The news of the Su Group's collapse spread through the business world like wildfire in just 48 hours.
No one dared to doubt Gu Yanzhi's power again—not when he'd crushed a century-old family business in three days, all for a woman no one had even heard of.
Xia Xingchen's studio was flooded with cooperation offers overnight. But she only signed the one from Gu Group's design department, her pen steady as she put her signature on the contract.
This was her first big project since starting her career: the exterior and interior design of Gu Group's new headquarters, a 5 billion RMB skyscraper that would become the new landmark of the city.
She spent three days locked in her studio, pouring over blueprints, data, and design concepts, barely sleeping. Gu Yanzhi never disturbed her. He only sent his assistant to deliver three meals a day, and waited for her at the villa every night, no matter how late she came home.
On the fourth day, Xia Xingchen finally finished the first draft of the design. She packed her portfolio and headed to Gu Group for the first project meeting.
The moment she stepped into the Gu Group lobby, all eyes were on her.
Whispers followed her every step."That's Xia Xingchen, the designer who married Mr. Gu?""Is she here to take over the project through the back door?""With Mr. Gu backing her, she doesn't even need to work hard, right?"
Xia Xingchen ignored them. She lifted her chin and walked straight to the elevator, her back straight, her expression calm.
She knew exactly what people were saying. And she was going to prove to everyone that she got this project not because she was Mrs. Gu, but because she was good enough.
The meeting room was already full of senior executives from the design department. When they saw Xia Xingchen walk in, their expressions were mixed—some curious, some skeptical, some openly disdainful.
"Miss Xia, I hope you understand that this project is the most important one in Gu Group's history. We can't afford any mistakes because of personal relationships." The head of the design department, Mr. Wang, said coldly.
Xia Xingchen put her portfolio on the table and smiled faintly. "Mr. Wang, I understand. I'm here today to present my design. If it doesn't meet your standards, I will withdraw from the project immediately, no questions asked."
Her confidence silenced the room.
She opened her portfolio and began her presentation. Her design was bold, innovative, and practical. She combined modern minimalist style with the city's cultural elements, optimized the building's energy efficiency, and even considered the employees' office experience in every detail.
Every data was accurate, every concept was clear, every detail was perfect.
The skeptical expressions on the executives' faces gradually turned into shock, then admiration.
Even Mr. Wang was speechless. He had to admit that this design was far better than any of the plans submitted by the top design firms in the city.
Just as Xia Xingchen finished her presentation and the room was about to erupt in applause, the door of the meeting room was pushed open with a bang.
A woman in a red dress stood at the door, her face full of anger. It was Su Wanqing.
She had lost everything—her family, her status, her reputation. And she blamed it all on Xia Xingchen.
"Xia Xingchen! You slut! You stole my fiancé, destroyed my family, and now you dare to show your face here?!" Su Wanqing screamed, rushing towards Xia Xingchen, her hand raised to slap her.
The executives were shocked. No one dared to stop her.
Xia Xingchen stood still, her eyes cold. She didn't even flinch.
Just as Su Wanqing's hand was about to hit her face, a tall figure suddenly appeared in front of Xia Xingchen, grabbing Su Wanqing's wrist tightly.
Gu Yanzhi stood there, his face as cold as ice, his eyes filled with a terrifying rage that made everyone in the room hold their breath.
"Who gave you the courage to lay a hand on my wife?"
His voice was low and dangerous, like a beast about to roar.
Su Wanqing's face turned pale with fear. She struggled desperately, but Gu Yanzhi's hand was like an iron clamp, holding her tightly.
"Gu Yanzhi! I love you! Why did you choose this bitch over me? She only married you for your money!" Su Wanqing cried hysterically.
Gu Yanzhi looked at her with disgust. "Love? You love only my money and status. And my wife? She never asked me for anything. She built her career with her own two hands, which is something you could never understand."
He pushed Su Wanqing away hard. Su Wanqing stumbled and fell to the ground.
"Security!" Gu Yanzhi shouted. "Throw her out. And make sure she never sets foot in Gu Group again, for the rest of her life."
Two security guards rushed in and dragged the screaming Su Wanqing out of the building.
The meeting room was dead silent.
Gu Yanzhi turned around, his cold expression instantly softening when he looked at Xia Xingchen.
"Are you hurt?"
Xia Xingchen shook her head, her eyes warm. "I'm fine. Thank you, Mr. Gu."
Gu Yanzhi reached out and held her hand, then turned to look at the executives.
"From today on, Xia Xingchen is the chief designer of the new headquarters project. All her decisions are final. Anyone who doubts her, doubts me. Anyone who obstructs her, gets out of Gu Group."
His words were final, leaving no room for argument.
The executives nodded quickly, not daring to say a word.
Gu Yanzhi looked down at Xia Xingchen, a faint smile on his lips. "I told you I'd watch you build your career. And I meant it."
Xia Xingchen smiled back at him, her heart full of sweetness and strength.
She knew that with Gu Yanzhi by her side, she could overcome any obstacle.
But little did she know, a bigger crisis was waiting for her. Someone had stolen her design draft and was planning to plagiarize it, to ruin her reputation and the project.