Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 517: Equally Matched

Chapter 517: Chapter 517: Equally Matched

Seeing that the situation was at an impasse, with a helpless look, Gu Fan said, "Enough, stop this staring game. We aren’t savages who resolve issues with violence; can’t we discuss this civilly?"

"So what’s your proposition?" Qian Feng knew the current situation wasn’t conducive to starting a fight, so she had to pin her hopes on Gu Fan to propose a mutually acceptable solution.

Gu Fan proceeded, "Although I have no idea about the secret of the old house, and whether my parents would agree, I can promise one thing — all three parties will share the profits."

But the boss dismissed this, "You don’t even know the secret of the old house, so how can you share the profits? Do you realise there are certain things that can’t be shared?"

"Can’t share then? Great, let’s struggle until the end." Gu Fan’s words made everyone’s heart sink. They knew this deadlock wasn’t a solution.

Gu Fan shook his head: "Are we fighting or not? Negotiating or not? So, what exactly are your intentions? Speak up."

The boss gave a cold snort: "Fine, Gu Fan. For your sake, I’ll stop here today. I’ll give you time and opportunity to uncover the secret of your old family house. Give us a satisfactory answer. Otherwise, if you offend any party, expect no peace in your future."

"I got it, I’ll do my best." Gu Fan breathed a sigh of relief. With the boss taking a step back, naturally, Qian Feng wouldn’t cause more trouble.

As he was leaving, the boss further stated, "I have the support of two families now, and I will strive for a third. When the time comes, I wish for the lion’s share."

"Sure, the one who contributes more gains more." Gu Fan immediately added, "Also, no one can use force to compel others to support them, like Liu Yao."

"Fine, let’s do it this way." Qian Feng nodded, although she was anxious knowing that she only had the Zhang Family’s support. When it came time to share the profits, she wouldn’t be at an advantage.

Out of the six families, the loyalties of five were already determined, while one was unknown. This was Qian Feng’s only hope.

Everyone bid their goodbyes, contemplating how they would acquire the support of the last family.

"My goodness, I’m finally safe!" Liu Yao was scared to the point of collapse.

The conversation had left Su Hui befuddled: "What does this mean? What are you all talking about? Is this fight really concerned with your old family house, Gu Fan? What else have you discovered?"

Gu Fan thought carefully before answering: "I visited the city’s historical museum and discovered a secret." Then, he shared all his findings, which surprised Su Hui, Lin Xi, and Zhuo Hang so much they almost dropped their jaws.

"Can this really be a coincidence?" Su Hui was in disbelief. After some consideration, Lin Xi chose to believe Gu Fan’s conjecture, that there were hidden truths concerning the six families’ decision to establish a fishing village in the first place.

Zhuo Hang knitted his brows, "This explains why the boss and Qian Feng are so interested in the old house to the point of forming an alliance."

Gu Fan shook his head, "If it weren’t for the weakness in their alliance’s trust, we might not have been able to stand against them today. Who would withstand a joint-attack from their side?"

"A three-way stalemate, no one can handle the other, which makes you safer, Gu Fan," Su Hui nodded, indicating her anticipation to move back into the old house soon.

Gu Fan nodded, "Exactly, we need to move back into the old house as soon as possible and uncover the secret it’s hiding."

As for this, everyone turned to Liu Yao, as she seemed to know a lot.

Liu Yao shook her head, "Sorry, firstly, this secret is only passed among the six of us. Secondly, only our elders can disclose it to the younger generation. The Zhu Family was foolish to tell the boss, and the Zhang Family was even more absurd to throw their lot in with the Shennv Xuanhui, resulting in the current situation."

"Indeed, if the Zhu and Zhang families hadn’t disclosed the secret, we wouldn’t be in this predicament." Gu Fan was slightly disheartened. The balance between the three forces was just temporary, and sooner or later it would tip. The question was, which option would benefit Gu Fan the most?

However, Gu Fan was sure about one thing: the secret of the old house could only be unveiled by the six families together, no one could be absent. Hence, the boss had secured the support of the Zhu and Luo Families.

Liu Yao remained silent at Gu Fan’s conjecture, essentially giving her tacit agreement.

Gu Fan then stated, "Given the current situation, we hope you don’t get deceived by the enemy. As you have chosen your side, stick with it to the end."

"Alright, alright, I’ll stick with it to the end. But somehow, I feel like I’m just getting deeper into trouble." Liu Yao assumed a pessimistic demeanor, with zero confidence in Gu Fan.

Gu Fan sighed repeatedly, "Alright, as of now, we’re safe. Hurry back and discuss with your husband how to mobilize resources. You never know when they might come in handy."

"Okay, I’ll leave now." After saying this, Liu Yao left.

Then, Gu Fan turned to look at Zhuo Hang, somewhat surprised, "I didn’t expect you to come too. You were probably hounding Su Hui when I sent the message."

Zhuo Hang just smiled, "That’s not important. What’s important is that my presence has balanced the three forces preventing a serious conflict, therefore it can be considered atoning for my actions."

Gu Fan responded directly, "I do owe you for this time and the last. But it wasn’t Su Hui who was in debt, so you can’t consider this as atonement."

Hearing this, Zhuo Hang was taken aback. He glanced at Su Hui, but her expressionless face left him unsure of her attitude.

In the end Zhuo Hang compromised, "Alright, the fact that I wronged Su Hui still stands, and now you owe me several times over. I guess you’ll need my help later and will owe me even more. So, let’s say if Su Hui owes you one, we can just cancel each other out?"

"Big brother, you sure know how to keep score." Gu Fan was at a loss for words.

Subsequently, Su Hui and Zhuo Hang left. Gu Fan, watching their retreating figures, felt a strange unease grip him.

Lin Xi consoled him, "It’s alright. Su Hui has been hurt once; she’ll remember. Even if she forgives Zhuo Hang, it doesn’t mean she’ll accept him again. Be assured."

Hearing this, Gu Fan reacted immediately, "Why would I worry? I trust Su Hui to handle the situation well. I’m worried about you. Hope you weren’t startled earlier."

Lin Xi rolled her eyes and walked away with a dismissive hum.