Bluebird smiled faintly and replied, "It's nothing much, just a low-budget version of the Nine Dragons Succession."
Cecilia Gu understood. "That urgent?"
"Word is, the Qu family patriarch's health has taken a turn for the worse. But the old man keeps his sons guessing and won’t let go of his authority. So now everyone’s getting restless—they’re all itching for him to retire and pass the torch. If one brother makes a move, the rest follow. The siblings have split into factions: First Madam and Third Madam on one side, Second Madam and Fourth Madam on the other. Right now, it’s a deadlock, fifty-fifty. But honestly, First and Third Madam are at a disadvantage. The eldest son is single, no kids. Fourth son’s a ladies’ man, but none of his official wives have had children. He’s got a bunch of kids with his mistresses, but they can’t join the Qu family—so they don’t count. The only grandchild is Third Madam’s son, Zachary Qu, who’s still unmarried and childless. On the flip side, Second and Fourth Madam are like rabbits—the four oldest sons have seven or eight kids between them."
Cecilia Gu asked again, "Even if the Qu Family keeps having more kids, I doubt the old patriarch will willingly give up his power."
"Exactly." Bluebird nodded and said, "That's why they're so impatient, already itching to fight for that position. The CEO originally didn't want to get involved—figured the Qu Family could handle their own drama. But a special guest showed up today, and she's related to our Madam. Strictly speaking, our CEO and the guest are distant cousins."
Cecilia Gu thought for a moment, then asked, "Is it Grandma's sister's descendants?"
"That's right," Bluebird replied. "The CEO can't just stand by and watch, out of respect for Madam. No matter what, that guest is Madam's niece's grandson. If anything happens to him, our Madam would be heartbroken. She's getting old—making her happy for even one more day is worth it."
Cecilia Gu finally understood and nodded. "Since they're our relatives, it's only right to protect them."
"But the CEO also said, even though we're here to support our relative, our own safety comes first. If our cousin doesn't know what's good for him, we shouldn't force it—protect ourselves first." Bluebird added.
Cecilia Gu's eyes flickered, then she asked, "Are you saying our cousin has joined the Qu Family power struggle?"
"Yes, he's supporting Zachary Qu, the Ninth Son of the Qu Family," Bluebird replied. "Zachary is officially recognized as Third Madam's son, so he qualifies to compete for the position. But it seems Zachary just sees him as a stepping stone—his real target is you!"
Cecilia Gu chuckled and nodded. "I get it. Zachary Qu already approached me back in R City. He's a very smart man, knows his boundaries, and is pretty sensible."
Just then, Chief Special Assistant Wendy came over and quietly reported, "Young Madam, Quentin Qin is here with his wife and requests to see you."
Cecilia Gu immediately understood—Quentin Qin was the grandson from her grandaunt's side.
In their generation, they’re still close relatives—barely outside the immediate family circle.
Cecilia Gu said right away, "Let them in."
A moment later, a young couple walked in and greeted her, "Sister-in-law, long time no see."
"Cousin, cousin-in-law," Cecilia Gu greeted them with a smile. "It really has been a while. How have you been lately?"
"Everything's fine. How's Grandma?" Quentin Qin asked.
"Grandma's doing well. If you have time, come visit us—she loves having her grandchildren around," Cecilia Gu replied.
"That's only natural." Quentin Qin and Mrs. Qin immediately started chatting enthusiastically with Cecilia Gu.
Just then, the Qu Family Madams came out to greet them. Since it wasn't the time to catch up, everyone entered the Qu Family Estate together and mingled with the four Madams.
Cecilia Gu noticed that these four Madams, impeccably dressed and chatting arm-in-arm, didn't look at all like rivals about to fight to the death.
Turns out, putting on a show isn't just a Chinese thing—it's universal.
Sophie Mo couldn't help but quietly complain to Cecilia Gu, "The King Family is just the same. The sisters-in-law are all Oscar-worthy actresses! If Julian King cared at all, I'd probably be forced to join in too."
Cecilia Gu smiled at her and said, "As long as Julian King is in your corner, you'll be fine."
"He wouldn't dare," Sophie Mo made a face—having your own family backing you really does make a difference.
After the greetings, everyone went into the estate, and a guide led them to their assigned rooms.
As they parted ways, Max Mo called out to Cecilia Gu, "If anything goes wrong, just leave—don't worry about it. I'll cover for you two."
"Thanks," Cecilia Gu smiled at Max Mo. "Take care of yourself, too—don't get sucked into their drama."
Max Mo gave her a gentle smile. "They're not nearly that capable."
Lisa Li watched this scene, feeling a sharp pang of jealousy.
She was a woman in her thirties, yet she was still hopelessly obsessed with Max Mo.
If she could, she would've gotten rid of her ages ago!
Julia Yu gave Max Mo a subtle nod, signaling him not to worry—she'd stick close to Cecilia Gu the whole time.
All the men were assigned to the third floor, and the women to the second.
Couples who arrived together were placed on the fourth floor.
The estate was huge—accommodating two or three hundred people was no problem at all.
As for the bodyguards and assistants, only a few personal attendants stayed in the suites; the rest were housed in another villa.
After entering her room, Cecilia Gu found it was a standard two-bedroom suite.