chapter 46
Cheng Yu Gan chuckled and interjected, “A-Zhao, Wanwan has always been diligent in her studies. She’s already preparing for the grade-skipping exam. If nothing unexpected happens, she can advance to senior year this semester.”
A trace of ridicule flashed in Gu Zhao’s eyes, his tone measured, “Whether she can get into A University depends on her own ability. Asking me won’t help.”
Gu Wanwan’s ability to skip to the second year of high school was largely thanks to the private tutors she had since childhood.
He really thought everyone could be like his Ning’er, casually acing the grade-skipping exam with full marks.
Cheng Yu’s smile froze; it concerned her own daughter’s future, and she wasn’t willing to give up so easily.
She knew very well that as long as Gu Zhao was willing to help, Wanwan would definitely secure a recommendation spot.
She whispered in complaint, “A-Zhao, Wanwan is also your sister. She’s been calling you ‘brother’ all these years. Even if you’re biased, you can’t hurt her like this.”
“You said in front of so many people at school that you only have Qingning as a sister, letting Wanwan endure everyone’s glares and gossip. She has the same father as you. I’ve never treated the three of you brothers unfairly. You can’t bully my mother and me just because you think we’re easy targets,” she said, squeezing out a few tears as her voice choked.
Gu Hai frowned, his expression darkening. “A-Zhao, did you really say that at school?”
Meeting his questioning gaze, Gu Zhao said fearlessly, “My mom only had one daughter. We only have one sister, and that’s Ning’er. Am I wrong?”
Gu Hai immediately turned pale, his voice stern as he scolded, “How dare you! What kind of words are those? As a man, don’t you have even a little tolerance?”
“Heh.”
Gu Zhao sneered coldly, “I admit, I can’t match you in ‘tolerance.’ When my mother was alive, you already had another love. Less than half a year after she passed, you proudly married your new love, and in the same year, had a daughter. That, I truly can’t compete with.”
Nearby, Gu Qingning’s gaze was coldly fixed on Gu Hai. She couldn’t help but think of the woman in the photo, whose gentleness seemed absolute.
Her chest felt tight.
And her heart ached.
Never having been pushed around like this, Gu Hai’s face darkened with anger as he slammed the table.
“Gu Zhao, how dare you speak to your father like that? Where’s your upbringing?”
Gu Zhao stood and retorted firmly, “Don’t lecture me about being a father. You’re not worthy.”
The air froze.
Cheng Yu lowered her head, secretly pleased.
Let them argue; the more intense, the better.
Gu Hai shouted angrily, “All these years, how have I treated you unfairly? This is an adult matter. What right do you have to comment?”
“That’s my mother. Why shouldn’t I comment?” Gu Zhao sneered. After holding back for so many years, all his pent-up resentment exploded at once.
“You betrayed my mother. You’re not worthy to be our father. If it weren’t for Ning’er, I wouldn’t even live under the same roof as you.”
His voice was icy, each word deliberate, “You want to lecture me? Touch your conscience. Are you worthy? Do you have that right?”
Gu Hai strode up in fury, raising his hand.
Gu Zhao did not dodge.
Just as the slap was about to land, a small, pale hand caught Gu Hai’s, long fingers gripping his wrist.
Gu Hai turned and met the girl’s cold, ink-black eyes, devoid of any warmth.
Her voice was calm as she asked, “He told the truth. Are you so humiliated that you want to hit someone?”
Gu Hai tried to control his temper, his voice gentle, “Qingning, this doesn’t concern you. Step aside.”
Gu Qingning released his hand, glanced at Cheng Yu and her daughter, and her words dripped with authority and arrogance, “If you dare hit him, I dare hit them both.”
Suddenly, a burning sensation rose in Cheng Yu and her daughter, who were watching the drama unfold.
Gu Zhao looked at the girl defending him, feeling warmth in his heart.
Having been threatened by her son, and now threatened by his daughter, Gu Hai’s face turned a mix of purple and green, like a painter’s palette.
“Qingning, he is your father. You shouldn’t speak to your elder like that,” Cheng Yu feigned meekness, trying to persuade gently.
“Any displeasure you have, take it out on me, not your father,” Gu Qingning said, glancing at her with a sly smile, “I have plenty of displeasure. Are you sure you want it directed at you?”
Meeting her black-hole-like eyes, Cheng Yu faltered, “I…”
“Enough.”
The old man slammed the table in anger, scolding, “Have you argued enough? We rarely gather together. Can’t you give me some peace?”
He looked at Gu Zhao, softening slightly, “A-Zhao, you and Qingning, go upstairs.”
Gu Zhao gave him some respect and replied, “Ning’er, let’s go.”
Before going upstairs, Gu Qingning glanced deeply at the old man, then followed Gu Zhao without pausing.
After they left, Gu Hai followed the old man to the study without objection.
For a while, the living room emptied, leaving only Cheng Yu and her daughter.
Gu Wanwan complained angrily, “Mom, Grandpa is always biased toward Third Brother.”
It had always been like this. In such situations, the old man always favored the older brothers without reason.
Cheng Yu knew this, but what could she do?
She sighed, “It’s because you’re a girl.”
In a prominent family like theirs, men inherited the family business. It was normal for the old man to favor the three brothers.
“But this means Gu Qingning will become even more arrogant.” Thinking of Gu Zhao’s gentleness toward Gu Qingning, she was infuriated.
“You heard just now, Third Brother is fiercely protective of Gu Qingning. When the time comes, he’ll surely give her the recommendation spot.”
Cheng Yu snorted coldly, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes, “Don’t worry. What you can’t get, I won’t let Gu Qingning have either.”
Hearing this, Gu Wanwan’s face lit up, “Mom, you have a plan?”
Cheng Yu leaned close, whispering a few words, “With this…”
…
Watching the man follow into the room, Gu Qingning asked in a calm voice, “Why are you smiling foolishly?”
Gu Zhao leaned against the desk, a charming smile on his lips, “I’m happy. Rarely does Ning’er defend me.”
Gu Qingning raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp, “Is it an honor to be protected by a girl?”
“…”
Another blow to the heart.
The smile on Gu Zhao’s lips froze, then returned.
“Being protected by a girl isn’t honorable, but being protected by my Ning’er, it’s happiness.”
“…”
Gu Qingning was speechless.
She said she was protecting him—but who’s really protecting whom?
She asked quietly, “How did you become a professor at A University?”
“Of course, through my talent and…”
Before he could boast, Gu Qingning cut in, “Standing there while someone hits you doesn’t look very smart.”
