I caught up with the Second Madam not long after she left. Her analysis was correct; Gao Zihui hadn't gone far. His eyes were bloodshot, his body soaked, and he glared at the Second Madam, his fists clenched, his whole body trembling.
The Second Madam showed no fear, waiting.
"Let's go back. Some things need to be discussed with Gao Ziyan before we decide."
"If you don't leave, he'll hit you too."
"I'm not afraid of him fighting."
The Second Madam said seriously, "When it comes to scheming, Gao Zihui is no match for you. But when it comes to fighting, you're no match for him. He used to fight for a while—"
Gao Xiaoqing gradually learned about this. As Gao Xiaozhi and the Second Madam grew closer, Gao Xiaoqing felt increasingly stifled and depressed. Gao Ji quickly noticed his second son's mood and, after a little investigation, learned about Gao Xiaozhi's affair.
Because of this, Gao Ji severely reprimanded Gao Xiaozhi, ordering him to end the relationship and marry the current First Madam. Gao Xiaozhi, in his panic, could only agree to his father's wishes and marry the First Madam.
However, the Second Madam knew none of this. She believed Gao Ji had left her for family reasons. The Second Madam was heartbroken and intended to use her connections within their social circle to attach herself to another wealthy family for revenge.
It was at this time that Gao Xiaoqing appeared. He knew the Second Madam's intentions and went along with them, facilitating her entry into the Gao family. Over the years, Gao Xiaoqing had been a warm and loving husband, and after their daughter was born, he became an even more outstanding father.
These words, spoken by Gao Xiaozhi, had a tremendous impact on the Second Madam. She became hysterical and lunged at Gao Xiaozhi, screaming, "I'll kill you."
Gao Xiaozhi kicked the Second Madam, sending her sprawling.
"Foolish woman, did you think I didn't know you tampered with my son? I knew everything. I was just waiting for this moment, for you to personally kill the man who loved you most, all for revenge. So, the noble Second Madam of the Gao family, do you hate me now, or do you thank me for telling you the truth?"
"I'll kill you!"
The Second Madam was on the verge of collapse, screaming hysterically.
Gao Xiaozhi sighed and pointed at the masked men who had brought me in. "Do you know what you're supposed to do? Make it look like hell before you kill him."
These men began to undress. Everyone understood what they intended to do.
"Bastards!"
I cursed, pushed away the man holding me, and prepared to fight. The leader of these masked men reacted quickly, pointing a gun at my head. "Boss, what about this one?"
"Kill him. Just make sure there's no body left."
"Understood, boss!"
Damn it, was I going to die like this?
"Gao Xiaozhi, if you kill me, you won't get the 7% shares from Cao Shi."
My words stunned Gao Xiaozhi. He said to the masked men, "Put the gun down first."
The masked men slowly lowered their guns. I seized the opportunity, lunged forward, snatched the gun, and pointed it at the masked men, shouting, "Retreat! Get back!"
The leader of the masked men’s eyes gleamed like a wolf’s as he slowly backed away. The other four, no longer concerned with their trousers, pulled them up. Two stood in front of Gao Xiaozhi, while the other two, along with the masked leader, formed a three-sided pincer attack.
"Do you know my father's evaluation of the Schemer? In the face of absolute wealth and absolute power, the Schemer is nothing."
"Say that again, let me hear it."
A booming voice echoed from the warehouse entrance. The large doors slowly rose, revealing Old Ghost's plump physique and a face of unprecedented seriousness.
"Cao Shi, why are you here?"
"Gao Xiaozhi, you're a scion of a wealthy family. Using your wits is fine, but don't make yourself look like a gangster. Old Gao will look down on you."
"When has that old man ever looked up to me?" Gao Xiaozhi shouted back.
"Oh my, you have quite a temper."
Gao Xiaozhi chuckled coldly, "Today is great. Buy one, get one free. I only intended to deal with the Second Madam, but killing both of you Schemers at once is also a good thing."
"I'll trade one piece of information for the lives of the three of us."
"Information? Who cares about that! Give me back the Nine Dragons Auction that old man gave you."
Old Ghost laughed heartily. "That equity isn't mine. I'll tell you the information first. Your father faked his assassination attempt to see you fight over the inheritance."
"Lies! I know what that old man's situation is."
"Did the doctor's assistant tell you that? Are you sure that information wasn't something Old Gao wanted you to know?"
Old Ghost's words rendered Gao Xiaozhi speechless.
"Gao Xiaozhi, up to this point, you haven't made a fatal mistake. A little ruckus, a few scoldings, and you can still protect yourself. Once you step onto this path of no return, you'll have nothing left."
Hearing Old Ghost's words, cold sweat streamed down Gao Xiaozhi's face.
"Tang Nan, give the gun to Mr. Gao, let him finish me himself."
I squatted and placed the handgun on the ground, then kicked it towards Gao Xiaozhi. The gun slid past his feet, but he didn't catch it.
"Go!"
Gao Xiaozhi said to his subordinates. One of them picked up the gun and immediately headed for the exit.
Watching the departing figures, I gave Old Ghost a thumbs-up. "Impressive."
"Why didn't you use your brain? Fighting Gao Xiaozhi with brute force? His subordinates are professionals. Wouldn't you have died unjustly?"
"I rarely encounter this kind of situation; I lack experience."
Old Ghost laughed heartily. "Alright, you're stronger than me. You even managed to snatch the gun from them."
I ignored him, walked over, and helped the Second Madam up. "Second Madam, I'll take you home."