Kyoto Rongze Prefecture, twenty-eighth floor.

As a former home shared with Lu Mao, after Lu Mao went abroad, Zeng Yaning drastically changed the original decoration style, and it no longer resembled the appearance it had when Gu Bai last visited. Apart from the basic structure being similar, none of its original features remained.

Inside the room, Zeng Yaning and Gu Bai were tightly wrapped in blankets.

Fragments of the wedding dress scattered everywhere testified to the madness of the previous night.

The phone rang, and Gu Bai saw Elder Xun's name on the caller ID. Instantly half-awake, he quickly answered.

"Xiaogu, you must have just woken up, right?"

Gu Bai certainly didn't dare to say that it was the call that woke him up, so he laughed and said, "You guessed it right, I just woke up."

"Young people shouldn't indulge in comfort zones; you need to make use of your time."

Hearing this, Gu Bai glanced at Zeng Yaning, who was still sleeping beside him, and then looked at the white fragments all over the floor. He sighed inwardly; it wasn't that he didn't want to step out of the comfort zone, but that this comfort zone was too hard to leave.

"Elder Xun is right, I'll definitely change in the future."

"Is there something you need from me?"

Hearing Gu Bai's inquiry, Elder Xun intentionally pretended to be angry, "Can't I just find you for no reason? I know you've been in the Capital City for a few days already, eagerly waiting for you to come and pay your New Year's visit. Now the Lantern Festival is almost here, it seems I won't be able to wait for your greeting!"

Gu Bai could naturally tell that Elder Xun was joking, so he replied with a smile, "I thought Elder Xun's residence would have been crowded with guests recently, so I planned to visit you after a while."

"All right, don't come. I'll have the guards chase you away even if you do."

Saying this, Elder Xun's tone became more formal.

"How far has your Kindling Project progressed?"

"We've now built more than 1,700 elementary schools. It's expected that after the winter break, more than 1,500 elementary schools will be operable. Additionally, we've negotiated with local governments and allocated a total of 1.5 billion US Dollars to subsidize impoverished students. This means that, on average, we've provided a subsidy of 1 million per school, effectively helping about 500 thousand impoverished families."

Upon hearing Gu Bai's report, Elder Xun contently said, "It seems you've always been concerned about impoverished students, which is commendable. Keep it up.

The issue of impoverished students attending school has always been a major problem for the country, and this is a beneficial endeavor for both the nation and the people, so you must not take it lightly."

"Rest assured, Elder Xun, I've been closely monitoring this."

"By the way, did you have a conflict last night with He Zongfu, the son of He Fangshan from the Rongsheng Group?"

Gu Bai didn't think much of the incident until Elder Xun mentioned it, making him a bit perplexed. Could it be true, as Principal Wang said, that He Zongfu had such influence in the Capital City that it would directly concern someone like Elder Xun?

However, Gu Bai didn't hide anything and straightforwardly admitted it.

"Indeed, there was such an incident. Did Elder Xun call because of him?"

On the other end, Elder Xun snorted coldly, "Because of him?"

"You brat, from the first day you stepped into the Capital City, I knew about it. My assistant told me this morning about your conflict with He Fangshan's son. Who do you think this phone call is for?"

Gu Bai was no fool; in fact, he was very clever. In an instant, he understood Elder Xun's meaning; Elder Xun was covering for him!

"Elder Xun, we're all young, and sometimes we do irrational things out of impulse. Please forgive me. I thought the matter would just pass, and I didn't expect it to concern you."

"What did you think? Didn't you consider the consequences before acting? Do you know what kind of person He Fangshan is? He's someone who would fall out with the Ship King of Xiangjiang for his son. You could let it go, but it's his son lying in the hospital, not you!"

Gu Bai was indeed feeling a bit embarrassed and didn't dare to argue with Elder Xun, so he endured Elder Xun's scolding for two minutes.

Finally, Elder Xun seemed to have scolded enough, and after a few seconds of rest, he continued.

"I had Old Tu personally call He Fangshan to knock some sense into him. I believe both of us old folks still have some clout with him, and this issue should be considered settled."

Gu Bai was stunned, but a warm feeling rose in his heart.

Honestly speaking, he had only met Elder Xun once. Although Elder Xun seemed to hold him in high regard, Gu Bai knew it was because his charity work was extensive. But through this incident, it was clear Elder Xun genuinely treated him like a close junior.

Thinking of this, Gu Bai, with a tone of guilt, said, "I'm sorry for worrying you. I'll be more careful in the future."

Although Elder Xun casually explained the process to him, Gu Bai understood some of the intricacies within it. Regardless, Elder Xun and Elder Tu had already retired; they no longer held power. Their current influence was based on past prestige and personal connections, which would diminish with use. If he couldn't understand even this, then Gu Bai wasn't worthy of Elder Xun's high regard.

"All right, it's normal for young people to make mistakes. I also understand you were merely reacting defensively, even if your method was a bit extreme. But, being young, I understand.

Still, don't find me annoying; focus on your career in the future. While both of us old men are still around, we can help you solve some problems. We don't need you to repay us, just consider Hua Country's development as your responsibility in the future; that would be the best repayment for us old folks."

"I will remember Elder Xun's advice."

Just as Gu Bai's tone turned serious and formal, Zeng Yaning, who was beside him, was woken up by Gu Bai's voice. She rubbed her eyes and said, "Daddy, who are you talking to on the phone?"

Gu Bai almost choked on his own words, quickly covering Zeng Yaning's mouth and gesturing for her to be silent.

The Elder Xun on the other end was also taken aback.

Zeng Yaning called Gu Bai "dad", but her voice was clearly that of an adult woman, and a little thought on Elder Xun's part made it clear what's going on. He replied with a helpless tone, "You young people... alright, I'll leave it at that. Come visit me when you have time."

Gu Bai also held back his embarrassment and thanked him, "I really have to thank you, Elder Xun. If it wasn't for you, I'm afraid He Zongfu and his son would have really given me a hard time this time."

"Hehe, you brat, stop pretending with me. Even if I didn't help you, with your background, could you not handle a little He Fangshan?

He Fangshan thought I was standing up for you, but in fact, I saved his skin. Otherwise, if he really offended you to death, his Rongsheng Group couldn't withstand the retribution from the forces backing you."

"Ah?"

Gu Bai was a bit stunned.

"Pretending again, are you? You can keep up that act with others, but you think it's going to work on me? Even if your clearance level is the highest, do you think I wouldn't know a little something? The background of the Future Foundation can't even be traced by governments worldwide, and all their funds are always in without ever being out, yet they transferred billions to you. Do you dare say you have no ties with the Future Foundation?"

"I..."

This was the second time Gu Bai had heard the name Future Foundation. However, to be honest, Gu Bai truly didn't know what this Future Foundation was about. He tried asking the system, but it didn't reveal anything.

"Alright, you don't want to say, and I won't force you. As long as you remain a citizen of Hua Country, no matter your background, it's a fortunate thing for this nation."

With that, Elder Xun hung up the phone.

Seeing Gu Bai put down his phone, Zeng Yaning pushed his hand away, her eyes teasing, she gasped, "Are you trying to suffocate me?"

Gu Bai's face darkened, helplessly stating, "Do you know who I was just on the phone with?"

"No idea, but wasn't it you who told me to call you 'dad'? What's wrong? You don't like it anymore? See, men are like pig's feet; once they get what they want, they don't value it."

Seeing Zeng Yaning's exaggerated expression and her revealing, sexy collarbones, Gu Bai grinned "menacingly."

"Then let 'dad' take care of you! Let's see if you dare be so cheeky again!"

Watching Gu Bai pounce like a hungry wolf, Zeng Yaning clutched the blanket, shivering as she said, "I won't dare anymore, dad~"

In an instant, the room was filled with a romantic atmosphere once again.

Following last night's double encore, this morning brought another hat-trick.

....................

Meanwhile, in a retired college (Cockcomb Courtyard) in the Capital City, Elder Xun and Elder Tu were still locked in an intense battle over the chess board.

"This kid still didn't reveal anything?"

Elder Tu forced his chariot to charge across the river, making chaos in Elder Xun's chessboard.

Elder Xun locked his chariot in his own backfield and slowly said, "You already said it, this kid is shrewd, his mouth is tight. Not only did he not let anything slip, but he pretended not to know about the Future Foundation."

Elder Tu was silent for a while, unable to resist voicing his doubts.

"Do you think there's a possibility? This kid actually doesn't know about the Future Foundation?"

"No such possibility."

Elder Xun replied decisively.

"?"

"Old Tu, you used to be in charge of commerce, and you know the international influence of the Future Foundation. This foundation, which has been around for over two centuries, has known assets exceeding 400 billion US dollars. You know how powerful it is.

Foundations of such ancient lineage are typically passed down through inheritance, and by examining their actions, it's clear that even if Gu Bai doesn't acknowledge their heir, he's at least a public figure for them; there's no way they could be unconnected!"

Elder Tu nodded slightly in agreement upon hearing Elder Xun's explanation.

"But for such a large foreign foundation... do you think it could have any significant impact domestically?"

"Everything has two sides. If used well, they benefit; if not, they cause harm. There's no absolute, but I believe in this child Gu Bai. Although he behaves erratically, he has a clear view on patriotism, which is why I think highly of him."

"I admit what you said. Although I don't like this kid's personality, it's precisely because I know he can distinguish between right and wrong that I regard him so highly. Otherwise, over the years, there have been many excellent young people. Why would I vouch for this brat?"

"Ah! You are just stubborn but soft-hearted, and you can't stand seeing excellent young ones suffer!"

Elder Tu sighed.

"Youngsters these days aren't what they used to be... With one such young person, how could I not cherish him like a gem?"

The two elders exchanged a knowing smile, ceased speaking, and continued playing their chess game in silence.

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