Take Me Away, My Love - Chapter 3 - The Turn of Events

“Zhang Mi, are you really leaving? I just can’t help but worry.” Although Gu Xing is usually a man of few words, he can still distinguish right from wrong when it matters.

With Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun missing and Ru Long having gone to Hawaii to search for them, if something happened to Zhang Mi, he would be the only one left to support the massive Changyun Group.

And if Cheng Duo and Cheng Mo showed up at this time, what would he have to fight against them?

“Don’t worry, I’ve already spoken with my father, and he will send someone to assist you. Even if Cheng Duo and Cheng Mo are arrogant, they’re not bold enough to do anything to you,” Zhang Mi said casually, though she clearly understood that the situation might not be as simple as they imagined.

“What about you? It will be extremely dangerous for you being around Cheng Mo.” Though reluctant to admit it, Gu Xing couldn’t help but express his concern.

His concern made Zhang Mi’s eyes light up. So, someone in this world actually cares about me. It’s just so sad that the person who cares isn’t Jian Yiqing, she thought.

“I’ll be fine. You should know that it was Cheng Mo who ordered the move. When it comes to finding Jian Yiqing and the others, Cheng Mo is the most knowledgeable, and collaborating with him offers the greatest possibility of success.”

This was Zhang Mi’s true thought.

Even if Ru Long could identify the sea area where Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun went missing, he wasn’t an eye-witness, and finding them would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

But Cheng Mo was different. By staying near Cheng Mo, Zhang Mi could closely monitor and immediately check whether they had any news about Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun.

Though this approach is risky, it’s the most effective way to find Jian Yiqing.

Since she had made up her mind, Gu Xing’s continued persuasion was useless. He could only wish her well and pray for her safe journey.

Indeed, just as Zhang Mi had said, soon after she left, the entire villa was reinforced with additional staff to ensure Gu Xing’s safety.

Even the company was neatly arranged; the entire company continued to operate normally, with no changes due to the disappearance of Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun.

Unfortunately, all of this lasted only for a short while.

As Gu Xing held the newspaper that morning, he knew Cheng Mo and Cheng Duo had already started taking action.

A large headline screamed the news of Jian Yiqing’s disappearance, claiming that he might have become shark food by now.

“Snap!”

Gu Xing angrily slammed the newspaper onto the table.

The disappearance of Jian Yiqing was the last thing they wanted to reveal. After all, if it was known that the president was missing, many of their partners might suspend their cooperation with Changyun Group for this very reason.

This would place Changyun Group in a very precarious position.

“Ms. Li, convene a Shareholders’ Meeting immediately!”

Gu Xing commanded!

Shortly after Ms. Li carried out the order, Gu Xing and the shareholders were already gathered in the meeting room.

Noting the somber expressions on everyone’s faces, Gu Xing surmised they were already aware of the situation.

“President Ya, I think we need to know the current whereabouts of President Shangguan.”

As soon as they settled, the shareholders couldn’t wait to speak up.

“The President is currently on his honeymoon in Hawaii. Whatever rumors are circulating outside, please do not believe them. The priority should be the company’s interests. Do not heed baseless rumors.”

Gu Xing attempted to explain.

But the shareholders refused to believe him.

“We just want to know where President Shangguan really is. Even if he’s on his honeymoon, he should be able to answer his phone, right? Ignoring the company like this is disrespectful to us, the shareholders.”

“Exactly, now that President Shangguan has disappeared, leaving the reporters outside to fabricate stories, it will severely affect our company’s image.”

“If President Ya can contact President Shangguan, please persuade him to do something about this.”

…

The shareholders were talking one after another, almost drowning Gu Xing in a sea of words.

However, in the face of this scene, Gu Xing remained silent, his heavy and calm demeanor making it impossible for others to guess what he was thinking.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot give you any promises.” It was only when their voices finally quieted down a bit that Gu Xing spoke.

This statement immediately set the meeting room ablaze.

“However, I will hold a press conference tomorrow, and then you will naturally learn everything you want to know.”

With that, Gu Xing stood up, bowed respectfully to those present, and said, “I have finished speaking, the meeting is adjourned.”

After saying this, he didn’t care about the expressions on their faces and walked straight out.

These shareholders only cared about their petty interests and didn’t have the company’s best interests at heart.

It seems necessary to find a way to make them believe.

“President Ya, have you really contacted President Shangguan?” Just the thought of Jian Yiqing’s competence and charm made the young secretaries swoon. However, Jian Yiqing remained aloof, leaving them to sigh in their hearts.

“You’ll find out tomorrow.”

Even to his personal secretary, Gu Xing gave the same reply.

At this moment, he absolutely couldn’t trust anyone.

News from Ru Long came in, but it was frustrating news. He had arrived in Hawaii, reportedly at the hotel where Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun had stayed. However, the hotel staff could only offer some rumors and nothing more.

The result was still a complete lack of useful information.

“How are things on your end? Is everything alright with the company?” Ru Long, while worried about Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun, was also particularly concerned about the company’s state of affairs.

“Cheng Duo and Chen Zhen are trying everything they can to bring down the company. They’ve already spread the news of Jian Yiqing’s disappearance. But don’t worry, I can handle this easily. Also, they’re secretly trying to win over our key talents…”

Before Gu Xing could finish, Ru Long interrupted with a snort, “They don’t realize that anyone who joined us is undoubtedly loyal to Jian Yiqing. They won’t fall for such tricks.”

“True, but we can’t let our guard down,” Gu Xing, surprisingly talkative today, continued. “By the way, Zhang Mi is also in Hawaii now. If you run into her, please make sure she’s safe.”

“What’s she doing here?”

Ru Long asked, surprised. Gu Xing explained everything he knew.

Sadly, it only ended with a sigh from Ru Long. People are often this way, he thought to himself regretfully, and still asked, “Any news on Chen Zhen?”

“They say she’s at the Shangguan Mansion now.”

This simple statement was like a sharp blade, instantly tearing Ru Long’s heart into pieces.

So she still can’t let him go, Ru Long mused wryly, feeling helpless about it.

As the saying goes, “A forced melon is not sweet.” But who could tell me how to make it sweet?

Even over the phone, Gu Xing could sense Ru Long’s sadness. Rarely, he spoke words of comfort: “Stay safe. Only if you stay alive can you save Chen Zhen from her predicament.”

“You be careful too.”

After this brief exchange, they decisively hung up.

Then, after some thought, Gu Xing made a call to another person…

Changyun Group was finally holding a Press Conference. Reporters, well-prepared, gathered eagerly, highly attentive to the unfolding developments.

“Is it true that Jian Yiqing is missing?”

“Will there be a change in the leadership of Changyun Group in the future?”

“Do you think this incident is related to someone in particular? Was Jian Yiqing’s disappearance accidental? Or have you already found the body?”

Faced with the reporters’ aggressive questioning, Gu Xing maintained a stoic expression, showing little emotion. Beside him, Ms. Li was all smiles as she responded on his behalf, “These rumors are completely unfounded. Our President is not only alive and well but is also on his honeymoon with his partner. They won’t be back anytime soon, but it’s certainly not as the rumors suggest.”

Despite the charming secretary’s response, many reporters remained skeptical.

With a smile, Ms. Li continued, “Everyone, President Shangguan is on his honeymoon and has instructed us not to disturb him, no matter what happens. Perhaps that’s why we have such misunderstandings and jokes today.”

“In such special circumstances, shouldn’t there be an exception?”

A reporter questioned.

After all, without Jian Yiqing appearing in person, it was hard for people to believe that he was indeed alive.

“Well…”

Ms. Li looked at Gu Xing with a troubled expression. In this situation, her role didn’t allow her to make a decision.

Following Ms. Li’s gaze, the reporters turned to Gu Xing. Despite his cold demeanor, the reporters eager to uncover the truth didn’t relent.

“Alright, today I’ll have a video call with the President in front of you all.”

With that, he took out his computer, connected the display to a projector, and soon, a dialogue box appeared on the large wall.

Within less than a minute of calling, they indeed saw Jian Yiqing’s face.

There was an immediate hushed reaction from the crowd.

On the screen, Jian Yiqing appeared visibly angry, shouting, “What’s going on? Didn’t I already say not to bother me?”

Respectfully, Gu Xing said, “President, due to the rampant rumors, it’s unavoidable. You need to clear things up!”

Yet, Jian Yiqing’s expression remained cold, with little hint of a smile, as he addressed them, “While I’m away, manage the company well. Absolutely no mishaps, or else…”

He elongated the word “else,” which sent a chill through everyone present. Despite the separation by a mere screen and him not directly addressing them, they could feel his innate authority and power through each word.

It was as if an overwhelming presence instantly stunned them, making it almost difficult to breathe.

“Yes, rest assured, President!” Gu Xing continued to receive orders respectfully.

“Is there anything else?”

“No, that’s all.”

Once he received a definitive answer, Jian Yiqing promptly closed the video call. The wall returned to its calm state.

However, everyone remained in a state of shock, staring blankly at the large screen in front of them, somewhat at a loss.

Gu Xing adjusted his tie and stepped forward to address the media, “As you all have seen in the video conversation, I’m sure you now know for certain whether our president is alive. However, I am curious to find out who exactly is trying to tarnish Changyun Group’s reputation this time. Our president is young and yet faces such malicious curses and slander, which makes me, as his subordinate, feel it’s unjust. Here, I ask all you media reporters to help us investigate the full story behind this event. Please do not allow those who harm public order and create rumors to go unpunished!”

After he finished speaking, Gu Xing performed his role perfectly, bowing deeply to the audience.

Those in attendance also assured him that they would get to the bottom of the matter.

It was truly surprising how Gu Xing ultimately used high-tech imaging to recreate Jian Yiqing’s presence once again, presenting him vividly in front of everyone.

This feat required considerable skill, beyond the ability of ordinary people, making it difficult to decipher.

Following this event, Gu Xing discreetly leaked a so-called piece of insider information, which immediately shifted everyone’s attention to the Shangguan Family.

The power of the media reporters should not be underestimated. With assistance from Gu Xing’s network, it didn’t take long for journalists to uncover that the Shangguan Family had become an empty shell.

As a result, the focus shifted from Changyun Group to the Shangguan Family.

This infuriated Cheng Mo, who, in her rage, nearly smashed everything in her room but still couldn’t calm down.

Initially, they thought that with Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun out of the picture, Changyun Group would fall into their hands. However, they did not anticipate that Jian Yiqing had already planned ahead. The major shareholders of Changyun Group were all his trusted allies, and Gu Xing himself held a significant amount of shares. Even without Jian Yiqing, control of Changyun Group remained within their circle.

Trying to sow discord had become almost impossible now, especially with Gu Xing being the focal point and under the protection of agents sent from the U.S.

Fortunately, although the reporters had only uncovered a few clues, the funds Cheng Duo transferred from Italy could still temporarily smooth things over.

But in the long run…

“The only solution now is to quickly fill the company’s financial gap.”

Cheng Duo’s plan was straightforward: leverage his status as a Mafia boss in Italy to intimidate small and medium-sized businesses into giving him money as a form of tribute.

These funds would then circulate back to the country and ultimately serve as a temporary patch for the substantial financial hole in the Shangguan Group.

However, addressing such a significant deficit with this method was merely a drop in the bucket.

It was evident that they needed to find another way out!