The Crazy Villain Wants Me to Love Her - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: What Are You Talking About? Have You Been Staring at Me?

Jiang Chilou shook her head, tossing aside the messy thoughts, and simply leaned back, closing her eyes for a nap.

The Gu family old residence was not close to the Jiang family’s house, so it was almost five o’clock by the time they arrived at the Gu family residence.

The moment Jiang Chilou and Gu Wan stepped out of the car, someone came forward to lead them into the Gu mansion.

The group walked along a covered corridor, passed through a moon gate, and crossed a courtyard before finally arriving at the reception hall.

In the three-hundred-square-meter reception hall, Jiang Chilou’s eyelids twitched as she looked at the dozen people scattered around.

Seriously? Why are there so many people at the Gu family’s place?

Among all these people, she was only familiar with Old Madam Gu. As for the others, they had either only been briefly seen at the wedding or had not attended the wedding at all.

She quietly glanced at the white-haired, vigorous Old Madam Gu in the main seat, then scanned the dozen or so people in the hall, momentarily unable to figure out why so many people were gathered here today.

It would be understandable if only the people who attended the wedding were here, but why were people who didn’t even attend the wedding present?

As far as she knew, the Gu family old residence was mainly the home of Old Madam Gu and Gu Wan’s parents. However, since Gu Wan’s parents passed away when she was eight, only Old Madam Gu and Gu Wan had lived here. The rest of the Gu family generally lived in their private residences.

Therefore, so many people only gathered here during major holidays or for significant events.

Thinking of “significant events”…

A light flashed in Jiang Chilou’s mind. Could the presence of these people be related to the “trouble” Gu Wan mentioned?

She just didn’t know what kind of matter could alarm so many people.

Just as she was making wild guesses, Old Madam Gu spoke.

“A-Wan, Lulu, come and sit. Everyone has been waiting for you for a long time.”

“Yes, Grandma.” Gu Wan responded, taking Jiang Chilou’s hand and walking over to sit on the right side of Old Madam Gu.

Before sitting down, Jiang Chilou also actively greeted Old Madam Gu: “Hello, Grandma.”

Old Madam Gu smiled and nodded: “Good child.”

Seeing Gu Wan and Jiang Chilou take their seats, someone couldn’t sit still and spoke up: “Mom, are you really going to transfer 10% of the shares to Gu Wan?”

Gu Wan already held 35% of the shares. If the Old Madam transferred another 10% to her, she would immediately become the largest shareholder of the Gu Group.

Most importantly, if shares were to be transferred, why not to them, but to Gu Wan?

“Yes. Since you are all here for this matter, I will tell you clearly: there will be absolutely no change to this decision.”

Seeing that the Old Madam was determined, that person adopted a roundabout approach: “But Gu Wan is still so young. In my opinion, it’s not too late to discuss the share transfer a few years from now.”

“Why rush?”

As soon as these words were spoken, many people immediately agreed in low voices, but they were quickly refuted by others who strongly supported the Old Madam’s decision to transfer the shares.

“Gu Wan is so outstanding. Anyone with eyes knows that the Old Madam will sooner or later transfer part of her shares to her. Instead of waiting a few years, it’s better to transfer them now, to prevent some of you from causing trouble.”

“Do you really think that if you stop the Old Madam from transferring shares to Gu Wan, she will transfer them to you bunch of useless people?”

“Idiots.”

These words embarrassed the few people, and someone immediately said exasperatedly: “But she’s only been in Gu Group for five years. Why should she become the largest shareholder of Gu Group so easily?”

Jiang Chilou watched the two arguing sides, her gaze sweeping over the few men who were most vocal in their opposition, and she couldn’t help but inwardly complain: It all boils down to some people being jealous.

She looked at Gu Wan, intending to say something to her, but saw Gu Wan suddenly let out a sneer.

The contemptuous sneer successfully drew the attention of both arguing sides to her.

The people who were arrogantly opposing her a moment ago suddenly lost their confidence when facing Gu Wan: “You, what are you laughing at?”

Gu Wan’s eyes were icy cold, her light words infused with biting chill.

“Bringing Gu Group back on track from the brink of collapse—you call that easy?”

“As for why?”

Her expression was indifferent, her cold words piercing: “Just because I can revive the Gu Group. Can you?”

As her words fell, the previously noisy scene suddenly quieted.

No one dared to speak up.

It was widely known that when the Gu Group was at its peak, it was because Gu Wan’s parents were in charge. But after they passed away, the Gu Group declined year after year, constantly heading downhill, until Gu Wan entered the company. Only then did the Gu Group slowly begin to recover, especially after she successfully planned the takeover of the Qi family two years ago. The development of the Gu Group accelerated even further, subtly surpassing its peak during the strong period of the past.

Not to mention that the Gu family had successfully intermarried with the Jiang family. The resource exchange and integration between the two families alone would lead to countless external project collaborations or investments.

Following this trend, the future of the Gu Group was destined to flourish.

Seeing that the troublemakers were left speechless, Old Madam Gu let out a cold snort.

“Enough, this matter ends here.”

“Those who want to stay for dinner go to the banquet hall. Those who don’t, leave early.”

Following her words, some people silently turned and left, while others chose to stay, planning to dine together.

Jiang Chilou scanned the people who stayed and noticed that the person who had just spoken up in Gu Wan’s defense was among them—it seemed to be Gu Wan’s paternal aunt, Gu Yueyun.

Gu Yueyun noticed a gaze on her and instinctively looked up. Seeing it was Jiang Chilou, she gave a radiant smile.

“Hi, Lulu.”

Jiang Chilou returned a smile: “Hello, Auntie.”

Gu Yueyun smiled and called out to Gu Wan: “A-Wan, bring Lulu and Grandma over to the banquet hall later.”

“I’ll go ahead. See you in a bit.” Gu Yueyun waved and left for the adjacent banquet hall with a few others.

Jiang Chilou retracted her gaze and looked curiously at Gu Wan: “Auntie looks quite young.”

Gu Wan lowered her eyes, slowly collecting the coldness in her expression: “Mm, she’s only eight years older than me.”

“Then are you quite familiar with her? There’s only an eight-year difference; you shouldn’t have had much of a generation gap when you were little.”

Besides, Gu Yueyun seemed very talkative, like a social butterfly.

Gu Wan said lightly: “She lived abroad since she was little and only returned recently because of our wedding.”

“However, she might be staying in the country from now on.”

“Yes, she said she came back to keep me company. She moved in two days ago,” Old Madam Gu added with a smile.

“It’s good to have her company,” Gu Wan said.

Old Madam Gu nodded, stood up, and said: “Let’s go, we should go over to the banquet hall too.”

Gu Wan and Jiang Chilou both agreed: “Okay.”

At the banquet hall, as soon as they arrived, Butler Xu nearby immediately approached and asked Old Madam Gu in a low voice: “Old Madam, should we start the meal now?”

“Start it.”

“Yes.” Butler Xu turned and left.

Before long, several waiters pushed in dining carts, and one exquisite dish after another was served.

After the banquet, Jiang Chilou felt a little full, so she asked Gu Wan: “I want to go for a walk outside to digest before heading back. Is that alright?”

Gu Wan nodded and asked her: “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No need, I’ll just walk over there by myself. You should stay with Grandma a bit longer.” Jiang Chilou pointed to the balcony outside the banquet hall.

Looking out through the glass doors of the balcony, there was a stone-paved path that led to a hexagonal pavilion not far away.

Gu Wan looked over there and agreed: “Alright.”

Hearing this, Jiang Chilou immediately waved at her: “Then see you later.”

Gu Wan hummed in response.

Jiang Chilou turned and left. She went down the steps from the balcony and headed straight onto the stone-paved path, walking purposefully toward the hexagonal pavilion.

She wanted to go up there to see the scenery and the sunset.

Putting everything else aside, the scenery at the Gu family old residence was genuinely beautiful, with stacked hills and artificial water features.

From the hexagonal pavilion, Jiang Chilou’s casual glance was met with lush greenery.

Truly beautiful.

Jiang Chilou sat down on the reclining bench. Just as she was about to take out her phone for some pictures, she unexpectedly saw a young girl approach Gu Wan.

She watched the two of them curiously, temporarily losing interest in taking photos.

On the other side.

Gu Shiyao looked anxiously at Gu Wan. She desperately wanted to run, but thinking of the company’s situation, she could only bite the bullet and come to talk to Gu Wan.

Logically, she and Gu Wan were similar in age and both members of the Gu family. She hadn’t committed any offense, so there was no need to fear Gu Wan. However… whenever she thought about the things Gu Wan had done, about her fourth uncle in the mental hospital, and her cousin who was serving jail time at a young age… she felt terrified.

Outsiders didn’t know Gu Wan’s true nature, but those in the main family understood her very well—and it was that understanding that made her scary.

“Cousin, Cousin,” Gu Shiyao stammered.

Gu Wan heard her and glanced at her lightly: “What is it?”

“I… I want to invite you to have lunch at Huating Pavilion tomorrow, and discuss investing in Yuanxi Media.”

Hearing this, Gu Wan raised an eyebrow in surprise: “Your media company hasn’t gone bankrupt yet?”

If she remembered correctly, the company had been facing financial difficulties a few months ago. She hadn’t expected it to still be clinging on until now.

Gu Shiyao: …

Seriously, is it okay to be so blunt in front of me?

Although she also felt her company was on its last legs, being pointed out so directly was extremely embarrassing.

She pursed her lips and gave a forced laugh: “Well, Cousin, are you free to go tomorrow?”

“No.” Gu Wan’s expression was cool.

“As for investing…” She considered Yuanxi Media’s situation.

The company had invested heavily in various film and television IPs in the early stages, attempting to win by volume. Perhaps in an attempt to achieve quick results, they spent a massive amount of capital on the first film that was highly anticipated within the industry.

As a result, when the film was released, the box office was a disaster, and the public reception was terrible.

The initial investment was a complete loss.

Later, among the many broadcasted IPs, only two or three had decent results; all the rest were flops.

Now, almost all the invested money was gone, and no returns were in sight, leading to financial difficulties.

She wants me to help?

Gu Wan suddenly smiled.

It wasn’t impossible to help, provided the company was still worthy of becoming her property.

After all, she didn’t want to take over a mess that yielded no benefits.

“I will consider the investment matter.”

Gu Shiyao brightened: “Thank you, Cousin.”

Gu Wan gave her a look: “Don’t be too quick to be happy. If I invest, control of your company may very well fall into my hands.”

Gu Shiyao’s face paled. She mumbled for a long time before gritting her teeth and saying: “That’s fine.”

“Just have someone contact me when you’ve made up your mind.”

“Understood.”

Gu Shiyao: “Then I’ll be leaving.”

Gu Wan slightly nodded.

Jiang Chilou watched the conversation between Gu Wan and the young girl conclude. The girl even ran away as if fleeing. She was momentarily curious about what Gu Wan had said to scare the person so much.

She stared at Gu Wan for a while, then suddenly took a picture of her and sent it to Gu Wan, along with a message:

“What were you talking about? You scared her away.”

Gu Wan received the message and couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, looking in the direction of the hexagonal pavilion, where she precisely located the figure inside.

Jiang Chilou was caught completely off guard in a long-distance staredown with Gu Wan, and her heartbeat involuntarily skipped.

It wasn’t until her phone chimed that she slowly recovered, letting out a long sigh of relief.

She looked down, and Gu Wan’s message appeared on the screen.

“You’ve been staring at me?”