CH 100

Luo Bei blinked her eyes, thinking she was experiencing auditory hallucinations. Although there was indeed such a plot in the novel that she saw, she had deliberately forgotten the plot for some time. And, even if she knew in advance, she was still surprised when she heard it.

Grandpa Gu looked at Luo Bei and said, “I like children who are full of energy, Beibei. In this lifetime, some people choose to live an idle life, some people are muddle-headed. Everyone has their own way of living. You can rest assured that I am not that old-fashioned. Even if you marry Qianyan someday, I will not stop you from pursuing your own career. On the contrary, I will support you. I haven’t mentioned Qianyan’s Grandma to you before. When I was building my career, she always accompanied me. Unfortunately, she passed away early. Otherwise, with her abilities, she could have created a bigger corporation than the Gu family. If she were still alive, she would definitely like you very much.

“I always think of her when I see you. She told me before that women are bound by too many constraints in this world, and society has set too many rules for them, such as prioritizing family and saying that women are less capable than men. Even for the same position, if a woman is clearly better than a man, others will still choose the man. They say it’s gender equality, but it has never been equal. When she was pregnant with Qianyan’s father, she told me that if it were a girl, she would support her no matter what career she wanted to pursue. She wanted to give her daughter an equal environment and tell her to be psychologically equal even if others treat her unfairly.”

As Luo Bei listened to these words, she saw a young picture of Grandma Gu hanging in the study. She was wearing formal clothes, looking confident and smiling at the camera. Luo Bei imagined Grandma Gu’s expression when saying these words, and her blood boiled with excitement.

Grandpa Gu continued, “I cannot control the biases of society, but what I can guarantee is that in this family, you are equal. Qianyan can pursue his career, and so can you, Beibei. Family is certainly important, and no one can deny that, but it is more important to stick to oneself in this lifetime. If being part of a family makes Beibei lose her true self, I would also be very regretful.”

To be frank, Luo Bei had never thought she would hear such words from Grandpa Gu.

She was thrilled inside, feeling a kind of power and encouragement that she had never felt before.

It was also at this moment that she suddenly understood why Gu Qianyan was Gu Qianyan, because he had such a Grandpa, and because he was in such a family environment.

Grandpa Gu got up and walked to Luo Bei’s side, patting her shoulder with a smile. “Don’t think too much about it. Our Gu family has never needed the approval of an outsider for a daughter-in-law. As long as you are happy, that’s enough. So, Beibei, do you want to accept my meeting gift?”

Luo Bei nodded vigorously. “Yes!”

Not accepting would be foolish. Who is Grandpa Gu? He was an extraordinary person who had founded the Gu family and developed it into what it is today. He was the most successful businessman!

Seeing Luo Bei’s decisive response, Grandpa Gu laughed.

On the way back at night, Luo Bei was still excited and couldn’t calm down. She told Gu Qianyan about the matter, about her acknowledging Grandpa Gu as her teacher.

Gu Qianyan’s face was somewhat conflicted. “How do I feel like our seniority is wrong? You are my Grandpa’s student, so what does that make me1?”

Luo Bei quickly replied, “There’s no need to worry about that.”

“Okay, I feel like the old man is setting a trap for me.” Gu Qianyan was helpless, but he continued, “But I think this proposal from the old man is good for you. I’m only telling you this, don’t tell him, or he’ll become arrogant.”

Luo Bei laughed.

Gu Qianyan continued, “When it comes to doing business, he is indeed very capable and resourceful. Think about it, my great-Grandpa was a teacher, and going further back, our ancestors were said to have been high-ranking officials and even a top scholar. But you know, back when the old man was young, over fifty years ago, everyone was poor, and even eating was a problem. I heard that he used to eat public rations. In the 1970s and 80s, he went into business despite opposition from his family and even made my great-Grandpa mad. He even took my Grandma with him to start a business at sea… To be honest, Grandpa Gu was one of the first to become rich.

“Although I always argue with him, he is indeed very capable. It’s only been a few decades, but the Gu family is still standing strong. Naturally, our Gu family cannot compare to those established century-old families, but we are not inferior to any other families now. Take my Grandfather’s family for example, they are also a well-established big family, but if we really compare, they are not as good as the Gu family. The old man has experienced all kinds of ups and downs and has seen everything. He is like a shrewd person. Anyway, he has never suffered any losses in business. Ordinary people cannot do what he does.

“I am surprised that he would offer to teach you how to do business. You must seize this opportunity,” Gu Qianyan said to her with a smile. “Learn well from him and master all the knowledge and skills he has. Then you will truly succeed.”

Luo Bei could not believe she was so lucky to hit the jackpot. She sighed, “Don’t you think so? Maybe the fortune teller who predicted my future was right. I used to think that I was just an ordinary person, how could I have the fate to become rich and prosperous? But now I believe it,” she held onto Gu Qianyan’s arm and leaned on his shoulder, “Since I met you, I’ve been very lucky. Now the Old President Gu, the legend of the business world, wants to take me on as a student…who could have imagined such an opportunity.”

She suddenly had a feeling that maybe twenty years later, she could really become a domineering CEO.

Gu Qianyan smiled helplessly and said, “Even if you have the fate to become rich and prosperous, you still have to work hard. Otherwise, it will be useless.”

“I know, I know!” Luo Bei nodded happily, “I used to think that you and your family were too perfect, like characters in a Mary Sue or Tom Sue story. But now, it seems that I am also a Sue.”

Grandpa Gu’s offer to become Luo Bei’s teacher was not just a mere statement. A few days later, he actually came to the car beauty shop with his assistant and driver, bringing his own office supplies to share an office with Luo Bei. He used the desk that Gu Qianyan previously used.

The apprentice and the master were both confused and discussed in private, wondering what was happening.

Did the grandson go back to inherit the family business, and now the Grandpa came to take over the car wash shop?

But every day, a luxury car worth tens of millions is parked in front of the car beauty shop, which is a living advertisement! Many people come to wash their cars, and they all think that if this level of luxury car comes to the shop, it means the service is really good. It has to be said that Grandpa Gu inadvertently brought a lot of business to the car beauty shop.

Of course, Grandpa Gu also brought a lot of benefits to the shop. Someone comes to deliver his lunch every day at noon, and they bring a lot of food. Grandpa Gu can’t finish it all by himself, so everyone in the shop eats lunch together. Grandpa Gu also smiled and said, “It’s more lively to eat together with many people. My grandson rarely eats with me before, and my son and daughter-in-law are not around to eat with me. I used to eat alone… but now it’s much better.”

After Gu Qianyan learned about this, he also complained to Luo Bei, “He’s just trying to gain sympathy, you know? It’s a big sin to let old people eat alone these days. My parents don’t want to go near him, and he doesn’t like them either. As for me, he handed over such a big company to me, and I’m busy as a dog every day. I basically eat in the company cafeteria. If I could leave work on time, I would definitely eat at home every day.

“He’s not as lonely as he says he is. His schedule is full every day, he remotely controls the company’s affairs, raises flowers and feeds fish, goes fishing with friends every few days, and even taught a few classes at the senior college. His life is much richer than mine!”

Luo Bei also felt that Grandpa Gu didn’t seem like the lonely old man in public service advertisements…

But looking at his gray hair, she still couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

Gu Qianyan was deeply distressed about this, “I’ll dye my hair gray tomorrow!”

For Luo Bei, Teacher Gu is an upgraded version of Gu Qianyan. With his guidance and presence in the store, the monthly profits have increased significantly. Opening another branch at the end of the year is no problem at all.

Of course, Teacher Gu also gave Luo Bei a suggestion: “Beibei, I’ve thought about it. Qianyan won’t be helping out in the store in the future. Although the business is under your name, you’ve signed a contract with him. We’re all civilized people, even if we know he signed the contract under the fake name Zhou Jianguo, it still counts. But what should be given to him should still be given. Since it is so, you should calculate with him and buy out his share in your business, so that the business and the store can truly become yours alone.

“In the future, when your business becomes bigger, you can’t split everything into half with him. That’s not cost-effective, right? He clearly hasn’t put in any further effort or money, right?” Grandpa Gu paused for a moment. “Of course, from a business perspective, this is the most correct thing to do. Beibei, when doing business, you mustn’t be too kind-hearted.”

Robei was stunned. Is Grandpa Gu really Qianyan’s Grandpa?

Generally speaking, shouldn’t a Grandpa try his best to fight for his grandson’s interests? But here, he is eager to drive Qianyan away.

When Gu Qianyan heard about it, he immediately knew the purpose behind Grandpa Gu’s actions and bluntly pointed it out, “He just can’t stand me showing off in front of him every time I go over as the boss. He’s instigating you to drive me away. To put it plainly, that old man’s heart is black!”

He looked at Luo Bei and opened his arms, “I’m very hurt and need your comfort.”

rokumi’s note : it seems being childish and naive is genetically inherited in Gu family.