CHAPTER 158: CHAPTER 158 SUSPICION

"I don’t doubt your intentions, but for me, this situation indeed requires some time to resolve. You shouldn’t think it’s overly difficult either."

In truth, he didn’t care all that much about the Lin family’s affairs. What mattered more to him was Ji Yu’s attitude—if Ji Yu was particularly concerned about this, he would undoubtedly handle it with care.

Ji Yu raised her eyebrows slightly, clearly not convinced by his explanation.

"If you think it’s so easily resolved, then why resort to such tactics?" She wasn’t sure how much this decision had cost the Gu family this time, but judging by Assistant Li’s earlier reaction, it seemed a significant number of people might have serious objections to Gu Qixiao’s decision.

"Since the decision has already been made, it can’t really be considered a loss anymore. Besides, I’ve encountered similar situations plenty of times before. Even if the cooperation fails midway, it won’t cause us too much loss."

It was clear that the Lin family would bear the brunt of the losses.

As the discussion continued, Lin Chujian appeared at Ji Yu’s side. Her expression was grim—this decision of Gu Qixiao’s was clearly driving her to her wit’s end.

"It’s one thing if you don’t like me, but why refuse to cooperate with the Lin family?" After learning about the situation, she couldn’t stay calm anymore.

She had initiated this collaboration through their family elder, so a development like this clearly indicated some underlying issues.

Unable to hold back, she came to confront Gu Qixiao, determined to see how he would explain himself.

"I really don’t understand why you’re doing this to me. Do you find it amusing?"

Her attitude toward the matter showed just how much she cared.

But Gu Qixiao found her reaction utterly baffling. "Didn’t I already tell you earlier? Our cooperation has been canceled."

Causing a commotion now would only embarrass the Lin family further.

Previously, she thought Gu Qixiao was joking, but the current circumstances made it clear this wasn’t the case.

"Gu Qixiao, do you even realize how much loss this will cause for both families? I can’t even begin to estimate the responsibilities I’ll have to bear once you withdraw, so you absolutely cannot just walk away."

Her eyes held a trace of pleading, clearly on the verge of collapse over the situation unfolding before her.

"As long as you don’t cancel the cooperation, I’m willing to do anything."

Willing to set aside her pride, she begged Gu Qixiao, holding onto the hope that there was still a way to salvage the situation.

"Sorry, but since your Lin family acted so unjustly first, it’s out of the question for us to cooperate. You don’t have to overthink it; you just need to know that any kind of cooperation between us isn’t going to happen."

Gu Qixiao’s stance was crystal clear—no further cooperation, period. Regardless of further issues, their past actions alone rendered collaboration entirely inappropriate.

"The moves you’re making now only make you seem pitiful, so stop trying to salvage this cooperation through such gestures."

He was firm in tone, making it clear that the possibility of a renewed collaboration was nonexistent. Lin Chujian’s eyes dimmed with despair; she never imagined that everything she had worked for so persistently would, in Gu Qixiao’s eyes, amount to nothing but a futile and humiliating plea.

She looked at the two of them with hatred, convinced that they were in the wrong this time.

"Gu Qixiao! All of this for a woman? Trust me, you’ll regret it. One day, you’ll realize just how important this cooperation was for you."

She glared at them with resentment, as if hoping that intimidation alone might yield a different answer. But Gu Qixiao remained unperturbed.

"Instead of uttering threats here, why don’t you go ahead and formally terminate the agreement? The longer you delay it, the greater your losses will be. Surely you understand this? Cooperation is impossible, so minimizing the damage is the wisest choice."

In his view, Lin Chujian should be a rational person, but given her current behavior, her previous composed demeanor might have been nothing more than a façade.

Ji Yu quietly observed their tense exchange and suddenly realized that Gu Qixiao might actually be right. The collapse of the cooperation indeed seemed harsher on the Lin family.

However, judging by Lin Chujian’s resentful gaze, she likely assumed Ji Yu was behind it all. Otherwise, she wouldn’t hate her so much.

"Instead of interrogating us here, why don’t you go home and ask your family elder? If he wants to get treated, he should pursue the proper channels. Don’t recklessly think about organ transplants."

Ji Yu still wore a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

For a moment, Lin Chujian couldn’t even understand what Ji Yu was talking about. She felt the situation was inexplicably bizarre and retorted, "You don’t actually believe the rumors online, do you?"

"Some things don’t come out of nowhere. Think about it yourself." Ji Yu didn’t insist on making her believe the claim; she simply wanted to put it out there.

Lin Chujian began to panic at Ji Yu’s demeanor, feeling as though there was something off about the situation. Why would Ji Yu say such a thing?

Her flustered reaction didn’t escape Ji Yu’s notice. However, the Gu family’s elder had kept the secret well. The Lin family probably believed the rumors circulating online were just baseless slander.

"Rumors aren’t always false. Who knows—your family elder might’ve had you all tested for compatibility long ago, only to find none of you matched."

Ji Yu had predicted as much long ago but still felt a sliver of pity for their plight.

Anxious yet trying to keep her composure, Lin Chujian refused to let Ji Yu see her distress. "If you won’t go home, fine, but now you’re spreading lies about our elder? You must be out of your mind."

"Am I crazy, or are you all just clueless? It’s simple—just go check your family’s medical reports. Why keep deluding yourselves?"

If their intentions had been genuine, Ji Yu wouldn’t oppose them so strongly. Yet their actions had crossed a line, to the point they filled her with disgust.

However, this person before her seemed utterly oblivious, failing to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Lin Chujian’s growing panic was evident. When she left, her steps were unsteady, as if she suspected Ji Yu might be telling the truth.

But she was still wrestling with doubt inside.

Ji Yu couldn’t be bothered to dwell on it further. She only hoped they’d figure things out sooner rather than later.

"Yu, you need to be extra careful during this time. Judging by the elder’s worsening condition, he probably already accessed your records, which is why he sought you out."

If they tried to force surgery, Ji Yu would be in grave danger.

This was something Ji Yu had pondered before. "I know, but if they want to make a move, it won’t be out in the open."