Campus Ace Girl-Chapter 421 - 422: Why Is One Person Bearing the Burden of Something Two People Are Involved In - 3000 words
Gu Anxi smiled.
Wang Qin looked a bit embarrassed. "Grandma!"
Wang Qin’s grandmother giggled. "This is the first time I’ve seen such a gorgeous car, so sleek!"
Gu Anxi opened the door for her. "Grandma, sit next to me."
Wang Qin’s grandmother was a little shy. What a luxury car! What if I dirty it?
Gu Anxi laughed and said a few words, and only then did Wang Qin’s grandmother confidently sit in the car, touching this and then that, incredibly happy.
Little Li and his wife looked at each other, admiring. "Anxi, your car is really nice."
"Really? There are many more expensive cars in the garage. I use this one for daily driving," Gu Anxi responded nonchalantly.
Little Li and his wife swallowed. That’s true luxury!
Gu Anxi chuckled and kept silent, then the car took a turn. About half an hour later, they drove into a villa area. Deputy Director Li felt something was off. "Qin’er’s house isn’t here."
Wang Qin had earned some money, but she could only afford a three-bedroom house. The villas here likely started at fifty million yuan.
Gu Anxi parked the car in the parking lot of a villa and unbuckled her seatbelt. "This is the dowry I gifted Wang Qin. Plus..." She got out of the car, pointing to two other cars nearby. "These two are for you to get around. They’re not great cars."
Little Li glanced over. Good heavens! One was a Mercedes and the other a BMW, probably worth over a million each. These were... not great cars?
Little Li murmured, "Won’t this draw too much attention?"
Gu Anxi wasn’t concerned. "We’re in Beicheng, so it’s not a big deal. Fang Ming’s father drives a car worth over twenty million. These cars suit your status."
Only then did Little Li relax, exchanging another glance with his wife.
"Let’s go inside and have a look." Gu Anxi led the family of four into the villa, where Zhou Yunchen was already waiting. Upon seeing Deputy Director Li, Zhou Yunchen acted as if they were old friends. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Deputy Director Li."
Being addressed as "Deputy Director Li" made Little Li’s heart warm, and he couldn’t help but glance at Wang Qin. So round and cute, she truly is a lucky charm!
He eagerly shook hands with Zhou Yunchen. "Director Zhou, you’re too kind. I’m the one who’s been looking forward to meeting you."
Zhou Yunchen smiled charmingly. "Then it’s a pity we didn’t meet sooner."
He welcomed the group cordially, and had even arranged for two experienced maids to assist.
Looking around the majestic house and thinking of his sudden leap in fortune, Little Li couldn’t help but have a few drinks. Consequently, he made a bit of a fool of himself, clinging to Gu Anxi and repeatedly vowing his allegiance to her. Wang Qin covered her face. Her dad is such a goof!
Drunk, Little Li was helped upstairs by his wife to rest. Dazed, he held her hand. "I’m so happy. This saves me twenty years of struggle!"
His wife, truly at a loss for words, whispered, "Don’t say such things outside."
Little Li laughed happily. "Don’t worry, dear. I’m just so pleased right now."
Indeed, he was overjoyed. He lay there, staring at the ceiling, and soon fell asleep.
His wife couldn’t help but smile. She covered him with a blanket and then went downstairs.
Downstairs, not seeing Wang Qin’s grandmother, Mrs. Li quietly asked Wang Qin, "Where’s Grandma?"
Wang Qin replied, "Grandma’s getting on in years. She’s used to taking a nap around noon."
Mrs. Li nodded. "Ah, I see." Then she went to the downstairs bedroom to check on the old lady, showing great consideration.
Seeing it was about time, Gu Anxi prepared to return to Beicheng University. Zhou Yunchen left with her, sitting by her side. He smiled. "You’ve really been incredibly generous." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
Gu Anxi buckled her seatbelt. "Wang Qin is a good girl."
She chuckled. "Gu Mingzhu says their social statuses don’t match, that Wang Qin can’t marry into the Fang family. There’s some truth to that. Their personalities are quite different. Fang Ming is indeed outstanding, but he’s also young and might not be able to protect their relationship."
Zhou Yunchen kept looking at her.
Gu Anxi laughed again. "So, let’s just make their social statuses match!"
Zhou Yunchen was speechless for a moment.
He shook his head, smiling. "Wang Qin is very fortunate to have met you."
As she drove, Gu Anxi smiled faintly. "Wang Qin is quite adorable!"
Zhou Yunchen turned his head, giving her a meaningful smile, but said nothing more.
「Inside the villa」
After the maids cleaned the living room and left, Mrs. Li pulled Wang Qin aside to the sofa. She asked her in detail about various things, especially about Fang Ming.
Blushing, Wang Qin explained.
Having seen a fair share of the world, Mrs. Li was quite composed. After listening, she smiled. "Your father is a deputy director now. If you truly like Fang Ming, be a bit bolder. Your father and I will support you."
Wang Qin blushed and said she understood.
Mrs. Li continued, "Be more confident and assertive. Don’t feel like you’re not good enough for anyone. Since Fang Ming took the initiative, and he’s an adult, he must have thought things through."
She paused, then added, "If his resolve wavers, then he’s not worth entrusting your heart to."
Wang Qin nodded like a little kitten, murmuring that she understood.
Mrs. Li patted her head and smiled. "Alright, that’s settled then. I’ll go take care of your father. You go keep your grandma company."
However, Wang Qin also went to check on Deputy Director Li. Only after confirming he was truly fast asleep from the alcohol did she go downstairs.
Mrs. Li sat on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at her surroundings with deep satisfaction.
「Two hours later」
Little Li finally woke up, rubbing his temples as he sat up. "Dear?"
Mrs. Li went over to him, chuckling. "You’re finally awake. If I may say so, you were a tad undignified earlier. Fortunately, Anxi and that Mr. Zhou aren’t outsiders."
She gently massaged her husband’s shoulders. Deputy Director Li, enjoying his wife’s attention, closed his eyes and smiled. "It’s just been a while since I saw the children; I got a little carried away with happiness."
"I think you were happy because you skipped three rungs up the ladder!" Mrs. Li teased him bluntly. This was just their usual banter. Afterward, they spoke in hushed tones about other matters.
Deputy Director Li took his wife’s hand, smiling. "Do you take me for a three-year-old? I was the one who repeatedly instructed you on these things."
Mrs. Li burst out laughing.
Little Li looked around and sighed with emotion. "Anxi really spared no expense..."
Indeed, the next day, Deputy Director Li reported for duty at the Ministry of Education. Director Fang, unaware of his background, was perfectly polite, engaging in the usual superficial pleasantries common among colleagues.
Upon returning home, a very satisfied Deputy Director Li discussed the day’s events at length with his wife.
Mrs. Li pondered for a moment before quietly saying, "Let’s not reveal everything just yet. Let’s wait and see Fang Ming’s attitude."
Little Li nodded. "You’re right, dear. Your words are always wise."
「Elsewhere」
Fang Ming’s mother and Tang Yuan moved in the elite circles of Beicheng and occasionally crossed paths.
After Tang Yuan’s subtle hints, a shadow crossed Fang Ming’s mother’s face.
During the Gu family’s banquet, she had noticed something unusual about her son’s relationship with that young girl. But Old Fang had said she was overthinking it, that their son was just being a chivalrous protector.
Now, Tang Yuan’s words made her realize the situation was serious. How could Fang Ming choose a girl from outside Beicheng?
After much thought, she decided she needed to have a serious talk with the young woman. Fortunately, she had met Wang Qin once when Fang Ming brought her home. It was her own oversight. At the time, the girl had said she wouldn’t fall for Fang Ming, and she’d even found her rather cute.
Filled with regret, Fang Ming’s mother managed to get Wang Qin’s contact information and invited her for tea.
Finding herself in a cliché scenario straight out of a TV drama, Wang Qin felt nervous. However, she didn’t tell Fang Ming, choosing to face it alone. Her mother was right: if Fang Ming couldn’t remain steadfast, that was his problem. But she had to protect this relationship. She... she liked Fang Ming, even if he always teased her.
She pushed open the door to a private room and carefully sat down opposite Fang Ming’s mother.
Fang Ming’s mother was the epitome of a stern, high-society matron. Her gaze was cool, but her tone remained polite. "I’ve ordered tea. I’m not sure if it’s to your taste."
Wang Qin sat primly and said softly, "I’m not picky."
Then, holding her cup, she took a small sip.
Fang Ming’s mother studied her intently. After observing for a while, she couldn’t see any particular strengths. Average looks, and from what she’d heard, no special talents. Her only significant advantage was her good relationship with Gu Anxi, who clearly doted on her. But she couldn’t rely on Gu Anxi forever, could she?
Sighing internally again, Fang Ming’s mother remained silent for a long moment before speaking softly, "I know Fang Ming likes you, and you like him a lot as well, don’t you?"
Her son had been coming home quite late recently, and always in high spirits.
Hearing this, Wang Qin lowered her head. "Yes, I like Fang Ming very much."
Fang Ming’s mother was surprised by the girl’s direct admission. She paused. "Last time, you assured me you wouldn’t develop feelings for Fang Ming."
"I went back on my word," Wang Qin admitted softly, then lifted her gaze to meet Fang Ming’s mother’s directly. "I like Fang Ming. Auntie, you might feel we’re not a good match, but matters of the heart are between the two of us."
Fang Ming’s mother was taken aback again. After a moment, she smiled faintly. "Who wasn’t a little reckless when they were young? But, as someone with experience, I must tell you that marriage isn’t that simple. Being well-matched is important. While I do consider family background, I place even more importance on the capabilities of both individuals."
She said no more, a polite but distant smile on her face. She intended for the girl to back down on her own. After all, marriage wasn’t a simple affair. Fang Ming might like her now, but that didn’t guarantee he would in the future. He might eventually tire of her ordinariness and turn to other, more beautiful and talented women...
Wang Qin understood her meaning and lowered her head. "I will work hard. I’ll strive to be someone who can always stand by his side."
Fang Ming’s mother shook her head. "My dear, it’s not that easy."
She was being relatively polite to Wang Qin, largely out of consideration for Gu Anxi, but deep down, she disapproved. The disparity in their family backgrounds and their incompatibility were major issues.
They talked for a long time, with Wang Qin showing surprising persistence.
This was a great surprise to Fang Ming’s mother, and the conversation ended inconclusively.
As they exited the private room, they saw Fang Ming leaning against the wall opposite the door, a pensive expression on his face, lost in thought.
