Chapter 76: Ending
The welcome party was in full swing. The unfamiliar relationships between the freshmen had gradually grown closer, the atmosphere lively. Someone, in their excitement, opened the bottle of red wine in the center of the table, shouting about making friends over wine.
A few students at the table could tell that the wine was probably not cheap, even comparable to the exquisite dishes on the table. Some people liked to use such things to show off, mostly as a decoration. But now, the cork had been popped.
A few people subconsciously glanced at Gu Zhi, but they only saw her constantly serving food to the boy who had arrived late. Her every glance and smile was filled with a charming warmth, as if the expensive wine was no different from plain water to her, or rather, she didn’t care about it at all.
The boy sitting next to Gu Zhi pouted and complained inwardly. He had been happy to get the seat next to Gu Zhi, but since the boy named Su Yu had arrived, he hadn’t been able to get a word in edgewise, not even a single glance in his direction.
He had frequented the high-society circles of Qingchuan, and although he was only on the fringes, he still had a keen eye. He knew that Gu Zhi’s attire was definitely not cheap.
Compared to the surname “Gu,” tonight’s lavish welcome party was nothing. From their previous conversations, Gu Zhi’s demeanor was not that of an ordinary person. He concluded that Gu Zhi must be a not-so-famous rich young lady from the Gu family. Even if she was just a low-status descendant, she was still a master who spent money like water.
The boy had some intentions. Her face alone was enough to make countless men’s hearts flutter, and she was a rich young lady. But in the end, he could only sigh helplessly, thinking that rich young ladies who were looking for lovers all liked this kind of pure and innocent type. His mature route didn’t seem to be very popular.
He looked at the wine on the table that had been decanting for a while and comforted himself by drinking some to drown his sorrows. He would just forget about it.
The boy brought the wine over, filled his own glass, and then turned to look at Gu Zhi, a handsome smile on his face, and politely asked, “Teacher Gu, would you like some?”
“Thank you, no.” Gu Zhi glanced at the fawning boy, a hint of impatience in her eyes. She found him greasy and disgusting, but she still smiled. “It’s probably not convenient. I have to drive later.”
“Oh, I see.” The boy nodded and then turned his smile to Su Yu, who was eating with his head down. “Classmate, would you like some?”
“I said no. Xiao Yu is not suitable for these things yet.”
Gu Zhi pushed away the wine in the boy’s hand, a smile still on her lips, but the warmth in her eyes had completely faded. Her dark pupils locked onto the boy’s throat. “Do you understand?”
The boy’s heart skipped a beat. He felt as if he had been targeted by some ferocious beast. The warm and gentle spring had suddenly turned into a howling, cold winter, making his teeth chatter.
He didn’t dare to answer. He put the wine back, took a few clumsy sips from his glass, and then left the private room with the excuse of going to the restroom.
“What’s wrong?”
Su Yu, hearing the commotion, looked over. Gu Zhi had her back to him, and he didn’t know what had happened.
“Nothing. The classmate was too enthusiastic, but I don’t really want to drink.”
Gu Zhi quickly turned around, her cold, narrow eyes curving down again, a bright smile on her face.
“Oh, you should drink less, sister.” Su Yu nodded slightly, not taking it to heart, and instead reminded her, “I heard from Gu Chuan that you sometimes have to drink a lot at banquets for family matters. It’s not good for your health.”
“I know, I know. I’ll listen to whatever Xiao Yu says.” Gu Zhi readily agreed, her gentle gaze filled with affection. She licked her red lips, wiping away the shiny, alluring grease. “Xiao Yu has really grown up. He knows how to care for his sister. I like him more and more.”
…
“I… I want to drink too. I’ve never tried it.” An Zhi puffed out her cheeks, her small leather shoes swinging back and forth under her feet. “I’m already eighteen. Just a little bit.”
“No, you’re not allowed to drink. Your brother asked me to watch you.”
Nie Hong refused outright. An Lin hadn’t been avoiding her. He had called her later and explained everything. Nie Hong was a person who dared to love and hate. Since he already had a girlfriend, she had no intention of clinging to him. She had even promised An Lin that she would take care of An Zhi. Drinking was something An Lin had strictly forbidden.
“Oh, if I can’t drink, I won’t.” An Zhi’s small head drooped, and she muttered under her breath, “Why do they all treat me like a child? An Lin, you’re such a jerk.”
Nie Hong ignored the little girl’s grumbling. She hadn’t eaten much, but she had been paying attention to Gu Zhi, watching her closeness with Su Yu, feeling like she had grasped something, but when she tried to hold on, she couldn’t.
“Are you close with Su Yu?”
“Huh? We’re okay. He’s a nice person.” An Zhi was stunned for a moment, then nodded repeatedly.
Nie Hong continued, “Then what is the relationship between Su Yu and Teacher Gu?”
“They’ve known each other for a long time. They said she was his teacher in elementary school, and they have a good relationship. Su Yu calls her sister.” An Zhi tilted her head and thought for a moment. She didn’t think there was anything wrong with it, so she told her everything.
“I see. They’ve known each other for a long time.”
Nie Hong nodded, the suspicion in her heart suddenly disappearing.
…
The dishes on the table were empty, the wine glasses almost transparent. Someone came back from the restroom and said it was raining, and it might get heavier later.
Gu Zhi glanced at the empty seat next to her. Su Yu had just gone to the restroom. She curved her eyes, a few thoughts suddenly popping into her mind, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
“Students, it’s getting dark. It seems it’s not early anymore. Since it’s raining, let’s all go back before it gets too heavy.”
Gu Zhi spoke with a smile, her voice gentle and concerned. “Girls, remember to go back in groups. When you get back safely, remember to send a message in the group chat, or I’ll be worried.”
Seeing that the rain was getting heavier, they probably could still make it back to school if they left now. The group waved goodbye to each other and left, the private room quickly emptying out.
An Zhi hadn’t left yet. She thought that since she had come with Su Yu, she should wait for him. So she went to ask Gu Zhi.
“Teacher Gu, um… where did Su Yu go?” An Zhi politely asked about Su Yu’s whereabouts.
Gu Zhi’s thoughts were interrupted. She looked up and smiled. “What? Do you need him for something, An Zhi?”
“I came with Su Yu. I was wondering if I should wait for him.” An Zhi honestly confessed, her big eyes clear and innocent.
“Oh, I see. But why don’t you guys go back first? It’s going to rain harder later. When Su Yu comes back, I can drive him back.”
“Alright then, I’ll go first. Goodbye, Teacher Gu.”
An Zhi frowned and thought for a moment, thinking there was nothing wrong with it.
Nie Hong also signaled her thanks as she left, pulling An Zhi out of the private room.
“Goodbye, Teacher Gu. We had a lot of fun today.”
“I’m glad you had fun. Goodbye.”
Gu Zhi smiled and waved, watching as the students left one by one. The smile on her lips grew wider, and with her long, narrow fox-like eyes, she looked alluring.
Actually, she felt that this welcome party wasn’t fun at all. Not at all…
Because of this hard-earned reunion, she would hold a separate welcome party for him, just the two of them, starting now…
