Who wants to be a male model after being reborn? I want to be a male god.

Chapter 419: Clues Everywhere
At three in the morning, Xu Wen stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, overlooking the night view of the river.

Even at this time, there were still many cars outside, brightly lit.

The coffee on the table had gone cold, and various reports and proposals were piled up next to it.

He rubbed his temples, trying to relieve the headache from working continuously.

Since Gu Xingruo left, time seems to have been accelerated, and every day feels like a race against time.

The phone screen lit up with a message from Wan Zhi: "President Xu, the data from the Jiangcheng branch has been compiled. Sister Jiang said there are some issues that require your personal review."

Xu Wen replied briefly: "Send it over."

He walked back to his desk, the blue light from the computer screen reflecting on his tired face.

Over the past month, FlashCity's expansion has exceeded everyone's expectations, but it has also brought countless problems.

Tight cash flow, talent shortage, and encirclement by competitors.

Each one is enough to bankrupt an ordinary company.

But Xu Wen was no ordinary person; he had experienced even more difficult situations.

As the file transfer progress bar moved slowly, Xu Wen's gaze fell on a photograph on the corner of the table.

That was a photo of him and Gu Xingruo at the amusement park, on the very day she was attacked.

Xu Wen's fingers gently traced the photograph, his thoughts drifting back to a long time ago. He stared at the photograph, lost in thought.

The computer beeps to indicate that the file transfer is complete.

Xu Wen forced himself to concentrate and began reviewing the Jiangcheng branch's operations report.

Numbers and charts danced before his eyes, but his thoughts drifted uncontrollably into the distance.

Where is Gu Xingruo now?

Is she doing well?
These questions had been troubling Xu Wen, but he knew he would never know the answers.

"Still not resting?"

The office door was gently pushed open, and Yang Yiyao walked in carrying a cup of hot milk.

She was wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, her hair casually tied in a ponytail, looking like she had just gotten out of bed.

"Why are you here?" Xu Wen frowned.

Yang Yiyao placed the milk in front of him: "I dreamt that you were working overtime, so I came to check on you, and it turned out to be just like my dream."

Xu Wen picked up the milk, the warmth passing through the cup to her palm: "Thank you, but don't do this again, it's too late and not safe."

"Come on, didn't you say I could tell fortunes? What danger could I possibly be in?"

Yang Yiyao pouted and pulled up a chair to sit down: "As for you, if you keep going like this, Gu Xingruo will come back to find a dried-up corpse."

Xu Wen paused for a moment: "She contacted you?"

“No, but I have a feeling she will definitely come back.” Yang Yiyao shook her head.

Xu Wen did not respond, but simply lowered his head and took a sip of milk.

The warm liquid slid down my throat, bringing a brief moment of comfort.

"Oh right, this is a summary of our competitors' moves. Meituan and Ele.me have been making a lot of moves lately, especially Meituan. Their subsidies in Jiangcheng and Xingsha are almost twice as much as ours." Yang Yiyao suddenly remembered something and took a folder out of her bag.

Although she is not an employee of FlashCity.

However, he has recently taken over Lan Qiusheng's former job and is doing some simple tasks.

Xu Wen took the document and quickly browsed through it: "As expected, Meituan will not sit idly by and watch us expand."

“There’s something even more troublesome. I received information that someone is investigating Flash City’s financial chain, and they’ve reportedly already traced it to Hongjing Industrial.” Yang Yiyao leaned closer and lowered her voice.

Xu Wen took a deep breath and asked softly, "Is the information reliable?"

"We're about 80% sure. They said the investigation is top-down and they're quite powerful. Should we..." Yang Yiyao's expression was unusually serious.

"No need. All financial transactions between Hongjing and Shancheng are legal and can withstand scrutiny." Xu Wen closed the document.

Just like Gu Hong said.

Flash City never needs washing, because it was white to begin with.

“But what about the public opinion online?” Yang Yiyao looked worried.

“I’ll handle the public opinion. You continue to keep an eye on our competitors’ moves, especially Meituan’s expansion in second- and third-tier cities,” Xu Wen interrupted her.

Yang Yiyao hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Okay, but you have to promise me you'll get at least four hours of sleep."

Xu Wen gave a perfunctory "hmm" and turned his gaze back to the computer screen.

Yang Yiyao sighed, got up and left.

As she reached the door, she suddenly turned around and said, "Xu Wen, don't push yourself too hard. Some things can't be rushed."

Xu Wen didn't even look up: "Time waits for no one."

The door closed gently, leaving Xu Wen alone in the office once again.

He stared at the numbers on the screen, but couldn't concentrate.

The news brought by Yang Yiyao made him wary.

Someone has started investigating the relationship between Hong Jing and Shan Cheng, which means that the pressure on Gu Hong's side is shifting to him.

He picked up his phone, hesitated for a moment, and then dialed Gu Hong's number.

The phone rang for a long time before being answered. Gu Hong's voice sounded unusually tired: "It's so late, what's up?"

The other person was clearly not asleep either, still working.

“Someone is investigating the financial dealings between Hongjing and Shancheng,” Xu Wen said bluntly.

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone: "I know, you don't need to worry about this, just focus on your work."

"Who is investigating?" Xu Wen pressed.

"Xu Wen, remember our agreement. You'll be in charge of Flash City, and I'll handle the rest. Ruoruo will contact you next week." Gu Hong's voice suddenly turned stern.

Xu Wen's breath hitched: "Is Ruoruo alright?"

"Very good." Gu Hong's tone softened a bit.

This simple answer relieved Xu Wen.

He wanted to ask more, but in the end he only said, "I understand."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Wen stood by the window, watching the raindrops flow continuously on the glass.

Gu Hongming is clearly hiding something, and the people behind the investigation are likely the forces threatening Gu Xingruo's safety.

Now, these forces are turning their attention to Flash City.

Xu Wen clenched his fist.

He is not afraid of any business competition, but if anyone tries to threaten Gu Xingruo's safety by attacking Flash City, he will never sit idly by.

The computer screen suddenly flickered, and a new email popped up.

The sender was Lan Qiusheng, and the subject was "Jinling Branch Encounters Malicious Competition".

Xu Wen opened the email and quickly browsed its contents.

In an email, Lan Qiusheng reported that several local catering businesses in Nanjing suddenly removed their products from the FlashCity platform because they had received "more competitive cooperation offers".

Even more seriously, FlashCity's delivery drivers in Nanjing have been repeatedly harassed, and some have even been maliciously reported for traffic violations.

At the end of the email, Lan Qiusheng wrote: "Class monitor, something's not right. This doesn't seem like ordinary business competition; it seems like someone is deliberately targeting us. You need to make a decision."

Xu Wen immediately replied, "I will go to Jinling tomorrow to discuss this in person."

After sending the email, he checked the time; it was already four in the morning.

The rain outside the window gradually subsided, and the east was faintly tinged with the pale light of dawn.

Xu Wen rubbed his sore shoulders and decided to rest for a bit. He went to the lounge attached to the office, took off his clothes, and lay down.

Exhaustion washed over him like a tidal wave, but he couldn't fall asleep, his mind filled with all the recent events.

Xu Wen felt like he had slept, but it also felt like he hadn't slept at all.

However, he immediately got up after the alarm rang.

Nine o'clock in the morning, in the Flash City conference room.

Xu Wen stood in front of the projection screen and explained the new expansion plan to the core team.

He looked energetic and showed no signs of having stayed up until 4 a.m. last night.

"According to the latest data, our market share in first-tier cities has reached more than 30%, but progress in second- and third-tier cities is slow."

Xu Wen clicked the remote control and switched the slideshow: "Starting today, more resources will be allocated to second- and third-tier cities."

Upon hearing this, Wan Zhi raised his hand: "President Xu, isn't this too risky? First-tier cities are our foundation."

"That's why we can stabilize in first-tier cities for now, while second- and third-tier cities will be the main battleground in the future. Meituan has realized this, and we must take the lead," Xu Wen explained.

"Regarding funding..." the CFO hesitated, then stopped himself from speaking.

“Hongjing will provide additional support. I want to see FlashCity’s coverage in all new first-tier cities across the country exceed 50% within three months,” Xu Wen said firmly.

The meeting room fell silent; everyone was stunned by this radical goal.

"Any more questions?" Xu Wen looked around at everyone.

The marketing manager asked cautiously, "Mr. Xu, our competitors are launching a fierce counterattack, especially in Jinling. What about us?"

"I'm flying to Nanjing this afternoon to handle this personally."

Xu Wen interrupted him and then said, "Meeting adjourned."

Everyone left one after another, except for Wan Zhi, who stayed behind.

"Mr. Xu, I just received news that Meituan is contacting our core team and offering a very high price." He closed the door and lowered his voice.

Xu Wen raised an eyebrow: "Who was contacted?"

“Director Zhang from the technical department, and…” Wan Zhi hesitated for a moment, “Sister Jiang.”

Xu Wen nodded silently: "Jiang Xiaqing?"

"It's just a rumor, I'm not sure, but Director Zhang did receive an offer with double the salary," Wan Zhi quickly explained.

"I understand. You go and prepare the information for Jinling first. I'll handle this." Xu Wen nodded.

After Wan Zhi left, Xu Wen dialed Jiang Xiaqing's number.

The phone rang for a long time before it was answered.

"President Xu?" Jiang Xiaqing's voice sounded somewhat tired.

"I heard Meituan is trying to poach you," Xu Wen said bluntly.

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone: "They did contact me."

"What are the conditions?" Xu Wen asked.

"Three times the annual salary, for the position of General Manager of the Jiangcheng Branch," Jiang Xiaqing answered truthfully.

Xu Wen chuckled lightly: "Quite generous, what do you think?"

“President Xu, I’m not here in Flash City for money. I’ve always remembered everything Ruoruo and you have done for my daughter, so no matter what, I will always support you.” Jiang Xiaqing sighed.

“I know, but I need to confirm your stance, especially at this time.” Xu Wen’s tone softened.

“My stance has always been clear: I will not be ungrateful,” Jiang Xiaqing’s voice became firm.

Xu Wen was slightly moved: "Thank you. How is the situation in Jiangcheng?"

“Not very optimistic. Meituan has a deeper foundation with the government than we do. Recently, they have joined forces with local media to publish several reports questioning FlashCity’s business model.” Jiang Xiaqing quickly got to work.

"The specific details?" Xu Wen asked.

"The main attacks are twofold: first, that we rely on burning money to stay afloat, which is unsustainable; and second, that our money is ill-gotten and may be used for illegal activities." Jiang Xiaqing paused.

Xu Wen nodded after hearing this: "Just as I thought."

"President Xu, this matter is not simple; there must be someone behind it." Jiang Xiaqing said worriedly.

“I understand. You should hold back for now. I’ll go to Jiangcheng after I’ve dealt with things in Jinling.” Xu Wen pondered for a moment.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Wen stood by the window, lost in thought.

The competitors' offensive was more intense than he had anticipated, and it was clear that someone was deliberately targeting Hong Jing.

This confirmed his suspicions.

Those forces that threatened Gu Xingruo's safety are now beginning to exert pressure through commercial means.

At 2 p.m., Xu Wen's flight landed at Jinling Airport.

As soon as he stepped out of the cabin, he saw Lan Qiusheng standing at the arrival gate, dressed in a business suit, looking capable and composed.

"Squad leader." Lan Qiusheng came up to him and took his briefcase.

"How's the situation?" Xu Wen asked as they walked.

Lan Qiusheng shook his head: "It's even worse. Another batch of merchants withdrew yesterday, and our market share has already dropped significantly."

What about Meituan?

“It’s been growing all along. The most troublesome thing is that some people are spreading rumors that deliverymen in Flash City are stealing meals, which has caused many users to cancel their orders.” Lan Qiusheng bit his lip.

Xu Wen smiled helplessly: "Although it's old-fashioned, I have to say it's quite effective."

Once in the car, Lan Qiusheng handed Xu Wen a document: "This is a list of the businesses involved that I compiled. Almost all of them suddenly turned against us at the same time."

Xu Wen quickly scanned the list, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper: "These businesses all have the same investor behind them."

“That’s right. And having been in Jinling for so long, I’ve heard some rumors. I heard that this person had quite a few grudges with President Gu when he was young.” Lan Qiusheng told him everything he knew.

"I understand." Xu Wen nodded.

As the car entered the city, Nanjing looked exceptionally fresh after the rain.

But Xu Wen had no time to appreciate the scenery; his mind was racing, analyzing the situation before him.

"Squad leader, there's something else I think I need to tell you." Lan Qiusheng hesitated for a moment.

"what happened?"

“Yesterday, someone claiming to be Gu Hong’s friend contacted me, saying that Gu Hong is in a dangerous situation and that someone wants to kill him.” Lan Qiusheng lowered his voice.

Xu Wen clasped his hands together: "What else did he say?"

"He said Gu Hong wouldn't live more than three months." Lan Qiusheng took a deep breath.

"What else did that person say?" His voice was unusually calm.

"He said that if you want to save Gu Xingruo, you should sever ties with her as soon as possible. Class monitor, what exactly is going on? Where did Gu Xingruo go? Why are people talking about her?" Lan Qiusheng looked at Xu Wen with concern.

“She’s safe now,” Xu Wen suddenly interrupted her.

Lan Qiusheng was taken aback: "That person said she's safe now, but if Gu Hong falls, then..."

"I understand. Let's deal with the Jinling problem first, and we can talk about the others later." Xu Wen closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair.

Lan Qiusheng hesitated for a moment, then finally just gave a soft "hmm".

The car stopped in front of the Jinling branch building of Flash City, and Xu Wen opened his eyes.

Xu Wen found the person who sought out Lan Qiusheng very interesting; everything the other person said was too accurate.

He happened to possess a crucial tool that would allow him to quickly sever ties with Gu Hong.

It could even allow him to extricate himself from this mess.

(End of this chapter)