Three days later.
In the top-floor office of Xuehua Tech.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"
"Support Gu Yan? What a joke! He's such a scoundrel!"
"Gu Yan! I swear I won't rest until I take you down!"
Gu Zihua roared in frustration, slamming his fists on the desk.
This news was nothing short of a devastating blow to someone like him.
His once-loyal subordinates had seemingly changed overnight, all defecting to his younger brother, Gu Yan.
"What should I do... What on earth should I do?"
Gu Zihua's mind was in complete disarray. He needed to come up with a countermeasure as soon as possible.
But...
What could he do?
All the executives of the Gu Family's businesses had gone over to Gu Yan's side?
What would happen this year?
Would Gu Yan really take over the Gu Family at the annual meeting?
No, that couldn't happen!
All his efforts, all his struggles—what were they for?
For...
Xuehua?
Suddenly.
Gu Zihua seemed to remember something.
The reason he had worked so hard to inherit the Gu Family was to change the family rules once he became the head.
To make everyone understand and accept his relationship with a maid.
That's right... Xuehua must be waiting for him to save her, must be striving for the same goal.
He had to stay true to his heart.
But... even though he thought that way.
Anyone with common sense knew.
If Xuehua fell into Gu Yan's hands, she would be tortured beyond recognition.
With their secret in Gu Yan's grasp, Xuehua, being a gentle soul, would surely submit to him to keep it hidden.
Just the thought of it.
Made Gu Zihua's face twist with sorrow and anguish.
His mind conjured images of Xuehua, now Gu Yan's personal maid, suffering inhuman abuse.
Damn it... Gu Yan, you scoundrel, you're truly a scoundrel!!!
Gu Zihua covered his face, his shoulders trembling.
Xuehua, wait for me. I will find a way to save you from Gu Yan's clutches!
At that moment.
"Master Zihua, calm down. Even though we've lost many people, we still have technology and the market."
"Even if you don't become the heir, we still have this company. Isn't this also your life's work?"
A stunning blonde woman with wavy hair, dressed in an OL outfit, walked over.
Her fiery red lips and swaying figure drew Gu Zihua's gaze as she approached.
It seemed intentional, as her posture ensured his eyes landed on a certain area.
"Alice..."
"How many times have I told you to be more mindful of yourself?"
Gu Zihua's face flushed as he averted his eyes and reminded her.
"Master Zihua?"
Alice pretended to be surprised, then blushed and covered her chest. "Master Zihua, where are you looking?"
"I... I wasn't looking!"
Gu Zihua stammered in defense, turning his head away and waving his hand awkwardly. "Alice, you need to be more careful about your image. Everyone in the company is always staring at you."
Alice had joined his company a little over a month ago.
Though she was a bit clumsy, she always managed to come up with solutions at critical moments.
So, Gu Zihua had promoted her to be his personal secretary.
However...
It seemed like Alice was oblivious to how striking her looks and figure were, as she often acted without boundaries.
Still, Gu Zihua found that he didn't dislike her.
Seeing this.
Alice pursed her lips, her eyes darting away. "Master Zihua, do you not want Alice to stay in the company anymore?"
Her voice, feigning a pout and on the verge of tears, sent a shiver down Gu Zihua's spine.
He quickly turned to explain, "No, Alice, it's because..."
Gu Zihua looked at Alice, took a deep breath, and finally said awkwardly, "It's because I don't like seeing everyone else in the company always staring at you like that."
"It just... makes me uncomfortable."
Hearing this.
Alice's expression froze for a moment, then she covered her mouth, moved. "Master Zihua... could it be... you're jealous?"
"Je... jealous?"
"What are you talking about?"
Gu Zihua's heart raced with nervousness and panic.
But as soon as he processed her words, he felt a pang of regret.
Jealous?
Was he jealous?
No way! He loved Xuehua!
Xuehua was suffering for him under Gu Yan's control. He had to stay true to his feelings, no matter what happened to her!
He had to remain steadfast in his love for her!
"Hmph, I don't care. I think Master Zihua is jealous of me."
"But don't worry, Alice came here because of you."
Alice's eyes were shy as she spoke words that shook Gu Zihua to his core.
He stammered, "Be... because of me?"
"Yes. Remember that product launch event? I was sitting in the audience."
"Watching you, Master Zihua, I knew I had fallen for you."
Alice nodded, her voice tinged with shyness. "So, even if everyone abandons you, Alice will never leave your side."
With that.
Alice placed a document on Gu Zihua's desk.
"Master Zihua."
"This is a list of all the traitors. I think since they've betrayed you, we should cut all ties with them immediately."
"Sever all business relationships and hold an emergency meeting. We need to draft a new strategic plan."
Every word Alice spoke was filled with determination and resolve.
She looked at Gu Zihua earnestly. "Master Zihua, even if you don't become the heir."
"You still have this company, and you still have me."
"And... about my feelings..."
Alice bit her lip, her eyes shy as she hid behind her notebook. "I'll wait for your answer when you're ready."
"I'll be waiting."
Without waiting for Gu Zihua's response, Alice turned and hurried out of the room.
"Alice...!"
Gu Zihua snapped out of his daze and stood up, wanting to call her back.
But... she had already closed the door behind her.
"Sigh..."
Gu Zihua sighed and sat back down.
His expression was conflicted.
He looked at the meeting materials Alice had prepared for him.
For the first time, he felt lost.
He wasn't one to give up easily. Years ago, when he learned that even a good-for-nothing like Gu Yan had priority in the inheritance,
he had started planning.
He founded a company to showcase his abilities, networked with the executives of the Gu Family's businesses to gain their support.
His goal was to have Gu Yan voted out and take over the Gu Family himself.
Then... he could live happily ever after with Xuehua.
But now...
Xuehua was suffering under Gu Yan's control.
She hadn't responded to any of his messages.
It was as if she was deliberately ignoring him.
And then there was Alice, who had appeared by his side, loving him and supporting him wholeheartedly.
There were no barriers of master and servant between them.
"What... should I do?"
Gu Zihua closed his eyes, his heart torn with conflict.
Meanwhile.
In the women's restroom.
Alice, who had been acting shy earlier, now wore a completely different expression.
She carefully checked her surroundings, making sure no one was around, then entered a stall and made a phone call.
Her voice was filled with respect. "Hello, sir? The plan is going smoothly. Gu Zihua is completely infatuated with me now."
"Yes, yes..."
"Ah, it's my duty, sir!!"
"Thank you for your concern!"
Click.
The call ended.
Alice breathed a sigh of relief. The plan was progressing well, and her superior seemed pleased.
Now...
Alice lit a cigarette, took out a mirror and her makeup bag.
It was time to continue working hard for her mission.