Chapter 136: Guoguo and Tang Jiu Turn Enemies into Friends
Chapter 136: Guoguo and Tang Jiu Become Friends
Xu Yun was no saint, and naturally, he could be tempted. However, there was a distinction between what could be taken and what couldn’t. If he accepted someone’s favor but proved unable to fulfill their request, it would be a problem—after all, one should not receive a reward without merit.
How could anything involving Tang Jiu handing over a hotel worth one hundred million—a property she had clearly set her heart on—be a simple matter? Xu Yun was uneasy. If she asked him to do something life-threatening, he certainly wouldn't play along. If she ended up bringing another formidable opponent like the Green Ghost into his life, it would be a loss that outweighed any gain.
Just as Xu Yun was pondering how to firmly decline the offer, a single sentence from Guoguo completely shattered his resolve.
"Daddy, I signed it." Guoguo produced a pen from somewhere and signed the document immediately. Whoever signed the contract owned the hotel; this little devil was practically robbing the woman in broad daylight!
Watching Guoguo solemnly sign the two characters for "Xu Yun," Xu Yun was left speechless.
"Guoguo, you’re causing trouble again!" Ruan Qingshuang tried to intervene, but it was too late; Guoguo had already claimed the signature space on Tang Jiu’s contract.
Having succeeded, Guoguo was triumphant. Without spending a penny, the hotel was now hers. "Daddy, there’s no way to back out now. Whatever Sister Xiao Jiu wants, just agree to it! I’ve already signed the papers, anyway."
Damn it! How could her attitude shift so quickly? She had been calling Tang Jiu an "old witch" just a moment ago, and now she had switched to "Sister Xiao Jiu." This money-grubbing little creature had sold him out without asking a single question.
Tang Jiu had been ready to explode because Guoguo had ruined her contract, but hearing Guoguo switch sides and support her, her attitude toward the little brat changed instantly.
"Guoguo, you really are such a cute little princess. If your father had even half of your insight, he’d be a hundred times better than he is now." Tang Jiu stopped calling her a brat and didn’t hesitate to pivot: "Guoguo, Sister Xiao Jiu feels like we’re fated to be friends. Why don’t we become sisters? From now on, I’m your big sister. If you need anything, just say the word. As long as I can help, I won’t say no!"
Guoguo’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes! Sister Xiao Jiu, I’ve finally found a soulmate! From now on, I’m your little sister, and I’ll treat you like my own big sister, too."
The two of them really were kindred spirits; the power of one hundred million was truly immense.
Xu Yun, his forehead lined with dark frustration, watched the two of them clasping hands and said, "Alright, alright. Tang Jiu, this is a matter between you and me; Guoguo’s word doesn’t count."
"But Guoguo has already signed the contract," Tang Jiu countered. "Legally speaking, this is valid. Since your daughter signed it, it’s the same as if you signed it. There shouldn't be any problem with that."
Xu Yun waved a hand. "Don't try to fool me with legalities. Guoguo is my goddaughter. You can be sisters with her, and I don't mind if you recognize me as your godfather, but this matter has nothing to do with me. Don’t get your hopes up."
"Pfft! Who wants to recognize you as a godfather!" Tang Jiu glared at him. "My sisterly bond with Guoguo has nothing to do with you. I don't care about the hotel anymore—just help me with one thing. Such a simple matter that even Guoguo knows to agree to, yet you’re still stalling? Are you out of your mind?"
Was this any way to ask for a favor? Xu Yun was truly speechless. *Good grief, isn’t she a bit too arrogant?*
Guoguo, not to be outdone, pointed her finger squarely at Xu Yun. "Daddy, you’re being too ungrateful. Sister Xiao Jiu is asking for your help because she thinks highly of you. Why push her away? That’s not good. The Chairman once said we should learn from Lei Feng and find joy in helping others. If we can help, why wouldn't we? Besides, Sister Xiao Jiu is so sincere. Haven't you always wanted the Hedong International Hotel? She’s brought it right to our doorstep, so stop acting so high and mighty."
*Good heavens*, who exactly was the one who wanted it? Guoguo, oh Guoguo, even if we aren't acting "high and mighty," we can’t be so easily defeated by sugar-coated bullets! Even if you don't care about standing on principle, you should at least have a backbone.
"You little turncoat..." Xu Yun realized he had been completely sold out by Guoguo. "It’s you who wants it, isn't it?"
"It doesn't matter who wants it, the decision is made." Guoguo exuded the authority of a head of the household. "Daddy, whatever Sister Tang Jiu needs, just follow her arrangements. Mom and I will handle the hotel as soon as possible."
Ruan Qingshuang grabbed Guoguo by the ear and pulled her aside, apologizing to Tang Jiu. "Don't take what the child says to heart. She... she doesn't know any better. Miss Tang, please don't blame her."
Tang Jiu wore a smile as benevolent as a saint's. "Oh, don't say that, Sister Qingshuang. Although Guoguo and I are sisters, I shouldn't call you Mom with her. I'll call you Sister, and from now on, treat me as one of your own."
"Hey, hey, hey! What kind of relatives are you trying to claim here?" Xu Yun said. "Tang Jiu, fine, I give up. Take back this contract. What exactly do you want me to do for you? Just say it directly. If it’s something beyond my reach, don't blame me. I, Xu Yun, have never taken a reward without merit." Xu Yun took a step back, making his stance clear.
Tang Jiu finally saw the light of victory and seized the opportunity. "It's very simple. I just want you to pose as my boyfriend!"
*Hiss!*
Everyone gasped. What kind of request was this? She gave away a hotel worth one hundred million, and she wanted Xu Yun to be her boyfriend? Was this a dream? So many people ended up in prison for chasing money or beauty, yet here was Xu Yun, refusing over and over while someone was shoving both money and beauty into his lap.
Ruan Qingshuang and Qin Wan'er exchanged glances, neither understanding what Tang Jiu was planning. Was this wealthy second-generation heiress really interested in Xu Yun? Was she bringing a hundred-million-dollar dowry to marry into the family? But if that were the case, it wouldn't be "posing" as a boyfriend... what did she mean by that?
Liang Shan and Shan Jiahao were incredibly envious. As men, why didn't such good fortune fall on them? *Damn it*, the heavens were too unfair! At this rate, Xu Yun could form his own team of beautiful warriors.
Qiu Yan was always indifferent to such matters, but upon hearing Tang Jiu’s request, her face darkened, and she turned around to head upstairs.
Guoguo remained stunned for a long time before finally being the first to speak. She turned to Xu Yun and whispered two words: "Brother-in-law..."
That girl had truly sold Xu Yun out. Ruan Qingshuang used to dislike Guoguo calling Xu Yun "Daddy," but now that Guoguo had changed the title, she felt like something was missing, and the words "brother-in-law" sounded particularly awkward.
"Oh my god..." Qin Wan'er placed a hand on her forehead. "Sister Qingshuang, Guoguo has completely defected. If I had known this little traitor was so vulnerable to the enemy's sugar-coated bullets, I wouldn't have spoiled her so much."
Xu Yun frowned. "Tang Jiu, you win. Let's not discuss this here; the more we talk, the more misunderstandings will arise. What do you mean by 'pose as your boyfriend'? I’ve never done this before, and I don't know how to go about it. If you can explain it clearly, I will help you. If you can't, then I'm sorry, I still can’t agree."
"Fine, we won't talk about it here. I'll treat you to a drink," Tang Jiu said. "I'll tell you the details. Whether you help me or not, the hotel belongs to my little sister Guoguo."
This last sentence was the key! Guoguo finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried that if her father blew the deal, the fat meat already at her lips would fly away.
Xu Yun chuckled. Drinking? Fine, let's go. If she could actually out-drink him, he would help her. It was just posing as a boyfriend; at worst, he’d turn the fake act into reality. He’d take the hit... it didn't matter anymore.
Under the astonished gazes of everyone present, Xu Yun and Tang Jiu walked out of the herbal restaurant, got into a car, and drove away.
Guoguo picked up the contract again and pinched the back of her hand. "It hurts... Mom, Sister Wan'er, we aren't dreaming. This is real. Once this contract is signed, it has legal effect. The Hedong International Hotel is really ours."
Qin Wan'er rolled her eyes at Guoguo. "Mm-hmm, you sold your father just to get this hotel. Do you think it was worth it?"
Guoguo nodded vigorously. "It’s one hundred million, Daddy is very valuable."
*Damn it!* Qin Wan'er was speechless. That wasn't what she meant! She was saying Guoguo was too disloyal—she’d trade Xu Yun away for a hotel!
"Sister Wan'er, I’ve decided to give you ten percent of the shares. Hehe, you’ll have to put more effort into the hotel's affairs later," Guoguo said with a sly twinkle in her eye.
Qin Wan'er froze, then her face broke into a wide smile. "Hehe, Guoguo is the best! I never realized Xu Yun was worth so much. Sister Wan'er will always support your decisions! You were so decisive today—much more capable than any of us. President Guo, please give us your orders!"
Ruan Qingshuang rubbed her temples in a headache. *Sigh, another one obsessed with money.* It was exhausting. Had Xu Yun really been traded away for a hotel like this?
Liang Shan and Shan Jiahao crowded around, and even Lu Wenyi couldn't help but step forward to ask what position Guoguo was giving her.
Guoguo acted with the demeanor of a true CEO, waving her small, chubby hand. "Brother Shan, you will be the head chef of our hotel, commanding three thousand in the kitchen! Little Hao, you’ll lead the security and logistics departments. I’ll make you a manager, but let’s be clear: no raises. Sister Wenyi, the position of service department manager is yours!"
Guoguo organized everything in an orderly fashion, acting as if the hotel was already firmly in her grasp. In her mind, she had already allocated the shares: she, Ruan Qingshuang, and Qiu Yan had to hold sixty percent, and giving Qin Wan'er ten percent was non-negotiable. Of the remaining thirty percent, she would give at least twenty to Tang Jiu—after all, she had handed it over willingly and they had become "sisters," so twenty percent wasn't too much. As for the remaining ten percent, she’d give Xu Yun five percent, and the final five percent would be split among the Three Tigers of the South City and Qiang Zi, just to make it easier to call upon them in the future.
While Guoguo was making her precise calculations, Xu Yun had already entered a bar's private room with Tang Jiu.