Phoenix’s Revenge: The Business Battle

Chapter16: Transatlantic Shadows

The protracted flight across the Pacific Ocean passed for Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing as a mere interlude filled with unspoken thoughts. Seated side-by-side by the airplane window, they watched the ever-shifting cloudscape below, their hearts laden with weighty concerns. Shen Xubai's gaze would occasionally drift to Gu Wanqing's profile, where the faint traces of dried tears lingered, an invisible scar reminding him of the recent painful revelations. He held her hand tightly, hoping to impart a measure of warmth and fortitude.

They arrived in New York late at night. The early spring chill carried a dampness, and the air was imbued with the distinctive aroma of a foreign land. After a brief check-in at their hotel, they resolved to visit Shen Xubai's cousin first thing the next morning.

The following morning, sunlight streamed through the hotel curtains, dispelling some of the weariness of their journey. After a light breakfast, Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing drove to an aging apartment building in Queens, following the address provided by his cousin.

The cousin, Shen Mingde, was a man in his early sixties with a gentle disposition. When he opened the door and saw Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing standing on his doorstep, his face registered both surprise and delight.

"Xubai! Wanqing! Come in, come in quickly!" Shen Mingde warmly ushered them into his apartment. Though modest in size, it was meticulously tidy, with old photographs adorning the walls, chronicling the Shen family's years in America.

Once the three were seated, Shen Mingde inquired with concern about Shen Xubai's health. Upon learning that his memory had returned, the old man was visibly pleased.

"Child, it's good that you remember, very good," Shen Mingde said, patting Shen Xubai's hand with affection.

After exchanging pleasantries, Shen Xubai explained the purpose of their visit, hoping his cousin could shed some light on the past involving his father, Shen Zhenhai, his uncle, Shen Hongyu, and Gu Wanqing's father, Gu Zhenhua.

Upon hearing their request, a pensive expression settled upon Shen Mingde's face. He spoke slowly, "Those events happened a long time ago, and many of the details are now hazy in my memory. However, Hongyu and Zhenhua were indeed very good friends back then. They worked together in America, establishing a small company that did quite well."

A flicker of interest ignited in Gu Wanqing's eyes. She promptly asked, "Uncle, do you recall what kind of business they were in?"

Shen Mingde strained his memory. "It seems they were involved in some sort of import and export trade, but the specifics escape me. I was quite young at the time and didn't know much about their affairs."

Shen Xubai continued, "Uncle, do you remember why they eventually parted ways? I heard there was some unpleasantness between them."

Shen Mingde sighed, shaking his head. "That I know even less about. I only recall that Hongyu's company continued to flourish, while Zhenhua's business suddenly collapsed. At the time, I found it rather odd. Hongyu even secretly offered Zhenhua some assistance, but Zhenhua didn't seem to appreciate it, and they eventually severed all ties."

Gu Wanqing and Shen Xubai exchanged a significant glance. They both sensed a discrepancy between Shen Mingde's account and what Shen's father had previously told them. Shen's father had attributed Gu Zhenhua's bankruptcy to Shen Hongyu's machinations, while Shen Mingde's version hinted at a different narrative.

Shen Xubai then asked, "Uncle, what kind of person do you remember my uncle, Shen Hongyu, being?"

Shen Mingde pondered for a moment before replying, "Hongyu was a very capable and intelligent man, but… he could be rather impetuous at times, prone to rash decisions. He might resort to unscrupulous means to achieve his goals."

A weight settled in Gu Wanqing's chest. Shen Mingde's assessment largely aligned with Shen's father's earlier description of Shen Hongyu, reinforcing the impression that he was indeed a man who would stop at nothing for personal gain.

Shen Xubai further inquired about Shen Hongyu's time as a student at Columbia University, as well as his friends and social circles. Shen Mingde recalled some details, but many had faded into the recesses of his memory.

As they were conversing with Shen Mingde, Gu Wanqing's phone suddenly rang. It was a colleague from Everlasting Capital.

"Sister Wanqing, this is terrible! 'Keen Vision Technology' just announced that they successfully acquired an AI startup we've been closely monitoring, and the acquisition price they offered was incredibly high, almost double the market value!" the colleague's voice was fraught with urgency.

Gu Wanqing's heart sank. She had not anticipated Fang Jianguo's swiftness of action. It seemed he had already launched a full-scale offensive against Everlasting Capital's artificial intelligence investment division.

"I understand. Keep the other projects stable for now. I'll return as soon as possible to handle this," Gu Wanqing said calmly.

After hanging up, Gu Wanqing's expression was grave. She informed Shen Xubai and Shen Mingde about "Keen Vision Technology's" acquisition.

Shen Mingde frowned upon hearing the news. "This Fang Jianguo is clearly determined to oppose Everlasting Capital. You must be careful."

Shen Xubai nodded, a sharp glint in his eyes. "It seems Fang Jianguo is also impatient. Since he wants to play games, we will gladly oblige him."

Despite the urgent situation at Everlasting Capital, Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing decided not to return to China immediately. They knew that uncovering the truth of ten years past was paramount, not only for the sake of Gu Wanqing's family's honor but also for their own future happiness.

Over the next few days, Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing embarked on a more in-depth investigation in New York. They revisited Columbia University, attempting to unearth more clues related to the shooting incident. They interviewed former students and faculty members, and they meticulously reviewed the university's archival records, hoping to find any overlooked details.

They also contacted the police personnel who had been in charge of investigating the shooting at the time. However, due to the passage of time, many of the officers had retired or been transferred, making the investigation progress exceedingly slow.

Just as they were beginning to feel discouraged, a thought suddenly struck Shen Xubai. He recalled that his uncle, Shen Hongyu, had a very close friend named Li Mingzhe, and the two were often together. Perhaps Li Mingzhe possessed some inside knowledge about the events of that year.

Through various channels, Shen Xubai finally managed to contact Li Mingzhe, who had since emigrated to Canada. Li Mingzhe, upon hearing over the phone that Shen Xubai was investigating the shooting from ten years ago, expressed great surprise and agreed to meet with them.

Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing immediately flew to Canada, meeting Li Mingzhe at a café in Toronto. Li Mingzhe looked considerably older than in the photographs they had seen, but his eyes retained a sharp intelligence.

"Xubai, I never imagined you would be looking into the events of that year," Li Mingzhe said to Shen Xubai, his voice tinged with reminiscence.

Shen Xubai nodded. "Uncle Li, what exactly happened to my uncle back then? Can you tell me?"

Li Mingzhe sighed, slowly recounting the events of ten years prior. It turned out that Shen Hongyu's business in the United States had indeed encountered some difficulties. In a desperate attempt to escape his predicament, he had taken a perilous gamble, becoming involved with some individuals in organized crime. The shooting at Columbia University had been a result of a conflict of interest between them.

"The situation was extremely dangerous. Hongyu and the others engaged in a fierce gunfight on campus. Many people were injured, and an innocent student was struck by a stray bullet and killed. That student was Miss Gu's brother, Gu Mingyuan," Li Mingzhe said, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Gu Wanqing's heart felt as if it had been pierced by needles. She gripped Shen Xubai's hand tightly, fighting back tears.

Shen Xubai continued, "Uncle Li, do you know why my uncle was working with those people? Also, do you know if my father, Shen Zhenhai, was aware of any of this?"

Li Mingzhe shook his head. "That I'm not entirely certain about. Hongyu was a very secretive person and didn't tell me everything. As for your father, he had always opposed Hongyu's dealings with those individuals, but Hongyu never heeded his advice."

"Then do you know anything about the relationship between my uncle and Gu Wanqing's father, Gu Zhenhua? I heard they were very good friends back then but had a falling out over something," Shen Xubai pressed on.

Li Mingzhe nodded. "Yes, Hongyu and Zhenhua were indeed very good friends. They started a business together in the United States, and it was quite successful. However, they later had a major falling out due to some business disputes. Hongyu was a very ambitious man, and in pursuit of his own interests, he did engage in some less-than-honorable activities, which ultimately led to Gu Zhenhua's company going bankrupt."

Another wave of emotion washed over Gu Wanqing. Li Mingzhe's account largely corroborated what Shen's father had told them, confirming that her father's death was indeed inextricably linked to the Shen family.

As they were speaking with Li Mingzhe, Shen Xubai's phone rang again. This time, it was Shen's father's assistant.

"Young Master, this is terrible! The Chairman… he… he suddenly collapsed and is currently in the hospital, undergoing emergency treatment!" the assistant's voice was filled with panic.

Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing's hearts leaped into their throats. They had not anticipated that Shen's father would fall ill at such a critical juncture.

"We're coming back immediately!" Shen Xubai said instantly, his face paling.

They hastily bid farewell to Li Mingzhe and rushed to the airport, catching the earliest flight back to China.

On the plane, Shen Xubai's mood was heavy with worry. He was concerned about his father's health and also anxious about their interrupted investigation in the United States. He didn't know what awaited them, nor if they would ultimately be able to uncover the complete truth.

Gu Wanqing silently held Shen Xubai's hand, sensing his inner turmoil. She knew they were facing numerous difficulties and challenges, but she believed that as long as they trusted and supported each other, they would be able to overcome anything.

The plane landed at Pudong International Airport in the dead of night. Without pausing for rest, Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing rushed to the hospital. By the time they arrived, Shen's father had already been admitted to the intensive care unit, and doctors were working feverishly to save him.

Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing waited anxiously outside the ICU doors, their hearts filled with apprehension and unease. They didn't know the severity of Shen's father's condition or what the future held.

Time ticked by slowly. The doors to the intensive care unit remained closed, like an insurmountable barrier separating life and death. Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing held each other's hands tightly, silently praying that Shen's father would pull through this ordeal.

Just as they were waiting anxiously, Gu Wanqing's phone rang again. This time, it was an unfamiliar number. After a moment of hesitation, Gu Wanqing answered the call.

"Miss Gu, good evening. This is Fang Jianguo," a chillingly familiar voice said from the other end of the line.

Gu Wanqing's face instantly paled. She had not expected Fang Jianguo to contact her directly.

"Mr. Fang, what do you want?" Gu Wanqing asked, her voice tinged with caution.

"Nothing much. I just wanted to inform you that some things are best left undisturbed. I would advise you to know when to stop, otherwise…" Fang Jianguo's voice was laced with menace and warning.

Gu Wanqing's heart sank. She knew Fang Jianguo was threatening them, telling them to cease their investigation into the events of ten years past. It seemed their inquiries had indeed encroached upon Fang Jianguo's interests, and he was beginning to feel the pressure.

"Mr. Fang, we will not give up. No matter what schemes you have concocted, we will uncover the entire truth and seek justice for my family!" Gu Wanqing said firmly, her eyes blazing with fearlessness and determination.

A cold chuckle echoed from the other end of the line before Fang Jianguo hung up.

Gu Wanqing clutched her phone tightly, her heart filled with anger and unease. Fang Jianguo's threat undoubtedly added more uncertainty and danger to their investigation. However, she and Shen Xubai had made their decision. No matter the obstacles ahead, they would not back down. They would persevere until the truth was brought to light.