Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Chang Hui scowled and left to look for Bai Jie and Zheng Xiu without even
looking at the Yuns. She had to tell them the news quickly; they couldnât let this happen!
They even had a perfect adoption candidate ready to present to Uncle Gu Bei, and all they had to do was wait for Uncle Gu Bei to die, and his massive family fortune would be theirs. But now, a granddaughter suddenly popped out of nowhere, and their plan was toast!
This was no longer a simple matter of fighting over whose daughter they should give to Uncle Gu Bei for adoption; even their husbands had to know about this.
Before Chang Hui could get to Bai Jieâs side, Madam Shi and her husband arrived with their daughter, Shi Xiu. When Shi Xiu saw that there were media reporters around, she had no intention of avoiding them and graciously allowed them to take photos.
A reporter who was familiar with her quickly came forward and asked, âMiss Shi, arenât you afraid of being gossiped about for coming to the Gu familyâs banquet? Shouldnât you lay low and avoid the Gu family at a time like this?â
Shi Xiu was waiting for someone to ask her that! She smiled charitably and took her parentsâ arms as she answered, âWhatâs there to avoid? I have nothing to fear, as my conscience is clear! The Gu family and mine have been friends for a couple of generations, so of course we would come and show our support to them at such an important banquet!â
She added, âOh, right. If you guys see Gu Fei, you can ask him whatâs going on to prevent others from gossiping about it and making things up. Iâm from the entertainment industry, so Iâm used to being slandered, but Gu Fei isnât. We wouldnât want to see his reputation ruined, right guys?
Shi Xiu had a baby face. When she smiled, she looked harmless and cute. She was also open and generous. She would meet others with an âIâm an open book, so ask me anything you wantâ type of honesty. She had been straightforward and truthful ever since she debuted. However, if you think that means she was guileless and naive, you would be completely wrong.
No trick or scheme got past Shi Xiu. She easily saw through those two-faced goody-two-shoes and conniving b*tches and wasnât afraid to directly confront them about it. Therefore, the girl was actually quite sharp. None of the media reporters were idiots either, and they gradually began to admire this young lady.
And with her identity and family background, she didnât need to lie. Shi Xiu was born a princess and could just return to her family and live as a wealthy heiress if things in the entertainment industry didnât work out for her.
The reporters didnât even have to ask Gu Fei anything else, as everyone had already determined he was the one at fault. They knew exactly how and what to write in their articles.
The media reporters his family had arranged were already interviewing Gu Fei. âYoung Master Gu, I heard you and Miss Shi Xiu were childhood sweethearts, and you two have been betrothed since you were kids. Is that true?â
Gu Fei chuckled and didnât give that question a direct answer. âCan we talk about something else? Shi Xiu is now developing her career in the entertainment industry; a scandal like that isnât good for her. Letâs not bully girls, shall we?â
This was the strategy his new cousin, Yun Liu, had taught him. Donât admit or deny anything. Being ambiguous would allow flexibility for both defense and offense.
âI didnât expect Young Master Gu to be so protective of Miss Shi. Donât worry, we get it. We get it!â The reporter replied, and a round of heckling sounded off at the comment.
Gu Fei was slightly embarrassed and pretended to be anxious as he said, âHey, thereâs really nothing between us, guys! Iâm telling you, donât make things up! Shi Xiu is a very kind girl. Iâve never seen such a hardworking and clear-headed young lady like her.â
He continued, âSheâs even brave enough to try something as hard and tiring as acting. She was able to quickly integrate into the local community when she went to a small place like Lu Town without a word of complaint or dislike. I was really impressed. I admire her a lot, so donât tie us up in a scandal together!â
Another reporter took the chance to ask, âOh, so Mr. Gu really did go to Lu Town with Miss Shi?â
âThen why doesnât Miss Shi admit it?â
âDidnât you hear what Mr. Gu said? Mr. Gu fears it will affect Miss Shiâs career, so he doesnât want any scandals! Thatâs why they wonât admit they went to Lu Town together.â
âAh, Mr. Gu is such a caring boyfriend! Miss Shi is very lucky to have found such a handsome and rich boyfriend!â
âItâs not that surprising; Miss Shi and Mr. Gu are of equal status, after all.â
The reporters uttered questions and comments in a similar vein. They were all hired by Tan Ning and had received benefits and payment beforehand. They were to turn the publicâs opinion of Gu Fei and imply he was in a relationship with Shi Xiu.
Gu Fei listened to all the âwhispersâ being bandied around with a faint smile. â That new cousin ofmine is truly something,â he thought. âI should get to know her better; sheâs quite useful.â
He didnât think Shi Xiu would come today. She was a small celebrity after all; she was probably laying low to avoid arousing suspicion. âDonât blame me for using you, Shi Xiu,â he thought. âNot that she can do anything about it. I didnât say anything, so I have nothing to worry about even if she sends me a lavvyers letter.â
âHaha, women really do understand women the most. I should ask for more advice from Cousin Yun Liu in the future. Sheâs much more capable than my sisters, who only know to nag and tattle to myparents whenever something happens..â