Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1161: I’m Sorry, You’re Out

Chapter 1161: Chapter 1161: I’m Sorry, You’re Out

Gu Fan came to the neighborhood alone because he was worried that Organization X would target his parents. Upon entering his home, he found it empty: Lin Yue’s belongings were gone as well, seemingly determined to cut ties with his family.

Gu Fan didn’t know how to tell Lin Xi about the situation, but still, he called her and informed her of what had happened.

Upon learning this, Lin Xi fell silent for a long while, followed by a helpless sigh.

Gu Fan then consoled her, "Lin Xi, don’t be too sad. Look at it this way, we don’t have to worry about Organization X constantly watching my family and then turning their attention to Lin Yue."

Hearing this, Lin Xi felt there was some truth to it. With Organization X’s next move still unknown, if they acted rashly and came to the house in Gu Fan’s neighborhood, found Gu Fan’s mother absent, and Lin Yue living there instead, they might kidnap Lin Yue without a second thought.

Lin Xi then voiced a concern, "Well, at least my brother is safe, but what about your parents? Will they continue to stay at the old house?"

"For now, that’s the only option, unless Organization X backs down, but that’s impossible," Gu Fan said as he walked and left the neighborhood. By the time he ended his call with Lin Xi, he was already on the busy street outside, looking at the big screen in a commercial plaza broadcasting an interview with a beautiful female entrepreneur of the city.

Gu Fan was shocked. Wasn’t that Li Shi? When did she become a public figure?

In the interview, Li Shi was poised and dignified, answering questions with ease, showing no sign that she was only in her twenties.

Ever since Gu Fan mediated the last time, X Fund had handed over the financial media company where Li Shi worked to her, making Li Shi the boss of her own company.

Now, Li Shi had transformed into the city’s youngest and most beautiful female boss. Her beauty and ethereal aura drew many onlookers to stop and stare, their heads tilted back as they gazed at the electronic screen.

Some admired Li Shi’s ability to own a business at such a young age, believing her capability must be strong.

Others thought Li Shi must have a wealthy father supporting her, otherwise, it would be impossible to achieve so much so young.

There were also those who dismissed the claims of the youngest, most beautiful female boss as mere packaging—just as some bosses are said to own vast fortunes, yet in reality, they are heavily in debt, possibly on the brink of company collapse.

Still, others believed Li Shi’s success couldn’t be without the help of many successful men, though those words carried an undeniable hint of jealousy.

Listening to the crowd, Gu Fan’s expression darkened slightly as he finally understood why fame could be a double-edged sword.

But when the host asked Li Shi, "You’re so beautiful, do you have a boyfriend?"

Everyone watching the interview perked up, their eyes glued to the screen with anticipation, and when they heard Li Shi respond that she was currently single, the corners of their mouths curved up slightly in a smile.

The host pressed on, "Then have you ever had someone you liked?"

Li Shi laughed, hoping the host would focus more on her career.

However, the host persisted, explaining that many viewers and fans of Li Shi—not only concerned with her career but also curious about her personal life—wanted to know more about her.

After a moment of thought, Li Shi replied that she once had feelings for a boy, whether from college or high school she wouldn’t specify. At that time, the two of them really clicked, able to tease each other, always full of things to talk about. Whenever she met him, it felt like her world lit up, and life was vibrant with energy.

When the host inquired how things ended up with the boy, Li Shi shared that perhaps because of their understanding of each other, they feared ruining their relationship and neither dared to take the step further, so they missed their chance.

Hearing this, Gu Fan bowed his head, his expression somber, realizing that what truly led to their missed connection was not Li Shi’s sudden move, but his own fear of loss.

Regret once again stirred in Gu Fan’s heart, but he soon collected his emotions and steered his attention away from the electronic screen. Gu Fan understood that to have regrets was part of youth, and what matters most is not to miss the next opportunity.

Perhaps it was missing Li Shi that taught Gu Fan to appreciate what he had, to hold tightly to Lin Xi.

While Gu Fan was lost in thought, his phone rang, interrupting his reverie. When he looked at the caller ID, it was Boss Ding, giving Gu Fan an ominous feeling.

"Kid, if you don’t come back soon, our company is closing down," Boss Ding’s urgent bellow informed Gu Fan of the direness of the situation.

Gu Fan hung up and hurried back to the company, his heart beating wildly, hoping nothing major had occurred. Although the company’s collapse wouldn’t be a significant loss for him, it was still the fruit of his labor.

As soon as he entered the company’s door, the receptionist informed Gu Fan that Boss Ding and Du Jun were waiting for him in the conference room. Seeing the receptionist’s serious expression, Gu Fan knew the situation might be more serious than he had imagined.

With a nervous heart, Gu Fan walked into the conference room, where he saw Boss Ding and Du Jun with tense faces, as if the company were at a critical juncture.

"What’s the rush, calling me back like this?" Gu Fan asked cautiously, feeling a chill down his spine.

Boss Ding didn’t respond but gazed out the window, as if what he had to say was grave yet difficult to express.

It was Du Jun who spoke, "Here’s the situation: My father and Boss Lei have made their stance clear. As long as you’re with the company, they will withdraw their support. You know that without their backing, our company will struggle."

Upon hearing this, Gu Fan’s heart sank, realizing that Du Changhui and Boss Lei must have been furious that he spoiled their plans, but he hadn’t expected them to retaliate this way.

"Gu Fan, I know you can’t be blamed for this, but..." Du Jun hesitated, finding it difficult to force Gu Fan out without regard for their relationship.

Gu Fan smiled faintly, feigning indifference, "I understand. They don’t like me because I’m in the way of their profits. It’s right that I leave. I don’t blame you guys."

"How about this, Gu Fan, sell your shares to me and Boss Ding, and we’ll offer you a good price," Du Jun suggested as the best compensation he could think of for Gu Fan.

"Sure, no problem, how much are you offering?" Despite the sting of being forced out, Gu Fan, who had gone through much, quickly regained his strength and confronted the situation head-on.