chapter 32
Gu Zhao took the exam paper and lowered his head to look at the handwriting on it—it was so ugly he could hardly bear to look.
Ignoring that, he began carefully reviewing the answers.
After a moment, he inhaled sharply, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.
She had gotten everything correct.
Recalling her calm and composed demeanor earlier, Gu Zhao suddenly realized the truth.
It turned out she hadn’t treated the exam as a joke; she was confident in her victory. He had underestimated her.
“Third Young Master, it would be such a pity if Gu didn’t enter the S class with these results. She insists on entering C class—could you maybe persuade her a little?” Principal Zhang asked.
Gu Zhao lifted his gaze from the paper, his eyes filled with puzzlement. “Qingning wants to enter C class?”
Principal Zhang nodded. “You know that S class is the top-tier class for seniors. With her grades, she’s guaranteed a spot at A University.”
Gu Zhao frowned, even more puzzled.
What exactly was Qingning thinking? Giving up S class to enter C class—what was she planning?
…
In the afternoon, the fragmented golden sunlight carried a gentle warmth.
After the midday rush, the street corner stalls were quiet.
“Here’s your spicy hot pot.”
The stall owner was a middle-aged woman in simple attire, her face lit with a warm smile that made one feel instantly at ease.
Gu Qingning looked at the bowl of spicy hot pot set in front of her—it was large and generously filled.
A layer of red chili oil floated on the surface, making it look extremely spicy.
She thanked the woman and picked up the disposable chopsticks and spoon.
The woman lingered nearby, her tone friendly. “Little girl, you look young—still in school, right?”
Gu Qingning sipped the broth; a wave of spiciness spread across her tongue.
It was flavorful and spicy, oddly addictive.
She pursed her lips and said “Mm,” picking up a piece of vegetable and popping it into her mouth.
“At this time, you should be in class. Why aren’t you at school? Did you run into some trouble?” the woman asked softly.
Gu Qingning didn’t lift her head. “We had exams today. No classes in the afternoon.”
Hearing this, the woman smiled with relief. “Oh, exams. Take your time, and let me know if you need anything.”
With that, she turned to attend to other customers.
Basking in the sun, Gu Qingning ate her hot pot leisurely, enjoying the peaceful moment.
After a while, she put down her chopsticks, leaving just a bit of broth in the bowl.
She used two napkins to wipe her mouth and stood up to pay.
After paying, she walked to the curb. The car she ordered online had just arrived.
She got in, lowered her cap, and gave the address: “Fumao Shopping Center.”
“Okay.” The driver started the car and drove off.
Fumao Shopping Center was the largest mall in A City, offering everything from food to entertainment.
Even on non-weekends, it was crowded.
Gu Qingning stood in front of the floor directory, carefully checking the route since her sense of direction was poor.
She had only one backpack, no spare clothes, so she needed to do a big shopping trip before moving into the dorm.
The clothing section was on the third floor, but before going up, she bought a suitcase downstairs.
Gu Qingning casually entered a clothing store. Her delicate features immediately drew attention, attracting envious stares.
“Hello, may I help you with anything?” the clerk asked with a smile.
Gu Qingning nodded slightly and pushed the suitcase to her feet. “Please watch this for a few minutes.”
The clerk gasped lightly. By the time she reacted, Gu Qingning had already started picking out clothes.
She was fast, and in less than ten minutes, she had chosen everything she needed.
Placing the clothes at the checkout, she took out her card from her pocket and glanced at the clerk. “Just these. Pay by card.”
The clerk’s eyes lit up, running over with the suitcase.
The value of these clothes could easily be over a month’s commission.
“Please wait a moment.”
After completing the payment, Gu Qingning took back her card. “Just put the clothes in the suitcase. I’ll pick them up later.”
The clerk paused but then smiled. “Okay.”
After sending her off, the store staff started an animated discussion.
“Did you see that? Her looks are unreal. That skin—flawless. Just wow.”
“The best part is, no makeup. How can we, who maintain our skin every day, even compare?”
“She could literally rely on her face for a living. If she joined a talent show, she’d be the center without question.”
The chatter grew more intense, some jealous.
“Maybe it’s all fake. What’s there to envy?”
“Could be, no one’s naturally that pretty.”
Meanwhile, Gu Qingning returned, carrying two black paper shopping bags.
The clerk quickly folded the clothes.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Just a moment more.”
Gu Qingning replied calmly, “No worries, I’ll handle it myself.”
She scooped the remaining clothes into the suitcase, tossing the paper bags in as well.
With a zip, she closed the suitcase, leaving the clerk dumbfounded.
“…“
By the time the clerk regained composure, Gu Qingning was already pulling the suitcase away.
She reached the second floor.
Her poor sense of direction almost got her lost, and it took a loop around to find the supermarket.
After leaving her suitcase at the counter, she pushed a shopping cart inside.
Daily necessities, snacks, fruits—she didn’t leave anything out.
Suddenly, a small figure rushed from the corner and collided with her legs.
“Ouch!”
A clear, high-pitched, childish voice.
Gu Qingning looked down and saw a little boy.
She bent down and helped him up.
“Did you fall?” Her voice, cold yet softening slightly, asked.
The little boy stood, patted his small bottom, and in a surprisingly mature tone said, “Auntie, you…”
Then, he quickly corrected himself with a smile and bright eyes: “Pretty sister, I’m fine. It was Hengheng running too fast and not watching where he was going, so he bumped into you.”
Sweetly, he called her “pretty sister” while smiling brightly, a complete contrast to his earlier serious tone.
Gu Qingning chuckled. The little guy was quite good at reading people.
“Pretty sister, to make up for bumping into you, I’ll treat you to ice cream!” The boy looked up, his shiny eyes full of expectation.
Then, his expression changed. He pouted pitifully. “If you don’t agree, Hengheng will feel really bad. Might even lose his appetite and become as thin as a stick.”
His little arguments made Gu Qingning laugh.
Whose child is this? Quite entertaining.
She flicked her finger on his forehead, smiling. “No need for ice cream. Watch where you’re going next time so you don’t fall again.”
