"Gu Brother." Shuman walked briskly, her tone as compliant and gentle as ever.
"What is it?" Gu Annan asked indifferently, lifting his gaze.
"Today, I will probably leave Manchester. My father entrusted me with some matters."
"That is your private affair, you don’t need to tell me about it." His reply was cold.
Shuman was not surprised by his words, "I know, I mainly came to talk about another matter. Next week, at the old madam Gu’s birthday feast, I originally wanted to decline. But because of her invitation, my mother will go, and she will make me attend. I can’t refuse. I thought I should inform you of this. Gu Brother, I hope you... won’t dislike me."
"The birthday feast is for grandmother’s guests, and I won’t interfere with whom she wants to invite. Whether you go or not has little to do with me," Gu Annan’s gaze was icy, "But on this return to the old house, I will make it clear to grandmother that there will be no marriage between you and me."
Shuman’s expression remained unchanged, but her fingers clenched tightly.
She clenched her fists so hard that the nails pressed more and more painfully into her palms.
"The elders’ good relations are beneficial for both the family and business. I don’t wish for this matter to impact the business cooperation between our two families." He continued slowly, "But if it does have an impact, I don’t mind losing a few contracts."
Shuman understood his meaning, he would rather cut off business ties with the Shu Family than be with her.
Simply put, he wouldn’t fear anything even if he becomes estranged from the Shu Family.
She bit her lip secretly, but on her face, she just nodded and said submissively, "Gu Brother, I also don’t wish to affect these business cooperations. Regarding the last incident, I came to apologize, hoping you wouldn’t take your anger out on the Shu Family. I leaked to the media early because of old madam Gu and my mother’s intentions, thinking it was just a matter of time, which would positively influence both families’ business cooperation. It won’t happen again."
"Leave," said Gu Annan without saying much more.
Grandmother had been on friendly terms with the Shu Family for more than a day or two, and as long as she didn’t do anything particularly egregious, he wouldn’t embarrass her face-to-face, but he wouldn’t give her more than that.
He had grown up by his grandmother’s side since he was young, and after his grandfather passed away, grandmother alone returned to the ancestral home in China.
Because of his studies and the company’s affairs, he didn’t visit often, but he complied with the old lady in many aspects.
Except for this matter, he did not intend to compromise.
"Gu Brother, you carry on with your work." Shuman still hadn’t received any kindness from Gu Annan even as she left his office.
Just like that, she was no different from those working outside.
Before seeing Lu Wanwan, she thought he was just like that, cold and indifferent to everyone.
Shuman’s face was pale, and when she left the office, her expression was unspeakably gloomy.
"Cousin Shuman." Gu Yunsi had been waiting outside all the while, and she approached as soon as Shuman came out, "How did it go?"
Forcing a smile, Shuman clasped Gu Yunsi’s hand tightly and walked out, "Nothing much."
"How can it be nothing?"
Shuman didn’t speak; she always felt there were countless eyes around her, watching her become the joke.
From the future young madam of the Gu Family, she suddenly became nothing at all.
As soon as they left the office, Gu Yunsi spoke indignantly, "Cousin, don’t worry, that vixen who throws herself at men will never enter our door. Don’t forget, when my mom mentioned Cousin Annan’s marriage to grandmother, she told her about those past events, and grandmother was furious."