Chu Yan shook her head. "Ah, the confidence of someone who’s slept well. Too much for me, definitely too much."
Shen Wanqing didn’t take it to heart; in fact, saying it out loud was good, as it would quash any ideas others might have, especially Gu Anxi.
A victorious smile played on her lips.
So what if Professor Bo likes Gu Anxi? At most, she has a little money. How could she even compare to the splendor of the Qin family? Besides, Lin Qi was right, nothing is set in stone yet. Given Gu Anxi’s current predicament, it’s unlikely any prestigious family would look upon her favorably. Her family is gone, Yun Tian is about to be auctioned off to pay debts. Gu Anxi can’t turn things around no matter what!
After school, Shen Wanqing was waiting for Qin Siyuan in the parking lot when she bumped into Bo Xichen.
He had just parked his car. The moment he stepped out, he was the picture of elegance and radiance.
Shen Wanqing bit her lip and approached him. "Professor Bo."
Bo Xichen looked down at her, a faint smile on his face, but he did not respond.
Shen Wanqing didn’t want to miss this golden opportunity. She said softly, "Professor Bo, I know you really like Gu Anxi. However, you are not from Qingcheng. I’m afraid that when you find out later, you’ll regret it, and Anxi will be hurt then."
Bo Xichen’s lips curled into a smile.
Taking it as encouragement, Shen Wanqing pressed on, "Professor Bo, you probably don’t know this, but the Gu family went bankrupt. A project Gu Anxi’s family was running is heavily in debt, to the tune of about four to five hundred million. Even selling the project won’t be enough to cover it."
After she finished speaking, she cautiously looked at Bo Xichen. "I don’t want Anxi to get hurt, so I chose to tell you this, Professor Bo. I hope you won’t blame me. I’m truly doing this for Anxi’s own good."
Bo Xichen smiled. He was so handsome that his smile momentarily dazed even Shen Wanqing.
Bo Xichen lowered his eyes and spoke softly, "Thank you for the reminder. However, I don’t care if Gu Anxi is penniless."
Shen Wanqing wanted to say more, but Qin Siyuan had arrived, so she had to stop.
When she looked back again, Professor Bo was already far away.
"What were you talking to Professor Bo about?" Qin Siyuan asked in a soft voice, watching the retreating figure.
Shen Wanqing replied in a low voice, "I was asking him to be a little nicer to Gu Anxi. Siyuan, Anxi has nothing left. She’s so pitiful."
Qin Siyuan looked at her thoughtfully, then smiled. "Let’s go. Grandfather and the others want to meet you. Let’s go home for dinner together."
Everyone in the Qin family knew that he had stayed over at Shen Wanqing’s place and had tacitly acknowledged her status.
On the other side, Bo Xichen was headed to the library. Generally, after classes, Gu Anxi would spend some time there, flipping through books and searching for something, though he didn’t know what. He found her focused expression rather endearing, so he chose to watch silently instead of interrupting.
As soon as he pushed the library door open, Bo Xichen was taken aback.
Gu Anxi was playing the piano. She sat ramrod straight, her white clothes and black hair a striking contrast, as beautiful music flowed from her fingertips. He didn’t disturb her, merely leaning by the door to watch and listen quietly.
Everything, himself included, seemed to revive in the music.
Finally, the music stopped. Gu Anxi’s fingers still rested on the keys. As if she knew he was there, she said softly, "Dad used to love hearing me play this piece."
Bo Xichen walked over and sat beside her. He then played a different piece.
Gu Anxi was quite surprised. Bo Xichen played exceptionally well, almost at a master’s level. Moreover, he looked so handsome and focused when he played... Somehow, it reminded her of that joke her uncle used to make.
When Bo Xichen finished his piece, he tilted his head, smiled, and asked, "Why so melancholic? That’s not how someone whose birthday is approaching should feel."