CHAPTER 154: CHAPTER 154: LOSS

Before Ji Yu could finish her sentence, she received a call from Ji Yuanzhou.

Although Gu Qixiao couldn’t hear what was being said on the other end, it was obvious from Ji Yu’s expression that something was very wrong.

"I understand. I’ll head over now. Try to calm my brother down first."

Gu Qixiao had an inkling of what might be going on. As soon as Ji Yu hung up, he immediately said, "I’ll take you there."

Ji Yu frowned, "Do you even know where I’m going?"

"Is it a problem with the Ji family’s company? It seems like the Lin family can’t directly strike at you, so they’re resorting to this kind of tactic to pressure you."

This kind of move was unquestionably despicable. It was hard to fathom what these people were even thinking.

Throughout the drive, Ji Yu kept her lips pressed tightly together, her expression grim.

Seeing this, Gu Qixiao understood that she was likely already strategizing how to deal with the Lin family. "The Lin family is vast and has made preparations in advance. Don’t act impulsively. Let me talk to them properly first."

He believed that this collaboration would still earn the Lin family some respect.

"I don’t want to delay your work."

"If the loss of a mere collaboration is enough to crush me, then I shouldn’t even be sitting in this position. Don’t worry about me—I’m willing to do this for you." He didn’t look at Ji Yu, but his words carried unwavering conviction.

"Since you know I care for you, there’s no harm in accepting my kindness. Please, don’t be upset, okay?" He hoped Ji Yu wouldn’t force herself to endure this.

Ji Yu was somewhat taken aback; she hadn’t expected Gu Qixiao to say such things.

During the entire trip, Ji Yu remained silent, leaving Gu Qixiao unsure whether she was angry or lost in thought over the other matters at hand.

Gu Qixiao didn’t rush her and escorted Ji Yu straight to the Ji family’s office.

The secretary was already waiting downstairs. Seeing Ji Yu arrive, she quickly stepped forward. "Miss, these people are aggressive and specifically requested to meet with you. On top of that, there’s a major flaw in this collaboration. At the time, President Ji failed to notice..."

So now, they had undoubtedly fallen into a trap.

"Got it." Ji Yu’s expression turned icy.

Despite knowing the hole had been deliberately dug, she couldn’t help but feel upset upon hearing Ji Yuanzhou had suffered a setback.

The two followed the secretary into the office.

Before even stepping inside, they could already hear Ji Yuanzhou’s agitated voice.

"Even if the Ji family truly falls into decline, don’t even think about taking Yu away. I’m telling you, that’s never going to happen."

Even now, he was doing his utmost to protect Ji Yu.

Ji Yu felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. "Brother, what are you saying? How could I ever stand by and watch the Ji family collapse?"

She truly adored the Ji family.

But clearly, these people didn’t have good intentions.

Lin Chujian didn’t seem surprised to see Ji Yu. "Oh, the star of the show has arrived. Can we get down to business now?"

Reclining on the sofa, Lin Chujian appeared as though she found the unfolding drama quite entertaining.

The chill in Ji Yu’s gaze deepened. "If this is the Lin family’s attitude, then there’s no way I’ll return. Moreover, you’ll have to make up for the Ji family’s losses!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chujian burst into laughter as if she’d heard a joke. "Ah, so you’re still dreaming? Instead of worrying about these things, you should think about how you’ll establish yourself after going back. Why face us with such an attitude?"

To be honest, the Lin family had always been this arrogant.

And it was true that whatever they wanted, they always managed to obtain.

"Is that so? Miss Lin, then let’s wait and see. Let’s see if the Lin family suffers or if I do."

She had been truly provoked this time.

Earlier, she’d been able to tolerate things. At least it had seemed worth considering.

But the current circumstances were beyond outrageous.

Ji Yuanzhou, standing to the side, didn’t fully agree. "Yu, you don’t need to get involved in this matter. I’ll protect you."

This time, he did bear responsibility. How could he have been careless with such an important issue?

Given the outcome, there was no denying his culpability.

"Brother, they’re troubling the Ji family because of me. How can I not care?"

Lin Chujian scoffed at the scene as if they were putting on a show. She felt they were merely bluffing. "You can keep up this bravado for now, but look at the mess you’ve become. Sooner or later, the Lin family will swallow you whole."

After finishing, she turned her gaze to Gu Qixiao beside Ji Yu. "Gu Qixiao, we’re still friends, aren’t we? I’d advise you not to make a mistake. After all, the Gu family and the Lin family are close business partners. What are you and that woman even supposed to be?"

She knew that Ji Yu and Gu Qixiao weren’t officially together, so she dared to speak so boldly.

Gu Qixiao frowned. "If the Lin family continues to behave this way, who’s to say there won’t be betrayal in the future? Let’s discuss the partnership later."

He made his stance clear in front of everyone.

From the beginning, this collaboration had been fraught with challenges. Perhaps it had been a bad omen all along.

He didn’t waver on this matter. If they persisted with this attitude, the partnership didn’t need to continue.

For a moment, Lin Chujian found herself stifled, uncomfortable under his response. "Gu Qixiao, do you know how much you’ll lose if this collaboration falls through?"

"Perhaps the Lin family will lose more." Gu Qixiao had never clung to such matters.

Besides, future business would allow them to recoup profits. Why obsess over this one situation?

"You!" Lin Chujian realized Gu Qixiao was a complete romantic, losing all sense of rationale when it came to Ji Yu.

"Fine. Think it over properly. The best solution is for Ji Yu to return to the Lin family; then everything will fall into place."

With that, Lin Chujian turned and left with her entourage.

Ji Yu approached Ji Yuanzhou to comfort him. "Brother, don’t worry. I know plenty of people, and if we encounter real problems, we’ll figure out another way."

Over the years, she’d built a considerable network and certainly wouldn’t stand idly by.

"Yu, I was supposed to protect you, but now the family situation has forced you to shoulder the burden. I feel so ashamed."

In his opinion, these matters weren’t supposed to be her responsibility.

Ji Yu smiled gently, finding no fault in it. "Brother, we’re family, and as family, we should face this together."

She had no desire to leave. The Ji family was working hard to ensure she stayed; how could she disappoint their efforts?

As for Gu Qixiao, Ji Yu had been considering how to make him stop giving so much of himself. "Gu Qixiao, you don’t owe me anything, so there’s no need to sacrifice this much."