Chapter 69: Must Succeed Today
The banquet was in full swing.
Gu Zhichuan had also shown up for some unknown reason.
The young talents of C City were gathered here.
This was likely due to the influence of the Qin family, a prestigious household with a century-long history.
Wherever there were people, there would be gossip.
Just like earlier when everyone was discussing the relationship between Lin Gantang and Wen Yanqing, Gu Zhichuan’s presence became a topic of conversation.
“Lin Gantang has already found a partner. Do you know why Gu Zhichuan is still single?”
Other people’s romantic situations often sparked curiosity, especially when it concerned familiar faces within the social circle.
“Hasn’t Madam Gu already been looking for a match for him?”
“It’s useless for her to choose.” Hong Shuangying, who had started the conversation, said, “The ones with less money in their families, Madam Gu disapproves and the ones with better backgrounds, the girls aren’t interested. You know, it’s not the Gu family that they’re looking down on, but Madam Gu herself.”
“Why do you say that?” The listeners became even more intrigued.
Hong Shuangying clarified, “Do you know why Gu Zhichuan’s father never takes Madam Gu to events like this? It’s because he’s afraid she’ll embarrass him. Madam Gu’s father was nouveau riche, and she didn’t receive much education. When she became wealthy, she suddenly acted superior, but deep down, she lacks the grace of someone from a well-bred family.”
“I’ve seen Madam Gu at a tea gathering. Her manner of speech and behavior can’t hold a candle to the other ladies in the circle,” Wang Yingying in the yellow dress commented.
Hong Shuangying scoffed, “That was all many years ago. 1 heard it from my mom. Even Uncle Gu didn’t think much of Madam Gu back then. But when Madam Gu became pregnant with his child, Uncle Gu married her.”
Hong Shuangying continued, “Madam Gu comes from a humble background, so she’s always aiming to marry Gu Zhichuan into a well-established family. A few days ago, she even talked with Madam Qin. Looks like she has her eyes on Qin Jiayao. It’s amusing. She’s not thrilled about the idea of her daughter having Madam Gu as a mother-in-law.”
Wang Yingying covered her mouth, amused.
All their conversation reached Shi Muzhen’s ears.
Shi Muzhen clenched her fists and refrained from defending Madam Gu.
Madam Gu wasn’t present, so there was no need for her to act in front of others.
She had important matters to attend to today.
Shi Muzhen ignored the gossip, focusing on searching for Gu Zhichuan nervously.
Until Hong Shuangying mentioned Gu Zhichuan. “You probably don’t know why Madam Gu exerted her authority and disciplined someone a couple of days ago.”
Wang Yingying leaned in to listen.
Hong Shuangying gleefully continued, “Gu Zhichuan has been involved with another woman. That woman has neither money nor background and made Madam Gu angry!”
Upon hearing this, Shi Muzhen’s heart raced.
Gu Zhichuan had another woman?
She couldn’t delay any further. Her family’s business deal with Shengfang had suddenly been terminated. Her father discovered that it was due to her provoking Wen Yanqing.
Her father had arranged a marriage proposal for her, with a man almost forty years old. She despised him. She was determined to marry into the Gu family by any means necessary.
While Madam Gu sang her praises, she didn’t genuinely trust her. She was looking for better prospects.
Shi Muzhen tightened her grip on the things in her bag. She didn’t have many chances to see Gu Zhichuan. She had to succeed today.
She discreetly poured something into the wine glass, shaking it to mix. While Gu Zhichuan set down his glass to take a call, she switched the contents of two glasses.
Her hands trembled with nervousness.
Gu Zhichuan finished his call by the window and turned back, spotting Shi Muzhen.
“Brother Gu,” Shi Muzhen struggled to maintain her composure, calling out to him earnestly as usual.
Gu Zhichuan didn’t hold a favorable impression of her. He nodded slightly, picked up his wine glass, and left indifferently.
Shi Muzhen kept her gaze fixed on him as he downed the entire glass of red wine..