Chapter 477 Not an Obstacle

The two exchanged a knowing smile. Gu Qingcheng noticed that Du Lanyue had let go of her past burdens.

She was glad she had taken this step.

If she couldn't face the public with her true identity, she certainly wouldn't be able to face Du Lanyue so authentically.

Only then did the two sit down and discuss Gu Qingcheng's experiences outside over the past six months.

Hearing that Gu Qingcheng had secured 200 cooperative projects in half a year, Du Lanyue said with great concern:

"You don't know how to take care of yourself, still acting like a workhorse."

Gu Qingcheng replied, "In the beginning, everything was blank. I've already figured it out. This is my first step towards economic recovery for this era. From now on, I want to become the shadow emperor of this country, and these 200 cooperation projects are the first step towards becoming its economic czar.

I've analyzed myself; I'm not suited to be in the spotlight. I'll just control things from behind the scenes."

Du Lanyue had also deeply experienced this over the past six months. A successful merchant, in this era, could indeed become the master behind the nation if managed properly.

This was because economic foundations determined everything.

After the cataclysmic natural disaster, people had become weary of days without food and necessities. If a group or individual with strong economic leadership emerged, they could achieve great things.

Du Lanyue only wished to manage her own small affairs and had no other grand ambitions. However, hearing about Gu Qingcheng's aspirations, her heart couldn't help but surge with excitement.

"I support you. From now on, I will be your right hand," Du Lanyue declared resolutely.

With her current capabilities, her words were indeed of great help to Gu Qingcheng.

Besides Mi Guo, Du Lanyue was the person she could trust the most.

Having secured Du Lanyue's support, Gu Qingcheng's next step was to win over the various collaborators on Chaliao Island.

That day, she sent out invitations to her previous partners and influential figures in the city. The invitations stated that a family banquet would be held at Gu Residence the following evening to entertain everyone.

Upon hearing that the long-absent Young Master Gu had returned to Chaliao Island, everyone was thrilled to receive the invitation.

Who didn't know that on Chaliao Island, having Young Master Gu's backing meant a guaranteed livelihood?

Young Master Gu was undoubtedly the most powerful person on Chaliao Island. Receiving his invitation meant they had caught his eye, so how could they not be excited?

The current Young Master Gu was a prestigious figure every merchant yearned to gain favor with. Anyone who received such an invitation felt honored. Some, upon receiving it, couldn't wait to show it off, making those without invitations intensely envious.

At Gu Residence, Mi Guo was helping with the preparations for the banquet.

The house wouldn't accommodate everyone, and since it was early summer with pleasant temperatures and air, Gu Qingcheng suggested setting up an open-air tent with tables and chairs in the open space outside the courtyard.

The main dishes were personally prepared by Mi Guo. Gu Qingcheng procured two wild tuna for sashimi, and delicacies like nine-headed abalone and premium bird's nest were all included on the menu.

On the night of the banquet, various guests arrived one after another, each presenting lavish gifts.

The situation on Chaliao Island, which had been calm for over half a year, became vibrant with the arrival of Gu Qingcheng's invitation.

Everyone had a strong premonition that the Young Master Gu, who had been away for half a year reportedly working on a major project, was now back and hosting a grand banquet, which surely meant profitable opportunities.

Gu Qingcheng's residence was bustling with carriages and horses, a lively scene.

Du Lanyue was also among the invited guests. Many at the entrance, seeing her alight from her carriage, stepped forward to greet her enthusiastically.

She was, after all, the daughter of Boss Du and managed the island's most profitable wharf business. If she were called the "Princess of Chaliao Island," no one would object.

Most importantly, this princess was not an incompetent figure; she possessed substantial capabilities.

Seeing the respectful gazes of everyone, Du Lanyue's heart suddenly settled.

She had an inkling of Gu Qingcheng's intention behind hosting such a grand banquet. Gu Qingcheng was never one to seek attention so ostentatiously; her actions must have had a deeper purpose.

Everyone took their seats.

As guests settled in, Mi Guo appeared.

A murmur went through the crowd: "Huh? Why isn't Young Master Gu hosting this?"

Mi Guo waved his hand and politely said, "May I have everyone's attention, please!"

The crowd immediately quieted down.

"Distinguished guests, today is a joyous occasion for the Gu family to host you. I would like to formally introduce a very important person to everyone! I'm sure you all know her!"

"Oh, isn't Young Master Gu Qingcheng the most important person here?" someone joked.

"You are absolutely right!" Mi Guo nodded.

Just as he finished speaking, Gu Qingcheng emerged from the inner chamber, revealing herself to the assembled guests.

Upon seeing her, they noticed a young woman with an elegant and spirited appearance, both beautiful and composed. If she wore male attire, who else could she be but Gu Qingcheng?

Someone exclaimed, "Huh? Is this Young Master Gu's twin sister? She looks so much like him!"

"Yes? Where is Young Master Gu? Wasn't he the one hosting us today?"

Some speculated that Young Master Gu might have encountered trouble, and his sister had come to handle the social obligations.

Others guessed that this woman was merely there to greet them, and Young Master Gu was busy with other matters, unable to attend, so she was filling in.

At this moment, the woman spoke in a familiar tone:

"Esteemed elders and colleagues, I am Gu Qingcheng. In the past, for convenience in my dealings, I always presented myself in male attire, leading you to believe I was a man.

I'm sure you can understand my predicament.

Now that the calamities have passed, life on Chaliao Island has returned to peace. I no longer wish to disguise myself as a man or interact with you as one. I prefer to engage with you as my true self, as business partners and friends.

Consider tonight's banquet an apology for the past. From now on, please refer to me as Miss Gu."

Gu Qingcheng finally appeared in her female attire.

The banquet hall was stunned for three seconds.

Young Master Gu had become Miss Gu. Although surprised, the guests quickly accepted the reality.

After all, only her attire had changed. Whether as Young Master Gu or Miss Gu, Gu Qingcheng had brought them tangible benefits.

They were indeed surprised that Gu Qingcheng had been disguised as a man. However, their reaction was not overly intense. No one criticized Gu Qingcheng for deceiving them, nor did anyone leave in anger.

Seeing the expressions of realization on their faces, yet noticing that their respect for her remained unchanged, Gu Qingcheng understood that her guess was correct.

These people cared about the benefits they could gain, not whether she was a man or a woman. As long as she had the ability to bring them substantial profits, that was all that mattered. The title of Young Master Gu or Miss Gu was no obstacle!