Who wants to be a male model after being reborn? I want to be a male god.

Chapter 361: Stubborn People ( Subscriptions per Day)

"Okay, let's not talk about this and eat." Unexpectedly, Gu Hong took a step back.

The three of them spent the rest of the meal in silence.

Xu Wen's thoughts couldn't calm down.

Gu Hong seems to be a little too concerned about Shancheng recently.

Although the company he runs now seems to be thriving, it is nothing compared to Hongjing Industrial.

There is absolutely no need for Gu Hong to be so concerned.

Unless something goes wrong with Hongjing Industrial itself.

The contents of the USB flash drive kept flashing in his mind.

If these were exposed, it would be enough to plunge the entire Hongjing Industry into crisis.

"I heard that you got some dirty information about Meituan?" Gu Hong suddenly changed the subject.

Gu Xingruo choked suddenly, and her cough was particularly harsh in the restaurant.

Xu Wen handed over the tissue calmly: "Someone did provide some materials."

He still hasn't figured out who Gu Hongan's spy is in Shan City.

No matter what happens in Shancheng, Gu Hong will know it immediately.

Although he is still not sure now, he can at least narrow the scope. After all, not many people know about this.

However, Xu Wen guessed that Gu Hong did not want to hide it.

He just wanted to express: he got it.

"That old fox Huang Jiangang cheated me out of two projects when he first came to Linjiang." Gu Hong shook his head and poured himself a glass of wine.

The liquid swayed in the cup, reflecting his suddenly gloomy expression: "If you want to take action, do it as soon as possible. Strike the snake at its weakest point."

Xu Wen noticed that when Gu Hong said this, his eyes were always on Gu Xingruo.

The young lady was staring at the bowl of cold tomato beef brisket in front of her.

This was the only dish she liked on the table, but it was placed farthest away.

"We plan to wait until Meituan's next round of subsidies before exposing it. Now the sunk costs they have invested are not large enough, so let's wait for a while." Xu Wen took over the topic.

Gu Hong suddenly laughed out loud, his laughter shaking the crystal chandelier slightly: "Okay! Let the bullets fly for a while!"

"I'm done eating. I'll go cut some fruit." Gu Xingruo suddenly stood up.

She walked quickly towards the kitchen, as if eager to escape from this depressing space.

Xu Wen wanted to follow him, but Gu Hong's voice stopped him: "Have a cup of tea with me."

This is not an invitation, but an order.

He nodded and followed Gu Hong to the tea room next to the living room.

In the tea room, Gu Hong was making Kung Fu tea skillfully.

Hot water pours into the purple clay teapot, and the fragrance of tea immediately spreads.

He handed Xu Wen a cup: "Try it, this year's Mingqian Longjing."

Xu Wen took it with both hands and took a sip: "Good tea."

No matter whether you can drink it or not, there is definitely nothing bad in Gu Hong’s food.

All he needs to do is praise it.

"Tea is like life, it takes hardship to get well. Xu Wen, I have always admired you. From your previous business start-up to now, when you have grown Shancheng to its current scale, it has not been easy." Gu Hong said meaningfully.

"Thank you, Uncle Gu."

"But you have to understand that to do business in Dongda, ability and vision alone are not enough. Connections, resources, and background are all indispensable." Gu Hong also poured himself a glass.

Xu Wen did not respond immediately, but took another sip of tea and took the opportunity to think.

"Uncle Gu, I understand what you mean, but Shancheng is technology-driven, and we believe more in the power of products and user word of mouth," he replied.

Gu Hong shook his head: "Too idealistic. Do you know why Meituan dares to start a price war in your base camp? Because they know you can't afford it."

Xu Wen put down his teacup: "That's why we need to stick to our own path and not fall into the other party's rhythm."

"Stubborn, but I was also this stubborn when I was young. You are indeed very similar to me when I was young." Gu Hong commented, but there was a hint of admiration in his tone.

He also said this once when he was at Chengyi Hotel.

Just then, Gu Xingruo came in with a fruit plate: "What are you talking about so seriously?"

She deliberately used a light tone to break the solemn atmosphere.

"Talking about how stubborn your boyfriend is." Gu Hong made a rare joke.

Gu Xingruo put the fruit plate on the coffee table and sat next to Xu Wen: "He is so smart!"

Xu Wen felt Gu Xingruo's hand quietly holding his, warm and firm.

This small action seemed to give Gu Hong some kind of signal, and his expression changed subtly.

"Okay, since you have your own ideas, I won't interfere. But remember, Hongjing's door is always open to you." Gu Hong stood up.

"Thank you, Dad!" Gu Xingruo's eyes lit up. She didn't expect her father to compromise so easily.

Gu Hong looked at his watch and said, "It's getting late. I have a video conference. Please do as you please."

After saying that, he went upstairs to the study.

It was not until she heard the door of the study close that Gu Xingruo breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed on the sofa: "Oh my God, it's finally over!"

Xu Wen ruffled her hair: "You behaved very well tonight and didn't even quarrel with your father."

"I'm almost hurt from holding it in! Especially when he said that you were in charge of Shan City, I almost jumped up." Gu Xingruo made an exaggerated expression.

Xu Wen smiled: "But what he said is true."

"No! I've done a lot, okay?" Gu Xingruo sat up straight.

She explained all the logistical matters for which she was responsible.

Xu Wen pressed his index finger against her lips: "I know, I'm just teasing you. You're great."

Gu Xingruo snorted, but there was a smile in the corners of her eyes and eyebrows.

She suddenly lowered her voice and asked, "Did my dad want to invest in Shancheng again?"

Xu Wen nodded: "Yes, he said he would fully support us in the price war."

"What do you think?" Gu Xingruo asked seriously.

"I refused." Xu Wen said simply, without mentioning his concerns.

Gu Xingruo seemed to be thinking: "In fact, it will be much easier with Hong Jing's support."

Xu Wen turned to look at her: "Do you want to accept your father's help?"

"I don't know." Gu Xingruo rarely showed a confused expression.

Xu Wen held her hand and said, "Believe in our team. Meituan has capital advantages, but we have first-mover advantages, and we are better in local market penetration and product experience."

Gu Xingruo leaned on his shoulder: "You are right. And..."

She hesitated. “I always feel it’s a little strange that my dad is so enthusiastic all of a sudden.”

Xu Wen's heart skipped a beat: "Why do you say that?"

"It's just a feeling. He never interfered with what I did before, but recently he suddenly became so concerned about Shancheng." Gu Xingruo shook her head.

Xu Wen didn't respond, but just gently put his arm around her shoulders.

Gu Hong's voice could be faintly heard from the direction of the study room, but the content could not be heard clearly.

The USB flash drive reminded him of the other party's hidden true intentions.

Every gift that Gu Hong gave was marked with an invisible price.

"By the way, what are you going to do with the evidence from Meituan tomorrow?" Gu Xingruo suddenly remembered something.

"Keep still and wait for their next move." Xu Wen said in a low voice.

Gu Xingruo nodded and yawned: "I'm so sleepy, should we go upstairs and rest?"

"All is fine." Xu Wen responded.

"Let's go, it's so late." Gu Xingruo stood up and took Xu Wen's hand.

The two of them tiptoed up the stairs, and when they passed the study, Gu Hong's voice came out clearly.

Gu Xingruo made a face and quickly pulled Xu Wen past.

She took Xu Wen to a guest room at the end of the corridor: "You stay here tonight, otherwise I'm afraid my dad will get angry again."

Xu Wen looked around and saw that the guest rooms were elegantly decorated, comparable to a five-star hotel.

Gu Xingruo took out brand new pajamas and towels from the closet: "If he asks, I will say that you have been living here all the time."

Xu Wen knew that what happened in this house could not be hidden from Gu Hong.

But the two of them still tried to cover up their mistakes.

He complained: "You have so many new things at home."

Gu Xingruo curled her lips: "It was his request. He said that we should be ready to receive guests at any time, even if no one comes to stay."

She imitated Gu Hong's serious tone, then laughed first. Xu Wen also laughed.

"Then I'll go back to my room to take a shower. Good night." Gu Xingruo kissed Xu Wen on the face.

"Good night."

After Gu Xingruo left, Xu Wen sat on the edge of the bed, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

The conversation with Gu Hong tonight made him more convinced that Gu Hong's interest in Shancheng was not simply paternal love or business investment.

Just as I was thinking about it, my phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a message from Lan Qiusheng: "Squad leader, I just received news that Meituan will announce a new round of subsidy plan tomorrow, and the amount is much larger than expected."

Xu Wen frowned and replied: "Specific data?"

"Spend 50 yuan and get 25 yuan off, plus free first order for new users. The estimated investment is 1.5 million yuan."

This number made Xu Wen's heart tighten.

With such strong subsidies, Shancheng’s existing funds will indeed be unable to compete in the long run.

Just then, there was a light knock on the door.

"Xu Wen, are you asleep?" It was Gu Xingruo's voice.

Xu Wen put away his phone and went to open the door.

Gu Xingruo had already changed into pajamas, her hair was still wet, and she was holding a tablet in her hand.

"I just saw the news about Meituan. Are they crazy? Such high subsidies!" she said bluntly, her face full of worry.

Xu Wen let her into the room: "Lan Qiusheng just told me."

Gu Xingruo sat on the bed, biting her lower lip anxiously: "What should we do? Follow or not?"

Xu Wen sat beside her and took the tablet to check the detailed report: "If we follow, the financial pressure will be too great. If we don't follow, the loss of users will accelerate."

"How about accepting my dad's help?" Gu Xingruo said hesitantly.
"Let me think about it again, maybe there is another way." Xu Wen did not refuse immediately.

Gu Xingruo nodded and suddenly leaned on his shoulder: "I'm a little scared."

"What are you afraid of?" Xu Wen asked.

"I'm afraid that we'll lose in the end after persisting for so long." Her voice was so low, almost as if she was talking to herself.

Xu Wen hugged her and said, "No, I remember when I first started doing Xiaozhi search questions, some people said I was crazy and it would be impossible for me to succeed."

Gu Xingruo smiled slightly: "Remember, your department head told me that person is really a fool."

"But we did it, and this time is no exception," Xu Wen said firmly.

Gu Xingruo looked up at him, the worry in her eyes gradually replaced by determination: "You are right, let's go our own way."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Just then, footsteps were heard in the corridor, followed by Gu Hong's cough.

Gu Xingruo immediately jumped away from Xu Wen and made a "hush" gesture.

The footsteps paused outside the door, then continued forward and finally disappeared in the direction of the master bedroom.

"I was scared to death. If my dad saw me in your room late at night, he would probably scold me again." Gu Xingruo patted his chest.

Xu Wen smiled: "Young Miss, are you afraid of this? Besides, your father probably already knew that we live together."

"I'm not afraid, I just don't want to listen to his nagging, and it doesn't count unless we catch him in the act." Gu Xingruo curled her lips.

She stood up and said, "I really should go back. You should also go to bed early. We have a tough battle tomorrow."

"Good night." Xu Wen walked her to the door.

Gu Xingruo suddenly turned around, gave him a quick kiss on the lips, and then slipped back to her room like a thief.

Xu Wen closed the door and the smile on his face gradually disappeared.

He walked back to the bed, picked up his phone again, and sent a message to Jia Mingliang: "There will be a meeting early tomorrow morning. Send out the information about Huang Jiangang."

After sending the message, he walked to the window and looked out at the dark night.

The light was still on in Gu Hong's study, and his figure pacing back and forth could be vaguely seen.

Xu Wen didn't know what he was planning, but his intuition told him that this game was far more complicated than it seemed.

Meituan's price war, Gu Hong's sudden overture, and the secrets in the USB flash drive.
All of this is like an invisible net, and Shem is at the center of the net.

The next morning, Xu Wenxian was awakened from his deep sleep by the ringing of his cell phone.

He squinted at the screen, and the three words "Chen Tianbao" on the caller ID instantly woke him up.

Principal Chen hasn't contacted him for some time.

This year's senior high school students are about to have their summer vacation, and they are probably discussing the training camp.

"Good morning, Principal Chen." Xu Wen cleared his throat, his voice still hoarse from just waking up.

He checked the time; it was only ten past seven.

"I hope I didn't disturb your rest. I just finished the morning meeting here, and suddenly remembered something important to ask you." Chen Tianbao spoke very quickly.

Xu Wen sat up and rubbed his temple.

He was still a little dazed, but Chen Tianbao's next words made him completely sober.

"I'm thinking of investing in real estate recently. You must have heard about the relocation of Linjiang No. 13 Middle School, the best junior high school in our city. A friend of mine in the Education Bureau said that the new campus will be located in Jingyuan Community in the High-tech Development Zone. That's your father-in-law's project!" Chen Tianbao lowered his voice, as if revealing some secret.

Xu Wen's fingers unconsciously clenched the sheets.

The person on the other end of the phone continued, "The current internal subscription price is only 20,000 per square meter. It will at least double after the official announcement. I plan to open a branch of Huagong there, so I want to discuss it with you and the eldest lady."

"Where is the exact location?" Xu Wen interrupted him, his voice more urgent than usual.

"It's on Yunqi Road, north of the development zone. Didn't Mr. Gu tell you about the land that Hongjing Industry just bought? I heard that the planning map has been approved." Chen Tianbao reported the detailed coordinates.

Xu Wen's breathing stagnated.

This address was totally inconsistent with his memory before his rebirth.

In his previous life, there was only a bunch of unfinished buildings there until 2024, and there was no news of any famous school moving in.

The slogan of developing new district has been shouted year after year, but it has never been implemented.

"Are you listening?" Chen Tianbao's voice brought him back to reality.

"Well, I need to learn more about this. Recently, Shancheng has been engaged in a price war with Meituan, and all its working capital has been put on market subsidies." Xu Wen forced himself to maintain a steady tone.

The sound of shuffling papers came from the other end of the phone: "I understand, but this opportunity is rare. I can raise 20 million. If you are interested, we can work together."

"Principal Chen, have you seen the relocation documents of No. 13 Middle School with your own eyes?" Xu Wen suddenly raised his voice, then immediately lowered it.

After a short silence, Chen Tianbao's laughter became unnatural: "Well, my friend is the director of the admissions office, and the information is absolutely reliable. What did you hear?"

Xu Wen walked to the window and quickly pulled open the curtains.

In the morning light, Gu Hong's Rolls-Royce was parked in the courtyard and the driver was wiping the windows.

He recalled what Gu Hong said at the dinner table last night, "Hongjing's door is always open to you," and a chill suddenly rose in his heart.

Xu Wen took a deep breath and said, "Well, I'll confirm the details today and get back to you."

While he was thinking, Gu Xingruo opened the door humming a song.

She was wearing an oversized T-shirt, her wet hair was still dripping with water, and she was visibly stunned when she saw Xu Wen's back standing in front of the window.

"Get up so early? My dad goes to the company at six o'clock. I said I don't have to wait for him for breakfast." She stepped barefoot on the carpet.

Xu Wen had adjusted his expression when he turned around: "I just received a call from Chen Tianbao, saying that No. 13 Middle School will move to the development zone."

"Ah!" Gu Xingruo suddenly clapped her hands.

"I remember now! Last week my dad's secretary mentioned signing a school cooperation agreement. I was surprised at the time. Doesn't Hongjing only deal in commercial real estate?" She tilted her head and recalled.

The sunlight shone on the water droplets on her collarbone, making Xu Wen's eyes hurt.

He walked over, took the towel, and gently helped her wipe her hair, while asking, "What did you say specifically?"

"Just say that we want to introduce high-quality educational resources to enhance the regional value. You know I hate hearing these things. By the way, why did Chen Tianbao look for you?" Gu Xingruo squinted comfortably.

"He said he wanted to open a branch of Huagong Education there and invest in school district housing. He wanted to ask for our opinions." Xu Wen smelled the floral scent of shampoo, and the touch of his fingers running through her hair was so real.

Gu Xingruo suddenly turned around, her nose almost hitting his chin: "Why don't he just ask his dad directly? His dad drives my dad, he must know more than the two of us!"

"After all, we two are shareholders of Huagong Education, and Principal Chen probably thinks we know more about the inside story," Xu Wen explained.

The phone vibrated at this moment.

Lan Qiusheng’s message: “Squad leader, Meituan’s subsidy announcement was released ahead of schedule, and it’s more powerful than what was said last night.

Meituan’s relentless pressure left Xu Wen with no time to think about too many things.

Maybe this is also one of the butterfly effects he caused.

Originally, Gu Hong was not going to go, and neither was No. 13 Middle School, but because he "flapped his wings a little bit", everything changed.

For the first time, the reality he was experiencing deviated from his memory in something this momentous.

Xu Wen felt a little regretful. He wished he had known more about that unfinished building earlier.

He thought about it carefully and realized that he had never heard of the news that No. 13 Middle School was going to relocate.

Of course, it may also be because he was busy making a living at that time and was ignorant.

(End of this chapter)