chapter 73
If there’s a cash prize involved, then maybe it’s worth considering.
Shi Nai couldn’t help but interject, “Can money really compare to an automatic admission spot at A University?”
So many people dream of getting into A University — how come, to her, it’s so easily dismissed?
Gu Qingning’s black-and-white eyes were lazy and indifferent. She gave a casual “mm.”
Shi Nai: “…”
The person beside her stayed silent, and Gu Qingning tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming brightly.
“How much is the prize money?”
Their gazes met — the faint shadow under the girl’s lower eyelids fell into his cold, sharp eyes.
Fu Juncheng frowned, his voice low and husky.
“Another sleepless night?”
Gu Qingning was silent for a moment, her delicate features showing a trace of irritation.
Aside from the night she’d had a bit to drink — which had barely allowed her to fall asleep — she hadn’t slept much these past few days.
Her voice was muffled. “I’m tired, but I just can’t fall asleep.”
When the little one was upset, she looked like a harmless, obedient kitten — all her usual coolness gone.
Fu Juncheng’s gaze darkened. He couldn’t stand seeing his little lion looking so drained.
“After lunch, how about seeing a doctor?” His deep, magnetic voice carried a hint of gentleness.
Gu Qingning shook her head dismissively. “It’s just a minor problem. I can handle it myself.”
She hadn’t had the time lately, but she planned to visit an apothecary that weekend to buy some herbs and make sleep-aiding incense.
Neither of them lowered their voices, so the person in front could hear them clearly.
Through the rearview mirror, Shi Nai glanced at her teasingly. “Little girl, you know medicine too?”
Gu Qingning replied, “Just a little.”
Knowing how stubborn she was, Fu Juncheng didn’t press her. He silently decided to have a special pillow from the mountain villa sent to her later.
He returned to the previous topic. “First prize is six hundred thousand.”
Gu Qingning’s dark eyes narrowed slightly, her lips curling into a playful smile.
That was quite a generous reward.
Enough for her to live comfortably for a while.
Fu Juncheng glanced sideways at her, his long, jade-like fingers couldn’t resist pinching her cheek again.
Her skin was soft and smooth, like porcelain.
“Thinking about joining now?”
Gu Qingning slapped his hand away, giving him a cool side-eye. “That’s enough.”
Give him a bit of sunshine and he practically shines.
Does he really think she wouldn’t hit him?
Fu Juncheng chuckled softly, calmly withdrawing his hand.
Meanwhile, Shi Nai — treated like air this whole time — suddenly felt like he’d just been force-fed a mouthful of dog food.
Those two were definitely up to something.
When Gu Che found out about what was happening on the school forum, he was on his way to a recording studio. Halfway there, he immediately turned the car around.
He stormed into Gu Ying’s office, his whole body radiating fury.
Tearing off his sunglasses, he slammed them on the desk. “Who the hell posted those rumors? It’s pure slander! Can’t stand seeing our little one being good, so they have to make up lies?”
“I’ve already gotten people to suppress the trending posts. Big Brother, lend me your legal team — I’m going to sue every single one of those rumor-mongers until they rot in jail.”
Gu Ying put down his tablet, his handsome face cold. “I’ve already instructed the lawyers. Once we find out who’s behind it, we’ll press charges.”
Before his words even faded, Gu Zhao rushed in, still out of breath.
Seeing he was alone, Gu Che frowned. “A-Zhao, why are you alone? Where’s our little one?”
Gu Zhao’s expression was grim. “Xu An said Ning’er skipped the last two classes — she asked for leave and left school.”
At that, both Gu Ying and Gu Che shot to their feet.
Gu Che’s voice rose in panic. “Why didn’t she go to class? Did she find out about the forum and run off somewhere to cry alone?”
“Xu An said her math teacher accused her of cheating, saying the exam paper wasn’t hers — so she wouldn’t let Ning’er attend her class anymore.” Gu Zhao sighed helplessly.
“…”
The three brothers looked at each other, suddenly silent.
Gu Che coughed awkwardly, clearly defensive. “Still, you can’t just kick her out of class. What kind of teacher is that? Overreacting much?”
Their little one had skipped grades and still scored perfect marks — what’s the big deal about a couple of exam papers?
Gu Ying gave him a side glance but didn’t scold him for once.
“Have you called A-Ning?”
Gu Zhao nodded. “Yes, but she didn’t answer.”
“Then I’ll message her on WeChat.” Gu Che pulled out his phone as he spoke, already typing.
Gu Ying and Gu Zhao exchanged a glance.
The next second, both turned toward Gu Che at once.
Gu Zhao narrowed his eyes, smiling faintly. “Second Brother, since when did you have Ning’er’s WeChat — and why didn’t you tell us?”
So his desire to monopolize her was finally showing, huh?
“I thought you guys had it too.” Gu Che gave them an innocent look and smiled smugly. “Oh, so you don’t have her WeChat?”
That tone — part bragging, part condescending.
Gu Zhao snorted. “You did that on purpose.”
Gu Che shrugged, pretending not to care. “Believe what you want.”
He lowered his head again, busy sending messages to Gu Qingning.
Meanwhile, Gu Qingning was eating lunch when her phone on the table began to buzz repeatedly.
She put down her chopsticks and reached for it.
Several messages popped up.
[Little one, where are you?]
[Don’t worry about the forum stuff, Second Brother will take care of it. I won’t let a single one of those rumor spreaders off!]
[It’s almost noon — where are you? Second Brother will pick you up and treat you to a big meal!]
Her calm eyes flickered, and the corners of her red lips lifted slightly as she typed unhurriedly.
[I’m fine. Eating.]
The message had barely sent when Gu Che replied instantly.
[Where are you eating? I’ll come get you.]
Gu Qingning hesitated.
Then another message arrived.
[Little one, just tell Second Brother, okay? Big Brother and I are both worried.]
A hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes as she typed slowly.
[Zunhao Restaurant.]
After sending it, Gu Qingning set her phone down and resumed eating.
“You have WeChat?”
A deep, magnetic voice suddenly spoke beside her — carrying a faint trace of jealousy.
Gu Qingning’s chopsticks paused. She turned her head, meeting the man’s dark, profound gaze. Almost without thinking, she explained, “I downloaded it yesterday.”
Fu Juncheng’s lips curved slightly. He pushed a plate of freshly shelled crab meat toward her.
“Add me.” The words were blunt, but his tone was commanding without being overbearing.
Gu Qingning naturally reached out her chopsticks for the crab meat, smiling lightly. “Will you send me red envelopes?”
Fu Juncheng laughed softly, his tone indulgent. “I’ll send ten.”
Such confidence.
Such extravagance.
Gu Qingning smiled in satisfaction, picked up her phone, and held out her QR code for him to scan.
Once they’d added each other, Fu Juncheng glanced at her profile.
Two bright red characters — “Get Rich.”
And her username — a simple single word: Ning.
He set down his phone, his gaze sweeping over her fair, delicate face. His low voice was warm and intimate.
“Eat slowly — or you won’t have room for dessert later.”
Just then, Shi Nai came back after answering a call.
The pink bubbles in the air nearly suffocated him.
Taking a sip of his wine, he suddenly remembered something.
“Right, little girl, what’s your name?”
He’d been so busy watching the show that he’d forgotten to ask.
