The next day, Gu Cheng wore a stone-cold expression.
He didn't breathe a word about yesterday's incident.
Ning Yi, sensing he disliked being called tall, offered a thoughtful compromise: "Fine, fine, honey. I won't say you're tall—actually, you're pretty short!"
Gu Cheng: "..."
It's best when you don't speak.
Gu Cheng was heading to the office today—his first visit in ages.
Song Lan was overjoyed, and her delight grew when she learned Ning Yi would personally push Gu Cheng in his wheelchair to provide close care! She immediately prepared an entire room full of stylish outfits and formal attire for him to wear to work!
Ning Yi: Waaah. Mom-in-law is the best.
In the end, Ning Yi chose a simple yet elegant pearl-white square-neck dress with a touch of playfulness. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, her makeup understated, but her naturally delicate features radiated confidence and poise, making her stand out in any crowd.
Song Lan draped a mother-of-pearl necklace around Ning Yi's neck, beaming with satisfaction at her daughter-in-law. With a look of relief, she handed the task of styling Gu Cheng's outfit over to Ning Yi.
"This kind of thing between spouses really helps deepen their bond," the mother-in-law murmured softly.
Ning Yi nodded shyly, "Mhm."
A few minutes later.
Ning Yi emerged triumphantly from the president's spacious walk-in closet, holding several outfits she'd selected for Gu Cheng to see as he sat on the bed.
After a moment of silence, Gu Cheng remarked, "..."
His expression remained impassive as he stated, "Ayi, you actually prefer colorful clothes, don't you?"
Ning Yi tucked away the red, green, and blue garments. "Oh dear, honey, I was just reminding you how many unworn, unopened clothes you have."
During Gu Cheng's three-year bedridden period, the wardrobe had been continuously updated—everything perfectly sized. Suits, designer watches, ties, lapel pins... the collection was complete.
Ning Yi styled him in a sleek black tailored suit—exactly the cold, domineering CEO look she envisioned—paired with a smoky gray tie. The servants helped dress Gu Cheng.
She'd thought yesterday had given her a thorough understanding of his physique.lipped into the suit, she suddenly realized—well, she hadn't understood him quite yet.
Ning Yi truly felt what it meant to behold a business titan, a mature man, one of Asia's top 100 sexiest faces.
The bespoke suit fit Gu Cheng like a second skin, perfectly accentuating his proportions and frame. Broad shoulders, a narrow, resilient waist, and legs so long they formed a sharp angle even when seated, the trousers hugging them with just the right amount of tension.
Then there was the cool, pale neck above the collar, the prominent Adam's apple, and sculpted, handsome features.
Whoa—
He was truly a man who could command the camera.
Ning Yi, never one to hold back praise, clapped enthusiastically: "Look at that! The aura of a king! That extraordinary presence!"
"... " Gu Cheng had no desire to hear any of her compliments right now.
But Ning Yi's flattery this time was entirely genuine!
Gu Cheng's awakening had genuinely boosted their platform's visibility. Their collaboration with the renowned camera brand was largely thanks to his fame. While the platform consistently generated revenue through membership fees and promotional campaigns, this partnership signaled a broader expansion into commercial ventures—in other words, even greater profits!
Of course, the brand partner had collaborated with them partly to ride the wave of Young Master Gu's popularity, though they hadn't explicitly stated it. After all, netizens would flock to capture Young Master Gu's first public appearance in three years. Besides CMore, numerous media outlets would also rush to cover the story.
Ning Yi pushed his wheelchair, studying his face as she asked, "Honey, do you mind being photographed?"
Gu Cheng replied coldly, "It doesn't matter."
He wasn't afraid of being seen in a wheelchair. His mere presence was enough.
Ning Yi was deeply moved: Traffic magnet! Cash cow!
She gazed at him with profound affection as he finished dressing: "Husband, no man in the world looks better in a suit than you! You're so handsome and so good at making money! How can you be so perfect!"
——Especially when you're working to earn money for me! So captivating!
Gu Cheng glanced at her and noticed Ning Yi's eyes were genuinely sparkling, filled with a rare sincerity.
Sincere?
The young CEO gave a cold snort, seemingly indifferent to her praise.
Then he casually adjusted his tie with his long, slender fingers.
Hmph.
If he stood up now, she'd lose her mind.
A limited-edition Maybach with a special license plate.
The moment it pulled out, the entire city knew it belonged to Young Master Gu.
The luxury car cruised stylishly toward Gu Group headquarters.
En route, Gu Cheng's executive assistant, suppressing his excitement, finished preparing the shareholder meeting report in the car. Other colleagues in the president's office were equally thrilled, but as the chief assistant, only he had been assigned to greet Young Master Gu.
After the briefing, Chief Assistant Zhou casually reminded him, "Young Master, everyone might be quite enthusiastic later. Please be aware of that in advance."
Gu Cheng's expression remained impassive.
Ning Yi: "No problem at all."
Ning Yi was genuinely excited—after all, she was heading to new territory. In the original story's plot, characters like the female lead rarely gained access to Gu Group. This was simply the stronghold where the big boss dominated all and reigned supreme.
About half an hour later, the car pulled up at the headquarters entrance.
The Gu Group headquarters building was imposing, its exterior entirely glass and steel, radiating a distinctly modern, high-tech aesthetic.
However, before Ning Yi could fully appreciate it, she was stunned by the two rows of people lined up to welcome them at the entrance, the velvet red carpet laid out in the center, and the countless camera lenses trained on the Maybach's doors.
The moment Gu Cheng's figure appeared, everyone erupted in a deafening chorus:
"Young Master Gu!"
"Young Master Gu!"
Ning Yi shuddered at the sheer volume.
Wow, so this is the royal treatment? It felt like some people were actually crying—Ning Yi could hear the choked-up voices. If the city center allowed it, they'd probably have set off two rows of ceremonial cannons to welcome Gu Cheng.
Yet Gu Cheng remained utterly composed, a cold gleam hidden in his eyes.
Ever since he had fallen into darkness three years ago, he had been waiting for this moment of return.
And now, he remained composed, revealing not a shred of emotion.
Assistant Li, Secretary Wang, Assistant Sun... Gu Cheng's executive office had originally housed over a dozen individuals, all trusted lieutenants of Young Master Gu. Now, with the king's return, they had all resumed their duties.
Security Chief Song Yan had also returned from the racetrack, leading a team of bodyguards now uniformly clad in sleek black suits. His eyes reddened as he gazed at Gu Cheng in his wheelchair. "Young Master, you..."
Facing the fervent gazes of the crowd, Gu Cheng merely tilted his chin slightly.
"We'll discuss it inside."
"Yes!"
"Yes!!"
Ning Yi, swept up in the fervor, felt her own spirits soar!
—With all this commotion! She could already imagine how viral her platform would go—monetizing traffic was no longer a pipe dream!
Fueled by motivation, Ning Yi pushed Gu Cheng's wheelchair forward.
"Husband! Let's go!"
The wheels screeched as they surged forward.
Charge!
Gu Cheng: "..."
He gripped the armrests, paused for a few seconds, then slowly said, "Yi."
Ning Yi: "What is it, honey?"
Gu Cheng: "Push slower."
Ning Yi: "Oh, okay."
Gu Group, Shareholders' Meeting.
The vast conference hall was shrouded in a bone-chilling atmosphere that silenced all voices.
Gu Cheng hadn't appeared in three years. No matter how excited outsiders and his former subordinates were, the Gu family's inner circle resembled a deep pool—calm on the surface, yet turbulent beneath.
Among them, Gu Zhisong's pallor was unmistakable.
This pallor had clung to his face ever since learning Gu Cheng had regained consciousness.
Why, of all times, did Gu Cheng wake up just as he was about to seal the partnership with the Ding family?!
Even though Gu Cheng hadn't participated in Gu Group's decision-making for three years, no one dared ignore the man seated at the far end of the conference table.
For even after three years, Gu Corporation still clung to the commercial empire he had built.
Gu Cheng's shares were his eternal voice.
The man slowly scanned everyone in the banquet hall.
Then he put on his headset, the microphone resting beside his thin lips, and spoke in a calm tone.
"Go ahead. Let's hear it."
The tycoon was off to restart his business battles, while Ning Yi waited outside to enjoy the show.
She felt little excitement about Gu Cheng's corporate drama, for having seen the original storyline—there was no suspense! It was all crushing dominance, overwhelming victories, and dimension-lowering strikes.
Gu Cheng = Success = Correct.
The other assistants in the president's office were all busy too, tapping away at their keyboards while stealing glances at the wife of Young Master Gu.
Three years ago, countless women had rushed to marry Young Master Gu, one after another. Now, three years later, this woman sat in the position of Mrs. Gu Cheng. With Young Master Gu's triumphant return, she must be brimming with pride and self-satisfaction, right?
But after observing her for a while, they noticed Ning Yi simply sat there quietly, nibbling on the snacks the President's Office had prepared for guests.
She showed no trace of acting like a mistress of the house.
Throughout the lengthy meeting, she glanced at her phone and saw the platform's data was indeed skyrocketing, with a whole bunch of handsome guys on Yuan Shi shouting in excitement.
So she happily polished off three plates of snacks and drank a whole pot of hibiscus tea.
Her expression radiated pure contentment.
When the heavy conference room doors swung open and Gu Cheng emerged first, the icy chill between his brows hadn't yet dissipated.
Then he saw Ning Yi chatting and laughing with his assistants.
"Madam is so impressive!"
"It's okay, it's okay."
Ning Yi had helped them fix a minor bug on their computers, and now the atmosphere was quite harmonious.
Gu Cheng's gaze swept unobtrusively over the male assistants, causing them to shiver involuntarily.
Yet Ning Yi seemed completely oblivious, her expression gentle and self-assured as she said, "Working alongside my husband is such a challenge—how could I not keep learning and improving myself to keep up with him?"
Gu Cheng had overheard this line as he approached. "Huh?"
Improve herself?
Meaning lying around?
Ning Yi had heard his footsteps long ago and turned with a bright smile: "Oh, honey, you're back!"
Gu Cheng watched her performance with detached coolness. "You two hit it off?"
Ning Yi replied coyly, "Everyone admires you so much! My rainbow-colored flattery hit the sweet spot!"
Gu Cheng's expression remained impassive. "Hmph."
Ning Yi helped him into his wheelchair. "Honey, now that you're done, shouldn't we go eat?"
Gu Cheng's lips curved slightly. "No."
Assistant Zhou beside them respectfully announced, "The next conference begins in five minutes. I've prepared your materials."
Ning Yi: "Huh?"
"Honey, I didn't mean to swap bodies."
Ning Yi propped her hands on the table, watching the sweating marketing executive giving his report with a solemn expression.
This time, she hadn't even used her mind.
—After all, she just liked lounging around, not playing the tycoon!
At that moment, Gu Cheng stood outside, arms crossed, his expression dark and brooding.
He could indeed sense this was a random swap. He hadn't overlooked that possibility before coming to the company, but he hadn't anticipated the timing would be so unlucky.
"And I can't switch back now," Ning Yi tried several times.
Gu Cheng's expression remained impassive.
At least it wasn't crucial project proposals.
His eyes darkened as he rubbed his temples. "Yi, it's better if you don't speak."
Ning Yi remained silent.
Throughout the meeting, "Young Master Gu" sat composed at the head of the table, chin resting on his hands, his gaze serene and unruffled—
...and that alone had every presenter shaking like a leaf!
Cold sweat cascaded down their temples like waterfalls.
"This... this wilderness survival event will be held near Gu Group's Bishui Yunshu development, which will generate excellent publicity. And... and although it's primarily for the city's elite social circle, renowned film star Jiang Linyi will also be attending this year..."
The reporter suddenly recalled that Mr. Gu had likely had no contact with the outside world for the past three years and might not recognize Jiang Linyi. He immediately stammered an explanation: "Of course, he's not a deeply established star, but he's still quite popular right now."
Ning Yi also recalled.
This was the pivotal moment in the original storyline where the male and female leads developed feelings for each other. Stranded in the wilderness, their paths crossed unexpectedly, and their emotions rapidly intensified. Of course, we have no idea why the leading actor would participate in such an event—just ask, it's a requirement for the romance novel, The Domineering Leading Actor: Where's My Little Treasure?
Seeing Gu Cheng remained silent, the presenter continued nervously, "This year's theme is particularly unique—post-apocalyptic survival. We'll simulate a post-apocalyptic environment in the wilderness, with live NPCs playing zombies lurking in the mountains and forests. It's quite appealing to young people..."
After finishing, a soft chuckle rippled along the entire length of the table.
Ning Yi: "Interesting."
People actually want to experience the apocalypse?
They've never survived a real apocalypse—they don't know how good peacetime is!
Yet her cold chuckle sent the entire conference hall into a frenzy—
Young Master Gu found it interesting!
This project absolutely must be pursued!
Those earlier proposals were indeed trash—now it seemed they weren't worth a single word from Young Master Gu!
Even after three years away, Young Master Gu still far surpassed their level! When the tide receded, it turned out they'd been swimming naked!
Everyone wore expressions of admiration.
Applause began to fill the room.
Ning Yi studied their faces, forced a look of profound thought.
How to put it... this feeling of being a tycoon was... kinda satisfying.
As the executives continued their reports, CMore suddenly appeared on the screen when they reached the internet sector.
"This platform targets a unique demographic—the elite upper class. It's recently emerged as a dark horse with strong growth momentum, already drawing interest from industry investors. We've engaged with them, but their founder remains mysterious and never appears in public..."
Ning Yi maintained his solemn expression.
This time, it was genuine solemnity.
After the executive finished speaking and waited nervously for a response, they suddenly saw "Young Master Gu" give a faint smile.
Ning Yi: "Not bad."
Using my husband's mouth to praise myself! So what!
Praising his benefactor! Absolutely fine!!
Everyone: "!!!"
Young Master Gu actually used praise like "not bad"!
What weight that carried!
The Young Master's strategic vision was absolutely flawless! CMore's future was boundless!
The moment she finished speaking, the room erupted with the clatter of keyboards as everyone wore expressions of excited determination.
Meanwhile, Ning Yi had spent the entire time propping her chin with both hands, uttering a grand total of four words.
Ning Yi: "."
Honestly.
This feeling of being a tycoon...
It's so satisfying and addictive??
By the time the meeting ended, Ning Yi had fully embraced the role of CEO!
While strutting through the crowd of awestruck faces, she mentally called out to Gu Cheng in a sweet voice: "Husband~ Where are you~ Hurry up and push my wheelchair~"
Gu Cheng: "..."
Gu Cheng pretended not to hear as he reviewed documents in the archives room.
"Husband! I pushed you here earlier, but now you won't push me back. People will say you don't love me!"
"Husband! Husband? Why aren't you answering your life?"
"Husband, don't you love me anymore?"
Gu Cheng silently turned another page of the file.
In their role reversal, ignoring her signals was his sole privilege.
When Gu Cheng stepped out of the archives, he spotted several Gu family relatives chatting in a corner from afar.
Today, Gu Zhison was merely a pawn sent out—countless shifting loyalties lurked in the shadows. The Gu family fortune was simply too vast. Since Gu Cheng's awakening, Gu Group's stock had skyrocketed. Faced with such colossal profits, no one could truly remain indifferent.
Within Ning Yi's body, Gu Cheng remained unnoticed.
He suddenly realized that even Ning Yi himself likely hadn't considered how this body swap could become a concealed weapon in his business battles.
Ning Yi used him, and he could use Ning Yi.
Gu Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly.
He was cold-blooded and ruthless by nature, and there had never been any affection between them.
Mutual exploitation suited them perfectly.
This realization lifted Gu Cheng's mood slightly, easing the gloom cast by the constraints of the swap agreement. His stride grew leisurely and unhurried.
"Where are you?" Gu Cheng asked Ning Yi in a detached tone.
Ning Yi took several seconds to reply, "In your office."
"I'm surrounded by eight assistants," Ning Yi's cheerful voice carried a hint of delight, "This is so awesome!"
Gu Cheng: "..." All his assistants were male.
The young master Gu's composed stride suddenly quickened.
At that moment, Ning Yi sat in Gu Cheng's executive chair, feeling exhilarated.
Gu Cheng's executive office was a spacious open-plan suite boasting the city's finest views, complete with a five-star hotel-grade lounge equipped with a king-size bed, private bathroom, and walk-in closet.
Having eight elite, handsome men surrounding you while you work is like having eight brains to make decisions!
And they all worship you! They obey your every command!
All Ning Yi needed to do was recline in her executive chair with an inscrutable expression, and people would assume, "He must be contemplating some major strategic policy!"
Countless others stood ready outside, protecting her safety and awaiting her command at any moment.
Ning Yi: Secretly thrilled.
When Gu Cheng strode to his office door, he was about to push it open expressionlessly when suddenly, someone grabbed his arm.
Wang Wu had only arrived that afternoon, but he'd already switched into high-security mode, barring any suspicious individuals from approaching Young Master Gu's office.
Moreover, having spent the past three years back home, he had no idea Young Master Gu was married, nor did he know what Ning Yi looked like.
He glared, demanding, "Who are you!?"
Gu Cheng regarded him coldly: Wang Wu.
Wang Wu blocked the "woman" before him. Seeing her striking beauty, he immediately assumed she was just another in the endless stream of women who had once pursued Young Master Gu relentlessly.
After all, back then, wealthy heiresses and socialites would find any excuse to approach Young Master Gu daily, only to be rebuffed each time.
Now, after three long years, the young master had finally awakened. This time, they would never let anything happen to him again!
Wang Wu: "Do you have an appointment? If not, back off! Our young master just woke up—don't crowd him!"
Gu Cheng: "..."
Gu Cheng held back his words: "I..."
For the first time in his nearly thirty years, Young Master Gu faced a situation where he needed an appointment to see himself.
It was so absurd he momentarily lost his words.
Seeing him tongue-tied, Wang Wu and his henchmen stepped forward: "What are you waiting for? Get lost—"
Just then, a gentle voice drifted from the office.
So gentle it hardly seemed like Young Master Gu.
——"It's fine, Wang Wu. Let him in!"
Gu Cheng: "..."
Ning Yi sat in Gu Cheng's executive chair, shaking her head and smiling crookedly.
She pulled off a huge show of coolness with minimal effort.
And not a single person around her thought she was putting on airs!
Assistant: "Young Master, what magnanimity!"
Secretary: "Truly worthy of the title, Young Master!"
Ning Yi waved dismissively with a faint smile—a blend of three parts coldness, three parts mockery, and three parts indifference.
Outside, Wang Wu reluctantly stepped aside upon hearing her words. "Fine. Young Master Gu says you can come in. Go ahead."
Gu Cheng stood outside his own office: "..."
Very well.
None of you need work anymore.