Chapter Eighty

Chapter Eighty

Due to the online scandal, the Tang family's already tarnished reputation worsened.

The initially subsiding boycott became more intense, with people online starting to question why Tang’s father and Tang Jiu, after being arrested by the police, were released unscathed, suspecting some unspeakable conspiracy.

For a while, everyone was against the Tang family.

It was hard for Tang’s father not to be furious.

Initially, it was Tang Jiu who took action against Shen Wang, only to be caught off guard and have his weakness exploited, leading to his continuous defeat and almost ruining the entire Tang family.

And now, despite being warned not to act recklessly, Tang Jiu has stirred up trouble again, causing the whole Tang family to clean up his mess.

Remembering the substantial investment brought by Gu Manling, Tang's father coldly eyed Tang Jiu, warning, "Don't do anything unnecessary, focus on pleasing that woman from the Gu family."

Tang Jiu gritted his teeth: "Yes, Dad, I understand."

Tang's father nodded, indicating, "Because of you, the company has suffered another loss... you know what to do."

Tang Jiu's eyes darkened: "I know what I need to do."

"Leave now."

Following his father's cold, rigid voice, Tang Jiu left the study.

The moment he stepped out of the room, Tang Jiu couldn't restrain his twisted expression. His eyes were fierce, fists clenched, nails almost digging into his flesh.

Knowing Shen Wang's talent, Tang's father seemed to instantly rediscover his lost paternal love. He was deeply pained by Shen Wang's departure, quickly shifting all the blame for driving Shen Wang away onto Tang Jiu, believing that without Tang Jiu, Shen Wang would never have been so heartless towards the family.

Under his father's undisguised cold disdain, Tang Jiu didn't know how he had survived this period.

How he had previously pretended to be close to Shen Wang in front of Tang's parents, schemed to make them neglect Shen Wang, letting Shen Wang endure countless cold looks... now it seemed like it was all coming back to him.

Recalling the once happy family of three now felt like a distant dream, almost unreal.

Tang Jiu composed his expression, reverting to his reliable and gentle demeanor, and went to the hotel where Gu Manling was staying. Seeing her, he smiled and raised the lunchbox in his hand: "Ling'er, these are pastries personally made by my mom. They taste great, I brought some for you to try."

Gu Manling, however, tilted her head: "As a cultivator, I don't indulge in culinary desires. There was no need for you to bring this especially for me."

Tang Jiu cursed inwardly. If it had been any other ordinary woman, his tactic would have worked already, but this cultivator was not easily swayed.

Maintaining a smile, Tang Jiu spoke softly, "Cultivators indeed should not focus on culinary desires. I just thought of you suddenly and came over without much thought."

This time, Gu Manling finally realized that it wasn't about the pastries. She stepped aside to open the door, saying, "You are thoughtful."

Tang Jiu entered the room without looking aside, carefully taking out the pastries and explaining, "This is green bean cake, made by my mother, and this is rose cake…"

Gu Manling listened indifferently, barely paying attention to Tang Jiu.

Tang Jiu, trying hard to please: "..."

"So, you're trying to outdo me, huh?" Tang Jiu took a deep breath and casually asked, "Your brother seems to have been out of the public eye for a long time. Has he encountered some trouble?"

Gu Manling frowned.

Ignoring her reaction, Tang Jiu continued, "Such negligence of his duties, I don't know why people in the metaphysical world admire him so much."

Tang Jiu had long realized that Gu Manling, who appeared lofty and proud, was secretly jealous of her brother. To cater to her feelings, he made every effort to belittle Gu Dongting and elevate Gu Manling.

"Tailoring my words to the audience has always been a skill I'm familiar with," Tang Jiu thought, not ashamed but proud. It was this skill that enabled him to have so many girlfriends.

As for Gu Manling... Tang Jiu covertly observed her profile, his mind unintentionally recalling a somewhat similar face.

Among the girls Tang Jiu had dated, Gu Manling was undoubtedly the most beautiful. But having seen another face that was colder and more ethereal, Gu Manling seemed like a poor imitation, clumsily copying another, yet capturing only a fraction of their charm.

Gu Manling pursed her lips, her eyes flickering with a wild fire: "Who knows."

"I heard that Gu Dongting has a good relationship with Shen Wang. I heard that someone mistakenly thought Shen Wang was keeping a demon secretly, and it was Gu Dongting who trusted him without reason and vouched for him, preventing his arrest."

Gu Manling's eyes shifted slightly, revealing a sneer of mockery or disdain: "My brother is just a bookworm who doesn't understand worldly wisdom. He knows nothing but cultivation, poor at judging people. He'll suffer for it someday."

Having said that, Gu Manling realized she had revealed too much emotion and quickly composed herself, returning to her previously aloof demeanor.

Seizing the opportunity, Tang Jiu said, "By the way, Shen Wang was recently criticized online for publicly selling talismans. He said I was the one criticizing him, but heavens know, I've been with you every day, how could I have the time to do that…"

"Because of his actions, my father sternly warned me not to provoke him, and the company has been destabilized again because of his issues."

"If your brother really is close to him, could you please talk to your brother and ask this Shen Wang to stop bothering me?"

Gu Manling blurted out, "No need for that, I'll invest more in your company."

She would rather die than ask Gu Dongting for help, nor did she want to sever the connection between Gu Dongting and Shen Wang... Only someone like Shen Wang, a rogue and ruffian, could drag Gu Dongting into the mire.

Gu Manling maliciously anticipated whether her eternally noble and meticulous brother could maintain his inner righteousness and his aloof demeanor when he fell into disgrace.

Without waiting for Tang Jiu to ask, Gu Manling took out a black card and handed it to him: "How much more does your company need?"

Tang Jiu's eyes flashed, suppressing a smile, and he pretended to refuse: "I can't take more money from you..."

After a long back-and-forth, they concluded with Tang Jiu reluctantly accepting the black card, exchanging a glance that brought harmony to the air.

Once Tang Jiu left, Gu Manling picked up her phone and clumsily downloaded a social media app.

She searched using keywords and, sure enough, found many posts criticizing Shen Wang. Gu Manling couldn't help but slightly curl her lips.

Even though she knew Gu Dongting and Shen Wang were different people, the thought of the usually flawless Gu Dongting having such a friend was like finding a stain on the otherwise spotless moon.

Unable to control herself, Gu Manling, following the process Tang Jiu had explained to her, bought several marketing accounts specifically to slander Shen Wang.

After doing all this, Gu Manling felt like she had triumphed over something invisible, her lips curling into a smile.

What the soon-to-be disinterested Gu Manling didn't know was that shortly after she logged off, the marketing accounts she had bought were severely criticized by netizens.

[Taking dirty money, disgusting!]

[Even exposed, still accepting dirty money, revolting]

[Such marketing accounts have no shame at all]

[Taking money to do deeds? Even after being exposed, still taking money, totally blinded by greed, not afraid of ruining their reputation]

[What reputation do marketing accounts have, anyway? They just do anything for money]

Amidst the netizens' mockery, the marketing accounts looked at the extra deposits in their accounts, unsure whether to cry or laugh: "It's not that I wanted to do this, she just offered too much."

After finishing her cultivation, Gu Manling suddenly found several missed calls on her phone, all from her family: her grandmother, Gu San, her mother…

Just as she was about to return the call, her phone rang again. This time, the caller was unexpectedly Gu Er.

Gu Manling paused for a moment before answering, her voice cold and emotionless: "Uncle, I was cultivating and didn't notice the phone. Is something wrong at home?"

Instead of Gu Er's voice, a vibrant young voice came through: "Little sister, what did you do to upset big brother?"

This sudden, out-of-the-blue question left Gu Manling puzzled and impatient: "What are you talking about?"

This time, it was Gu Er's gentle voice: "Ling'er, your big brother called me suddenly. He said... you've been recklessly using the black card and asked me to cancel it."

After explaining, Gu Er's voice softened as he asked, "I checked your transactions, and recently, you transferred fifty million to an account... Did you buy something?"

Gu Er's question was very tactful, causing Gu Manling's expression to darken slightly: "Uncle, can't I even use fifty million?"

Just for using a mere fifty million, Gu Dongting actually wanted to cancel her card! Gu Manling felt a chill in her heart. Despite some dissatisfaction, she still regarded Gu Dongting as her brother.

She hadn't expected that using a bit more money would upset Gu Dongting.

Countless thoughts flashed through Gu Manling's mind. She remembered the countless precious materials Gu Dongting had bought before, his private plane, and his unlimited supplementary card...

Indeed, even though they all shared the surname Gu, people are different. For the first time, Gu Manling felt this indignant. Why should she be treated differently just because she wasn't the eldest grandson or because she was a woman, destined to be a stepping stone for Gu Dongting?

Gu Er laughed awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

Fifty million was indeed not a lot for the Gu family. Gu Dongting had never cared about the younger generation's spending before. It was unclear why he suddenly intervened this time.

When Gu Er spoke of this matter, he also felt quite ashamed. He wasn't a petty person and wouldn't freeze his niece's card just because she spent tens of millions.

On the contrary, Gu Da and Grandma Gu, after hearing about this, actually supported Gu Dongting's decision.

After hearing the news, Gu San and his wife rushed to the old house, hysterically making a scene, and were still unwilling to give up: "Brother, how have I wronged you? How has my Ling'er wronged you? Whenever she sees you, doesn't she always warmly call you 'Uncle'? When has she ever failed to greet you?"

"She respects you as an elder, yet you want to freeze her card just because of a young person's words! Brother, Ling'er is a girl after all, how can you treat her like this!"

After being scolded relentlessly, Gu Er, feeling guilty, couldn't say a word.

Gu Manling's fingers clenched her phone tightly, listening to her father defending her. Her eyes reddened slightly, and just as a smile was about to form on her lips, another voice came through.

"Uncle, if I call you uncle, would you also be willing to give me tens of millions for pocket money?"

Gu Manling's pupils shrank. How could Gu Dongting have suddenly returned to the capital? Wasn't he still in City C a few days ago?

In the capital, everyone in the Gu family was immensely shocked.

Gu Dongting wore his signature white clothes, his hair still held up with a jade hairpin. Perhaps because of his rush to return, his white clothes were slightly loose, and his normally neat hair was a bit disheveled, with a few strands casually falling.

His appearance now lacked his usual cold dignity, instead exuding a carefree and unrestrained air.

Gu Dongting's eyes were cold and stern, his dark pupils somehow intimidating, giving the impression of being watched by a wild beast.

Then, in a fleeting moment, Gu Dongting's gaze returned to its usual calm and indifference, seemingly unfazed and untroubled by anything.

Startled by Gu Dongting, Gu San then retorted: "Why should I give you tens of millions? Does just calling you 'uncle' make it worth that much?"

Gu Dongting looked expressionlessly at Gu San: "Uncle, if my 'uncle' is worthless, then why is my sister's 'uncle' worth a black card?"

Gu San was taken aback and became even angrier: "That's Ling'er's rightful possession, it was hers to begin with!"

Gu Dongting slowly lowered his eyes, hiding the mockery within: "Her black card? Uncle, think again, whose black card is it really?"

Gu San fumed: "That's her black card, if it's not hers, could it possibly be yours?"

"You rascal, haven't seen you in a few days and you've become so ill-mannered. Coveting your sister's belongings is bad enough, but now you disrespect your elders and insult your uncle... Today you dare to treat our family like this, will you also snatch away your brother's possessions tomorrow and curse at your uncle?"

Gu San's scolding was forceful, trying to drag Gu Da into the argument, but he was abruptly interrupted.

"Gu Shanshui!" Gu Er, usually a good-natured businessman who joked around with the family and rarely got truly angry, looked as upset as he had never been before, "Do you think something becomes yours just because it's been given to you for a while?"

Seeing Gu Er genuinely furious, Gu San was dumbfounded: "Er, Brother Er?"

"Have you forgotten, Gu Dongting is my son." Gu Er's gaze at Gu San was a mix of pain and disappointment, "And the black card... was that pocket money I gave to the younger ones?"

Gu San's face turned pale for a moment: "But, but you gave it to them..."

Once given, doesn't it belong to them?

Gu Er, now laughing bitterly in anger, began to doubt whether he had ever truly understood his brother over all these years.

The Gu family had an excellent family atmosphere. Grandfather Gu and Grandmother Gu never forced their children, only hoping they could live peacefully, joyfully, and happily.

The three Gu brothers grew up together. Gu Da, interested in metaphysics, learned the family's ancestral metaphysics from Grandfather Gu and upheld the Gu family's legacy.

Gu Er, on the other hand, had no interest in metaphysics. Outgoing by nature and enjoying interactions with people, he loved making money, so he chose to be a businessman instead of pursuing cultivation, building a successful career over decades.

While Gu San was slacking off and sleeping when his eldest brother was diligently studying, and whining to his parents when his second brother was out in the scorching sun drumming up business.

Grandfather Gu and Grandmother Gu happily accepted the unambitious Gu San, believing that as long as he maintained good character, even an ordinary life could bring lifelong happiness.

In the end, the eldest brother became a renowned figure in the metaphysical world, the second brother a business tycoon, and only Gu San, in his middle age, realized he had always been overshadowed by his brothers.

Lacking talent in cultivation, Gu San pestered Gu Er to teach him business. To give him practice, Gu Er handed him a small company to manage. However, Gu San worked inconsistently and even complained about the low-end business and insufficient profits brought in by his employees.

Eventually, Gu Er had to take back the company and assigned him a nominal position in his own company.

Now, seeing his genuinely cared-for younger brother, Gu Er couldn't help but feel a chill rise from deep within.

Gu Dongting's barely noticeable cold laugh: "Uncle, other things given away can't be taken back, but this is a black card. We've supported your family for so long, you haven't forgotten, have you?"

Gu San, red-faced from the retort, instinctively countered: "I've never needed your support, I earn my own money."

After saying this, seeing the strange looks from his brothers, Gu San knew he misspoke and quickly tried to remedy: "Our parents are still here. What's this talk about support? At most... at most I'm just living off my parents, they support me."

By the end, he grew more confident, puffing out his chest.

The Gu family was wealthy and powerful, so what if they supported one leisurely son? He was their biological child, after all!

A timid young boy tentatively raised his hand: "Uncle, Grandpa and Grandma can support you, but are you sure they won’t throw you out once they know about your extravagant lifestyle?"

"Gu Yuncheng!" Gu Da looked at his son.

Gu Yuncheng pursed his lips, silently retracting his hand, pretending he hadn’t said anything.

Though he said nothing, Gu Yuncheng inwardly rolled his eyes.

They should know that their grandparents came from an earlier, more frugal era. While they didn't hesitate to spend where necessary, they never indulged in luxury and taught their children and grandchildren to be economical and not wastefully extravagant.

Gu Da inherited this strict habit, tightly controlling Gu Yunche's pocket money, fearing his young and impressionable mind might be led astray.

Gu Er earned enough money on his own but was not one to indulge in luxury. Apart from spoiling his wife with purchases, he rarely spent on himself. His son, Gu Dongting, raised single-handedly by Gu Da, was truly a devoted ascetic.

On the other hand, the family of Gu San...

Their mansion, not to mention the luxury cars that barely fit in the garage, and Gu San's wife's countless luxury items... If it weren't for Gu Da and Gu Er covering for him, their grandparents would have long taken to educating their son with a clothes hanger.

Seeing Gu San speechless, Gu Dongting said indifferently, "If Uncle thinks he can stand on his own, we certainly won't stop him, Dad."

Hearing Gu Dongting address him, Gu Er immediately said, "From now on, you don't need to come to my company to work, and I've also stopped Ling'er's card."

After speaking, Gu Er, not waiting for Gu San to entangle him further, added, "Don't push me to take back all those things... Do you remember whose money you used to buy them?"

Gu San's face turned extremely unsightly as he opened his mouth, "Big brother, you treat me like this just because of what a junior said?"

"He is my son," Gu Er said, his brows tightly furrowed, his dissatisfaction with Gu San escalating, "In terms of closeness, naturally, my son is closer."

Gu San, trembling with anger, retorted, "Fine! Just fine, Gu Er! Bringing your business tactics into the family!"

Gu San left in a huff, leaving the others in the room exchanging glances, each with a different expression.

Gu Da's brow was deeply furrowed, unsure whether to worry about his brothers' quarrel or the fact that one brother had been spoiled rotten.

Gu Da looked at Gu Er, about to speak.

"Big brother, don't try to persuade me," Gu Er cut him off, "I won't change my mind. If he weren't my own brother, I wouldn't have let off this ingrate so easily."

Gu Da: "..."

Gu Da: "I wanted to ask, did the third brother really... spend your money on many things? Live a life of extreme luxury?"

Gu Er's expression turned peculiar.

Gu Yunche peeked out quietly: "Dad, you didn't know?"

Gu Da: "...I never pay attention to these things."

Alright then. Gu Er massaged his temples, waving his hand dismissively: "Fine, I can afford it... but I can't let him take me for a fool, brothers shouldn't exploit each other like that."

Gu Da nodded, his brow furrowing even more.

After leaving with Gu Yunche, only Gu Dongting and Gu Er remained in the room.

Gu Er narrowed his eyes, circling his son: "Xiao Ting, something's off about you."

"You're very off."

Gu Dongting sat down leisurely, looking up: "What's off about me?"

"Like the eldest, you used to ignore worldly affairs, solely focused on your path to ascension. You wouldn't bother with such matters," Gu Er stroked his chin, a hint of sharpness in his eyes, "You used to buy private jets on a whim, eating simple noodles and fried rice when out, saying it's just for convenience, never minding the cost."

"But now you're involved in family affairs..." Gu Er suddenly intensified his tone, "Are you...?"

Gu Dongting sipped his tea, looking down.

Gu Er blurted out: "Are you in love? Worried that your uncle's family will bankrupt us and you won't be able to afford a wife?"

Gu Dongting paused in his tea-drinking, placing down the cup with a complex look in his eyes: "Dad, don't overthink it."

"Is that not the case? I don't believe it," Gu Er stubbornly insisted, "Are you still not successful in your pursuit? Tell Dad, he'll give you some advice. Your mom was a widely acclaimed beauty across the region, and I won her over."

"Whatever type of person you like, Dad can help you win them over…"

Listening to Gu Er's ramblings, Gu Dongting used his tea cup to hide a faint smile on his lips. Indeed, how would an ordinary person ever think of something like rebirth?

A rambling father, a stunningly beautiful mother, a solemn and upright uncle, a youthful-hearted aunt, a clever and bright younger brother… and the gentle and kind grandparents.

This was the family Gu Dongting had lost many years ago and had only recently reclaimed. This time, he wouldn't allow anyone to destroy it!

On the other end, Gu San, who had hurriedly left the Gu family, spoke into the phone, frustrated: "Ling'er, did you hear everything?"

Gu Manling, who had listened to the entire conversation over the phone, had a frosty expression and responded with a soft hum.

"This Gu Er is getting more and more arrogant," Gu San cursed loudly, "He's just a stinking businessman, what's there to be proud of!"

Gu Manling bit her lip and remained silent.

"Damn it, he even cut off your black card, saying he won't support us anymore," Gu San laughed sarcastically, "Who needs his support? Does he really think the world won't turn without him?"

Gu Manling, with a vacant look, listened to her father's complaints and then muttered, "That black card, has he already stopped it?"

"Don't know, but given Gu Er's stinginess, he'll surely freeze it soon. Ling'er, hurry, take advantage of it now, withdraw some money quickly..."

Gu Manling didn't hear her father's words; she thought of the black card taken by Tang Jiu and her expression changed slightly.

If the money was spent before the card was stopped, it wouldn't matter, but if it wasn't used and then frozen, what if Tang Jiu couldn't use it...

Just thinking of that embarrassing situation made Gu Manling's face turn beet red; she even thought of calling Tang Jiu immediately to get her card back.

As Gu Manling thought, after Tang Jiu got the black card, he didn't go straight home but went out for a stroll instead.

He found a familiar girl willing to exchange money and spent his time in sweet oblivion.

In front of Gu Manling, he was an insignificant character, always following her lead, pleasing and flattering her with all his might, so even though Gu Manling was beautiful, Tang Jiu dared not show any improper gestures or looks in front of her.

Only out of her sight, he could greedily steal glances at her, fantasizing about conquering this proud woman.

However, that was a thought for another time; for now, he could only flatter her, selling his soul for a bit of money.

Only the understanding and gentle comforts could soothe his wounded male pride.

When Tang Jiu emerged from his indulgence, it was already evening. He returned to the Tang house content and placed the black card on his father's desk: "Dad, I got it."

"Good job!" Tang's father was overjoyed. With several employees leaving the company today, and it teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, this money was a lifeline!

Eagerly taking out the card machine and entering a shockingly large amount, Tang's father's eyes were filled with greed.

But soon, the card machine indicated that the transaction was unsuccessful.

Tang's father thought for a moment, entered a much lower amount, but it still failed.

Lowered again, the transaction was unsuccessful.

Lowered once more, yet again the transaction failed.

Even when reduced to several hundred thousand, the card still showed as unsuccessful.

Tang's father slammed the card onto the table: "Has this card been frozen?"

Tang Jiu was shocked: "Impossible, I just withdrew fifty million last time!"

Tang's father tried several more times, even attempting minor amounts, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

The two looked at each other, Tang Jiu expecting his father to be furious, at least scolding him, but his father just looked dazed, somewhat panicky, and fearful.

"Our last lifeline... gone."

Now, without a significant influx of funds, the Tang family was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Tang Jiu felt a surge of panic, feeling as if something was slipping out of control, he quickly stood up, clutching the black card, and hurried out, saying, "Impossible!"

"She's from the wealthy Gu family! How could she not have the money!"

"Maybe she took the wrong card, I need to ask her!"

Watching Tang Jiu rush out, Tang's father's eyes remained motionless, eventually slumping defeatedly into his chair: "It's all over, everything's gone."

Tang Jiu sprinted, the whistling wind at his ears, as he hailed a taxi on the roadside, rushing to the hotel where Gu Manling was staying.

Too impatient to wait for the elevator, Tang Jiu clambered up to the sixteenth floor, knocking on the door forcefully.

When the door opened, Tang Jiu and Gu Manling locked eyes.

Each preoccupied with their thoughts, neither noticed the other's distressed appearance.

Tang Jiu tried to maintain his facade, handing over the black card: "Ling'er, did you take the wrong card? This one's not working."

Gu Manling's already pale complexion turned even whiter, she stuttered, unable to speak.

She, who had never lacked money, never imagined herself in such a plight, unable to fulfill a promise and now confronted by the concerned party.

"Ling'er, it's really urgent right now, it's not the time to joke, can you play with me some other time?" Tang Jiu forced a smile.

Gu Manling's eyes flickered, clutching the useless black card, she said bitterly: "Tang Jiu... my card, it's been frozen."

Tang Jiu's pupils contracted, unable to maintain his composure: "What did you say?!"

"The card's been frozen?!"

"How could your card be frozen at a time like this?"

"Are you playing with me? Why would it be frozen now and not earlier or later? Do you find it amusing to toy with me?"

"Are you just trying to see me making a fool of myself trying to please you?"

Suddenly grabbed by the arm, Tang Jiu's previously gentle demeanor vanished. His voice was shrill, his eyes wide and furious, resembling an irate Chihuahua, barking incessantly.

Even though Gu Manling was a cultivator, she was startled by such abrupt aggression. Breaking free with force, she instinctively kicked Tang Jiu out and slammed the hotel room door shut with a bang.

Locking it swiftly, she pulled the security chain in one fluid motion.

Tang Jiu lay sprawled in the hallway like an upturned frog.

Gu Manling's voice, muffled but discernible, came through the door: "It's not that I don't want to help you, but my black card belongs to Gu Dongting's father, and he's the one who stopped it. I can't do anything."

Tang Jiu's eyes reddened, fixated on the words echoing in his mind: "Gu Dongting's father... stopped the card..." He punched the floor, gritting out through clenched teeth: "Gu Dongting!"

Meanwhile, Tang's father suddenly received a phone call.

"The special department has terminated its cooperation with the Tang family."

Tang's father looked bewildered. The talisman business was the foundation of their family. How could they have lost the talisman business now?