But Gu Qingqiu didn't go into the hotel; she wanted to leave as soon as she got out of the car.
The reason was simple: the hotel entrance was decorated with an exceptionally festive atmosphere, and the LED screen at the entrance was displaying the message: "Wishing Mr. Zou and Ms. Zhang a happy engagement banquet and a long and happy marriage!"
Almost fleeing in panic, Gu Qingqiu ran back to her dormitory and, with tears streaming down her face, ate the small cake that had already melted halfway.
Her roommates tried to comfort Gu Qingqiu, but Gu Qingqiu shook her head and said it was nothing, just a breakup.
Is that all...?
Gu Qingqiu was very unwilling, but she didn't want to ruin Zou Jingxi's image in her heart. After all, he was her savior. Even if she had inappropriate thoughts, even if she was deceived, she shouldn't blame him.
He saved my life, he lied to me, and I can forgive him. —Gu Qingqiu thought to herself, but this kind of relationship can't continue.
After that day, Gu Qingqiu seemed to be the same as usual on the surface, and Zou Jingxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. However, during the summer vacation, he suddenly saw Gu Qingqiu's new posts on WeChat Moments.
It was a selfie. Gu Qingqiu had her arm around a man's, rested her head on his shoulder, and playfully opened one eye while closing the other.
There was no text, just an emoji: a bright red heart.
Zou Jingxi felt a sinking feeling in his heart and immediately sent a message to Gu Qingqiu.
zzz: [Who is that man in your WeChat Moments?]
He shouldn't have used such a harsh, questioning tone, but he was almost losing control of his violent emotions.
Gu Qingqiu: [He's the man I love most in my life right now, so what?]
zzz: [...]
zzz: [Wishing you happiness.]
Gu Qingqiu: [Thank you.]
"What's wrong? You're so old, why are you still so clingy to your dad? Did you suffer any mistreatment at school?"
Seeing that Gu Qingqiu wouldn't let go for a long time, the man whose arm was being held asked helplessly.
Gu Qingqiu belatedly let go of his hand, pretending to be coquettish: "Yes! I haven't seen my dad for a whole semester!"
The man chuckled and said something, but Gu Qingqiu wasn't really listening. She didn't regret using her father to distance herself from Zou Jingxi; after all, a wrong relationship should end sooner rather than later.
She couldn't cross that line, nor did she want to see a perfect person tainted by him; let it end like this.
Their chat history ended at that moment. After that day, Gu Qingqiu never saw Zou Jingxi at any school events again until the university reunion two months ago.
In theory, Zou Jingxi shouldn't have been at Gu Qingqiu's college reunion, but coincidentally, he seemed to be at the same hotel that day, discussing business. He was wearing a suit, looked like he had been drinking, his face was flushed, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone. He was standing by the window in the corridor, enjoying the breeze, and his eyes showed undisguised fatigue and boredom.
The two looked at each other, both stunned.
Zou Jingxi hurriedly stubbed out his cigarette, his hands unconsciously clenching, and a stiff smile appeared on his face: "Gu Qingqiu, what are you doing here?"
Gu Qingqiu...
She hadn't been called by her full name like that in a long time. At work, everyone called her "Xiao Gu," while her friends called her "Qing Qiu."
Being addressed that way by him seemed to indicate that the two of them were indeed quite estranged now.
Gu Qingqiu gave the man a deep look and smiled, "I came to a college reunion. It was too stuffy in the private room, so I came out to get some fresh air. Now it's time to go back."
"Oh...okay..." Zou Jingxi seemed to want to say something more, but Gu Qingqiu had already turned and left.
Gu Qingqiu was unaware that after she turned around, the man stared at her back for a long time until he determined which private room she had entered.
"President Lin." An assistant approached Zou Jingxi. "They've started toasting again. Everyone's looking for you."
"I'm feeling a bit unwell, so I'm going back now," the man said calmly, his gaze still fixed on a certain spot.
He thought he was no longer in pain, but his heart was still throbbing.
After Gu Qingqiu returned to the private room, her classmates had already started chatting and joking around. She ate her fruit platter while listening to their boasting and gossip.
Someone started the conversation, bringing up topics like male and female idols, and then someone asked, "Do you guys remember Zou Jingxi, that handsome guy from the university next door?"
Gu Qingqiu paused in her eating, her heart, which had just calmed down, racing again.
"Of course I remember! Who wouldn't remember him! What's wrong? Do you have any gossip to share?"
"I'm so curious! Is this handsome guy already married? How many of his female fans must be heartbroken!"
"I remember Qingqiu and he were quite close back then. Do you have any inside information to share?"
Gu Qingqiu quickly shook her head: "No, no, actually we haven't been in contact for a long time."
That's the truth.
Sure enough, the person who started it added, "It's obvious you don't know this! Actually, Senior Zou Jingxi changed his name!"
"What?!" As expected, everyone present was surprised by these words, and even Gu Qingqiu felt her heart skip a beat.
The man was very pleased with everyone's reaction. "Let me tell you, this is truly amazing! I was stunned when I first heard about this! This industry is really chaotic!"
"Oh! Just tell us already! Don't keep us in suspense!"
Before being attacked by the crowd, this person finally explained the whole story.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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