Chapter 196: Arrangements
Chapter 196: Arrangements
Ge Guizhi asked weakly, “Where are we going?”
She wasn’t a woman with strong opinions and had the misfortune of being with the entirely unreliable man, Gao Hongbo.
If it hadn’t been completely unbearable, she probably wouldn’t have divorced Gao Hongbo even now.
Gao Jing looked around and said, “This isn’t a place for people to live. I’ll arrange something else for you.”
To Gao Jing, if it weren’t for Gao Yuanyuan, Ge Guizhi would be no different from any stranger.
Apart from Gao Yuanyuan, he actually had another brother and sister.
After divorcing Gao Jing’s father, his mother had moved to Shanghai. Over the years, she’d had almost no contact with Gao Jing.
She intensely disliked and resented her ex-husband, Gao Hongbo, and her feelings extended to Gao Jing as well.
Gao Jing only knew that she was doing quite well in Shanghai and that he had two younger half-siblings from his mother’s remarriage.
In comparison, Gao Yuanyuan’s situation was much more unfortunate.
Eighteen should be the most beautiful age of youth, but she looked very skinny. Although her eyes were large, they lacked any sparkle. Her poor health was obvious, and she was quiet, timid, and afraid of strangers.
Gao Jing understood perfectly—if she hadn’t felt utterly desperate, this younger sister wouldn’t have called him for help.
Over all these years, he hadn’t exchanged more than a few words with her.
Ge Guizhi seemed hesitant. “We’re leaving now?”
“Yes,” Gao Jing said. “Just grab some essential things. Leave everything else here; I’ll buy new ones later.”
Ge Guizhi hesitated for a moment but finally nodded. “Okay.”
While she and Gao Yuanyuan started packing, Gao Jing stepped outside to make a phone call.
He called Niu Jinxing.
It was already the 29th day of the 12th lunar month—renting an apartment at such short notice would be nearly impossible unless they stayed in a hotel.
Real estate agencies were already closed for the lunar new year holiday.
Also, since Ge Guizhi was currently unemployed at home, Gao Jing wanted to help her find a job.
Although Gao Jing could certainly give them a large sum of money so the mother and daughter wouldn’t have to worry about food or shelter for the rest of their lives, he felt this wasn’t the best solution.
He wanted them to become self-reliant and earn their own happiness through hard work.
His job was simply to help pull them through their difficulties.
When Niu Jinxing received Gao Jing’s call, he was quite surprised. After hearing the situation, he immediately assured Gao Jing it was no trouble at all and promised to handle the arrangements properly.
Gao Jing thanked him.
He did have his own company in the provincial capital, as well as a Charity Foundation under review. However, neither offered a suitable position for Ge Guizhi. Her somewhat special relationship to him also made working in his own company somewhat awkward.
The Jiangnan Fuli Group, owned by the Niu family, had a branch office, retail stores, and even a factory in the provincial capital. Placing Ge Guizhi in a suitable role was very straightforward.
After finishing his call with Niu Jinxing, Gao Jing went back inside to help mother and daughter pack.
Ge Guizhi was extremely frugal—she even wanted to wrap up pots, bowls, and utensils to take with her.
After Gao Jing tutted at her behavior and told her to leave it, she obediently followed his words.
In the end, they packed very little.
Leading Ge Guizhi and Gao Yuanyuan, Gao Jing returned to the main roadside.
When they saw his brand-new G-Class luxury SUV, both women looked surprised—especially Ge Guizhi.
She knew a bit about what his life used to be like. She was completely caught off-guard; not only had his appearance drastically changed after all these years, but he was now driving a Benz!
Despite their shock, both mother and daughter were naturally reserved people. They climbed awkwardly into the big vehicle.
While driving, Gao Jing got a call back from Niu Jinxing.
In the end, Gao Jing drove to a residential complex in the city’s High-tech Zone.
The High-tech Zone was one of Yuncheng’s key urban development centres. Although it had only been developed for about a decade, it was well-constructed: filled with modern high-rises, excellent surroundings, and top-tier amenities. The metro had reached there relatively early as well.
This Jinghuayuan community was only a few hundred meters away from a subway entrance. It consisted entirely of attractive low-rise apartments.
Judging by what Gao Jing knew about the provincial capital’s housing prices, these apartments cost at least 30,000 yuan per square meter!
To his surprise, it was none other than Zhang Ying who was waiting at the entrance—Niu Jinxing’s sister-in-law.
“Manager Zhang,” Gao Jing said as he got out of the car, curious. “Why are you here?”
Zhang Ying explained, “I happened to be in the city. Jinxing told me everything, so I thought I’d show you the apartment first.”
“Sounds good,” Gao Jing said bluntly. “Thank you for the trouble.”
Zhang Ying gave a grateful smile. “You’re too polite, CEO Gao.”
She hopped into the passenger seat of the G-Wagen and directed Gao Jing over to one of the buildings in the complex.
According to Zhang Ying, the building had seventeen floors. Each floor had four units off two elevator landings, for a total of sixty-eight apartments. The entire building had been purchased by Fuli Group, thoroughly redecorated, and repurposed as residences for high-level management and technical staff.
“When I bought the units back then, they were only 6,800 per square meter. Plus, since it was a bulk purchase, they gave us a discount—8% off!” Zhang Ying added with a little laugh, “Now the market rate is 33,000.”
Gao Jing was genuinely impressed. “That’s amazing.”
The price had nearly quintupled! Plus, the property continued to appreciate. The annual return rate was likely way, way higher than their profits from the furniture business.
If Fuli Group ever faced financial difficulties, selling off this building could bring in hundreds of millions instantly! Real estate really did help the country prosper more than other businesses!
While they talked, Zhang Ying took the trio up to the tenth floor.
She pulled out a key and opened the door of apartment 1001. “See first if this one’s to your liking.”
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment covered 120 square meters. Facing north-south, it had excellent sunlight, two large balconies, and rooms finished with high-quality fittings throughout: master bedroom, guest room, study, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
Appliances in both kitchen and bathrooms were brand-new. It was ready to move in!
Gao Yuanyuan, clutching her mom’s arm tightly, trailed obediently as Gao Jing and Zhang Ying explored the unit.
Her gaze lingered as they entered the study, leaving an impression.
Gao Jing noticed her expression. “Yuanyuan, how do you feel? Would you like living here?”
Yuanyuan hung her head politely, her cheeks turning noticeably red as she gave a soft nod.
Zhang Ying smiled. Early on, Gao Jing had explained that this girl—timid as a rabbit—was his sister.
“We’ll take this place then,” Gao Jing said to Zhang Ying. “Thank you very much, Manager Zhang.”
“It’s nothing,” Zhang Ying replied warmly. She handed over the keys and access card. “I’ve actually been transferred to the provincial city branch myself. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime you need help.”
She then gave Ge Guizhi a business card. “Sister Guizhi, here’s my contact info. Give me a call after the Spring Festival, and I’ll help arrange your job placement.”
Overcome with emotion, Ge Guizhi stammered, “Th-thank you so much!”
“My pleasure,” Zhang Ying assured before moving toward the exit. She flashed a final reassuring smile at Gao Jing and his family. “CEO Gao, Sister Guizhi—I won’t disturb any further. Contact me if needed.”
“Thank you. Goodbye,” they said in unison.
After seeing Zhang Ying off, Gao Jing addressed Ge Guizhi. “Aunt Guizhi, you and Yuanyuan can live here peacefully from now on. There’s no rent to pay.”
He then turned to his younger sister. His voice softened noticeably. “Yuanyuan, just study hard. Focus on next year’s university exams. I’ll cover all your tuition fees.”
Her eyes reddened instantly. “Thank you… big brother,” she whispered.
“That’s what family does.” Without thinking, Gao Jing reached out and touched her hair lightly—before pulling back awkwardly. “Eat nutritious meals on a regular basis. You’re way too skinny right now.”
Now even Yuanyuan’s ears flushed crimson.
Ge Guizhi appeared overwhelmed with guilt. Tears welled up as she spoke with difficulty. “It’s my fault… that Yuanyuan had such a hard time. She does well in her studies… really well actually. Ranked tenth in her final exams across her entire school! She could have performed even better.”
Wordlessly, Yuanyuan closed the distance and wrapped her arms around her mother’s waist.
“Everything’s behind you now,” Gao Jing reassured both before addressing Ge Guizhi seriously. “If lenders come harassing… call the authorities. Or contact Manager Zhang. Never put up with it from them again.”
The complex carried strict access controls, blocking all unregistered individuals outright. Furthermore, Fuli Group’s reputation would deter anyone attempting to hassle Guizhi or Yuanyuan.
Ge Guizhi wiped her eyes. “Gao Jing… I honestly don’t know how we will ever repay you.”
She had honestly never dreamed her life—plus her daughter’s—could alter so drastically off one call to Gao Jing. The abrupt shift left her feeling almost disoriented. Gratitude overflowed into tears.
“None of that talk is necessary,” Gao Jing stated definitively. “Yuanyuan’s family. Now I’m able to help; it’s only right I protect her.”
He grabbed two fine packs of cash out of his bag and pressed them toward Gao Yuanyuan. “Yuanyuan—for your lucky money.”
Flinching guiltily, she withdrew her hands instantly. “I… I can’t take that.”
Resignedly, Gao Jing left the crisp bundles on the entry table. “Aunt Guizhi, Yuanyuan,” he stated softly as he stepped toward the door. “I’m heading out now. Call immediately if you need anything.”
Quickly, Ge Guizhi offered, “Gao Jing… tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve already! Have your family dinner meal right here… with us?”
Initially, saying no was on the very tip of his tongue. After all, he’d done everything reasonably expected—more than asked of him. Why prolong obligations unnecessarily?
A single glimpse changed everything.
Before him stood Yuanyuan, eyes impossibly wide, filled with unmistakable hope.
Gao Jing felt an unexpected urge building. Without any clear prompting, the subtle phrase slipped through on instinct alone:
“Okay.”