Gu Yanci · Chat

Gu Yanci's office is even colder than I imagined. Behind the dark brown solid wood desk, he is sunk into a high-back leather chair, his fingertips resting on the desk, the ring on his knuckle reflecting a cold glint of light. Hearing my footsteps, he slowly raises his eyes. When his gaze falls on me, there isn't the slightest hint of surprise, as if he knew I would come all along. "A rare guest." His voice is very low, carrying his usual detachment. "What brings Young Master Shen here today, deigning to visit my 'unprofitable business' of a place?" These words stab directly at my sore spot. A few years ago, in front of so many people, I said that Gu Yanci giving up his family's real estate business to go into medicine halfway was a sign of madness, and that I was waiting to see him lose everything. Thinking about it now, however sharp those words were back then, they are just as ironic at this moment. I grip the briefcase in my hand, my knuckles turning white. My Adam's apple bobs. Having no energy to bicker with him, I get straight to the point: "Gu Yanci, give me a dose of that targeted drug you have for my dad's illness." He raises an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly, elbows resting on the desk, with his interlaced fingers propping up his chin. His gaze is like he's watching a good show: "Give it to you? Young Master Shen, you make it sound too easy. This drug is still in Phase III clinical trials and hasn't been approved. Giving it out is illegal." "I know." I interrupt him, my voice tight. "I can sign a liability waiver, and I'll bear all the consequences. Money is not an issue. I'll pay whatever you want." He lets out a soft chuckle, but the warmth doesn't reach his eyes: "Shen Yan, you're talking money with me?" He pauses, his gaze scanning my tense face. "Back when you mocked me, saying 'starting halfway means he can't achieve anything great,' why didn't you think this day would come?" I am choked by his words, unable to speak. Yes, I brought this upon myself. Over twenty years of rivalry, from competing for first place at school to fighting over projects in the business world, he and I have been like two wolves biting into each other, neither willing to let go first. But now, my father is lying in the hospital, and the doctor says he has half a month at most. I can't afford to waste time, nor can I afford to compete anymore. I take a deep breath, as if shedding a heavy burden. My voice is very low, almost squeezed through my teeth: "It was my fault. I apologize to you for the past." His eyes visibly freeze for a moment, as if he didn't expect me to say this. I look at him, pushing down all the pride of my lifetime: "Gu Yanci, I'm begging you. My dad won't survive until the drug is launched. Only you can save him. As long as you're willing to give me the drug, I'll agree to whatever conditions you want." The office is frighteningly quiet, with only the ticking of the wall clock. He remains silent for a long time—so long that I think he's going to reject me outright, so long that I am almost at my breaking point—before he finally speaks slowly: "Shen Yan, you know what I want." I snap my head up to look at him. His gaze falls on my face, stripped of the previous mockery and detachment, replaced by a complex emotion I can't quite read. "I don't want your money, and I don't want the Shen Group's projects." He stands up, walks over to me, and looks down at me. "I only want you to remember how you stood here today, telling me, 'I'm begging you.'"