Chapter 1046: Little Tyrant

The three boys–Gu Jun and his companions–happened to live in the same neighborhood as the Jin family, so their paths crossed often. The Jin family was quite wealthy, and little Jin Guo, who had lived abroad with her mother since childhood, only returned to China for major holidays or important events.

Every time Jin Guo came back, it seemed that she always found trouble with some of the local boys. Not because they were necessarily bad, but because some of them had a tendency to misbehave in ways that others–particularly girls–wouldn’t dare to confront.

Unfortunately for these boys, Jin Guo wasn’t just any ordinary girl.

She was strong and tough, her reflexes sharp, and her hearing was impeccable. She could clearly catch the whispered words of the three boys sitting nearby.

Rolling her eyes in amusement, she scoffed loudly, “Don’t go spreading rumors about me. I don’t just hit anyone, okay? I only hit the ones who are stupid and nasty, the ones who think they can mess with girls like it’s nothing. I’m doing you all a favor, teaching you how to behave.”

The three boys immediately clamped their mouths shut. The years had passed, and what once had been childish attempts to get close to her had evolved into a lasting fear. When they were younger, they thought she looked like a pretty doll, and they wanted to be near her. But they didn’t realize that Jin Guo wasn’t like the other girls they could pick on. That lesson had come hard and fast.

As the years went by, the boys learned to avoid her at all costs. Jin Guo was indeed stunning, but no one dared to covet her beauty–not when it was guarded by a fierceness that rivaled any seasoned fighter.

At the dinner table, the atmosphere had settled into a comfortable quiet, the adults focused on their food and drink, and the children–after some initial shyness–had started to enjoy the meal as well.

This particular table was the domain of some of the most influential figures in both business and politics, with several retired dignitaries present as well. No one could afford to neglect their guests.

While Gu Zi accompanied Su Shen on the rounds of socializing, she managed to sneak a bit of time to herself to nibble on her food. But Su Shen couldn’t escape; he was constantly occupied, greeting guests and making polite small talk.

As Gu Zi watched him work, she could see how exhausted he was–he barely had time for a break. Right now, he was in the middle of a toast with Boss Huo, a seasoned businessman. The two clinked glasses, each downing a drink, and Boss Huo began to speak.

“Su Shen is truly a man who’s ‘stood firm at thirty’–his career is flourishing, and his marriage is enviably perfect. It’s enough to make anyone jealous!” Boss Huo said, taking another sip of wine. “Let me tell you all–our Mr. Su is involved in a big project over in the capital, a new department store. And guess who’s investing? Mr. Su! Any of you want to join in?”

An elderly gentleman, his hair as white as snow but his complexion still rosy, rolled his eyes in amusement. He leaned over to the people beside him and muttered, “Typical businessman–never enough money, is there? Here we are, just trying to enjoy a banquet, and he’s scheming to get our last savings. Watch out, young man, karma’s coming for you.”

Boss Huo, trying to salvage the situation, quickly apologized. “Old Du, you’re being too harsh! This project is definitely profitable! Think about it–if Su Shen’s backing it, how can it be bad?”

The group paused and thought about this, with some nodding in agreement. One of them, Deputy Director He’s wife, who was also in business, turned to Su Shen and asked, “Are you really going to focus on expanding into the capital?”

Su Shen nodded, maintaining his polite demeanor. “Although the capital is the political center, economic growth is just as critical. I think it’s worth trying.”

Su Shen had long since moved beyond the realm of just pig farming–he had his eyes set on large-scale investments. The potential for great risk also came with the chance of great rewards. After all, he wasn’t hurting for money. Even if one of his investments failed, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

The group fell into a thoughtful silence, and the conversation shifted to more detailed discussions about the project.

Gu Zi, listening from the sidelines, couldn’t help but admire Su Shen’s foresight. No wonder he had made so much money–he knew exactly where to place his bets.

But one thing still puzzled her: where did all his money go?

She had seen the bank book he gave her, but it only listed household expenses and the earnings from their pig farm. She had no idea about the rest of his finances.

Noticing her absentmindedness, Su Shen reached over and placed a piece of cured pork in her bowl. She turned to look at him, but didn’t say a word.

He smiled gently. “Are you tired? When you’re finished eating, I’ll have someone take you and the kids home. I’ll stay and handle the rest of the guests.”

Gu Zi wasn’t tired, not really. She was just deep in thought about where the older man was hiding his money. His concern for her, though, made her feel a little guilty. She lowered her head, picking at her food, and softly replied, “Okay.”

After finishing her meal, Gu Zi got up to bid farewell to the guests at the table and went over to find the children. When she arrived, she saw Su Li packing up some leftover pig knuckles and other dishes into a takeout box.

Thinking he was preparing food for tomorrow, Gu Zi told him, “Don’t bother with the takeout, I’ll make sure there’s food ready for you at home tomorrow.”