chapter 79
Old Madam Tao nodded and placed the pillow back in its place.
“If it’s really gone, just let me know. I’ll find a time to ask for another one for him.”
Tao Qiuyue laughed softly. “Mom, don’t spoil him too much. You should spend more time cooking good food for me instead.”
Old Madam Tao gave her a playful glare, scolding with a smile, “You’re already a grown woman, and you’re still fighting your own son for affection? I only have one grandson, Acheng — if I don’t spoil him, should I spoil you instead?”
Tao Qiuyue pouted, looking nothing like the cool, strong businesswoman she appeared to be in public. Instead, she looked like a spoiled daughter. “But I’m your biological daughter! Why can’t you spoil me?”
Old Madam Tao gave her a light smack on the arm as she walked toward the door. “Isn’t Huaiyuan already spoiling you enough?”
Tao Qiuyue froze.
After a moment, she muttered under her breath, “Who wants him to? And it’s not like he actually spoils me anyway.”
Hmph. That dog of a man, Fu Huaiyuan.
——
That night, darkness swallowed all sound and movement.
The airplane touched down, and a tall, slender figure emerged from the cabin.
Bathed in the cold moonlight, the man’s long silhouette exuded an aura of chill restraint. His sharply defined features were half hidden in shadow, revealing no hint of emotion.
Seeing him approach, Yun Zheng quickly went up to greet him respectfully. “Master.”
Fu Juncheng’s voice was icy. “Have you found out who’s behind the forum post?”
Yun Zheng bowed his head slightly. “Yes, sir. It was a girl named Gu Wanwan who orchestrated it from behind the scenes.”
Fu Juncheng’s eyes narrowed, his tone frostbitten. “Reject the contract sent over by the Gu Group.”
Yun Zheng nodded. “Yes, sir.”
After a pause, he asked cautiously, “Master, if we cut off cooperation with the Gu Group, then what about our partnership with the Botian Group?”
The Gu Group was managed by Gu Hai, while Botian Group had been founded independently by Gu Ying. But even so, they were father and son — cutting ties with Gu Hai while maintaining business with Botian would certainly raise eyebrows.
Fu Juncheng gave him a cold glance. “Continue.”
For some reason, a chill crept up Yun Zheng’s spine.
“Yes, sir.”
Fu Juncheng pulled out his phone and opened their chat thread — not a single new message.
A faint trace of disappointment flickered through his eyes as he began typing while walking.
[Have you eaten?]
[The mastermind behind the forum post was Gu Wanwan.]
In City A, in her bedroom, Gu Qingning sat at her desk working through practice problems.
The soft amber light spilled across her face, her cool brows and delicate features glowing with a quiet luster — almost too perfect to be real.
Ding, ding.
The notification sound broke the silence.
Her hand paused mid-stroke. She reached for her phone.
Glancing at the message, the corners of her lips curved faintly upward. She set down her pen and typed casually.
[I’ve eaten. I know. I can handle it myself.]
After sending the message, she suddenly thought of the safety talisman. Hesitating for a moment, she typed again.
[You’re back in the capital?]
Almost at the same time, another message came from him.
[What are you doing?]
Gu Qingning picked up her pen again, replying while her eyes stayed on the problem in front of her.
[Doing exercises.]
Her reply was quick — his was quicker.
[I’m in Country M.]
Gu Qingning raised an eyebrow. Country M?
Before she could respond, another message arrived.
[Remember to put the safety talisman under your pillow.]
Gu Qingning’s lips curved gently. She set her phone aside and picked up her pen to continue writing.
——
The next morning.
It was Saturday, and she had extra classes. Gu Qingning overslept again.
As she walked through the school pathway, a pair of figures standing in a corner caught her attention.
Her steps slowed. Her dark eyes peered through the gaps in the leaves at the two whispering figures.
One of them was Gu Wanwan — and the other was a familiar face.
Their class’s math teacher, Feng Mei.
Feng Mei said awkwardly, “Wanwan, I really can’t help you with the exam. I didn’t make the papers, and I don’t have access to the test questions.”
