Miss Beautiful C.E.O and her system

"Madam's words are intriguing. I'm just following the guidelines in the book."

Gu Yi set down the cup and leaned against the wooden frame with her elbow in a lazy posture. "Although there's a loss, it's acceptable if my opponent loses more—provided I'm rational. But unfortunately, I'm not, and that'll cost us everything."

"Are you threatening me?"

"Of course not. I'm simply informing you because I'm very protective of my shortcomings. They are the ones who dare to bleed and risk everything to save our civilians. How could we play them like pawns in our political fight? Leave them alone, and we'll both be happy."

"Madam, rules are rules. General Tang must be held accountable for proceeding with the mission without approval from the cabinet," the president said knowingly.

His words no longer irritated Gu Yi, who couldn't outright admit that she had authorized the mission despite having every right to do so. This left her opponents an opening to attack her.

The president and others knew General Tang was Gu Yi's confidant. Without her approval, why would the general dare to risk his career?

"Well then, since you insist the laws are sacred," Gu Yi said, tossing a stack of papers onto the table. "Let the law decide, then."

"What do you mean?"

"Please read first before we discuss," Gu Yi said, a hint of amusement in her eyes, causing the president to gulp unconsciously.

He was familiar with this expression. Whenever it appeared, someone was about to have a very bad day.

In fact, Gu Yi fully understood the behind-the-scenes maneuvering against General Tang. She had fended off multiple attacks, but the final blow came from the last mission—rescuing people from scammers—becoming the most vulnerable point.

The opposition wanted Gu Yi to ease the pressure on the Qin family's descendants and others affected by Tang Ziyi's and Xiao Yue's flamboyant operation.

A few days in prison, followed by the lawsuit quietly fading from public attention, was all they needed. With Gu Yi's nod, they would be released soon.

Unfortunately for them, she had promised her future daughter-in-law that there was nothing to worry about, and she was determined to keep them behind bars.

Not to mention, the Qin family were Ling Qingyu's enemies. Their feud wouldn't end unless one side was completely eliminated.

For far too long, Qin Group had acted with unchecked arrogance, controlling the government's narrative and exploiting the nation by leveraging their technological resources.

They monopolized key industries, citing their breakthroughs in chip technology, aerospace, and materials science.

Previously, Gu Yi might have reluctantly tolerated them for the sake of Country C's development.

However, after meeting Ling Qingyu, she realized Qin Group's arrogance was laughable in comparison. They couldn't even follow in her daughter-in-law's footsteps. Ling Qingyu only needed the right environment to thrive.

The technologies coming from her hands would stun the world. Gu Yi felt fortunate to have met her through Yang Qingyue.

For instance, while Qin Group's chip technology was still struggling in its reported progress, Ling Qingyu had already reached near mass production. Many other collaborations were in the pipeline.

"You—how on earth—" The president gripped the papers tightly, staring at Gu Yi with fear.

On the other hand, Gu Yi was delighted to see his rare moment of panic. After all, as fellow veterans in politics, they had long mastered the art of remaining calm—even if the world collapsed around them.

She silently thanked Ling Qingyu for her intelligence support. Athena's existence was god-like assistance. Too bad she could never poach her.

The documents she had delivered to the president contained enough secrets to shake Country C's political landscape if used correctly.

She was subtly reminding him of the leverage she held, and the president understood her meaning very clearly.

"What stays behind closed doors will remain so—as long as you approve the operation General Tang participated in, Mr. President," Gu Yi said.

"So, you want me to sign a document ordering General Tang to commence the covert operation across the border?" the president asked.

"Not you, Sir. Us," Gu Yi corrected. "Let's settle this peacefully. It's not worth throwing the entire government into chaos over a few bastards, am I right?"

The president gritted his teeth at Gu Yi's remark. Little bastards? This was a battle of prestige. If the Qin Group couldn't protect their own people, their once-dominant reputation would crumble.

In truth, the president dared not offend the woman before him. At the same time, he didn't want to interfere and risk angering the Qin Group and its affiliates. He was in a tight position.

People knew Gu Yi had led the operation long ago when the mission was a success, but no one dared to speak out about the individual's decision without higher-up approval.

One, her reputation was too high to be soiled by others. Two, she had a strong enough background to retaliate with thunderous means. Three, because the mission was a success, the consequences dissipated.

In addition, the timing was on Gu Yi's side. As months passed, General Tang's role in this operation became a weakness for them to exploit as leverage, and Gu Yi didn't plan to give an inch.

Gu Yi's delivery of evidence also carried another meaning. Since she could find it, there was certainly more. Using it to ensnare officials into her faction or eliminate them would be easy, given her power.

The president suspected this woman might have some strings on him as well, though she hadn't revealed them yet.

But once they broke off unhappily, he would lose wealth and reputation. Although, as the head of state, he had power, it wasn't enough to overwhelm others.

A committee stood in his way—six people who shared similar authority with him. What if Gu Yi managed to persuade them?

No—what if they were already hers? He was about to retire and didn't want to lose at the final step.

"Usually, I don't care about little favors, selling and buying people. It's fine to raise lovers, but they must not break others' happiness and families," the president said righteously. "We must uphold our laws firmly and show others there's no quarter."

"The president is mighty. Under your leadership, it won't be long before the corrupt environment is cleansed." Gu Yi returned the compliment with a high hat.

The president rolled his eyes and cursed inwardly at the shameless Minister of Justice. He had no choice.

If it wasn't him, there would be others jumping to approve Gu Yi's request. Who knew whether this old lady would hold a grudge?

None of the people she had issues with survived unscathed. Of course, Gu Yi was somewhat scrupulous when taking advantage of the momentum to eliminate dissidents and political enemies.

However, she didn't take it too far. At most, they lost their positions and were only released due to a lack of evidence—provided they were truly innocent.

Nonetheless, whoever rose to power was stained with blood and crimes, more often than not. The difference lay in the severity. For the former, Gu Yi was forgiving, delivering only a slap on the wrist.

No need to talk about the latter. So, in front of Gu Yi, Ling Qingyu seemed more like a little white flower. Their levels of ruthlessness and acceptance weren't the same.

Surely, this was the former Ling Qingyu—not the current one, who resorted to killing if someone posed even the slightest threat to her loved ones.

"I know it's burdensome for you, but it's in our best interest to weaken Qin Group's influence," said Gu Yi.

"You talk as if we can remove them easily," the president sneered.

"It's difficult, but not impossible. After all, birds will fly away once the tree is no longer safe or beneficial," Gu Yi clicked her tongue. "Sir, you should know, the industry these bastards left behind is enough to make anyone envious."

"I'm a public servant, not an official seeking benefits."

"That's why I'm confident working with you, President." Gu Yi smiled without the slightest pretense, having grown accustomed to the corrupt atmosphere.

It was her greatest will that she managed to stay sane and didn't harm the public because of power and greed.

"Haha, General Tang is a patriot. We must give due respect and admiration for her merits. We must not disappoint our heroes."

"My deepest gratitude for your consideration."

"Well then, Minister Gu, what's the next plan?"

"Simple. In the next few days, MSS will uncover evidence of tax evasion, bribery, and the trafficking of artists. We'll shut them down and provide the public with an explanation."

"Won't that antagonize the Qin Group?"

"Don't worry, Mr. President. I'll handle everything. I just need your authorization."

The president laughed while shaking his head. He knew Gu Yi would proceed even without his approval—seeking him out was merely a formality.

Gu Yi and the president exchanged respectful tea culture and said, "For justice and peace."

"For justice and peace."

The irony of justice and righteousness buried beneath the mingling of interests and economic benefits.