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

Chapter 427 She's Here to Pay Off Her Debt
After leaving Hongjing, Xu Wen drove back to Shancheng.

There were still things over there that needed his attention.

Actually, he doesn't have much to do.

Just hand over the USB drive you have on you to the investigation team in Gu Xingruo's name.

Gu Hong had already come up with the reasons for him.

Gu Xingruo has been harboring resentment over her father's betrayal of her mother for many years, so she has been collecting evidence all this time.

Driven by her sense of justice and her simple values ​​as a citizen, she decided to report the organization, putting the greater good before her own family.

After doing all this, Gu Xingruo will be able to successfully extricate herself from the matter of Hong Jing.

Everything was arranged, but no one asked what the young lady thought.

Xu Wen's car drove through the streets of Linjiang.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his expression extremely serious.

The red USB drive felt heavy in my pocket, as if it weighed a ton.

Gu Hong's last words, "Thank you," still echoed in my ears.

Xu Wen knew that when the sun rose tomorrow, the man who once dominated Linjiang would walk towards the ending he had chosen for himself.

And I will be the one to give him a push.

Gu Xingruo will hate him.

But he had to do it.

Even if it ultimately leads to a breakdown in their relationship, he will still protect Gu Xingruo's safety.

The outline of the Flash City building came into view.

Xu Wen frowned, parked the car, and stepped into the elevator.

His tired face was reflected in the metal wall of the elevator; his dark circles under his eyes made it look like he had been punched twice.

Like Gu Hong, he hadn't had a proper rest in a long time.

After the elevator doors opened, he strode towards his office.

The office door was open, and an unexpected figure was standing in front of his desk, flipping through documents.

He Shujin turned around at the sound. She was dressed like a professional woman, her dark gray suit skirt making her look exceptionally capable.
"Aunt He?" Xu Wen stood at the door, stunned.

The fact that Xia Ning's mother, the most famous criminal defense lawyer in Linjiang, was appearing in his office at this moment was hardly a good omen.

The two haven't seen each other since what happened with Xia Ning.

The past events are still vivid in my mind.

Xu Wen still remembers when He Shujin first came to the teacher's office with Xia Ning's love letter, demanding an explanation.

Their attitude changed immediately upon seeing him in person.

She also took good care of his mother and helped her a lot.

Because of Xia Ning, he hasn't even properly thanked her yet.

“The door wasn’t locked. I told them I was Xia Ning’s mother, and they let me come in and sit down to wait for you.” He Shujin’s tone was completely calm.

It's hard to imagine that such a major change is happening in her family.

Xu Wen's heart sank.

Countless possibilities flashed through his mind.

Xia Hai was taken away by the investigation team. Was He Shujin there to interrogate him?
Or.
"Have a seat." He Shujin pointed to the sofa and sat down first, making it seem as if she were in her own office.

Her movements remained as elegant and composed as ever.

She said softly with concern, "You don't look well."

Xu Wen walked to the sofa opposite her and sat down.

Two cups of tea sat on the coffee table, steam rising slowly.

He took the initiative to ask about "Uncle Xia's matter".

“I know, Lao Xia called me this morning before he was taken away.” He Shujin interrupted him, picked up her teacup and took a sip.

Xu Wen stared at the swirling tea leaves in the teacup, unsure of what to say.

Xia Hai was implicated because of the school district housing project, and the project was able to pass the approval process because Gu Hong helped Xia Ning get away with her crime.

Although he is also a victim, the family's current crisis is indeed related to him to some extent.

“I’m not here to assign blame, I’m here to help,” He Shujin suddenly said, her voice softening.

Xu Wen looked up abruptly, unable to believe his ears.

"Let me see the accounts between Shancheng and Hongjing, as well as the contracts you signed. I'm a lawyer, I can be of some help," He Shujin continued.

Xu Wen hesitated for a moment, but finally took the documents out of the locked cabinet.

This is no secret, and there's nothing to hide.

He Shujin began to read the documents carefully, and the office fell silent for a moment.

After she had looked through it for a while, she took out a stack of documents from her briefcase and pushed them in front of him: "Every investment Gu Hong made in Flash City was legal and compliant. He did it very carefully, so you don't need to worry about that part. However, Hong Jing still owns 10% of Flash City's shares, and the investigation team may freeze these assets for auction."

Xu Wen opened the document and found it to be a detailed equity disposal plan.

He quickly skimmed through the terms, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

He Shujin not only analyzed various legal risks, but also marked the basis for the clause that allows Flash City to repurchase the equity first.

Xu Wen never expected that the person who would come to his aid in the end would be Xia Ning's mother.

"Why?" Xu Wen felt his throat tighten.

“Read this first. This is a suggestion regarding an employee stock ownership plan. If Meituan continues to poach talent, this can help you retain your core team.” He Shujin then took out another document.

Xu Wen took the document.

He recalled that when he first went to Xia Ning's house for dinner last Mid-Autumn Festival, He Shujin sat across from him at the table in the same way, gently asking him about his studies and future plans.

Back then, she didn't have so many wrinkles around her eyes, nor so many gray hairs.

"Gu Hong has made all the arrangements, right?" He Shujin suddenly asked.

Xu Wen's hand unconsciously pressed down on the USB drive.

Should he believe any of the books he reads?
If she knew about Gu Hong's plan, would she stop him?
But then she thought about it again. With her professional skills, since she was able to find out about the accounting problems of Shancheng and Hongjing, she probably already guessed seven or eight parts of the truth.

"Tomorrow, I will submit the evidence in Ruoruo's name." Xu Wen finally chose to confess.

He Shujin's expression remained unchanged, as if she had expected this answer.

She stood up and walked to the window, her back view exceptionally upright.

"Old Xia and Gu Hong's situation is their own choice, but Xia Ning has changed a lot in the past year." Her voice was soft, but every word was clear.
Xu Wen clenched his fist.

The lunch Xia Ning brings every day, the documents she quietly organizes, and the sight of her leaving with red eyes this morning.

Suddenly, everything became crystal clear.

“I know what you want to ask, but Xia Ning and I…” Xu Wen replied with a wry smile.

“I’m not here to fight for my daughter or anything, I just want to say that no matter what happens, don’t drag her into this. She’s already suffered enough.” He Shujin turned around, her tone unexpectedly serious.

Xu Wen felt a mix of emotions.

He recalled the faded scars on Xia Ning's wrists, and the empty look in her eyes when she was locked up in the detention center.

That girl, who was once as bright as the sun, has become like this because of him.

“I promise,” Xu Wen said solemnly.

He Shujin nodded and began tidying up the documents.

Her movements were clean and efficient, just as she had done countless times in court.

She suddenly stopped when she reached the door.

"Xu Wen, do you know why I helped you?" She didn't turn around.

Xu Wen shook her head, then realized that she couldn't see, and said, "I don't know."

“Because this is what we owe you. If it weren’t for your letter of understanding regarding Xia Ning’s matter, she would still be in prison right now.” He Shujin’s voice suddenly choked up.

Xu Wen was stunned.

He never imagined that He Shujin would thank him for this. He only issued the letter of understanding out of pity, after all, the two of them had truly loved each other.

"Aunt He, about that matter..." He didn't know how to start the conversation.

"No need to explain. As a mother, I'm just here to pay off a debt. After tomorrow, we'll be even." He Shujin finally turned around, with a faint glimmer of tears in the corner of her eyes.

She left so quietly that only the soft sound of the office door closing proved she had been there.

Xu Wen stood there, feeling as if something was blocking his chest, making it difficult to breathe.

The documents on the table were neatly stacked, with He Shujin's business card on top, and a line of small print on the back: "Contact me anytime if you need anything."

Xu Wen picked up the business card and suddenly understood He Shujin's true intention.

This experienced lawyer paved a way out for those her daughter cared about in her own way.

Xu Wen suddenly felt an unprecedented loneliness.

By this time tomorrow, Gu Hong will probably already be...
When Gu Xingruo returns, she will be greeted with news of her father's imprisonment and the "betrayal" of the person she trusts most.

Xu Wen took out a red USB drive.

He sat in front of the computer, silently recalling everything that had happened recently.

Once the USB drive is handed in, everything will change.

He opened the drawer and took out Gu Xingruo's photo.

The girl in the photo is standing in the snow in a foreign country, her smile is forced but still beautiful.

Xu Wen gently stroked her face, as if he could feel the coolness of the snowflakes.

“I’m sorry, but I have to do it,” he said softly to the photograph.

Xu Wen spent the night in his office.

He tried to force himself to sleep, but he just couldn't fall asleep.

In the end, I had no choice but to work.

The sky outside the window is beginning to lighten; a new day is about to begin.

As the first rays of sunlight streamed through the glass into the office, Xu Wen had already organized all the materials.

He stood up, stretched his stiff shoulders, and headed to the restroom.

His eyes were bloodshot and his chin was covered in dark stubble, making him look haggard.

The cold water splashed on his face, and the biting chill made him a little more awake.

Xu Wen stared at himself in the mirror and suddenly remembered Gu Hong smoking on the heated kang.

That once arrogant man ultimately chose to protect his daughter in this way.

"Is it worth it?" Xu Wen asked himself in the mirror, but had no answer.

Back at his desk, he dialed Yang Yiyao's number.

"You didn't sleep all night?" Yang Yiyao's surprised voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Mm," Xu Wen replied briefly.

"By the way, I have some new information! My dad's colleague at the Education Department said that Li Qingyun has confessed and has implicated quite a few people, including Gu Hong." Yang Yiyao lowered her voice.

Xu Wen gripped the phone tightly.

It seems the investigation team is acting faster than he expected, and Gu Hong's time is running out.

“I need your help to contact Lan Qiusheng and Sister Jiang and have them prepare to deal with the media. After today, the relationship between Shancheng and Hongjing will be widely reported, and we need to minimize the impact,” Xu Wen said.

"understand!"

Yang Yiyao paused, then asked with concern, "Xu Wen, are you alright?"

This question has been asked far too many times today.

Xu Wen forced a smile, but couldn't manage it: "I'm fine. By the way, He Shujin came by last night."

"Xia Ning's mother? What's she doing here?" Yang Yiyao's voice suddenly rose.

“She’s more knowledgeable about the situation than we thought,” Xu Wen explained simply, referring to the legal advice He Shujin had left behind.

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone: "Xu Wen, could this be a trap? Xia Hai has been taken away by the investigation team, why would his wife help you?"

“She said it was to pay off a debt,” Xu Wen said softly, as He Shujin’s tearful eyes appeared before his eyes.

Yang Yiyao sighed: "You believe her?"

"I believe you," Xu Wen replied without hesitation.

Perhaps it was because He Shujin choked up when she mentioned Xia Ning, perhaps it was because of the documents she left behind, or perhaps it was simply because of...
He has no choice.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Wen turned on his computer and began drafting an open letter to all employees.

No matter what happens today, Flash City must continue to operate; it is the last bastion he can hold for Gu Xingruo.

The clock struck eight in the morning, and employees began arriving at work one after another.

Xu Wen stood by the window, watching the crowds below surge into the building like ants.

Most of them were unaware that from this day forward, the commercial landscape of Linjiang would be completely transformed.

There was a gentle knock on the office door, and Wan Zhi poked his head in: "President Xu, here's your coffee."

"Thank you." Xu Wen took the coffee; the temperature was just right.

Wan Zhi nodded, preparing to leave, then hesitated and turned back: "President Xu, would you like to take a rest?"

“I’m fine, go ahead,” Xu Wen interrupted him.

Wan Zhi hesitated for a moment, then finally closed the door.

Xu Wen knew how bad his condition was, but now was not the time to rest.

He took a sip of coffee, the bitter liquid sliding down his throat, bringing a brief moment of clarity.

At nine o'clock sharp, Xu Wen dialed the phone number that Gu Hong had left him.

The call was answered quickly, and a young male voice came through: "Hello, Yang Jinhuo."

"I am Xu Wen, Xu Wen of Shancheng, Gu Xingruo's fiancé. I have evidence that I want to present to you."

There was a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by the sound of papers turning: "Ah, Mr. Xu from Shancheng, I understand, is it evidence about Hongjing Industry?"

The other party's tone showed no doubt, as if everything was expected.

“Yes, it’s about Hongjing Industrial.” Xu Wen’s voice was steady.

Wang Ye's voice turned serious: "Understood. Let's arrange a place to meet. There's a Sichuan restaurant across from the Education Bureau, you know it?"

Xu Wen glanced at his watch. "I know. I'll come find you now."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Wen took a brown paper bag from the safe, put the red USB drive and the prepared instruction documents inside, and sealed it.

He moved slowly, as if to delay the inevitable moment.

My phone vibrated again. It was a text message from Gu Hong, containing only two simple words: "Thank you."

Xu Wen stared at the two words and suddenly felt dizzy.

He grabbed the corner of the table and took several deep breaths to steady himself.

This might be the last message Gu Hongfa sent him, and what could he possibly reply with?
In the end, Xu Wen only replied with one word.

"Ah."

This simple response contained all his unspeakable emotions.

He agreed with Gu Hong's plan, respected his sacrifice, and... nothing more. He didn't have time to think about that much.

Picking up his car keys and document bag, Xu Wen took one last look at the office.

Sunlight filled the entire room, shining on the green plant that Xia Ning had brought, its new leaves gleaming with a healthy sheen.

No matter what happens today, life goes on.

For Gu Xingruo, for Shancheng, and for those who are still by his side.

Xu Wen closed the door and strode towards the elevator.

The red USB drive in the file folder looked like a bomb about to explode, and he was the one who detonated it.

(End of this chapter)