https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-412-How-Could-You-Not-Know-Anything-/12973544/
Chapter 413: Well-Fed but Unfulfilled
Chapter 413: Well-Fed but Unfulfilled
December 11th, 2024
Time rewinds half an hour.
In a room within the vast estate of the Gu family, a table is set with a hearty meal, its aroma filling the air.
Two men sit across from each other.
One of them is Gu Changkong, and the man sitting opposite him bears a striking resemblance, especially in their eyes, as if they were carved from the same mold.
"Fourth Brother, what brings you here today? I didn't have enough time to prepare, so I only managed to cook some home-style dishes. I hope you don't mind."
As Gu Changkong speaks, he picks up the wine in front of him and fills the cup across from him.
Indeed, the man opposite him is his half-brother, Gu Changming, the fourth-born among the brothers.
The two have a good relationship, but their ideologies sometimes clash.
Gu Changming had already sided with Gu Changlin several years ago and became a Grandmaster two years ago.
Gu Changkong had wanted to persist, but there's no need to elaborate further. In any case, he's now also under Gu Changlin's command, and it's much easier for the two of them to meet and communicate than before.
"You're too kind, Third Brother."
Gu Changming's voice sounds much younger, "Being able to eat a meal prepared by you is a dream come true for many."
"You're just teasing me again."
Gu Changkong refills his own cup, "Come, let's drink."
Their wine cups clink, and both men down their drinks in one go.
"Third Brother, how are you adjusting to life back in the Inner District?"
"It's manageable."
Gu Changkong nods.
"And you? How's life treating you here?"
"It's alright."
Gu Changming shrugs, picks up the wine bottle from the table, and pours himself another cup as he speaks, "You know, Big Brother is very cautious with us. The positions he gives us are nominal, with no real authority or benefits. Every month, we receive some cultivation resources, and with the family's provisions, we won't starve, but we won't be well-fed either."
Hearing this, a hint of gloom passes over Gu Changkong's eyes.
Indeed.
Even though he's now transferred to the Inner District, doing nothing, the monthly income he receives is more than what he used to make in the Outer District's black market.
However, this lifestyle offers little room for growth. As time passes and he becomes a Grandmaster, the family's support will likely increase, but the benefits from Gu Changlin's side may not.
"By the way, Third Brother, you know Jiang Cheng, right?"
"Of course, what's up?" Gu Changkong asks, taken aback.
"I heard that during the family meeting a few days ago, everyone was vying for this person. The family elders all wanted to bring him into the family to work for us, but Big Brother refused. He wouldn't budge because this person's alchemy skills are too high. If he keeps him, he can earn a fortune in just a month. In the end, Big Brother chose to compromise and agreed to hand over half of the profits to the family."
Gu Changming pauses here, looking at Gu Changkong, "Third Brother, wasn't Jiang Cheng originally your man? Third Brother, Big Brother took him away, and now he's missing out on a fortune every month. Do you harbor any resentment in your heart?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Changkong lets out a bitter laugh.
He doesn't know if Gu Changming is here to catch up or if he's been sent by Gu Changlin to test him.
In large families, words can be as dangerous as a disease.
"Ahem, Third Brother, if you feel uncomfortable answering, I understand. I only came to chat with you after learning about this from others."
"Gu Changming said.
"There's nothing inconvenient about it."
Gu Changkong shook his head and slowly said, "Of course, there's no resentment, but there's some regret. After all, who wouldn't be tempted by several hundred million a month?"
"That's right. I heard that even our father was tempted." Gu Changjun nodded repeatedly.
"But being tempted is one thing, and having the ability to possess it is another matter."
Gu Changkong sighed, "Our fifth brother, after learning about this, sent assassins several times in a row. I can block it once, twice, but what about the third and fourth times?"
As long as he couldn't block it once, it would be like carrying water in a bamboo basket, so it's better to hand the person over to Big Brother, which is beneficial for all three parties."
"I've also heard about this," Gu Changming narrowed his eyes, "Gu Changjun, he's really not a good person. If things don't go his way, he resorts to underhanded methods. Usually, he acts as if he doesn't care about anyone, but it's just because he's relying on our father to back him up."
"That's true, but talking about it is useless. Some gaps were predetermined even before we were born."
Gu Changkong sighed.
Their mothers were both from small families in the Inner City, and neither could compare to Gu Changlin or Gu Changjun.
Gu Changming seemed to be touched and suddenly became quiet.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."
Gu Changkong smiled, "After we finish this meal, let's go to the virtual arena and spar?"
"Great!"
Gu Changming's eyes lit up.
"It's been a long time since we sparred, Third Brother."
"That's right, but right now, I'm no match for you. You have to give me some leeway."
"Third Brother, you're being too modest. I remember how many times we sparred when we were young, and I was never your match. Now, I only have the advantage of my cultivation realm. Once you become a Grandmaster, then even if I use my full strength, I won't be your match." Gu Changming shrugged.
"You kid, you're teasing me again." Gu Changkong couldn't help but laugh.
However, at this moment, the lightpad on his arm suddenly emitted a soft sound.
Gu Changkong apologized and opened the lightpad, only to find that it was a communication from Gu Changlin.
He didn't avoid Gu Changming, who was beside him, and directly connected the call.
In mid-air, a projection of Gu Changlin appeared. At this moment, he looked terrible, his face covered in sweat, and even his hair was drenched.
In addition, there were people standing behind him.
"Where are you now?"
Before Gu Changkong could open his mouth, the other party spoke first.
"At home, having dinner with Fourth Brother."
Gu Changkong hurriedly replied, his tone respectful.
"That's right, Big Brother. We haven't started eating yet. If you're free, why don't you join us?" Gu Changming smiled.
This time, he came according to Gu Changkong's instructions to test Gu Changkong.
The reason it was delayed until now, instead of a few months ago, was to avoid being too obvious and getting discovered by Gu Changkong.
But at this moment, Gu Changlin didn't have the mind for such things. He was like a clay Buddha crossing the river, struggling to save himself.
"Come to Father right now, hurry, don't delay for even a minute!"
"Changkong."
As the words fell, Gu Tianyuan's voice rang out.
"Father!"
Gu Changkong was startled and hurriedly called out.
Gu Changming also quickly followed suit.
"Don't say unnecessary words, just come over quickly."
"Yes, Father!"
Gu Changkong cut off the communication, his heart filled with both surprise and doubt. What had happened?
(End of Chapter)
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