Chapter 122: Young Master Huo is Angry
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Chu Yu noticed that something was amiss with Gu Qingcheng as he watched the Royal Dance students perform on stage.
Instead of focusing on her students, Gu Qingcheng seemed fixated on something above her.
His gaze followed hers, scanning the glass structure above, but he couldn’t discern any clues.
The glass was an obsidian void with an inconspicuous light strip. Yet, attending the Peach Lotus Cup to admire lights seemed improbable for someone like Gu Qingcheng.
While puzzling over this, President Huo’s stern command grabbed his attention. It appeared that something significant was about to unfold.
“Of course, President Huo.”
He hastened away.
Huo Sicheng’s brows creased slightly as he kept his eyes locked on Gu Qingcheng. He listened to her comments and watched her smile, his eyes carrying an undeniable tenderness.
As moments ticked by, Chu Yu’s return remained elusive.
He noticed that Gu Qingcheng’s demeanor had shifted to one of wariness, as if she had sensed impending danger.
This prompted him to slip out through an abandoned door backstage.
Amidst a break, Gu Qingcheng left for the restroom, trailed by Huo Sicheng.
“Hey, don’t be mad. I never meant to give the media the wrong impression. It’s just a habit to greet you like that,” Qi Shaoze, standing outside the restroom, addressed Gu Qingcheng as she emerged.
Though the media mishap was avoided, the scarlet carpet incident had left Gu Qingcheng in her mentor’s chair, scrolling through trending searches.
Astoundingly, the top ten trends featured her and Qi Shaoze. Only a scant few articles praised her extravagant attire and accomplishments.
Outlandishly, Qi Shaoze knelt in a trending post, bombarded by comments urging their nuptials.
Seeing this ignited her ire.
If Huo Sicheng got wind of these trends and comments, he’d likely taunt her again.
Growing angrier as she ruminated, she lashed out, kicking Qi Shaoze with vigor. “Damn it! Don’t call me ‘queen’ or ‘grandaunt.’ Show some respect. If vou ever pull such a stunt again, we won’t be friends anymore!”
Qi Shaoze bore no discomfort from her kick; instead, he appeared taken aback.
“Why?” His hurt eyes met hers. “I’ve greeted you like that for a while. I got carried away. I’ve explained and apologized to the media.”
Her kick hadn’t alleviated her pain, and the outfit’s weight, amounting to dozens of kilograms, strained her still-recovering body.
The kick’s aftermath did nothing to relieve the pain, destabilizing her stance instead. She wavered.
Witnessing Gu Qingcheng’s distress, Qi Shaoze instinctively reached out, encircling her slender waist to steady her.
“Sweetheart, watch your step. Those clothes are heavy,” his voice trembled with concern. “Are you hurt? Did you hurt your leg? Should I massage it?” Arriving in time to witness this scene, Huo Sicheng’s gaze burned with jealousy and wrath.
He had informed her he would be at the Peach Lotus Cup but not seated below the stage.
Yet, she’d forgotten about Qi Shaoze’s existence the moment she saw him, unaware he was present too.
This infuriating woman!
She only seemed to cling to his side when confined to a bed with injuries. Every smile, every frown, belonged to him alone.
When she was barely on the mend, she was already gallivanting!
She probably figured she should remain bedridden indefinitely to avoid demonstrating mercy!
And Qi Shaoze. Despite claiming their breakup and friendship, their intimate embraces suggested otherwise. To outsiders, they were a couple!
Just as he was about to call her out, Chu He’s voice reached him. He turned and retreated to a small room.
“Patience is key. The competition has just started and will span days,” Chu He advised Gu Mei. “Learn from Gu Qingcheng; she’s skilled at keeping up appearances.”
Gu Mei’s exasperation overflowed. “I detest these dancers. I wish I could cripple their legs, especially Gu Qingcheng’s, ensuring she’d never dance again!”
“Quiet!” Chu He snapped, her anger evident. “What did you promise me?
Remember?”
“Apologies, Mom,” Gu Mei answered submissively. “Gu Qingcheng is my sister, the sister I cherish.”
“That’s more like it.” Chu He turned her attention to Qi Shaoze and Gu
Qingcheng, who were embracing. With a mocking tone, she jeered, “Ah, after just ten minutes of rest, you couldn’t resist a fling, could you?”
Gu Qingcheng aimed to push Qi Shaoze away, but her fury resulted in her pinching his waist.
“Let go!”
Before she could react further, Chu He continued, “Well, well. Looks like you two couldn’t wait to start an affair after a brief respite.”
Chu He’s words further riled Gu Qingcheng, who was already in an irritated state due to the accusations of cheating on Huo Sicheng and Ji Sisi.
What stung most was the insinuation that Huo Sicheng was unfeeling and the suggestion that she couldn’t bear widowhood, leading her to Qi Shaoze.
She raised her hand to slap Chu He, though the retaliation proved futile.
“Heh, unaware?” Chu He smirked, feeling victorious. “Last month, I witnessed a woman sitting on Gu Tianhao’s lap. Can you guess who?”
Chu He���s voice darkened as realization struck.
“You and Madam Chi were so close, practically inseparable. People might even mistake you for sharing the same pants,” Gu Qingcheng taunted. “Odd that
Madam Chi chose your husband, Gu Tianhao, if she were looking for a partner. I clearly remember seeing her on his lap, sharing intimate moments.” Chu He’s expression transformed, her humiliation evident.
“You… You…” She tried to retaliate but was silenced by Gu Qingcheng’s slap. “Shut up!”
Li Jing, who had been observing the argument from afar, intervened to prevent a public spectacle.
“Madam Gu, as a woman of stature, you must comport yourself appropriately.
This not only affects your image but the Gu family’s prestige.”
Chu He, seething from Gu Qingcheng’s words, was further incensed by Li Jing’s comment.
Li Jing cast a glance at Qi Shaoze, then guided Gu Qingcheng away. She was determined to avert further drama.
As Gu Qingcheng departed, Qi Shaoze disregarded Chu He and her mother, exiting the scene.
The interval concluded, and a mellifluous flute permeated the Peach Lotus Cup. The students performing now were renowned sword dancers, their movements akin to graceful dragons and nimble swans.
The mesmerizing spectacle captivated all, Gu Qingcheng included.
Chu He, often focused solely on her daughter Gu Mei, finally turned her attention to Gu Qingcheng. As he danced, his swordplay drew applause and cheers.
Unbeknownst to everyone, a screw had loosened on the stage structure.
Entranced by the performance, no one paid heed to the imminent disaster.
The glass above Gu Qingcheng trembled and began to fracture, suggesting an impending descent upon her.
The glass shattered, plummeting toward her. If she were lucky, her scalp might merely bleed. But luck could turn, leaving her life hanging by a thread. Without warning, the glass gave way, and the stage began to crumble.
Screams erupted from the crowd.
In an ominous cascade, the glass perched over Gu Qingcheng plunged downward.
“Qingcheng, move!” A voice fraught with terror echoed amidst the chaos..