C50 News Conference

In the expansive office, the air seemed to be at a standstill, creating an eerily tense atmosphere.

Old Madam Gu sat with impeccable posture, her aged spine ramrod straight. Her eyes, though cloudy, were piercing as they fixed on Gu Qinian.

At that moment, Gu Qinian's gaze was intensely focused on Ye Tian across the room. His eyes were dark and foreboding, a chill emanating from them as if his stare could cut like a blade.

Ye Tian was on edge, acutely aware of Gu Qinian's scrutiny. She inwardly cursed him. What's his problem? Why is he glaring at me? It's not like I wanted to be here. If it weren't for his grandmother insisting, I wouldn't have bothered showing up!

Finally, Old Madam Gu parted her wrinkled lips, her voice rough but laced with an icy sharpness. "There's no need for you to glare at Tian. I'm the one who brought her here. If you have any complaints, direct them at me."

Her statement was delivered with a calm that belied the force behind it, leaving Gu Qinian at a loss for words. He was usually unyielding, but in the presence of Old Madam Gu, his defiance melted into compliance.

He owed much to her. With his parents having passed away early, it was Old Madam Gu who had raised him, a debt of gratitude he never forgot.

So, despite the rage simmering within him, he had to quell it before his grandmother. "No, Grandma, what brings you here?"

With a scoff, Old Madam Gu retorted, "If I hadn't come, this situation would have spiraled out of control!"

Gu Qinian understood the gravity of her visit. As she expressed her displeasure, his lips tightened into a firm line.

Old Madam Gu observed his reaction with growing dissatisfaction, her authoritative voice intensifying. "Such a significant issue at hand, and yet you've done nothing. Are you waiting for the media to drag you and Tian through the mud?"

She snorted again, her expression stern and unyielding. "You might tolerate such disgrace, but the Gu family cannot afford to be dragged down with you!"

Without waiting for Gu Qinian to react, she commanded with authority, "Call a press conference immediately!"

Gu Qinian's brow furrowed as he looked up. "Grandma, what are you planning to do?"

"What else? We need to set the record straight. Do you really want to let this situation escalate? Enough with the chatter; just do as I say!"

Gu Qinian's cheeks twitched slightly, but he knew better than to defy her, so he reluctantly instructed Han Cheng to make the arrangements.

Ye Tian had been keeping her head down, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, listening intently while trying to stay out of sight.

For some reason, she had a sinking feeling that Old Madam Gu was about to pull a significant move.

Indeed, her intuition was correct.

Half an hour later, the hastily arranged press conference was set to begin. A swarm of media had descended upon the venue, filling the hall to capacity.

When Han Cheng came to fetch them, Old Madam Gu slowly rose to her feet, adjusted her appearance, and then pointed at Ye Tian's hand.

"You, hold Tian's hand."

Ye Tian was taken aback, her face registering complete surprise. She was utterly baffled by the old lady's scheme.

Gu Qinian's expression grew stormier, his eyes smoldering with fury as he glanced her way.

Old Madam Gu, noticing his demeanor, sharply reprimanded him.

"Qinian, remember that she is your lawfully wedded wife! Regardless of your personal feelings, you must show a united, loving front to the public!"

At this, Gu Qinian's gaze turned even more turbulent, as if it could bleed.

Ye Tian, witnessing his anger, trembled inwardly, fearing he might lash out at her.

She had been led here by the old lady, completely bewildered by the unfolding events.

But now, it dawned on her: the old lady intended to publicly clear the air and, in the process, display their affection for all to see.

With trepidation, she glanced at Gu Qinian's darkening face and tentatively suggested,

"Grandma, isn't this unnecessary? The media thrives on speculation. Ignoring them might just make this whole thing blow over in a day or two."

"Ridiculous! If we don't address this scandal, both you and Qinian's reputations will be tarnished!"

Old Madam Gu shot her a disapproving look, then turned her stern gaze back to Gu Qinian. "I'm warning you, behave yourself! Otherwise, you'll have me to answer to!"

After her words fell, she turned and walked away. Despite her advanced age, she remained robust and vigorous. Even from behind, one could sense her commanding presence.

Behind her, Gu Qinian fixed Ye Tian with an icy stare, his eyes brimming with malice that seemed ready to devour her.

Ye Tian felt wronged and longed to explain, but there was no time for details at this critical juncture. With a sense of resignation, she simply spread her hands in a helpless gesture.

"Don't look at me like that, I... Ouch!"

Her words were cut short as she let out a sharp cry of pain.

Gu Qinian's expression was frosty as he gripped her hand with crushing force, almost as if he intended to shatter her bones.

Without a word, he pulled her towards the hall the next second.

Ye Tian hurried after him, glancing at his back, which radiated an icy chill, and she couldn't resist pursing her lips in response.

Soon, the trio arrived at the press conference venue.

Before the gathered media could pose any questions, Old Madam Gu, with the swiftness of a thunderbolt, produced the marriage certificate she had prepared well in advance and displayed it for all to see.

"Today, I've convened this press conference specifically to address the unfounded rumors spread by various media outlets. Gu's Group CEO Gu Qinian and Ye Tian have been married for three years. They are both private individuals, which is why there has been no fanfare about their union."

At her declaration, the reporters erupted into a frenzy of surprise.

No one had anticipated that the pair had been wed for three years already!

Old Madam Gu surveyed the room with a steely gaze before speaking once more.

"As for the baseless gossip about a mistress rising to power, it's pure fiction! These rumors surfaced only after their marriage. I urge you to consider who might have ulterior motives!"

Her tone was measured yet resonant, striking like a thunderclap, jolting many to realization.

Although Old Madam Gu did not specify the scandal in question, it was clear to all present that she referred to Ye Ziyan.

Upon reflection, it became apparent that the so-called scandal had been hinted at by Ziyan herself in interviews over the past year.

Now, as everyone regarded the formidable Old Madam Gu, they felt a wave of apprehension and regretted their part in perpetuating the unfounded rumors.

If they managed to anger Gu's Group, they had no idea the extent of the pressure their media studio would face!

Old Madam Gu observed the reactions of those around her and could tell that her blunt words had made an impact, softening her stern demeanor somewhat.

She glanced at Gu Qinian and another, her tone losing some of its harshness.

"Both of you should make your stance clear. This charade has dragged on long enough; it's time for a conclusion."