Absolute Death Game

Looking into Gu Shaobang's expectant eyes, Xiao Buli really couldn't decide. The key issue was that if he revealed the truth to him, what kind of result would emerge—although it was not certain, Xiao Buli felt that more likely than not, the outcome wouldn't be one he wished to see.

He pondered for a moment and ultimately decided to keep the secret to himself for the time being. After all, this person, the only one he could call his closest friend, should not get involved in this crisis. Everything would have to wait until the end of this month.

Having realized this, he gave Gu Shaobang a faint smile and said, "It's nothing serious, just a little trouble. If things go well, the issue should be resolved in three weeks, and then I can tell you the truth. But until then, I think it's better to keep it secret." After finishing, he patted Gu Shaobang on the shoulder and turned to leave.

Watching Xiao Buli's retreating figure, Gu Shaobang's expression became much more solemn. He knew Xiao Buli very well, and the expression Xiao Buli had shown just now was one he had never seen before. The situation must be very complex indeed, Gu Shaobang thought, and he couldn't help but wonder, (Could it be related to that game?)

When he returned to the main residence's living room, Gu Shaobang saw Gu Jianguo chatting and drinking tea with Old Mr. Gu.

Strictly speaking, Gu Jianguo was not a direct descendant of the Gu family. He was the son of Gu Shaobang's grandfather's brother, making Gu Shaobang his cousin once removed. In a traditional family that placed great importance on lineage, this relationship meant that he could not meddle in the Gu family's property.

However, his actions made Gu Shaobang and his branch of the family appear rather inferior. Gu Jianguo had almost started from scratch and established the Excellent Space-Time group, its massive industry almost surpassing the original assets of the Gu family.

What was lacking was merely some connections and heritage, but given Excellent Space-Time's outstanding profitability, this was just a matter of time.

Because of this, the Gu family had complex feelings toward Gu Jianguo—a mixture of admiration, jealousy, distaste, and resignation. Most people chose to ignore him, at least maintaining their superiority outwardly.

But these people did not include Gu Shaobang. He was much closer to his cousin once removed. From the time Gu Jianguo was starting out with video game consoles, Gu Shaobang had spent no small amount of time playing with Gu Jianguo, and the two could be said to have a relationship bordering on brothers as well as uncle and nephew.

"Hey, little Shaobang, what game is your friend playing that's so compelling he refuses to leave it?" Gu Jianguo asked affectionately as soon as he saw Gu Shaobang come in.

Gu Shaobang shook his head somewhat gloomily, "To be honest, I really don't know. It was me who suggested it to him in the beginning." Your journey continues with empire

"You suggested it to him? How did you come across such a thing?" Old Mr. Gu's expression looked quite stern, and Gu Shaobang immediately internally cursed his luck. As with most traditional old people, Old Mr. Gu didn't look kindly on computer games. Although he tolerates them, he would always keep sayings like 'idleness leads to failure' on the tip of his tongue.

"I saw it in a business newspaper," Gu Shaobang explained quickly, excusing himself to his room. It didn't take long before he found the newspaper and showed it, "This one right here."

Gu Jianguo read the advertisement on the paper aloud while looking, "Qilin Studio? Address—"

"That's not right, this address is..." Gu Jianguo stopped suddenly mid-sentence, and Gu Shaobang gave him a curious glance, noticing that Gu Jianguo's expression was unusually serious, "What's the matter, third uncle?"

"It seems that the company your friend has joined is not an ordinary one," Gu Jianguo said gravely, putting the newspaper down.

"Do you know about this Qilin Studio?" Gu Shaobang asked.

Gu Jianguo shook his head, "I know nothing about Qilin Studio, but I am rather familiar with the details of this building. There's even a story involving it," he said, seeing the eager curiosity on Gu Shaobang's face, he began to recount the tale.

"When I was just starting out and my business was growing, I was full of ambition, feeling almost omnipotent in City B and saw myself as a major figure. I thought I could do anything, and it was then that I was choosing an office building for the group. I took a fancy to that building, yet when I sent people to negotiate, a week passed without reaching any conclusion.

The owner simply ignored my attempts and didn't even give me a chance to make an offer. I have to admit, I was young and brash back then and became angry, having dishonest thoughts. I used higher-level connections in an attempt to coerce by power, forcing the building's owner into submission."

Gu Shaobang listened with surprise; his third uncle was usually a modest and shrewd person and they were very close. It was unexpected for him to know that he could play dirty, "And then?" he asked curiously.

"And then I was the one to be coerced by power," Gu Jianguo said, his expression showing a trace of lingering fear, suggesting that the incident had truly startled him.

"Thankfully, when I was young and impulsive, although I liked shortcuts, I always knew to leave some wiggle room. Otherwise, you wouldn't be seeing me now," Gu Jianguo said while patting Gu Shaobang's shoulder.

"That serious!?" Gu Shaobang was taken aback. The Gu family was a prominent name in City B. Although they did not flaunt their power, they had critical connections when needed, which gave Gu Shaobang the illusion that the Gu family could at least be called a godfather-level clan in City B. Yet there was a force in City B that even the Gu family could not provoke.

This was truly beyond his understanding.

Seeing his expression, Gu Jianguo did not forget to teach him a lesson, "Don't you assume that just because you can leverage some familial influence, you can be fearless. There's always someone with a stronger background in this world. The question is only when and under what circumstances you will encounter them.

Take your third uncle's advice; if your friend is really working in that building, maybe it's actually a good thing that he isn't telling you the truth. If you really provoke someone you shouldn't, even the Gu family can't protect you."

Gu Shaobang nodded slightly. Although Gu Jianguo's words were surprising, he was beginning to grasp their seriousness.

Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, he was still curious, "Who's behind that company after all?"

Gu Jianguo sighed, "That's the problem. Even to this day, I don't know who we crossed back then. But one thing I do know for sure is that the person controlling that company must be a very important figure." (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)