Chapter 191 - 190: Refusal (Second Update)
This New Year passed by so thrillingly.
Gu Xiaoqing started school on the eighth and since she hadn’t sustained any major injuries, she arrived at the dormitory on the eighth.
As soon as she entered the dorm, Gu Xiaoqing almost thought she had walked into the wrong room.
Inside, it was bustling with activity, with He Yan, Guo Donghua, and others surrounding Wei Ziyun and an elderly man with silver hair and a silver beard beside him. Two bodyguards in black stood at the door and, upon seeing Gu Xiaoqing push open the door, scrutinized her with a great deal of caution.
Gu Xiaoqing realized that the bodyguards had been changed.
These bodyguards were different from the previous ones and did not recognize her.
It seemed the aftermath of the kidnapping incident had already begun to show its effects.
"Who are you?"
The bodyguard, seeing it was a young girl, did not immediately drive her away but asked cautiously.
All eyes in the room turned toward Gu Xiaoqing.
Wei Ziyun was the first to dart over. If Gu Xiaoqing hadn’t noticed his aggressive posture and quickly dodged to the side, she would probably have been knocked over.
"Gu Xiaoqing! You’re finally here, I’ve missed you so much."
Although he didn’t knock her over, Wei Ziyun warmly linked arms with Gu Xiaoqing and clung tightly to her arm.
Meanwhile, He Yan’s eyes were burning with anger.
Guo Donghua’s expression was also not pleasant, but still maintained a smile on his face.
"Gu Xiaoqing is here, come and meet Grandpa Wei."
They welcomed her and revealed the elderly man behind them.
The elderly man was dressed neatly in a Zhongshan suit, exuding an air of aura and authority, his features brimming with righteousness and dignity.
Seeing Gu Xiaoqing, he scrutinized her intently with a sharp gaze.
Gu Xiaoqing was pulled by Wei Ziyun in front of his grandfather, who introduced her coyly, "Grandpa, this is Gu Xiaoqing, the savior I told you about. Now you see her in person. Isn’t she as amazing as I said?"
General Wei nodded appreciatively, "Very good, very good, what a fine child."
He praised repeatedly.
This child was indeed impressive; facing his sharp intimidation, she could remain calm and unruffled, unafraid. No wonder she could be so composed and save herself amid those heinous kidnappers.
This kind of exceptional composure is commendable.
Unperturbed by favor or disgrace.
Gu Xiaoqing greeted the elderly man, "Hello, General Wei."
She didn’t feel particularly special about it compared to the previous incident with Fang Shaonan and the human traffickers, where she had saved others in the course of self-rescue.
Gu Xiaoqing wasn’t so great; if it hadn’t been for the coincidence that Wei Ziyun was in the car and the timing was so perfectly aligned, she wouldn’t have saved Wei Ziyun.
If Wei Ziyun had already been taken elsewhere, Gu Xiaoqing would not have gone to save him.
It wasn’t cold-bloodedness, it was acting within her capacity.
So Gu Xiaoqing didn’t feel the obligation of a savior.
"Such a good child, someday come with Wei Ziyun to our house for a meal. Yanyan’s grandma insists on thanking you properly," said General Wei warmly to Gu Xiaoqing.
Seeing Gu Xiaoqing, General Wei felt relieved; she wasn’t a child who would exploit gratitude, making her a worthy friend for Wei Ziyun.
Wei Ziyun immediately held onto Gu Xiaoqing, saying, "Then how about this Saturday? It’s our day off; let’s go to my house."
She had never found a reason to become friends with Gu Xiaoqing; such a rare opportunity couldn’t be missed.
Gu Xiaoqing really didn’t want to go to those high-ranking families, feeling awkward and judged, having experienced their condescending gaze at a forty-five-degree angle.
"I’m really sorry, Wei Ziyun, but I don’t have time on Saturday. My grandfather is ill and needs someone to take care of him."
The perfect excuse, Gu Xiaoqing was secretly grateful that Mr. Gu served as her shield.
Wei Ziyun asked unwillingly, "Then how about Sunday? Or next Saturday? Surely you aren’t the only one who can take care of your grandfather?"
In Wei Ziyun’s mind, she couldn’t accept rejection.
And in her family, taking care of the sick is usually done by her grandparents, parents, or aunts, not needing Wei Ziyun’s involvement.
General Wei snorted, "Yanyan, don’t make it difficult for Gu Xiaoqing. She’s a filial child. You don’t know how to care for others, but you can’t expect someone to abandon their sick grandfather to visit us."
This was a reprimand.
Instantly, tears welled up in Wei Ziyun’s eyes as she looked at Gu Xiaoqing, slightly aggrieved.
It was all Gu Xiaoqing’s fault; her intentions were good.
She wanted to invite Gu Xiaoqing as a guest to her home.
She really intended to thank Gu Xiaoqing, but why wasn’t she appreciative?
He Yan immediately came up to persuade, "Gu Xiaoqing, Yanyan has good intentions; she’s just trying to thank you. Why push people away so distant? We’re all classmates, in the same dormitory; it would show our solidarity if we get along better."
Seeing Wei Ziyun wronged, He Yan directly criticized Gu Xiaoqing’s impolite behavior.
Others also joined in to persuade her.
"Exactly, Yanyan really means well. Why be like this? You’re always so cold, yet we’re classmates after all."
"We live together, after all; we should be united."
"Don’t be so stubborn; Yanyan is about to cry."
Amused, Gu Xiaoqing chuckled softly.
She looked up and said slowly, "General Wei, Wei Ziyun, no matter what you think, I can only appreciate your kindness in my heart. If it’s genuine goodwill, then it shouldn’t put me in a difficult position. If you’re forcing me to accept your goodwill, then it’s not truly goodwill, is it?
Besides, we’re all classmates, and I saved Wei Ziyun only because I was saving myself too. There’s no need to talk about life-saving grace; I didn’t intend to make you feel indebted. So there’s really no need to make such a fuss over it.
The college entrance exam is approaching, and I just want to focus on my studies."
These words silenced everyone.
General Wei nodded, "Yes, Gu Xiaoqing is right. Your goodwill is only goodwill if it’s accepted by others. If it makes others uncomfortable, then it’s no longer goodwill. You’re all students, and this is a critical time; you should focus on your studies."
He stood up to leave. Although he praised Gu Xiaoqing, as an elder left unapplauded by a young girl, General Wei felt slightly upset.
As he left, he said to Gu Xiaoqing, "Child, when you have the chance, please come visit us with Yanyan. Whenever it’s convenient for you."
General Wei couldn’t be annoyed with a child.
That would indeed be laughable.
Gu Xiaoqing nodded.
After General Wei left, the two bodyguards went outside to wait.
The dormitory immediately quieted down.
Wei Ziyun, having been scolded by her grandfather, was too embarrassed to cry. She realized it was her spoiled nature acting up, demanding that others comply with her requests.
Actually, Gu Xiaoqing wasn’t wrong. If she had things to attend to and couldn’t come, could she really be expected to put aside her family affairs just to be a guest at their house? That wouldn’t be reasonable, would it? (To be continued. If you like this story, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets; your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)