Shanghai in the Republican Era

Chapter 123 The Business Journey of the Republic of China: A Love Song of the Republic of China - Sh

Romance of the Republic of China: Shanghai in Turmoil

Holding the anonymous letter, my hand trembled slightly. A chill ran through me; I wondered what the enemy lurking in the shadows was plotting. Gu Zixuan noticed my pale face and hurried over.

"Fangfei, what's wrong?" he asked with concern, his gaze falling on the letter in my hand.

I handed him the letter, my voice trembling slightly: "I just received it. I don't know who sent it. It says there's even bigger trouble to come."

After reading the letter, Gu Zixuan frowned deeply, a hint of vigilance flashing in his eyes: "Don't worry, whatever their schemes are, we can handle them. Be careful when you go out during this time, and security personnel must be with you at all times."

I nodded, trying to calm myself down, but the worry in my heart just wouldn't go away.

In the days that followed, Gu Zixuan busied himself with company affairs while also increasing his protection of me. Thanks to our efforts, the textile factory finally completed the samples of the newly designed fashion. This collection blends Chinese and Western elements, possessing both Eastern elegance and Western style; I have high expectations for them.

"Zixuan, I'm very confident that this fashion design will open up a new market," I said excitedly to Gu Zixuan, my eyes sparkling.

Gu Zixuan smiled at me and said gently, "I believe in you, Fangfei. Your designs always bring surprises. Once this batch of fashions is launched, our company will definitely reach new heights."

Just as we were preparing to hold a press conference for the new fashion, Su Yao rushed over to us in a panic.

"Fangfei, Zixuan, something terrible has happened! I heard that someone is secretly buying up shares of the Gu family business, and quite a lot of them," Su Yao said anxiously.

Gu Zixuan and I exchanged a glance, and a bad feeling welled up in our hearts.

"Could it be that those who oppose reforms want to control Gujia Enterprises by acquiring shares?" I asked worriedly.

Gu Zixuan nodded solemnly: "Very likely. They're trying to undermine us completely and drive us out of the company's management."

We immediately began an investigation and discovered that a mysterious force was indeed quietly acquiring shares. Moreover, as the stock price fluctuated, Gujia Enterprises' stock price began to show signs of instability.

“This can’t go on. We have to find a way to stop them,” Gu Zixuan said, his eyes showing determination.

After some discussion, we decided to contact some long-term shareholders, hoping they would increase their shareholdings to stabilize the stock price and resist the takeover attempt by this mysterious force.

Gu Zixuan personally visited several major shareholders and explained the current situation and the future development plan of the Gu family business to them in detail.

"Everyone, the Gu family business has achieved considerable success since the reforms, and its future prospects are very promising. If it falls under the control of this unknown force, the company's development direction will change, and everyone's interests will be harmed," Gu Zixuan said sincerely.

Some shareholders expressed their willingness to support us: "Mr. Gu, we believe in your abilities. We have witnessed the changes in the company over the past few years. We will increase our shareholding and work with you to protect the Gu family business."

However, not all shareholders were so easily persuaded. Several shareholders were ambiguous, seemingly observing the situation, while others directly rejected our request.

“Young Master Gu, it’s not that we don’t want to help you. The situation is unclear right now, and we dare not act rashly,” one of the shareholders said helplessly.

Just when we were racking our brains over the stock market, I suddenly received a call from the hospital saying that Uncle Liu, who had saved me before, had worsened in condition.

I rushed to the hospital in a panic. Uncle Liu was lying on the hospital bed, his face very pale.

"Uncle Liu, how are you feeling?" I asked anxiously, tears welling up in my eyes.

Uncle Liu slightly opened his eyes, and after seeing me, he forced a smile: "Boss Lin, I... I'm fine. It's just that I feel my body is getting worse and worse."

I held Uncle Liu's hand: "Uncle Liu, don't talk nonsense. You will get better. You were injured while saving me, and we will definitely find a way to heal you."

Uncle Liu shook his head: "Boss Lin, I know my situation. I'm just worried about you guys. Has something happened at the factory recently? I heard from other workers that things don't seem to be going well."

I was deeply moved; even at this time, Uncle Liu was still thinking about us and the factory.

"Uncle Liu, don't worry about things at the factory. Just focus on getting better. We'll handle it," I said.

Uncle Liu took a breath and continued, "Boss Lin, there's something I've been wanting to tell you. That day in the warehouse, I think I saw a suspicious person fiddling with the shelves for a while, and then the shelves collapsed shortly after. I didn't pay much attention at the time, but now that I think about it, could it have been done on purpose..."

My heart skipped a beat: "Uncle Liu, did you get a good look at that person?"

Uncle Liu frowned and thought for a moment: "The light was a bit dim at the time, so I couldn't see his face clearly. I only remember that he was wearing all black clothes and was tall and thin."

I told Gu Zixuan what Uncle Liu had said, and Gu Zixuan immediately realized that this might be related to a series of previous conspiracies.

"It seems the person behind this started planning this a long time ago, from harming you to creating a crisis for the manufacturing company, one thing after another," Gu Zixuan said.

We decided to intensify our investigation and find the mastermind behind this. After several days and nights of investigation, we finally had some leads.

Through tracking and investigating some suspicious individuals, we discovered that a man named Zhao Qiang seemed to be connected to this series of events. He frequently associated with people who opposed reform, and his movements were very suspicious before and after the stock acquisition and the spread of rumors.

“This Zhao Qiang is very likely the key figure. We must find him and get the mastermind out of him,” Gu Zixuan said.

We have assigned people to closely monitor Zhao Qiang, preparing to arrest him at the appropriate time.

Finally, one night, Zhao Qiang walked out of his house alone. Our men immediately followed and stopped him in a secluded alley.

"Zhao Qiang, don't run!" Gu Zixuan shouted.

When Zhao Qiang saw us, his face turned deathly pale. He turned to run, but it was too late.

"What...what do you want to do?" Zhao Qiang asked in terror.

Gu Zixuan stepped forward, looking at him coldly: "Zhao Qiang, do you think you can hide what you've done? Tell me, who ordered you to sabotage the warehouse, spread rumors, and buy up stocks?"

Zhao Qiang lowered his head, avoiding our eyes, and stammered, "I...I can't say. They'll kill me if I do."

I stepped forward and said softly, "Zhao Qiang, think about it. They've pushed you into an abyss by making you do these things. If you confess now, we can plead with the police to treat you leniently. Otherwise, once the police find you, you won't have another chance."

Zhao Qiang hesitated for a moment, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"I...I'll tell you. It was Gu Minghui from the Gu family who ordered me to do it. He's always been jealous of Gu Zixuan and wants to seize control of the Gu family business. He made me sabotage the warehouse shelves to hurt Boss Lin, and he also made me spread rumors to smear the Gu family business. Acquiring the stock was also his idea." Zhao Qiang finally told the truth.

Neither Gu Zixuan nor I expected that the mastermind behind it all was someone from within the Gu family.

"Gu Minghui? How could he do this!" I said angrily.

Gu Zixuan's eyes revealed a hint of disappointment and anger: "I never thought he would do such a thing for power. We can't let him get away with this."

We immediately handed Zhao Qiang over to the police and informed them of Gu Minghui's actions. The police stated they would immediately launch an investigation and bring Gu Minghui to justice.

However, just when we thought the truth was about to come out, Gu Minghui suddenly disappeared.

"How could this happen? How could he have disappeared?" I asked anxiously.

Gu Zixuan frowned: "It seems he got wind of it beforehand and ran away. But he can't hide forever. We must find him."

During the search for Gu Minghui, the stock price of Gu Family Enterprises continued to fluctuate. Although there was support from some shareholders, the acquisition by the mysterious force continued.

"Zixuan, if things continue like this, the company's control will still be in danger," I said worriedly.

Gu Zixuan nodded: "I know. I've already contacted some friends in the financial industry, and they will help us figure out how to deal with this stock market crisis."

Just when we were busy with the company and Gu Minghui's affairs, I suddenly developed health problems.

I felt a sharp abdominal pain, and large beads of sweat rolled down my forehead.

"Zixuan... my stomach hurts..." I said weakly.

Gu Zixuan's expression changed drastically. He immediately picked me up and rushed to the hospital.

In the hospital emergency room, I lay on the bed, struggling in pain. Gu Zixuan paced anxiously outside the door, his eyes filled with worry.

The doctors inside were conducting tense examinations and treatments. Time passed by, and every second was agonizing for Gu Zixuan.

Finally, the doctor came out.

"Doctor, how is my wife? Is the baby alright?" Gu Zixuan asked anxiously.

The doctor's expression was grave: "Ms. Lin's condition is quite critical; the baby may be premature. We will do our best to save both mother and child, but you should be prepared."

Romance of the Republic of China: Shanghai in Turmoil

Upon hearing the doctor's words, Gu Zixuan felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, and his legs almost gave way. He gripped the doctor's arm tightly, his voice trembling as he pleaded, "Doctor, please, you must save them, you absolutely must..."

The doctor patted Gu Zixuan on the shoulder and comforted him, "We will do our best. Please calm down and wait patiently outside." After saying that, he hurriedly returned to the emergency room.

Gu Zixuan sat helplessly on a chair in the hospital corridor, his hands covering his head, filled with anxiety and fear. Images of the dangers he and his child might face kept flashing through his mind, and he silently prayed.

"Fangfei, you must be alright, and the baby must be safe..." Gu Zixuan murmured to himself, his eyes filled with pain and helplessness.

In the emergency room, I was in excruciating abdominal pain, and my consciousness began to blur. But I held onto a firm belief: I must save our child, and I must get through this difficult time with Gu Zixuan.

"My child, you must be strong..." I kept saying to my unborn baby in my heart.

Time ticked by in agonizing moments, each minute feeling like an eternity. Gu Zixuan sat in the corridor, his eyes fixed on the emergency room door, not daring to relax for a moment.

Upon hearing the news, Su Yao rushed to the hospital. Seeing Gu Zixuan's distraught state, her eyes also reddened.

"Zixuan, Fangfei and the baby will be alright, they will be alright..." Su Yao held back her tears as she comforted Gu Zixuan.

Gu Zixuan looked up at Su Yao, his eyes filled with despair: "Yao Yao, I'm so scared. What if something happens to Fangfei and the baby...?"

Su Yao held Gu Zixuan's hand tightly: "No, Fangfei is so strong, the baby will definitely be born safely. We have to believe in them."

After what seemed like an eternity, the emergency room doors finally opened slowly. The doctor emerged, a tired but relieved smile on his face.

"Congratulations, both you and the baby are safe and sound. It's a boy, and he's very healthy," the doctor said.