Chapter 157: Gossip
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
When Li Yu heard Gu Yinian’s words, he was extremely displeased. However, his face remained expressionless as he said, “How did you come to the conclusion that Jiang Ling’er’s IQis not up to par?”
Gu Yinian replied, “Well… I heard it from some gossipmongers.”
Sensing Li Yu’s growing irritation, Gu Yinian became nervous. Although Li Yu appeared calm, Gu Yinian could tell he was getting angry.
“Gossip?” Li Yu inquired, “How did these people come to know about it?”
Gu Yinian responded, “Do you even need to ask? It’s all over the media. Isn’t that how these things usually get out?”
Li Yu continued, “Then why didn’t these sources recognize Jiang Ling’er’s exceptional qualities through the media?”
Gu Yinian guiltily sipped his tea and said, “Let me clarify. I admit that Jiang Ling’er is attractive, and she comes from a well-off family. But when it comes to other aspects, you say she’s exceptional, but how exactly is she exceptional?”
Li Yu turned on his laptop and conducted a quick search, bringing up a wealth of information about Jiang Ling’er.
Pointing at the screen, Li Yu remarked, “She looks good, and you claim she’s unintelligent? If she were truly unintelligent, would the government have honored her with an award? That would be quite an embarrassment, wouldn’t it?”
Gu Yinian furrowed his brow. Why had he brought the government into this?
He shifted his gaze to the computer screen and saw the news. His eyes widened in shock.
Gu Yinian exclaimed, “Is this the Jiang family’s daughter, Jiang Ling’er?”
He found it hard to believe. Jiang Ling’er had achieved such outstanding results? Why did people still insist that she was unintelligent? Even the media had reported that Jiang Ling’er had to pay her way to enter school?
Seeing Gu Yinian’s astonished expression, Li Yu teased, “In Ling’er’s own words, she never admitted to having poor grades. Furthermore, she can’t fathom why so many people believe she’s academically lacking.”
Gu Yinian asked, “So, she achieved the top spot through her own abilities?”
Gu Yinian found it almost unbelievable. People had claimed that even if Jiang Ling’er copied answers, she wouldn’t score perfectly. Yet, here she was, securing the first position in a national competition where many other top-scorers participated.
“That’s right,” Li Yu said proudly. “That’s her. She’s Jiang Ling’er, the daughter of the Jiang family. She’s been in the top position from the preliminary rounds to the finals.”
“Alright, even if Jiang Ling’er is exceptionally talented, there’s still a lot of controversy surrounding her.”
Upon hearing this, Li Yu’s face instantly turned cold. He retorted, “Those scandals were all fabricated by Jiang Jun to please Bai Xue and deliberately tarnish Jiang Ling’er’s reputation. With Bai Xue and Li Yan backing him, Ling’er is lucky that they didn’t ruin her completely.”
Gu Yinian sighed softly. “Even so, can you truly forget about Cai Yiran? If she returns and seeks you out, what will you do? Will you abandon Jiang Ling’er and spend time with Cai Yiran, or will you bury your feelings for Cai Yiran and build a happy life with Jiang Ling’er?”
Li Yu’s expression was filled with frustration as he replied, “What nonsense are you talking about? Ling’er has already rejected me. It’s too early to discuss this now. And let me make it clear once again: I haven’t had feelings for Cai Yiran in a long time.”
Gu Yinian found it hard to believe. “How is that possible? You pursued her relentlessly back then, and now you’re saying you have no feelings for her? I can’t believe it, and frankly, I don’t think I ever will. Moreover, is Jiang Ling’er truly that captivating to make you fall head over heels for her?”
Gu Yinian couldn’t believe that Li Yu would forget about Cai Yiran. He remembered Li Yu’s relentless pursuit of Cai Yiran, and if it weren’t for her betrayal, they would have been married by now with grown-up children. As remarkable as a child like Jiang Ling’er might be, how could Li Yu be so taken with her?
Li Yu replied with a wry smile, “Heh… Didn’t you say Cai Yiran is going to marry an overseas Chinese? Even if she returns to the country, it has nothing to do with me, right?”
Despite his words, Li Yu couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
Li Yu knew Cai Yiran all too well. She had no moral boundaries, especially when it came to his pursuit of her in the past. It was highly likely that Cai Yiran would exploit their history to stir up trouble.
Even if she got married, Cai Yiran might still consider herself a woman so enchanting that all men would fall for her. Li Yu wasn’t concerned until she returned, but once she did, she might indeed seek him out to reaffirm her allure.
Gu Yinian hesitated for a moment before responding with a sigh, “Even so, you can’t just randomly settle for any girl, can you?”
Li Yu chuckled softly. “Heh…. Do you think there’s still a chance between Cai Yiran and me?”