Chapter 174: Chapter 175: He hates her even more now.

Xia Yangyang's return to school coincided with the start of the senior year. Her arrival, however, was anything but quiet. The filming of "Cinderella's Magical Fate," a large-scale fantasy blockbuster shot at A University, had already made her a campus sensation. Adding to the buzz: at only twenty years old, she was the film's lead actress and the wife of the head of the influential Gu family. The rumors had swirled all summer.

On her first day back, Xia Yangyang was met with an intense wave of attention. Students staked out the entrance, eager for a glimpse. From the moment she stepped onto campus, she felt countless eyes upon her, heard hushed conversations, and sensed the hesitant curiosity of her peers. She overheard snippets of gossip:

“Look, that’s Xia Yangyang from the journalism department. Who would have thought she'd marry Mr. Gu at just 20? No wonder Mr. Gu agreed to an exclusive interview with a campus media outlet—it must have been for her.”

“I heard the male lead in Cinderella is Chen Yu. She’s so lucky! Married into wealth and acting with the hottest actor in the industry.”

“Her father’s the chairman of Starlight Entertainment. They say he funded the show. Chen Yu's a Starlight star, too. Some people are born at the finish line. What can you say?”

“But weren't there rumors that the Ice Prince, Gu Zhaohan, publicly announced Xia Yangyang as his girlfriend? Is that true?”

“Isn’t the Ice Prince Mr. Gu’s nephew? Wouldn't that make Xia Yangyang his aunt?”

“But their relationship was confirmed! In the cafeteria, when Kim Fei’er confronted them, Gu Zhaohan held Xia Yangyang’s hand and announced it. Could it be fake? What’s going on?”

“Maybe she was with Gu Zhaohan first, then went after his uncle.”

“Oh my god, this is so messy…”

Xia Yangyang felt sick. This was exactly what she’d feared. Although she'd never confirmed it, Kim Fei’er’s actions had fueled widespread misunderstanding of her relationship with Gu Zhaohan. He’d only used her as a shield against Kim Fei’er. Perhaps even he hadn't anticipated that his former "get out of jail free" card had become a liability, sullying his reputation. No wonder he was disgusted with her.

Then, another wave of whispers:

“Look, isn’t that the Ice Prince? Oh my god, he’s so handsome! I can’t believe I’m seeing him on the first day.”

“Why is he here with Xia Yangyang? Do they live together?”

“How awkward would it be if your ex-girlfriend became your aunt?”

The comments overwhelmed her. Xia Yangyang turned and saw Gu Zhaohan approaching. He still looked handsome, his cold demeanor and simple white shirt somehow artistic. His black backpack added to his reserved, mysterious aura. No wonder so many girls adored him.

She hesitated, unsure whether to greet him. But Gu Zhaohan didn’t even look at her. He walked right past, as if she were invisible.

Watching him go, Xia Yangyang sighed. He'd probably heard the rumors too. This would only make him hate her more.