C1 Long Time No See!

At the VIP entrance of A City's airport, the security team, briefed and ready, surveyed the area with a vigilant gaze. After several sweeps confirmed the absence of any paparazzi, they signaled towards the innermost part of the corridor. Han Cheng, the assistant to the president of Gu's Group, acknowledged the signal with a nod. He checked his watch briefly, then inhaled deeply and made his way towards the VIP entrance.

Moments later, a line of people emerged from the passage, each sharply dressed in suits and polished shoes. Leading them was an especially commanding figure. Behind his sunglasses, his eyes were dark and piercing, and his jaw was set with an edge like a sculpted blade. This was Gu Qinian, the youngest heir to Gu's Group.

Catching sight of his assistant, Gu Qinian's face twisted with displeasure. "What's the situation? Why are there so many journalists?"

The flight that should have landed an hour earlier had been besieged by reporters, forcing a lengthy detour before they could finally emerge. Gu Qinian's patience had nearly reached its limit.

"Director Gu, we've received word from the hospital. Miss Ye had an altercation and fell down some stairs. She sustained a head injury requiring two stitches and is currently unconscious."

Miss Ye was none other than Ye Ziyan, the rumored girlfriend of his boss. It was common knowledge throughout A City that Gu Qinian's affection for Ye Ziyan ran deep. He had spared no expense in investing in three films to elevate her career, solidifying her status as a leading actress.

The reporters, having learned of Gu Qinian's return, swarmed the airport like flies, eager to capture Young Master Gu's initial reaction to the news.

As Han Cheng kept pace with Gu Qinian, he carefully monitored his boss's mood while continuing his report.

Gu Qinian's brow furrowed at the update. "An altercation? With whom?"

"...Second Miss Ye."

At the mention of Second Miss Ye, Gu Qinian's stride halted, and his expression grew colder. He turned a steely gaze towards Han Cheng. "Ye Tian?"

"Yes. It seems the incident occurred at an award ceremony. Right after Ye Ziyan, the Ye family's eldest daughter, received the Best Newcomer Award, she encountered Second Miss Ye, Ye Tian, who was working as a photographer at the event. An argument ensued, and that's when she fell..."

Watching his boss's expression grow increasingly stormy, Han Cheng wisely fell silent.

"She really has a death wish!"

A chilling aura emanated from Gu Qinian, his gaze darkening as he turned and strode towards the exit.

Half an hour later, at the rear entrance of the downtown hospital.

Han Cheng parked the car in a secluded spot, looking somewhat sheepishly at Gu Qinian. "Director Gu, the hospital is swarming with reporters. Unfortunately, you'll have to use the back door."

The situation had escalated so quickly that he hadn't had the chance to manage the press, leaving them with no choice but to sneak in this way.

Gu Qinian's face was an unreadable mask of shadow. He glanced outside, reached for the car door handle, and pushed the door open, only to be met by a slender figure that materialized out of thin air. She deftly yanked the door open, slid into the car next to him, and swiftly shut the door, all in one fluid motion. She cocked her head and flashed him a light-hearted smile.

"It's been a while, Director Gu."

Gu Qinian's lips tightened as he regarded the unexpected woman before him, his normally icy demeanor turning even more forbidding. "I didn't come looking for you, yet here you are, showing up on your own."

Ye Tian reclined against the backrest, turning to face him with a smug expression, her delicate face alight with mischief. "What do you want with me? Missed me, have you?"

"Missed you?"

Gu Qinian's words were laced with a barely concealed sneer as he echoed her question.