In the top-floor conference room of the Gu Group, the cold gray marble tabletop reflected the cool light of the crystal chandelier.
Su Qingyuan sat in the leather chair, her fingertips secretly curling around the armrest. Her knuckles, with neatly trimmed nails, were white from the force—a detail she deliberately concealed with her drooping sleeve cuffs, only her trembling lashes betraying the inner turmoil.
Opposite her, Gu Ting-shen was flipping through the documents with almost mechanical precision. A fountain pen spun between his long fingers, the reflection of the metal cap dancing across the clauses.
His gaze stopped on "Article 3"—During the marriage, both parties shall not interfere in the other's private life, including but not limited to social relations, emotional entanglements, and personal financial control.
His brow furrowed imperceptibly for 0.5 seconds.
Su Qingyuan's heart skipped a beat. She knew he had seen it.
That was additional clause 7.3, a line of small text hidden under the "Breach of Contract" section: "During the agreement, Party A (Gu Ting-shen) shall not damage the legitimate rights and interests of Party B (Su Qingyuan)'s original family (Su Group and Su family members) through any direct or indirect means, including but not limited to business competition, slander, or personal injury."
In her past life, the Su family had been maliciously acquired by a competitor with Gu Ting-shen's tacit approval, leading to her father's fatal cerebral hemorrhage. In this life, she would never let history repeat itself.
"This clause is interesting." Gu Ting-shen finally spoke, his voice low. "Miss Su seems very worried that I will harm the Su family?"
"In the business world, one must guard against others." Su Qingyuan lowered her eyes, hiding the secrets of the reborn and her tension behind a calm facade. "President Gu, this is just a basic guarantee."
"Is it?" Gu Ting-shen's gaze became sharp. "But I am more curious why you think I need to harm the Su family to achieve some goal? We haven't even started cooperating yet."
This question was like a sword pointing straight to the core.
Su Qingyuan's fingertips felt slightly cool, but she steadied herself quickly. "President Gu, I am not targeting you. It's just... I have seen too many betrayals in the business world; I have to be cautious. If you have a clear conscience, this clause is just a null document to you, isn't it?"
Her counter-question was watertight.
Gu Ting-shen looked at her deeply, his gaze as if trying to pierce her soul and see all her hidden secrets. But in the end, he didn't pursue it further.
The tip of the fountain pen landed on the last stroke of "Gu Ting-shen," the force penetrating the paper.
The moment the signing was finished, the pen made a crisp sound against the desktop. Gu Ting-shen closed the folder, his eyes briefly meeting Su Qingyuan's—she clearly saw the inquiry and suspicion flashing in his eyes, like a mist that refused to dissipate.
Su Qingyuan stood up and extended her hand. "Pleasant cooperation, President Gu."
"I hope so, Mrs. Gu." He grasped her hand, his palm warm and dry, his grip just right.
This title made Su Qingyuan's heart tremble, but she quickly composed herself. "Then, I will move to the Gu residence tonight?"
"I have asked the housekeeper to prepare." Gu Ting-shen released her hand and turned toward the French window, his back straight and distant. "By the way, Miss Su..."
He paused, without turning back:
"I will find out your secret."
These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples in Su Qingyuan's heart. She looked at his back, the corner of her mouth curling into a meaningful smile.
Come then, Gu Ting-shen. In this life, I am not afraid of anyone seeing through me.