Campus Ace Girl

Chu Yan continued reading the news, and after finishing, she quietly got lost in her thoughts for a while.

Later, she opened the trending topics, and sure enough, saw the hashtag #Rumored Bai Xun Shopping with Girlfriend... The accompanying picture was of her and Bai Xun at the supermarket, with Bai Xun talking to a middle-aged man beside a DLS shelf, and she was on the side. Although her face wasn’t captured, her clothes clearly matched Bai Xun’s, suggesting they were a couple.

Chu Yan felt a chill inside.

Anything else being photographed was fine, but this... she suddenly understood why Bai Xun wanted to release that statement, it was to ensure she wasn’t disturbed or exposed.

Her nose suddenly felt a bit sour, an indescribable feeling, a bit of grievance mixed with some heartache for him. Thinking about it, not being a public figure in the future isn’t such a bad thing...

Chu Yan sniffed and dialed Bai Xun’s number.

He answered quickly, his voice gentle, "Awake?"

She made a sound of acknowledgement.

He paused for a moment and then softly said, "You saw it all."

She nodded, "I saw it."

Bai Xun rarely sighed, "It’s only temporary, once this film is finished, I’ll announce my withdrawal from the entertainment circle."

Chu Yan said anxiously, "Will there be any problems?"

Bai Xun reassured her softly, "There won’t be."

For the next month or two, they wouldn’t be able to go out like before, but thankfully he wasn’t attached to the entertainment industry, so this situation would soon end.

After speaking, Chu Yan responded with an "oh" and then quietly suggested, "Then you should... stay in a hotel for now! Better to be cautious."

This arrangement was really out of necessity, as Bai Xun had many aggressive fan girlfriends, and it was better to avoid any incidents.

Bai Xun’s voice became even softer, "See you at the wedding tomorrow."

She acknowledged again with a hum.

Bai Xun, still worried, added, "Don’t forget to eat, and don’t always eat out. If you’re too lazy to cook, just go to Gu Anxi’s place for some food."

Chu Yan found it amusing: ’Who does that! I’m old enough, I surely know how to make food.’

He reminded her once more, "Stay at the apartment, the villa has no staff, and it’s too spacious."

Chu Yan had thought the same, agreed, chatted a bit more, and then hung up the call.

After hanging up, she sat on the bed still a bit absent-minded, and only after quite a while did she pull herself together to freshen up and take a cab back to the apartment. The apartment was well-equipped, but without Bai Xun, it always felt a bit empty.

She made herself a simple egg noodle dish. After finishing, feeling bored, she decided to work, but halfway through, Gu Anxi called, inviting her to the shooting range.

Chu Yan: Not interested, don’t know how!

Gu Anxi cheerfully replied, "You’ll learn quickly, I’ll get Song Duoduo’s husband to teach you, he’s tall and strong, a real macho man!"

Chu Yan was a bit confused for a moment, "Song Duoduo?"

Gu Anxi clarified, "That’s Song Beauty’s husband, Chen Ming. He’s moved up recently, but his physique is incredibly well-built."

Chu Yan, lying on the sofa holding her phone, exclaimed, "Aren’t you afraid Professor Bo might have opinions with you staring at someone like that?"

Gu Anxi continued smiling, "Just looking, and besides, my uncle is quite good too."

In fact, she preferred Bo Xichen’s lean muscles, the tall and strong type, but she wasn’t about to share her own husband, while with Song Duoduo, just praising Chen Ming would get her a bit jealous, which was rather entertaining.

With nothing else to do, being invited by Gu Anxi made Chu Yan think maybe she could get a meal, so she immediately changed into an outfit and headed out.

Upon arriving, sure enough, Gu Anxi and Chen Ming were there, along with Mr. Wang and his secretary general, and even Zhou Yunchen.

Feeling a bit out of place, Chu Yan went over and greeted them.

Wang Jingyao was quite easy-going, treating his little sister’s good friend as a member of the younger generation, naturally being hospitable, he smiled, "Yan Yan, it’s been years since we last met, the last time was in the office lobby."

Turning to Wang Jingchuan, he added, "Look, the young lady has grown up quickly, no idea who’s getting the advantage now."

Wang Jingchuan didn’t dare respond to that, only smiled slightly, "She’s become much prettier, used to have a baby face."

Wang Jingyao glanced at Chu Yan and then turned to his sister, "Look how she’s grown, and then look at you, married, with two kids, still jumping around like a monkey, with barely any weight on you. I think Bo Dad and Bo Mom have been treating you generously for nothing."

Gu Anxi picked up a gun, aimed at the target, and without a change in expression, fired as she said, "Too much exercise."

Old Wang brother was rendered speechless, turning to Wang Jingchuan, "Look, look, does she even resemble a young lady anymore."

Though the words seemed blaming, the tone was filled with affection.

It was true, he himself hadn’t been diligent, having only one child, Little Wang Yue, for years, and failing to have another, leading to conflicts between his wife and the old lady on both sides, which was hard for him to manage.

Actually, no one was wrong on either side!

Unable to have a daughter, he could only continue indulging this little rascal, letting her live freely, and as long as it didn’t involve principles, he was willing to clean up her mess and spoil her, while Lin Hua had things to do and didn’t care how she taught her son, so they both indulged Anxi together.

Old Wang brother thought if everyone spoiled her, was that why she remained the same after all these years?

These thoughts occupied him, and his face turned calm.

Gu Anxi glanced back at him, guessing he was still troubled by the issue of having more children. But really, what’s there to worry about? Old brother is already fifty, shouldn’t he just spend time with his wife and kids, why have more?

If they had kids, all of Lin Hua sister’s attention would be on the kids, where would he stand?

At this moment, Chen Ming came over with Gu Anxi, glancing at Chu Yan... he knew her, having cooperated with Bo Qing years ago in a battle, he chuckled, "First time here? I’ll teach you!"

Chen Ming was one of those sturdy men, yet was quite attentive to his wife. Outside, he was friendly yet never crossed the line with women, a true good man. Gu Anxi often said Song Duoduo was the lucky one.

Chu Yan noticed that Anxi and Wang Jingyao wanted to talk, so she went to the other end of the shooting range with Chen Ming, while Zhou Yunchen and Wang Jingchuan went elsewhere, leaving only Wang Jingyao and his little rascal sister.

Gu Anxi took a sip of her drink, scrunching her little nose, "What’s so urgent that you called me out, having a disagreement with Sister Lin Hua again?"

Adding a stab, "Look at Min Xin, although not officially recognized yet, lives quite lovingly with Sister Zhou."

Old brother gave her a sidelong look, "What’s the use, without a certificate."

"What’s the use of having a certificate!" Gu Anxi returned his sidelong look, "I heard Zhou Yu is pregnant again."

Old brother choked on his words, glaring at the little rascal, "Really?"

Gu Anxi snorted softly, "Why would I lie to you!"

Old Brother grinded his fine white teeth, gritting them, "No wonder Min Xin looked so pleased with himself when we had tea the other day, turns out it’s because of a second child."

Gu Anxi comforted him, "Alright, alright, what’s the difference in having kids at your age?"

Old Brother stubbornly replied, "It’s just that your sister-in-law wants another one. I said having just Xiao Yue is enough, but Lin Hua wants a daughter."

Gu Anxi found it amusing but didn’t say anything.

Even though Old Brother cared about his pride, some things still needed to be done, so he sought her help, "Because of Xiao Yue’s education, the old lady has quite an opinion. Could you go there and smooth things over? Your sister Lin Hua hasn’t treated you badly, has she?"

Gu Anxi hummed lightly, "Sure. I’ll go and talk."

Old Brother leaned in and whispered, "Keep it hush-hush, don’t tell your sister Lin Hua. Just make sure she acknowledges the old lady’s goodness."

Gu Anxi laughed, "Aren’t you being too humble?"

Despite the joke, she genuinely cared about Old Brother, finding a spouse at an older age isn’t easy, so she expressed concern, "Is there deep conflict between her and the old lady?"

"Not really! It mainly stems from Xiao Yue’s education and plans." Old Brother lit a cigarette and then spoke softly, "In the old lady’s view, it’s natural for Wang family kids to receive elite education from a young age, but your sister Lin Hua doesn’t think that way. Besides, she’s strong-minded and not entirely compliant."

Gu Anxi cleaned her gun, "You wouldn’t like someone who is overly obedient either, right?"

Speaking of this, Old Brother suddenly thought of someone.

Jiang Chaoge.

He recalled and asked Gu Anxi, "I heard Jiang Chaoge and Lu Heng are together, is that right?"

"You’re quite informed." Gu Anxi smiled and then chuckled, "It happened in the past couple of years, Lu Heng had a project and his team unexpectedly involved Jiang Chaoge, back and forth, they got together."

She added, "It’s also because they have some past history together."

Wang Jingyao was quite interested, "That ’past’, there’s much to be said."

Gu Anxi smiled faintly, "It’s not a beautiful story."

It involved losing a child.

Wang Jingyao said nothing more, becoming a more tolerant person after marriage. Previously, he would never allow Lu Heng to openly be around him. But with a wife and child now, he learned to leave some space for himself.

They conversed for quite a while until Chu Yan and Chen Ming returned.

Chen Ming became more stable over the years, wiping away sweat and saying, "The girl’s learning quickly, hitting the eighth ring in no time."

Chu Yan found it interesting and wanted to play more, but Chen Ming warned, "Not today, as a beginner, too much strain will hurt your palm tomorrow."

Close to Gu Anxi, he naturally knew Chu Yan was with Bai Xun, Bai Xun being Beauty’s partner, hence his kindness towards her.

Chu Yan nodded, "So that’s how it is."

Meanwhile, Zhou Yunchen and Wang Jingchuan also arrived, and Wang Jingchuan, adept at socializing, praised endlessly, making Chu Yan quite embarrassed, "It’s more about enjoying it than talent."

Chen Ming cheerfully suggested, "If you like it, next time let Anxi invite you, we come here often."

Chu Yan smiled softly, agreeing.

Wang Jingyao remained lazy today, finally standing up, "Alright, it’s getting late, let’s go eat."

He turned to Wang Jingchuan, "Give Lin Hua a call, see if she can join."

Secretary Wang immediately handled it and returned shortly, "The lady is busy with concert preparations, can’t come."

Old Brother shrugged, "See, women shouldn’t be too capable, otherwise they’re always busy."

He turned to Gu Anxi, "It’s better to be carefree like you, ready to come at a call, faster than a rabbit."

Gu Anxi sighed lightly, "I can’t tell if you’re praising or criticizing me."

Old Brother hugged her shoulder, "Of course, I’m praising you."

Gu Anxi smiled at him and then said, "By the way, I admired the inkstones in your study last time."

Wang Jingyao adjusted his clothes, "Helping a bit and seeking treasures from me! This year, you’ve practically emptied my study, leaving it bare for visitors."

Secretary Wang chuckled quietly, "Who says that since you’re always seeking help?"

Yet Wang Jingyao, despite his words, was generous, "Sure, if things go well, I’ll have Jingchuan send them to you. I know you’ll definitely use them to please your Bo daddy, your intentions are clear."

Gu Anxi grinned, "With Bo daddy taking care of Bo Xin and Bo An An, I have time to solve your troubles, Old Brother."

"Look at that sharp tongue!" Old Brother pretended to be angry, addressing the others around.

Everyone laughed, the atmosphere was pleasant. Finally, they chose a lakefront restaurant for dinner, the location elegant. Sitting in a pavilion, opening the curtains revealed a vast expanse of misty waters, perfect for chatting and tea.

Old Brother was quite satisfied, "Jingchuan, you chose well."

Wang Jingchuan immediately added, "Once you taste it, it’s even better."

Wang Jingyao fell silent, focusing on the scenery outside, while other men discussed current events. Gu Anxi and Chu Yan teamed up for a game, making quite a noise, prompting Wang Jingyao to scorn, "Two women nearing 50, still just playing."

Gu Anxi ignored him, believing he was premature menopause—

Probably because his sister Lin Hua ignored him!

If anyone dared to treat Wang Jingyao this way, he’d leave them be, but he couldn’t do anything about his precious sister... Just as he was about to erupt but couldn’t, familiar faces passed the entrance, so Wang Jingyao noted, "Isn’t that Chu Ci? Jingchuan, go check it out."

Wang Jingchuan stepped out and returned shortly, bringing back Chu Ci.

Chu Ci had come with a few investors and unexpectedly met them here, pausing slightly upon seeing Chu Yan, and then calmly smiling, "Yan Yan’s here too?"

Gu Anxi felt displeased hearing that, "I invited her."

Chu Ci adjusted his tie and sat down, regarding Chu Yan, "How will you handle Bai Xun’s issues? His studio released a statement."

Gu Anxi coughed lightly, staying silent.

She knew about it but hadn’t spoken to Yan Yan; it wasn’t a major issue... The statement was to protect Yan Yan, thinking of leaving the entertainment industry would rid her of such troubles, but was Chu Ci raising hopes again?