Chapter 21: Kim Fei’er’s Dismissal

Gu Qichen didn't enter the building; he paused at the doorway before turning and leaving. Xia Yangyang went directly to school from the hospital.

Upon arriving, she overheard several girls conversing. “Did you hear? Kim Fei’er was expelled.” “Seriously? But she’s the mayor’s daughter! She’s always been so bossy and caused so much trouble. The principal always ignored it. How could she be expelled?” “I’m serious! We don’t know who she offended, but she’s definitely gone.” “That’s great news! The school’s biggest bully is gone; maybe things will calm down now.”

Xia Yangyang was puzzled. Kim Fei’er expelled? Why?

During lunch, Xia Yangyang mentioned this to Wen Xiaochu. Wen Xiaochu said, “Could it be your Uncle Gu? By the way, you should know this: the stage collapse at the school festival might not have been an accident. Someone used sulfuric acid to corrode the scaffolding.”

Xia Yangyang gasped. “Who would do something so cruel?” If someone had been hit by that scaffolding, they would have been killed. If it was intentional, it was murder.

Wen Xiaochu speculated, “I heard the corrosive compound was in a remote-control switch, timed to cause the collapse. It happened just as you were lying on the stage, suggesting you were the target. Who at school hates you that much?”

“Kim Fei’er?” Xia Yangyang was incredulous. They’d clashed, but she couldn't believe Kim Fei’er would try to kill her.

Wen Xiaochu continued, “It’s a good thing she was expelled. She’s always held grudges against you, and she lost that bet. Goodness knows what she might have done otherwise.”

Xia Yangyang remained dazed. “I think Kim Fei’er’s expulsion is connected to your Uncle Gu. A woman who schemes against his wife and nearly harms his nephew… a man of his stature wouldn't tolerate that.”

Xia Yangyang grew increasingly worried. She planned to discuss it with Gu Qichen when she got home, but he’d unexpectedly left for a business trip to Japan for several days. His return coincided with Gu Zhaohan’s hospital discharge.

Gu Zhaohan was discharged in the afternoon and went home for dinner. The entire family knew; the patriarch was distraught, and Gu Mingzhu had returned early from Paris. Fortunately, Gu Zhaohan was recovering well and could walk independently.

Gu Qichen’s trip lasted a week—unusually long for him. Xia Yangyang anxiously counted the days, eventually contacting his secretary to inquire about his return. She went to the airport early to greet him, but his flight was delayed. He didn't arrive until evening.

Seeing him, Xia Yangyang rushed over, smiling, and hugged him. Gu Qichen seemed surprised. “What are you doing here?”

“I asked Secretary Fang about your schedule. I wanted to surprise you.”

Gu Qichen said coldly, “Let’s be appropriate. We’re in public. Let’s go home.”

Xia Yangyang froze. Why was he so cold? He’d always been happy to see her after business trips.

After a few steps, Gu Qichen noticed her lingering behind. He turned, asking, “Aren’t you coming?”

Xia Yangyang simply replied, “Oh,” and hurried to catch up. Maybe he’s just tired, she thought.