Jian Xiuhuan was inwardly annoyed.
He had been too careless, having thought the forces behind the scenes were limited to just that group.
After hiring a few paparazzi and discovering they had all received money from that overseas number, he had ceased his investigation.
He never expected that a simple conflict at an art exhibition would draw those two individuals into the fray.
He had been too careless.
However, the fact that Shengsheng's father could pursue the truth and directly confront them indicated that the other party was not simple either.
Jian Junruo's heart tightened, and a multitude of dark, bloody, R-rated scenes instantly flashed through her mind.
Her voice trembled slightly, "You didn't do anything to them, did you?"
Gu Jiangyan paused, "What do you want me to do to them?"
"It's nothing. They're fine. I just had a friendly chat with them."
"Do you want them to apologize to you, or do you want them to receive some punishment?"
"For example, making them suffer some losses, or perhaps having them spend a few days in jail."
Jian Junruo breathed a sigh of relief.
She didn't want Gu Jiangyan to do anything illegal out of impulse.
Relaxing, Jian Junruo pondered for a moment and said,
"The deed is done. An apology would be meaningless. Let them face legal punishment."
"Alright, it's settled. I'll deal with them and then come see you."
Gu Jiangyan ended the call decisively.
Standing before Gu Jiangyan, Xu Lan and her husband, who had overheard the entire conversation, also breathed a sigh of relief.
Just a trip to the police station.
At least it was better than being bankrupted.
Having heard their sentence, Xu Chao obsequiously said,
"Mr. Gu, since there's nothing else for us here, we'll go surrender ourselves."
Xu Shao pulled Xu Lan along. Xu Lan, displeased, said,
"Husband, why are we being so subservient to him?"
Xu Shao shot her a glare, "Isn't it because you caused this mess? If I'm not nice to him, do you really want me to go bankrupt?"
Xu Lan immediately fell silent.
Spending a few days in jail was far better than losing their future affluent lifestyle.
A glint of ruthlessness flashed in Xu Shao's eyes:
"Darling, don't worry, we are merely enduring for now."
"I refuse to believe that Gu Jiangyan has no weaknesses. Once he shows signs of decline, I will immediately make him regret what he's done today!"
"I will make him realize that letting me off so easily was his biggest mistake!"
Gu Jiangyan put down the listening device in his hand, his lips curving into a cold smile.
"Having you face legal repercussions is merely Junruo's punishment for you."
"It is not my punishment."
Jian Junruo was still a bit dazed.
To be honest, she truly hadn't expected Gu Jiangyan to proactively help her find the mastermind.
And even help her discipline them.
Jian Sheng whispered from her shoulder,
"Aiya, isn't it normal for Dad to protect us? Mommy, you don't need to worry~"
Indeed, why did Dad sound like a major villain when he was speaking?
It was as if everyone she had encountered was somewhat different from the original work.
And the overall atmosphere was gradually becoming distorted without her even realizing it.
After hearing their conversation, Old Mrs. Jian's expression softened.
Regardless of that man's actions, at least he had some genuine feelings for her daughter.
This at least eased her worries.
Jian Junruo secretly observed Old Mrs. Jian's expression. Seeing her mood lighten slightly, she let out a soft breath.
This hurdle had been overcome.
Chen Yuling tossed aside the sunflower seeds in her hand and continued her sarcastic remark,
"Putting on such a proper appearance, yet after so many years, little sister is still a widow with a child?"
This question hit the mark directly, causing Jian Junruo to freeze.
Jian Junruo feigned nonchalance, "I just haven't thought about getting married yet. Without the constraints of marriage, it's quite good to be alone."
Truthfully, she wasn't quite ready to truly face Gu Jiangyan yet.
Chen Yuling snorted, clearly disbelieving and contemptuous.
Her sarcasm was palpable.
She intended to say a few more biting words, but looking at Jian Sheng, who was snuggled close to Jian Junruo,
She hesitated for a moment, feeling a little apprehensive.
She decided to abandon the idea of confronting Jian Junruo when Jian Sheng was present.
Old Mrs. Jian patted Jian Junruo's hand,
"Your father is fishing in the back mountain. Go and see him."
Jian Junruo's mood turned heavy as she took Jian Sheng and went to find him.
Jian Junyu led the way.
After a long silence, Jian Junruo asked, "Little brother, has Dad still not gotten over it?"
As they walked along the bluestone path, the atmosphere between Jian Junruo and Jian Junyu was unnervingly quiet.
Jian Sheng, bored, used the bluestone slabs as stepping stones, hopping from one to the next.
The path here was neatly paved, so Jian Junruo only paid extra attention to her child when encountering steps.
The extra time was spent walking in silence with Jian Junyu.
Jian Junruo's question broke the eerie silence between them.
Jian Junyu sighed, "Dad is still the same, completely listless."
"His hair has turned whiter, and his reactions are slower."
Jian Sheng perked up her ears, listening.
Old Master Jian had a very low presence in the original work, almost like a backdrop.
The only description provided was:
Over ten years ago, the political climate was turbulent.
Countless wealthy and influential families fell during that period.
At that time, the Jian family backed the wrong side. Old Master Jian, exhausting his connections and efforts, managed to barely secure the Jian family.
The status of prominent families in the capital was reshuffled.
Among the so-called Four Great Families and Eight Great Clans, only the Four Great Families remained unshakeable; all other clans were more or less affected.
At that time, the Jian family was unofficially considered to have been removed from the ranks of the Eight Great Clans of the capital.
Since then, Old Master Jian became disheartened, relinquished his power, and handed over the family's management to his eldest brother.
The family's external businesses were managed by his eldest brother, while the family's internal affairs were handled by his grandmother.
Old Master Jian rarely even appeared before the younger generation of the family.
He was in a complete state of seclusion.
In his own words, the vast Jian family had almost fallen under his stewardship.
He felt he had no face to face his ancestors, nor the younger generation of the Jian family.
It was precisely for this reason that internal Jian family matters were almost entirely presided over by his grandmother and eldest sister-in-law.
This was also why his eldest sister-in-law was so audacious.
The last time Mommy returned, it was Old Master Jian's rare appearance.
Even then, he barely spoke a few words.
The two of them crossed a mountain ridge and arrived at a lower-lying area in the valley.
The pond was vast, almost like a small lake.
An old man with almost completely white hair sat leaning back in a chair, his gaze fixed straight ahead, empty and devoid of any spirit.
Various fishing gear was laid out before him, with a fishing rod propped up.
The fishing float hovered motionlessly in the water, as if frozen.
"Dad."
Jian Junyu and Jian Junruo both called out.
Jian Sheng, obediently holding her mother's hand, also called out, "Grandpa."
The old man's posture remained unchanged, but his eyes flickered slightly.
After a few seconds, the old man turned his head.
"Ah, good children, you've arrived."
After responding, he continued to stare blankly at the fishing rod before him.