Taking a drag on his cigarette, Chen Xipi smiled politely, "What's the matter?"
For a moment, Gu Zixuan's face felt as if it had been slapped hard.
Although Chen Xipi didn't walk away upon seeing her, unlike others, he used to visit their home regularly during festivals and sought out her father earnestly every day when vying for the court president's position.
Her heart ached fiercely.
With her lips tightly pressed, she was about to leave.
But thinking of her father's case, she forcibly stopped her steps.
Looking up, swallowing the misty air, she restrained her emotions and smiled, "I have something to ask about my father's situation. Is it just due to mishandling the matter, or are there other reasons? What's the likelihood of the investigation concluding without any disciplinary action? Can he keep his job?"
Chen Xipi's expression was indecipherable as he flicked the ash off his cigarette, saying, "Zixuan, after all, your father is a high-ranking cadre. Even if there's an investigation, it's the higher disciplinary committee's job to look into it. The Central Court takes charge, and even us deputy-level cadres can't help..."
Gu Zixuan's lips grew increasingly pale.
However, before the sentence was finished.
A louder, mocking laugh rang out.
"Oh, Gu Zixuan, have you come to the investment fair to pull some strings?"
Chen Xipi raised his eyes, glanced over, immediately flicked the cigarette butt to the ground, crushed it with his shoe, and turned to leave.
Gu Zixuan's heart trembled slightly, clenching her fingertips.
On that side, a few graceful figures were approaching.
Leading them was Zhou Xiao, the daughter of the Jinhu District Chief in Rong City, followed closely by a group of heiresses from influential families.
Seeing Gu Zixuan, her smile widened, "What's the matter? You used to talk so spiritedly behind my back, and now you act like you don't know me?"
Gu Zixuan curled her lips, said nothing, and was about to turn and leave.
Zhou Xiao's expression tightened as she quickly grabbed her wrist, thinly annoyed, "Gu Zixuan, are you playing hard to get, not even responding to questions now?"
"I have nothing to say to you."
"Oh no, I have plenty to say to you. Two years ago, I needed the police chief for something, and you ridiculed me no small bit, didn't you?"
"You know that's not the reason!" Thinking of He Qimo, Gu Zixuan shook off Zhou Xiao's hand.
Zhou Xiao's face turned pale, facing Gu Zixuan's reproachful eyes, as if she had been slapped hard.
Pressing her lips, she suddenly raised her voice, "Oh, I heard Uncle Gu's been having some trouble lately. Miss Gu, how's Uncle doing these days? Is he alright? Is he going to jail?"
The entire scene instantly focused their attention.
Gu Zixuan was startled, "Zhou Xiao, you!"
Zhou Xiao sneered, "Blissfully unaware," "It's nothing, everyone can have some issues. Even though you're the daughter of the esteemed vice governor, there are times when you have to bow your head and ask for help. I believe you wouldn't come to this extent unless you were at your wit's end. I'm just curious, what's the situation with Uncle Gu now? Even you have to personally come to pull strings?"
Gu Zixuan's body trembled slightly.
The silent gaze of the crowd made her cheeks flush red.
Especially mingled with ridicule, laughter, and watching...
Lifting her gaze, she said each word deliberately, "My father is fine, and I'm not here to pull strings. Miss Zhou, don't be so bored!"
"Oh really? Then are you here for the investment talks? Where's your partner? Where?" Zhou Xiao giggled, with no intention of sparing Gu Zixuan.
The next moment, a tall figure suddenly stood in front of Gu Zixuan.
"Miss Gu, we can definitely discuss the remuneration again. Our boss invites you to write for next quarter's investment column in 'Economic Vision.' So, do you want to discuss it a bit more?"