"Why are you acting so defensive?" Gu Yuxuan asked in a low voice.
"You have to tell me what you know. I need to confirm whether you're just bluffing or actually someone I should despise."
"Oh", Gu Yuxuan smirked. "Don't break character yet. The barrier is still lifted, but if you do decide to take it down now, there'll be no turning back."
Zimo grabbed his neck. "You'd actually let it slide?"
Gu Yuxuan smiled and pushed his hand off. But Zimo instead pulled back a strong fist… brought it back full force… but Gu Yuxuan grabbed it with a full hand.
Zimo then instantly swung his other hand but Gu Yuxuan ducked, as it moved above his head and he grabbed Zimo's arm.
A chuckle after a chuckle escaped Zimo's mouth and then a genuine laugh. "You actually know martial arts?"
"I don't like depending on others." Gu Yuxuan answered.
"You're really interesting", Zimo said, but simultaneously thinking. "I can't trust you".
"Let's go", Gu Yuxuan said.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the grand event. Even a red carpet was laid out at the entrance. Two big guards stood opposite each other, watching everyone closely as they walked in.
Gu Yuxuan and Zimo got out of the car. The keys were handed to the valet who took their car away as they entered this richly decorated building.
The assistants were welcoming, leading them inside.
Just the feeling of stepping into this large, spacious hall, that was fully packed, brought millionaire vibes. Gu Yuxuan went to stand at his table. A small, thin one, where only a bottle of wine and glass could stand on.
Zimo stood next to him, his eyes jumping around in the building. Gu Yuxuan looked at him and cleared his throat. "Aren't you supposed to be a bodyguard?"
"What's wrong?" Zimo asked.
"You're standing at my table like an invited guest." Gu Yuxuan said.
Zimo restrainedly looked around. "Where am I supposed to stand?"
"Behind me"
"I don't want to", Zimo uttered, looking him straight in the face, and getting a gold stare in return. "Don't look at me like that", he said, looking away.
Gu Yuxuan kept his gaze upon Zimo, watching how his confidence slowly drift away. "You're really pushing it." He said.
"There's so many people here, what can you do to me?" Zimo asked, picking the bottle up and pouring the glass half full. Then politely handed it to Gu Yuxuan. "Please forgive me sir."
Gu Yuxuan didn't take the glass and instead he said, "You paid every candidate, stopping them from attending the interview. Must've cost you a lot of money."
Zimo's muscles froze but he continued playing it cool. Even putting up a smile. "What else do you know?" He asked.
Both their faces were relaxed and pleased, one would assume they were talking about hobbies or something.
"You've started three companies and they all failed. But to buy people off, requires a lot of money."
Zimo turned to Gu Yuxuan, his eyes softened slightly as if he was accepting defeat, but Gu Yuxuan wasn't done yet.
"I investigated your family. Not only is your father very rich, but he is also my rival."
"Besides being good at everything, you're also an excellent investigator." Zimo said with a smile.
"I think you should change the sentence flow. Say it like: "You're an excellent investigator and good at everything."
Zimo's forced smile turned into a real one. "But you're keeping me, meaning you don't know the reason behind my actions yet"
"Right", Gu Yuxuan replied.
"Do you think you'll be able to uncover it?" Zimo asked.
"I don't have to. You'll tell me yourself."
Zimo laughed, nodding his head. "You said that with so much confidence. But how sure are you really?"
Gu Yuxuan turned his head to him. "Because you want something from me."
Zimo averted his gaze, and picked up the untouched glass of wine he had poured for Gu Yuxuan and drank it in his stead.
The sketch behind his apartment door flowed into his mind. The picture getting more and more clearer, visualising Gu Yuxuan. "After years of investigation, he's even more calculated than I thought."
A man came to stand at the table in front of them. When his gaze met with Gu Yuxuan, he paused for a moment then looked away.
Gu Yuxuan didn't show any emotion.
"Yuxuan", a woman's voice came from behind. Zimo looked at Gu Yuxuan before turning to look at who was calling.
Lina walked over to them. Wearing a dazzling silver dress. She went to stand right in front of Yuxuan, with only the table separating them.
"Give us a moment", Gu Yuxuan said to Zimo.
Zimo smiled and walked away.
"Yuxuan, can you stop ignoring me?", Lina asked. "I'm really trying my best to resolve the dispute, but you're not giving me a chance."
"I told you. Stop trying."
"You don't believe me?" She asked, but only got a cold stare from Gu Yuxuan.
She brushed her hand over Gu Yuxuan's hand that was on the table.
Zimo who stood across from them, slightly hidden behind the people, raised an eyebrow.
"I'm just asking for a chance to help you guys fix the family problem."
Gu Yuxuan smiled. "I know." He said. "Can you leave me alone now?"
Lina pulled her hand back. "Fine. I'll visit you another time."
As she walked away, Zimo came back. He was curious but rather kept quiet. Gu Yuxuan's gaze was just fixed ahead. Covering a discomfort with a calm look.
"You said, you're not here for the event itself. Why did you come then?" Zimo asked.
Gu Yuxuan looked at him.
"I'm asking as your employee." Zimo said
"I'm waiting for five people."
"Should I help you look for them?"
"No need. They're here"
Just then five men showed up. Their expensive suits could be spotted from miles away. Their subtle jewellery was worth millions. But their grins were as fake as if they were competing for the last position.
One man's eyes fell upon Zimo, widening in an instant. Like he was seeing someone who had no right to be there.
Zimo smiled. Gu Yuxuan smiled.
Whatever was going on around them, was completely blocked out by the tension swirling between them and the men in front.