Phoenix’s Revenge: The Business Battle

Chapter20:Clearing the Clouds to See the Sun

The press conference detonated like a seismic event, sending shockwaves through the calm waters of public opinion. By the following day, the front pages of every major news outlet were emblazoned with the Shen family scandal, the headlines stark and accusatory, detailing the horrifying truth of Shen Zhenhai's machinations against Gu Zhenhua and his orchestration of the Columbia University shooting through his brother, Shen Hongyu. A tidal wave of public condemnation crashed down upon the Shen family.

Upon receiving the irrefutable evidence, the police swiftly established a special task force to reopen the investigation into the Columbia University shooting a decade prior. They contacted Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing, meticulously documenting their accounts and securing all the evidence they had provided. Simultaneously, the authorities initiated a manhunt for Shen Hongyu, determined to bring the long-evading murderer to justice.

The Shen family's commercial empire reeled under an unprecedented assault. Numerous partners severed their ties with the Shen Group, banks tightened their lending policies, and the stock price plummeted for consecutive days, its market capitalization drastically reduced. The once-illustrious Shen family had fallen from grace overnight, becoming the object of public scorn.

Shen Xubai watched the negative portrayals of his family in the news reports, his heart a tempest of conflicting emotions. He knew this was the just recompense for their transgressions. He could not defend his father's and uncle's crimes; his only recourse was to strive to mend the wounds they had inflicted upon Gu Wanqing and her family.

Gu Wanqing, observing Shen Xubai's haggard appearance, gently took his hand. "Xubai, don't blame yourself too much. This isn't your fault. You've done everything you could."

Shen Xubai shook his head, his eyes filled with remorse. "No, Wanqing, I still feel deeply sorry. If I had discovered the truth sooner, perhaps I could have prevented all of this."

"Silly boy, you did your best," Gu Wanqing said softly. "What matters most now is that we look forward. We have finally obtained justice for my father and brother. That is what truly counts."

They exchanged a smile, their eyes reflecting mutual understanding and unwavering support. Having weathered so many storms together, their bond had only deepened, becoming all the more unbreakable.

Through the diligent efforts of the police, the pursuit of Shen Hongyu intensified. With the assistance of Interpol, the authorities quickly pinpointed Shen Hongyu's hideout—a small nation in South America. After a series of intricate maneuvers, the police successfully apprehended Shen Hongyu and extradited him back to China to face trial.

Shen Hongyu's capture brought the decade-old cold case to the cusp of complete resolution. The court conducted a public trial, and faced with the overwhelming evidence, Shen Hongyu confessed to the crime of murdering Gu Mingyuan at Columbia University all those years ago. Ultimately, the court sentenced Shen Hongyu to life imprisonment, with his political rights revoked for life.

Upon hearing the verdict, Gu Wanqing, John Smith, and the other victims' families felt a profound sense of relief. Justice, though long delayed, had finally been served. Their loved ones could finally rest in peace.

Meanwhile, upon learning of the Shen family's complete downfall and Shen Hongyu's arrest, Fang Jianguo was gripped by unprecedented panic. He knew his own reckoning was imminent. He began liquidating his assets, attempting to flee the country, but the police had already placed him under strict surveillance.

Gu Wanqing did not relent in her pursuit of Fang Jianguo. Utilizing the evidence she possessed, she reported Fang Jianguo to the police for multiple criminal offenses, including commercial bribery and unfair competition. The police swiftly launched an investigation and soon amassed compelling evidence of Fang Jianguo's crimes. Ultimately, Fang Jianguo was also apprehended by the police, awaiting the severe penalties of the law.

With the apprehension of Shen Hongyu and Fang Jianguo, the dark clouds that had hung over Gu Wanqing and Shen Xubai finally dissipated completely. They could at last lay down the burdens in their hearts and embrace a new chapter in their lives.

Shen Xubai undertook a thorough reorganization and reform of the Shen Group, hiring a team of professional managers to rebuild the company's image and reputation. Although the Shen Group had suffered significant losses, Shen Xubai believed that as long as they adhered to honest business practices, they would eventually rise again.

Gu Wanqing's career at Everlasting Capital flourished. She led her team to successfully navigate the challenges posed by "Keen Vision Technology" and achieved even greater success in the field of artificial intelligence investment. She became one of Everlasting Capital's youngest and most influential partners.

With everything settled, Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing decided to take a long-overdue vacation. They longed to travel together, to see the beauty of the world, and to savor the peace and happiness that belonged to them.

Their first destination was Gu Wanqing's hometown, where they paid their respects to her father and brother. Gu Wanqing shared with them all that had transpired, assuring them that justice had been served and that they could finally rest in tranquility.

Shen Xubai also conveyed his deepest apologies to Gu Wanqing's parents, promising to care for her and ensure her happiness for the rest of their lives.

Afterward, they journeyed to many places, witnessing sunrises and sunsets together, strolling hand-in-hand along sandy beaches, and marveling at breathtaking vistas. Their hearts were filled with love and gratitude. They knew they had endured immense hardship and trials to reach this point, and they cherished each other and their hard-won happiness all the more.

During their travels, Gu Wanqing received a call from John Smith. He informed her that he had established a foundation dedicated to assisting families who had lost loved ones in the shooting incident. He invited Gu Wanqing and Shen Xubai to join the foundation, to help provide support to more victims.

Gu Wanqing and Shen Xubai readily accepted John Smith's invitation. They knew they had a responsibility to pass on this love and hope, to bring warmth and care to more people in need.

Upon their return from their travels, Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing settled back into their home. Their lives resumed a state of tranquility, but their hearts were fuller and happier than ever before.

One evening, while organizing some belongings in his study, Shen Xubai inadvertently discovered a long-forgotten box. He opened it to find old photographs and letters, all belonging to his late father, Shen Zhenhai.

Shen Xubai picked up a photograph. It depicted a younger Shen Zhenhai and Gu Zhenhua, standing shoulder to shoulder, their faces radiant with confidence and smiles. Looking at the photograph, Shen Xubai's heart was overwhelmed with emotion. He could not fathom how two such close friends could have ultimately reached such a tragic end.

He then picked up a letter. It was from Shen Zhenhai to Gu Zhenhua, filled with sincere friendship and hopeful aspirations for the future. As he read the letter, tears welled up in Shen Xubai's eyes. His father, too, had once been a young man full of ideals and passion, only to lose his way in the pursuit of profit, ultimately embarking on a path of no return.

Shen Xubai carefully placed the photographs and letters back into the box, knowing they were proof of his father's existence. He might never be able to fully forgive his father's actions, but he would remember the love and care his father had once shown him.

Gu Wanqing entered the study and saw Shen Xubai holding the old photographs and letters. She walked over and embraced him gently.

"What are you looking at?" Gu Wanqing asked softly.

Shen Xubai handed her the photograph in his hand. Gu Wanqing looked at the image of her young father and Shen Zhenhai, and she, too, fell silent.

"They were once very good friends," Shen Xubai said quietly.

Gu Wanqing nodded. "Yes, life is unpredictable."

They exchanged a smile, knowing that the past was behind them. What mattered most was cherishing the present and looking forward to the future.

Shen Xubai held Gu Wanqing's hand tightly, his gaze tender and resolute. "Wanqing, thank you for always being by my side. Thank you for showing me what love is, what responsibility is, and what true happiness really means."

Gu Wanqing nestled into Shen Xubai's embrace, a blissful smile gracing her lips. "I should also thank you, Xubai. Thank you for giving me a chance to start over, and thank you for making me believe that even after enduring so many storms, we can still find our own sunshine."

Outside the window, the sun shone brightly, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. Everything seemed so beautiful and serene. Shen Xubai and Gu Wanqing held each other close, their hearts filled with hopeful anticipation for the future. They knew their story was far from over. They would walk hand in hand, creating an even brighter tomorrow that belonged to them.