The ballroom was in chaos. Reporters who had been invited to the gala quickly turned their cameras toward Guo Bao, eager to capture his reaction. Guests whispered among themselves, their expressions shifting between shock and disgust.
Guo Bao's face was pale, but he forced himself to remain composed. His fingers curled into fists as he glared at Zi Ning.
"You think this proves anything?" His voice was steady, but there was an edge of panic underneath. "These so-called documents could be fabricated. Who would believe the words of a disgruntled former employee?"
Zi Ning smiled faintly. "Interesting. If the documents were fake, why are you so nervous?"
Murmurs spread across the room.
Guo Bao turned to the guests. "Everyone, you know me. My family has supported this industry for years. We've helped countless artists succeed. Why would we do something that could destroy our reputation?"
One of the investors in the crowd stepped forward. He was an older man with graying hair and a sharp gaze. "Guo Bao, this isn't just about rumors. These are bank transactions, messages, and testimonies from people who worked with you. If this was false, you'd be able to prove it easily. So, can you?"
Guo Bao clenched his jaw, unable to respond.
Zi Ning turned her gaze toward him. "You can keep denying the truth, but it won't change reality. The people you silenced are speaking up now. Your family's control over this industry is crumbling."
Guo Jiancheng, who had been watching from the second floor, finally stepped down. His powerful presence silenced the crowd as he walked toward his son.
The elder Guo's expression was unreadable. He adjusted his tie and looked at Zi Ning with an emotionless gaze. "Miss Zi, do you think this will end well for you?"
Zi Ning met his stare fearlessly. "I don't need to think. I know."
Guo Jiancheng smirked. "You're bold. I'll give you that. But do you really believe a few documents and testimonies can bring down the Guo family?"
A deep voice suddenly cut through the tension.
"Perhaps not alone. But combined with the ongoing investigation, they're enough."
Everyone turned to see Lu Yichen stepping forward. His sharp suit and commanding presence made the entire room hold its breath.
Zi Ning didn't react, as if she had expected him to interfere.
Guo Jiancheng narrowed his eyes. "Lu Yichen."
Lu Yichen's expression remained cold. "The authorities are already reviewing these documents. If the Guo family has done nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about. But if these accusations are true…" He paused, his eyes sharp. "Then even you won't be able to stop what's coming."
For the first time, Guo Jiancheng's calm mask cracked.
The murmurs in the ballroom grew louder. Some of the executives, sensing danger, quietly stepped away from the Guo family. Investors exchanged wary glances, realizing that associating with them could ruin their reputations.
One of the producers who had worked with the Guo family for years sighed. "If Lu Yichen is involved, this isn't just a scandal anymore. It's a complete downfall."
Guo Bao's breathing was uneven. He turned to his father in panic. "Dad, we can't let them—"
"Enough."
Guo Jiancheng's voice was cold. His eyes swept across the room, memorizing the faces of those who had turned against them. Then, without another word, he turned on his heels and left.
Guo Bao hesitated for a moment before running after him.
The guests watched them leave in stunned silence.
Zi Ning exhaled slowly. She knew this wasn't over. The Guo family wouldn't collapse in a single night, but this was a critical blow.
Lu Yichen walked up to her. "Are you satisfied?"
Zi Ning's lips curled into a small smile. "Not yet. But we're getting closer."
The aftermath of the gala was explosive.
By morning, the scandal had spread everywhere. News outlets released detailed reports about the Guo family's corruption, and the leaked documents were analyzed by experts. The evidence was overwhelming.
The public reaction was immediate.
#BoycottGuoFamily started trending. Advertisers pulled out of their deals, and companies cut ties with the Guo family.
Then, the government officially announced that Guo Jiancheng and Guo Bao were under investigation. Their bank accounts were frozen, and their influence in the industry vanished overnight.
Jiang Yue threw a newspaper onto the table in front of Zi Ning. "Look at this! Even the government is distancing itself from them. They're done!"
Zi Ning glanced at the headline.
Guo Family Falls: Investigation Uncovers Decades of Corruption
She leaned back in her chair. "It's not over yet. The Guo family still has connections."
Jiang Yue rolled her eyes. "Even if they do, it won't be enough. Who would want to risk their future for them?"
Zhou Wei nodded. "Jiang Yue is right. Guo Jiancheng's allies are already abandoning him. No one wants to go down with a sinking ship."
Zi Ning tapped her fingers against the table. She wasn't satisfied yet.
The Guo family had made her suffer for years. This downfall was only part of their punishment.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
Lu Yichen walked in. His sharp eyes swept over the group before landing on Zi Ning. "I have news."
Zi Ning raised an eyebrow. "Good or bad?"
Lu Yichen sat across from her. "Both."
Jiang Yue groaned. "Can't you ever give us a break?"
Lu Yichen ignored her. "Guo Jiancheng isn't giving up. He's contacting his remaining connections in the business world, trying to secure protection."
Zhou Wei frowned. "That won't work. His reputation is already ruined."
Lu Yichen nodded. "Which is why he's looking for a different kind of help."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
Lu Yichen's voice dropped slightly. "He reached out to someone from the underground world."
The room fell silent.
Jiang Yue's face paled. "Wait, are you saying… he's going to use illegal means?"
Lu Yichen nodded. "If he can't win in business, he'll use force."
Zi Ning leaned back in her chair. She wasn't surprised. A man like Guo Jiancheng wouldn't accept defeat so easily.
Zhou Wei cursed. "This is bad. If he's desperate enough to use underground forces, things could get dangerous."
Zi Ning was quiet for a moment before speaking. "Then we'll be ready."
Lu Yichen studied her carefully. "This won't be the same as before. He won't just try to ruin your career. He might try to destroy you completely."
Zi Ning met his gaze. "Let him try."
Lu Yichen sighed. "You really don't know fear, do you?"
Zi Ning smirked. "I used to. But after everything I've been through, there's nothing left to be afraid of."
The room fell into silence.
Finally, Lu Yichen stood up. "Then let's prepare. If Guo Jiancheng wants a war, we'll give him one."
Zi Ning nodded.