Early the next morning, Yunzhong City.

Outside the Gu Family Manor, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked by the roadside. Its black exterior and the distinctive car badge of Rolls-Royce caught the attention of passersby.

Inside the car, Jin Qingyun sat in the back seat of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, his brows tightly knit, a hint of contemplation evident on his face.

In the driver's seat, the butler in a black suit slowly turned around, looked at Jin Qingyun behind him, thought for a moment, and then respectfully said, "Sir, we've arrived at the Gu Family."

The butler's voice was humble, giving a sense of deep respect.

Throughout the journey, he had observed Jin Qingyun's expression through the rearview mirror several times, only to find that his brows remained furrowed, a face full of deep grievance, clearly showing his strong resistance to the visit to Yunzhong City for negotiations.

"I know."

Upon hearing the butler's words, Jin Qingyun's eyes suddenly opened. At that moment, he squinted slightly, looking out the window. Upon seeing the Gu Family Manor, the resistance in his expression became even more apparent.

It was well known that the Gu Family and the Jin Family had always been archenemies. This time, the mutual business rivalry had only intensified the existing conflicts.

In fact, after these events, the relationship between the Gu Family and the Jin Family was as hostile as fire and water.

At this moment, with the Jin Family taking the initiative to come forward, and actively seeking reconciliation, such actions seemed utterly shameful to Jin Qingyun!

Knowing full well that it was the Gu Family's patriarch, Gu Shengzhe, who attacked first like a mad dog, yet now he had to smirk and come apologize to the Gu Family. This approach made the typically proud Jin Qingyun feel tremendously humiliated, which is why he had been reluctant to get out of the car for so long!

Jin Qingyun also understood clearly that he couldn't stay in the car forever. The ongoing disputes between the Jin Family and the Gu Family resulted in significant losses for both sides with each passing second, so sitting idly here was absolutely not a solution!

The more he thought about this, the more agitated Jin Qingyun became. The current situation really left him feeling extremely conflicted.

Although getting off the car now to speak to Gu Shengzhe to clarify things and stop the losses was the right course of action, his pride kept him from wanting to get out of the car at all.

Seeing Jin Qingyun's unwilling expression, the butler couldn't help but sigh quietly, knowing very well Jin Qingyun's temperament and character after having served him for many years.

He knew perfectly well that Jin Qingyun's pride was at work, making it impossible for him to swallow his pride and apologize to Gu Shengzhe!

"Sir"

Seeing Jin Qingyun's expression, the butler sighed lightly and then said, "Perhaps we can find a place to rest for a bit and come back to the Gu Family later?"

The butler was trying to subtly remind Jin Qingyun, knowing that they had been parked here for quite a while, yet Jin Qingyun showed no response, leaving the situation unresolved.

"No need!"

Upon hearing the butler's suggestion, Jin Qingyun replied, "We'll get out now!"

At this moment, Jin Qingyun gritted his teeth fiercely, determination spreading across his face, appearing extremely resolute.

As he had previously thought, he now realized that this whole situation had been orchestrated by Lu Yu from behind the scenes. Therefore, Jin Qingyun decided to swallow his pride and risk even sacrificing his dignity to protect his family's assets and lives!

After all, lost dignity can be regained, but if family wealth and lives are lost, they cannot be revived!

Though Jin Qingyun was no longer young, he was certainly not foolish.

It was understood that for the Jin Family and the Gu Family to coexist, they needed to rely on each other; otherwise, if Lu Yu swooped in, the result would be catastrophic!

"Sir, don't push yourself,"

Upon hearing Jin Qingyun's voice, the butler spoke with a tone full of helplessness, "Perhaps we should find a place to rest and consider our next step thoroughly?"

Just now, Jin Qingyun had been completely unwilling, yet suddenly he wanted to visit the Gu Family, an extremely peculiar behavior that worried the butler about potential problems.

"Rest? Is this a time for rest?"

Jin Qingyun's words were filled with anger; he faced the butler, saying, "Every moment we delay, the danger increases. I must go and talk to that mad dog Gu Shengzhe now!"

Jin Qingyun's impatience was palpable, though he still resisted inside, he knew he had to force himself to move forward, for fear he might regret delaying any further.

After all, this was a visit intended to humble himself and admit weakness, something Jin Qingyun detested from the bottom of his heart.

"Yes, Sir."

Hearing Jin Qingyun's words, the butler replied helplessly, exuding utmost respect, his face showing a hint of resignation.

Meanwhile, he opened the car door and stepped down from the vehicle, then opened the rear door of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, inviting Jin Qingyun out.

Stepping out of the car and gazing at the impressive Gu Family Manor before him, Jin Qingyun took a deep breath, shut the car door, squinted his eyes slightly, and then said, "What must come, cannot be avoided. Let's go. Today we must meet with Gu Shengzhe. We must resolve this issue, as it concerns the survival of both the Jin Family and the Gu Family!"

Jin Qingyun spoke with a grave expression, as if facing a formidable enemy.

He knew full well how troublesome Gu Shengzhe could be, but a negotiation was necessary, as the situation had made one thing clear: Lu Yu's strategic and cunning nature was no longer that of the useless young master they once thought!

With just a few simple maneuvers, Lu Yu had turned Jin Qingyun's carefully laid plans into something that benefited Lu Yu, causing the Jin Family and the Gu Family to fall out in an instant. If the two families continued to stand separately, they would face a grim future!

Under this immense pressure, Jin Qingyun chose to compromise, believing that losing face was far better than being defeated by Lu Yu!

Exhale!

Thinking of this, Jin Qingyun exhaled sharply, slowly lifting his head to look at the Gu Family Manor ahead, saying, "Let's go, we must be swift and decisive now, and remember, as long as the other party doesn't cross our bottom line, agree to all their conditions. It's a critical time, so no retorts or impulsive actions, understand?"

Jin Qingyun instructed the butler standing before him.

"Yes! Sir!"

Responded the butler upon hearing Jin Qingyun's words.

"In that case,"

Jin Qingyun said calmly, "Let's go!"