Chapter 67 The Reason for Failure

Gu Xiangnan got into a taxi, intending at first to go straight to Yisheng Company. But remembering that he would soon need to refine some elixirs, he decided to return to the villa first to retrieve the Shennong Cauldron before heading to the company.

The white fox, Taoyao, trailed along behind him. Bored, she stubbornly refused all his attempts to persuade her back into the snuff bottle.

Entering the president's office, Gu Xiangnan noticed high-heeled shoes strewn about, one here and another there. Su Hanyan lay sprawled on the sofa, utterly exhausted, her eyes fixed intently on the lamp above her.

“Senior Sister, what’s wrong?” Gu Xiangnan was startled and hurried to her side.

Su Hanyan’s gaze shifted; seeing it was Gu Xiangnan, she gave a helpless, bitter smile. “Xiaonan, is there any solution for the Rejuvenation Cream? There are only two days left. The board is pressuring me, and the pharmaceutical distributors are calling every day.”

“Don’t worry, Senior Sister. Master has already told me the way.”

Su Hanyan’s eyes immediately brightened. “Really? Tell me at once!” She sat up straight away.

“Senior Sister, may I use your computer?”

She took his hand, settled him in the executive chair, and switched on the computer.

“Second Master gave me the method for crafting the elixir. Let’s look at it together.” Gu Xiangnan opened the PowerPoint, and the two of them studied it closely.

It included the required ingredients, the steps for refining, the control of the heat, as well as potential issues and their solutions.

When they finished, Su Hanyan exclaimed in wonder, “Second Master is so modern, even making such a good presentation!”

“Xiaonan, what do you need me to do next?” she asked eagerly.

“Senior Sister, please arrange for someone to prepare all the necessary ingredients at once.”

“Alright.”

Su Hanyan took out pen and paper, carefully listing the ingredients on a separate sheet. Then she called Wu Meiyu in and instructed her to get started immediately.

After Wu Meiyu left, Su Hanyan drew Gu Xiangnan back to the sofa, nestling herself against him.

“Xiaonan, last time Young Master Zheng held a press conference, he invited the film star Mona. Should we invite a celebrity for our product launch as well?”

Gu Xiangnan’s lips curled in a mischievous smile. “Sure, let’s invite one as well.”

Su Hanyan looked up at him. “Who should we invite? Perhaps one of the newly debuted young actresses—they’re very popular right now…”

“No.” Gu Xiangnan shook his head. “I don’t think that’s suitable.”

“Let’s just invite Mona, shall we?” He raised his eyebrows, meeting her gaze.

Su Hanyan thought for a moment and understood instantly.

Overcome with excitement, she hugged Gu Xiangnan. “Xiaonan, you’re brilliant! That’s a wonderful idea!”

Gu Xiangnan gently caressed her back. “I’ve been busy with my own affairs these days and haven’t had time to help you. I’m sorry.”

She drew back a little, her arms still around his neck, gazing at him with emotion. “Xiaonan, I’m really touched.”

The mood was just right; she leaned in slowly, her lips almost meeting his.

At that moment, the white fox Taoyao, full of curiosity, hopped onto the sofa to observe the couple up close, just as they were about to kiss.

Suddenly, Gu Xiangnan noticed a pair of round, gleaming eyes staring at him. Startled, he gave a violent shudder and immediately pushed Su Hanyan away.

Su Hanyan, who had just closed her eyes, was abruptly pushed aside. She opened her eyes in surprise, only to see Gu Xiangnan staring in alarm at Taoyao. She burst out laughing.

“What an adorable little dog! So curious!” she said, stroking Taoyao’s head and casting a playful glance at Gu Xiangnan. “What would a little dog know? She can’t understand anyway.”

Gu Xiangnan cleared his throat awkwardly. “Well, Senior Sister, I’ll study the alchemy process for a bit. You’d better hurry them up with the preparations.”

With Taoyao nearby, he simply couldn’t summon any enthusiasm.

Realizing this, Su Hanyan could only leave, a bit crestfallen.

“Wow, Master, what were you just doing?” Taoyao asked as she licked her little paw.

Gu Xiangnan, at a loss for words, replied casually, “That gesture means you like someone—it’s called a kiss.”

At once, Taoyao leapt onto his lap. “Master, I like you too. Kiss me as well!” She puckered her lips expectantly.

Gu Xiangnan pushed her away. “You’re covered in fur—how could I kiss you?”

Taoyao was briefly stunned, but then, with a shake, transformed into her young girl form.

She perched sideways on his knee, her hands on his shoulders, mimicking Su Hanyan’s posture, closing her eyes as she leaned forward.

Still, Gu Xiangnan refused to kiss her, and Taoyao’s lips trembled as if she were about to cry.

“Master, do you not like me?”

Gu Xiangnan panicked. He had no idea how to handle crying girls, let alone when Taoyao was acting so coquettish—it was simply lethal.

With no other choice, he gave her a quick, light peck.

Stunned, Taoyao stared at him wide-eyed.

Warm, soft—though she couldn’t quite taste anything, it made her happy.

Her conclusion was simple: Master liked her too.

Footsteps echoed outside the door—the sharp sound of high heels.

Frightened, Taoyao darted back into the snuff bottle.

“Xiaonan, all the ingredients are ready. They’ll be delivered soon,” Su Hanyan announced as she opened the door.

Gu Xiangnan jolted, feeling as though he’d just been caught in a guilty act.

“Xiaonan, what’s wrong?” Su Hanyan asked, puzzled by his anxious expression.

“Oh, nothing. I just realized we need a proper place for the alchemy,” he replied, trying to change the subject.

“Senior Sister, is there anywhere in the company suitable for refining elixirs?”

Su Hanyan thought for a moment. “We have a pharmaceutical R&D lab—would that do?”

“Let’s go check it out now,” Gu Xiangnan said, standing up.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at Yisheng Company’s research lab.

After undergoing disinfection, they entered the facility. Gu Xiangnan inspected the well-equipped, spotless lab and found it perfect for alchemy.

He turned to Su Hanyan. “Senior Sister, let’s use this place.”

Su Hanyan immediately announced, “As of now, everyone must leave the lab.”

The staff paused in their work, staring at her in surprise.

The technical director stepped forward. “President Su, why? The product launch is in two days.”

“If we don’t hurry, there’ll be no Rejuvenation Cream to sell,” Su Hanyan said firmly. “Everyone, out now. No one is allowed back in for the next two days.”

The staff had no choice but to obey.

Su Hanyan called Wu Meiyu, instructing her to have all the herbs moved to the lab.

Once everything was in order, Gu Xiangnan gave her a gentle squeeze.

“Senior Sister, you go out too. I’ll study things here and call you if I need you.”

Su Hanyan nodded and, before leaving, turned off all the surveillance cameras.

From his bag, Gu Xiangnan took out the Shennong Cauldron.