C5 They Reunited with Their Old Friends

Yet, when he thought about Jee Huiru leaving in anger and his father being manipulated, he felt utterly unwilling to accept it.

Seeing she had the upper hand, Gu Beixue continued, "Bai Luo, you're nothing but a vile hypocrite. To boost your family's market standing, you destroyed mine, sold yourself out, and betrayed me. You're beyond redemption. What right do you have to be Qing'er's father when you're just using me?"

Jee Huiru couldn't stand it any longer, her eyes blazing with anger, wishing she could tear her apart right then and there.

"Gu Beixue, stop spewing lies! Bai Luo is an exceptional man. Just because you can't win his heart doesn't mean you should hurt him!" Jee Huiru shouted.

Seeing Jee Huiru rush in front of her again, Gu Beixue couldn't stand her face any longer and gave her a light push. Unexpectedly, Jee Huiru's legs gave way, and she collapsed to the ground, deliberately making it look like she had been shoved.

This trick always worked for Jee Huiru, but to Gu Beixue, it was laughably pathetic.

"Jee Huiru, don't think marrying Bai Luo means you've got it all. Everyone knows there was someone before us, a woman Bai Luo can never forget. You'll never be number one in his heart."

Gu Beixue was spot on. Bai Luo didn't even glance at Jee Huiru on the ground. Instead, he took a big step forward, gripping Gu Beixue's face with his large hand. "Gu Beixue, you're just trying to provoke me to get our daughter back. I'm telling you, stop dreaming!"

Jee Huiru, feeling embarrassed as Bai Luo didn't help her up, had no choice but to play the good person, grabbing Bai Luo's arm. "Nianyu is pitiful; she has nothing left. Just let her go."

Bai Luo twisted Gu Beixue's face harder, his expression dark. "I don't want to see you. Get out."

After speaking, Bai Luo strode forward, rudely bumping into Gu Beixue, causing her to stumble and nearly fall. Jee Huiru, ever the good Samaritan, caught Gu Beixue's arm to steady her. Yet, Gu Beixue noticed the mocking smile in Jee Huiru's eyes, clearly saying, "You're not even on my level now."

Jee Huiru then followed Bai Luo, trailing behind like a loyal puppy. Watching them leave, Gu Beixue felt her whole body burning with anger. She shouted hoarsely, "Bai Luo, Jee Huiru, remember this! Five years have passed, and you're still playing the same old games. I'll make sure you learn that those who do wrong will eventually meet their downfall!"

Bai Luo's steps slowed, startled by her words. It was Gu Beixue's domineering nature in the workplace that had once captivated him, leading to their complicated past. Seeing his reaction, Gu Beixue said coldly, "You owe me, and you will pay it back! Today, I want you to know that the old Gu Beixue is gone. Now, I'm here to reclaim everything I lost."

The two eventually left, and only when they disappeared from her sight did Gu Beixue collapse to the ground, gasping for air. The confrontation had drained her, words she never would have dared to speak before.

Gu Beixue's goal was clear: she wanted her daughter back, to expose Jee Huiru's false facade, to revive the family business she had ruined, and to torment Bai Luo's heart until he begged for forgiveness at her feet.

After leaving the Bai family, Gu Beixue wasted no time and headed straight to the nearby Huo family, the only family that hadn't taken a piece of her family's empire.

Not long after, Beixue arrived at the Huo family home. Seeing that the Huo family remained as influential yet understated as ever, she felt a slight sense of relief. After all, the Huo family was her only support now. In recent years, they had kept a low profile, and it was rare to hear about any major moves from them.

Huo Bingxin looked at the transformed Beixue with a mix of emotions. Her appearance hadn’t changed much, but her eyes were now sharp and determined. He once considered marrying her to his eldest son. However, after the downfall of the Gu family, many of the Huo family's businesses were affected, and their growth had stalled. He wanted to change the situation but feared his hard-earned foundation might be taken over by others.

Beixue's visit was no surprise to Huo Bingxin; he knew she was seeking help to revive her family. Yet, he felt hesitant, not wanting to take risks at his age. The Gu family could still manage on their own, but helping Beixue would be challenging—it wasn’t as simple as offering a job. The Bai family was now the most powerful in the city, and the Huo family didn’t want to make them an enemy.

Beixue, perceptive as ever, understood the Huo family's predicament. Though she no longer had high-end cosmetics or luxury brand clothes, her dignity remained intact. Facing the Huo family's dilemma, she broke the silence, saying, “I just want to know about the new rising groups these past few years. Don’t worry, even if the Gu family is gone, the Huo family won’t be.”

Huo Bingxin was taken aback, feeling a pang of guilt. Just then, Changzhi arrived with the information Beixue needed.

“Ms. Nianyu, long time no see,” Changzhi said.

Beixue smiled slightly, “Long time no see, you’ve grown up.”

The two fell silent, realizing how much things had changed, making it hard to recapture the past.

"Nianyu, are you really set on getting back at Bai Luo?" Mr. Huo asked.

Gu Beixue didn't hide her intentions. "Why? Do you think I shouldn't, Mr. Huo?"

Mr. Huo shook his head and sighed deeply. "I'm sorry for the devastating blow your family has suffered. Your father was a close friend and helped me often, but we're struggling ourselves now, so please don't blame me for not stepping in."

Gu Beixue remained calm. Her only goal was to restore her family's legacy, but she knew she was too weak at the moment. She believed that once she gained some strength, the Huo family wouldn't stand by idly.

That's why she visited Mr. Huo; it was a crucial step in her comeback plan and her last connection in the city. After gathering some documents the Huo family had prepared for her, she left without staying for dinner.

As she walked down a quiet path in the estate, her pace slowed. It was the largest mansion in the area, once belonging to her family. Now, it was sealed off, a reminder of what once was, overlooking the entire city from its peak.

Gu Beixue smiled at her old home, whispering softly in her heart, "Dad, your daughter is back!"