"Get out of here, all of you. If you ever dare to come and make trouble at Tiangu Group again, you'll be lucky to leave with your lives intact."
Gu Hao stood on the steps, looking down at the miserable-looking crowd from the Gu Family Group.
Gu Lin was stunned as well. "Brat, I didn't expect you to be a martial artist."
"A martial artist? What even is a martial artist? Gu Lin, I'm warning you, if there's a next time, I'll beat you up right along with them."
Realizing that a wise man does not fight when the odds are against him, Gu Lin took his people and fled in a flash.
Wan Wen struggled to his feet.
"Haotian, it turns out you've been hiding your true strength! Incredible! With you here, we'll never have to be afraid of them again at Tiangu Group."
"Captain Wan, what on earth is going on?"
"A while ago, the Chairwoman went to the Capital and negotiated a supply deal with Skyfire Palace. Originally, most of Skyfire Palace's supplies were handled by the Gu Family Group. But this time, they awarded a contract to us at Tiangu Group instead, which infuriated the Gu Family Group. That's why they came to cause trouble for us today."
"Oh, so that's how it is. It sounds like Tiangu Group simply stole business right out from under the Gu Family Group."
"Not really stolen, strictly speaking. Because Skyfire Palace's demand has increased and the Gu Family Group couldn't fulfill all the orders on their own, they split off a portion and gave it to us at Tiangu Group."
"It sounds like the Gu Family Group wants a complete monopoly on this business."
"Exactly. If they had a monopoly, they could charge whatever exorbitant prices they wanted. Our involvement disrupted their pricing structure, so now they're trying to force the Chairwoman to hand over the contract so they can take back sole control of the supply."
"How can the Gu Family Group be so despicable? That's not doing business at all—that's pure bullying and bandit behavior!"
"The Gu Family Group has a terrible reputation throughout Zhongzhou and even the entire Hong Realm. But they hold massive resources, so many companies just swallow their anger and stay silent."
"At this rate, I think the Gu Family Group should be wiped off the map in the Hong Realm."
"It's easier said than done. The Gu Family Group has its tentacles all over the Hong Realm, and their network of connections is terrifyingly powerful. I heard they even have ties to the Realm Lord. No one dares to touch them."
"I had no idea the Gu Family Group was such a powerhouse."
"Sigh, I really worry for the Chairwoman and the young lady."
"That's not something for us to worry about. We just need to keep Tiangu Group secure. How are your injuries? Do you need to go to the hospital?"
"No need, they're just superficial scrapes. Some trauma ointment will do the trick."
"Alright then, hurry up and go get patched up. I'll keep watch here."
"Right. Haotian, thank you for your hard work."
In the afternoon, Wan Wen sought out Gu Hao.
"Haotian, the young lady wants to see you."
"Why does the young lady want to see me?"
"I reported what happened today to Captain Feng, and she must have briefed the young lady. Since the young lady wants to see you, I'm sure she wants to reward you."
"I'd rather not go. I'm a timid person and I get nervous meeting people."
"Don't be scared, I'll go with you."
Wan Wen pulled Gu Hao into the elevator, which went straight up to the top-floor executive offices. The office area here was exceptionally luxurious.
Feng Menglan was already waiting by the elevator doors. Seeing them emerge, she led them to Gu Yan's office.
"Young lady, I've brought him here."
Gu Yan was busy reviewing documents at her desk. She raised her head to look at Gu Hao, who quickly lowered his gaze.
"Your name is Haotian?"
"Yes, my name is Haotian."
"You did an exceptional job today. After hearing Captain Feng's report, I am deeply impressed by your bravery. The company has decided to reward your performance, and upon Captain Feng's request, we are promoting you to Deputy Captain of the security team."
"I don't think that's appropriate. I just got here not long ago and haven't accomplished anything yet, yet you're giving me a reward and a promotion."
"There's nothing inappropriate about it. Your actions speak volumes, and no one could object. Furthermore, the company is issuing corresponding rewards to every single security guard in the first team. The core principle of Tiangu Group is that those who contribute more should receive more, with clear distinctions between rewards and punishments. As long as you are dedicated to the company, the company will never treat you unfairly."
"Oh, well then, thank you very much, young lady."
"Alright, you may dismissed. Follow Captain Feng's instructions."
"Yes."
Gu Hao and the others withdrew from Gu Yan's office.
Gu Lingyu stepped out from a side office attached to Gu Yan's main room.
"Mother, was this arrangement all right?"
"Very good, excellent. Reward those who deserve rewards and punish those who deserve punishment—it must be fair. Only then can we boost everyone's enthusiasm and make them treat the company like their own home."
"Yes, Mother, I understand. Actually, a matter like this could have just been left to Feng Menglan. Why did you make me handle it?"
"Yan'er, although I founded this company, it will eventually be handed over to you. You need to establish your own authority within the company so that I can feel at ease handing it down."
"Mother, Yan'er understands."
Gu Lingyu returned to her own office. Situated in the inner room connected to Gu Yan's office, she had observed Gu Hao carefully through the one-way glass window. The more she looked at him, the more he resembled Gu Hao, stirring within her a growing fondness for this fellow named Haotian.
Sitting at her desk, she mused to herself: This Haotian is about the same age as Hao'er. How wonderful it would be if he really were Hao'er.
Back downstairs, Wan Wen cheerfully patted Gu Hao on the shoulder.
"Haotian, you're a fine young man. Having caught the young lady's eye, you're bound to go far and achieve great things here at Tiangu Group."
"Captain Wan, it's all thanks to your guidance."
"Nonsense, nonsense! I didn't do anything; your own actions earned this. We should all be learning from you."
"You're too kind, Captain Wan."
Following his promotion to Deputy Captain of the security team, Feng Menglan arranged a private office for Gu Hao right next to her own.
Stepping into his new office, Gu Hao felt thoroughly ill at ease.
"Captain Feng, I honestly prefer staying with the rest of the team. I don't think this office is necessary at all."
"That's against the regulations—an office is a must. Besides, having one won't stop you from spending time with the team."
"Really?"
"Really. I've decided to place the daily management of the security team in your hands. Aside from conducting security patrols for the company, your job will be to tighten up operations across all security posts."
"Oh, I see. Very well, thank you, Captain Feng."
"No need to be so formal with me. From now on, we're like family, and I'll be relying heavily on your support and help in my work."
"No problem at all. Just give the word whenever you need something, Captain Feng, and I, Haotian, will give it my all."
"Good. I have things to attend to, so you should go tour the security posts and get yourself familiarized."
"Understood."
Gu Hao walked over to the swivel chair behind the desk and sat down gently. He turned the chair to face the window, offering a sweeping panoramic view of the outside world.
Gu Hao was thoroughly satisfied.
"No wonder everyone is so eager to have an office. So this is what it feels like to sit behind a desk. Not bad, not bad at all."
After admiring the view for a moment, Gu Hao stood up.
He muttered to himself, "Time to get to work and go check on the various posts."
Stepping out of his office, Gu Hao began his rounds, inspecting every security post across the company's office building and factory grounds.
Standing by her window, Feng Menglan watched Gu Hao's figure moving through the factory grounds, a gratified smile blooming on her face. It seemed this kid wasn't bad after all.
Gu Lingyu was also standing by her window. Seeing Gu Hao down below, she nodded in satisfaction as well.
In the evening, Tian Li, Lin Xiaotian, and Tun Xiaotian arrived at Gu Hao's private courtyard.
"Young master, do you have any comments or suggestions regarding the investment banquet being held tomorrow?"
"No comments. Handle the arrangements yourselves."
"Young master, for tomorrow's investment banquet, we also extended an invitation to Tiangu Group. They've submitted an investment project proposal as well, hoping to partner with our Haoyan Consortium for investment."
"Oh? Mother and Elder Sister submitted investment proposals too? That's great, invest in them."
"Yes."
"Do any of the other companies have projects that require investment from the Haoyan Consortium?"
"Yes, quite a few. After filtering through them, we've shortlisted ten projects. These include proposals from the four major groups as well as the Gu Family Group."
"The Gu Family Group?" Gu Hao thought for a moment before saying, "Good, invest in them. But make sure everything is completely airtight so they don't find any loopholes to exploit."
"I understand."
"Also, when the time is right, you can maneuver things so the Gu Family Group is forced to transfer their shares..."
"I understand the young master's intent. Don't worry, once we invest in the Gu Family Group, I'll make them sink deeper and deeper. In the end, not only will we acquire the shares of their group, but I'll also drag all the other enterprises of the Gu family down with them."
Hearing this, Gu Hao stared straight at Tian Li. This young woman was truly ruthless.
"Young master, why are you staring at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"
"No. Your idea is excellent. Let's plant the landmines for them now so they won't even suspect a thing. When the time is ripe, we'll coordinate with Tiangu Group. I want to completely dismantle the Gu Family Group and the Gu Clan to avenge Mother and Elder Sister."
"Yes."
Tian Li smiled and said, "This must have been the young master's original intention when founding the Haoyan Consortium, right?"
"Not entirely. They're just the first stepping stones we need to clear out of the way. What the Haoyan Consortium is after isn't just a single city or territory—it's the Hong Realm, and ultimately the entire galaxy."