Chapter One: The Same Day, Twice

Her face turned white. Phones rose around the ballroom. She treasured appearances, so he returned hers intact—along with the calculation concealed beneath it. Gu Zhengrong struck his cane against the floor. "Enough! Without this family, what do you imagine you can accomplish?" In his former life, Chenzhou had wanted only to prove he still deserved the Gu name. Now the question seemed absurd. "Before nine tomorrow, I will return all authority, vehicles, and keys. Settle my private shares according to the bylaws. As for what I can accomplish—" He picked up his coat and passed Chengze. "You will know soon." Rain had begun outside. Chenzhou entered a taxi and named an address nobody expected. "Linjiang Sports Center. West gate."