chapter 66
Knowing Gu Che’s temperament well, Tao Qiuyue didn’t try to persuade him further. “Have you thought it through?”
Gu Che nodded without hesitation.
“All right. Then discuss with your agent. You can pick which schedules to attend, and let me know if you need any help,” Tao Qiuyue said.
Gu Che smirked, unabashedly praising, “I knew Aunt Tao, you’re not only beautiful but also kind-hearted.”
Although it was flattery, Tao Qiuyue still felt pleasantly warmed hearing it.
Gu Zhao smiled, noticing an invitation under a chess box, and picked it up. “The invitation came so quickly?”
“It was delivered this morning,” Tao Qiuyue replied, showing a hint of puzzlement. “Azhao, what’s going on with this banquet?”
She had received news that many influential figures in City A were invited. While the Tao and Gu families were only acquaintances at best, it wasn’t surprising that someone of the Tao family’s status would receive an invitation.
Gu Zhao lightly tapped the invitation with his finger, his tone mocking. “To put it nicely, it’s a welcome banquet for Ning’er, so she can get familiar with the social circle.”
Gu Che interjected, a chill flashing in his eyes. “The old man is even craftier than a sly fox; he must have some scheme in mind.”
Knowing how complicated things were within the Gu family, Tao Qiuyue didn’t comment.
She teased, “It’s rare to see you two act like protective older brothers. I’m curious—what kind of person is your little sister?”
Gu Che clicked his tongue, nonchalantly saying, “Aunt Tao, you’d better not be too curious.”
Tao Qiuyue frowned. “Why not?”
Gu Che lifted his chin slightly, pride radiating from his expression. “I’m afraid our youngest is too outstanding; he’ll attract attention.”
Gu Zhao chuckled lightly.
Tao Qiuyue realized what he meant and shook her head, half laughing, half exasperated. “I’m not a man. Why would I be interested in your youngest?”
Gu Che said softly, “But you have a son.”
“Ahem, ahem.”
Tao Qiuyue almost choked on her tea before she could swallow it.
She set down her cup and grabbed two tissues to wipe her mouth.
“Jun Cheng? What are you joking about?”
Her son had been single since birth, and over the years, aside from family, she had never seen him get close to any girl. She had even worried he might remain single for life.
Gu Che curved his lips, smiling mischievously. “Well, he’s a boy, so you have to be cautious.”
Tao Qiuyue’s face darkened in exasperation. “I didn’t expect you to be a sister-obsessed brother. Are you planning to prevent your sister from dating for life?”
“So what? It’s not like we can’t handle it,” Gu Zhao chimed in.
On the topic of their sister, the two brothers surprisingly agreed.
Tao Qiuyue couldn’t help laughing. “Looks like anyone who becomes your brother-in-law will have a tough time.”
Gu Che and Gu Zhao exchanged a knowing smile.
As soon as class ended, the classroom emptied quickly.
Gu Qingning rested her head on one hand, sleepily watching those around her pack their bags.
Sun Qiaoqiao slung her backpack over her shoulder, picked up the messy test papers on the desk, and placed them in front of Gu Qingning. “Qingning, these test papers are due tomorrow. Don’t forget to fill them out.”
Gu Qingning nodded, grabbed the papers, and stuffed them carelessly into her bag. “Thanks.”
Sun Qiaoqiao pursed her lips, showing two cute little tiger teeth. “We’re friends; no need to be so formal.”
Chu Xu called out, “Qingning, someone’s looking for you.”
Gu Qingning looked over. A boy was blocked by Chu Xu at the door, looking a bit awkward.
Zheng Bin rolled his eyes at Chu Xu. “I’m not here to cause trouble. Why are you stopping me?”
“Who knows? You even dared to lay hands on a girl today,” Chu Xu mocked, hitting his weak spot.
Zheng Bin was speechless. “You…”
Chu Xu snorted. “No words? I knew you were just here to pick a fight.”
Zheng Bin’s face darkened, ready to retort, when he noticed the girl approaching. His expression became uneasy.
Scratching his head, he looked a bit hesitant. “Um, I…”
He fumbled, unable to get a single word out.
Chu Xu couldn’t hold back a laugh. “So wishy-washy, acting like a little girl.”
Zheng Bin glared and then turned to Gu Qingning, pulling a crumpled letter from his pocket.
Looking into the girl’s dark eyes, his face heated, and he said meekly, “I’ve read the letter. It really wasn’t you who wrote it. I wrongly accused you. I’m sorry.”
“Wow, someone actually knows how to apologize,” Chu Xu joked.
This time, Zheng Bin didn’t argue back, and his gaze toward Gu Qingning held a flash of determination.
“A real man keeps his word. From now on, you’re my boss.”
With that, he tore up the letter in front of her.
Gu Qingning’s gaze was calm as she glanced at him. “Finished speaking?”
Zheng Bin nodded, looking a bit stunned.
Had she forgiven him?
By the time he realized it, the girl in front of him was already gone.
He looked at Chu Xu in confusion. “Where did she go?”
“She left already, you dummy,” Chu Xu said, shaking his head, grabbing his backpack, and following.
“Qingning, wait for me!”
Zheng Bin blinked. His delayed reflex finally kicked in, and he sprinted after her.
The cafeteria fight had already spread through the school. Now seeing Zheng Bin chasing after Gu Qingning, other students watched with curiosity.
Running beside her, Zheng Bin smiled obsequiously. “Boss, today was all my fault. From now on, I’ll follow your orders. You tell me to go east, and I won’t go west.”
Not only was he forward, but he was also a chatterbox.
“Boss, I’ll get lunch for you from now on. What do you like to eat?”
Chu Xu sneered. “Zheng Bin, do you know Duan Yuxuan about this?”
Everyone in the school knew Zheng Bin was Duan Yuxuan’s lackey.
Hearing this, a flicker of inner conflict crossed Zheng Bin’s eyes. He seemed determined as he said firmly, “From now on, I’m on the boss’s side.”
Even if he messed up again, he knew to accept the consequences. Besides, he fully acknowledged Gu Qingning’s formidable skills.
“Boss, what do you want for breakfast tomorrow? I can bring it to you.”
Gu Qingning’s voice was cool. “No need.”
Zheng Bin’s mournful expression, paired with the bruises on his mouth, was comical. “Boss, I really know I was wrong. Don’t you forgive me yet?”
Gu Qingning stopped walking and cast him a sharp glance. “Can you write a reflection?”
Zheng Bin’s eyes lit up. “Yes, I’m good at that.”
Gu Qingning said meaningfully, “Then my reflection?”
Zheng Bin patted his chest confidently. “Leave it to me.”
Gu Qingning smirked slightly and walked toward a sports car not far away.
After she left, Chu Xu patted Zheng Bin on the shoulder. “You agreed awfully quickly.”
“It’s just a reflection. One or two, no big deal,” Zheng Bin said nonchalantly.
Chu Xu smirked. “Are you sure about her illegible handwriting?”
Zheng Bin paused.
Damn. He had been careless.
