Yan."
Thunderous applause filled the room as Lin Wan and Zhao Qiang's faces turned an even darker shade.
Though Gu Xinglan appeared composed, she remained vigilant. Yan Yichen's apparent support was a double-edged sword—he had exposed his own hand, reminding her that he was far from a mere bystander.