Chapter 120 - 120: Marriage Suggestion

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

When the reporter posed the question, others hastily jostled to voice the query everyone had been eagerly anticipating.

“Miss Gu, why have you remained silent?”

“Second Miss Gu, are the rumors of you being a mistress true?”

“May we inquire about the identity of Second Miss Gu’s partner? Which young master?”

The journalists were eager for a sensational scoop, every gaze riveted on Gu Qingcheng.

Chu He had already given Gu Qingcheng an out, an excuse to retreat.

Now that the reporters were converging on Gu Qingcheng, it was not her concern. She wouldn’t step in to rescue her proactively.

After all, she had already leveraged her threat against Gu Qingcheng, securing the safety of her daughter, Gu Mei. Now, it was up to Gu Qingcheng to navigate the reporters’ challenge using her own skills.

In this moment, Qi Shaoze’s vibrant voice chimed in, “I was wondering where my queen had vanished to. So, you’re here.”

In an instant, the reporters who had been grilling Gu Qingcheng swiveled their attention to Qi Shaoze.

Donning a dark blue suit, Qi Shaoze stood tall and handsome, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.

As the media’s cameras focused on him, he unveiled his trademark polite smile.

“Everyone is familiar with Jiang Yingdi from Star Dream Entertainment,” he introduced, gesturing toward Movie King Jiang beside him, and continued, “And this is Star Dream’s Movie Queen.”

With Film Emperor Jiang and the Dream Queen appearing together, all cameras swiveled toward the couple.

Qi Shaoze advanced toward Gu Qingcheng, prying Chu He’s grip off her arm with one hand. His other arm wrapped around her shoulder, drawing her into his embrace and forcibly parting her from Chu He.

Witnessing Qi Shaoze’s actions, Chu He’s expression grew stiff, her voice

resonating deeply as she queried, “Master Qi, what do you think you’re doing?”

“What am I doing?” Qi Shaoze beamed, his smile radiant. “This is Her Majesty.

Naturally, I’m here to pay my respects.”

As Gu Mei caught sight of Qi Shaoze, elation alighted in her eyes.

Ever since their previous encounter, she had become enamored with this mixed-blood British noble.

However, upon observing Qi Shaoze’s blatant disregard for her and his unwavering gaze on Gu Qingcheng, fury consumed her.

“Master Qi, my sister treats you so well. I’m so envious,” she cooed toward Qi Shaoze, her tone laden with a pitiable undertone. “It’s a shame I’m not as lucky and exceptional as my sister, to be cherished by Master Qi.”

Despite being confined to a wheelchair due to injury, Gu Mei’s words and alluring voice held an irresistible allure to most men.

Yet, as Gu Mei directed her charms toward Qi Shaoze, he addressed her with a gesture, asserting, “Impossible. The eldest young master of the Qin family adores you greatly. You’re his girlfriend.”

Gu Mei’s countenance soured upon hearing this.

It was evident that Qi Shaoze was insinuating her audacity in attempting to seize her sister’s partner.

Gu Qingcheng remained bemused by Qi Shaoze’s presence. Nonetheless, his swift intervention to protect her stirred warmth within her heart.

Still, her displeasure toward Qi Shaoze grew. Her rapport with Huo Sicheng had significantly improved, and she couldn’t let his efforts go cold due to Qi

Shaoze.

Moreover, her body ached relentlessly. Qi Shaoze’s forceful embrace felt akin to a thousand knives slicing through her. The pain was unbearable.

As she lifted her hand to gently push Qi Shaoze away, he had already released her.

In the subsequent instant, Qi Shaoze dropped to one knee, cradling Gu Qingcheng’s delicate hand in his slender grasp. “Your Majesty, your devoted knight pays homage.”

The cacophony of camera shutters firing off reverberated intensely.

The media, formerly focused on the Best Actor award, swiftly diverted their attention to Qi Shaoze upon witnessing his actions.

Qi Shaoze and Gu Qingcheng had already trended several times as a couple. The public was well aware of their relationship.

Given Film Emperor Jiang’s history of infidelity and the mixed reception of his reputation, Qi Shaoze, the CEO of Star Dream Entertainment, seemed to be a more fitting match for the distinguished eldest daughter of the Gu family. This narrative resonated more with the media.

Gu Qingcheng was taken aback. She hadn’t fathomed that Qi Shaoze would partake in something so preposterous.

Raising her gaze to the frenzied media, Qi Shaoze’s conduct resembled that of a proposal, though he had intended it as a gesture of respect.

“Qi Shaoze!” she hissed through clenched teeth, her tone laced with exasperation. “Are you trying to make a fool out of yourself?”

If only she could banish Qi Shaoze from the Earth this very instant.

Amid this event, he had chosen to act like a clown, inadvertently shifting the spotlight onto herself, fostering misconceptions.

“Ah?” Qi Shaoze quirked an eyebrow in puzzlement. “I’m merely offering my usual greetings. Why the ire?”

Before Gu Qingcheng could respond, he continued with admiration, “That being said, you’re astonishingly adorned today. Undoubtedly, the most dominant queen in my world.”

“President Qi, Miss Gu, when is the wedding?” “Was that a proposal from CEO Qi just now? Did Miss Gu accept?”

“Can we anticipate nuptial news by year-end?”

“As Star Dream Entertainment sponsors the Peach Lotus Cup, would they go all out to support the Imperial Arts champion, given Miss Gu’s connection?” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The media bombarded her with questions. Gu Qingcheng couldn’t shake the feeling that Qi Shaoze wasn’t here to rescue her but to complicate her predicament.

“Have no worries, allow me to clarify,” Qi Shaoze quickly consoled Gu

Qingcheng. Addressing everyone, he continued, “Misunderstandings abound.

Miss Gu and I are friends, plain and simple. Please, refrain from speculation.”

“Principal Gu, why are you lingering?” Li Jing interjected, guiding the situation.

“The competition is about to commence.”

Chu Yu’s arrival brought solace to Gu Qingcheng, somewhat defusing the tension.

“Hurry along, don’t be tardy,” Li Jing urged, whisking Gu Qingcheng away from the crowd. heedless of the observers.

Exiting the hubbub, Li Jing leaned in and whispered, “I orchestrated your outfit to make you a sensation today. I didn’t anticipate it spiraling into a trending topic. However, it seems this trend is rather convoluted. You and Qi Shaoze are still seen as a couple, and the narrative of your wicked stepmother and stepsister adds a layer. Expect these rumors to persist for days.”

Frustration gnawed at Gu Qingcheng. Everything had transpired contrary to her expectations.

Her focus was solely on dealing with Chu He and Gu Mei, with no inkling that she’d become trapped in Chu He’s ploy, rendering her schemes moot.

Even more ludicrous was Qi Shaoze’s meddling, aggravating her predicament.

“I’m alright. It’s just idle gossip. Reality diverges from media perceptions. Furthermore, heightened visibility could bolster our odds in the Imperial Arts competition,” Li Jing consoled her, adding, “Don’t dwell on this now. The competition remains paramount.”

Ignoring Li Jing’s reassurance, Gu Qingcheng’s vexation swelled.

At that moment, Chu He regarded Qi Shaoze and sneered, “Master Qi, don’t you think you’re being biased? My daughter, Gu Qingcheng, isn’t too fond of you.”

Qi Shaoze, unprovoked, chuckled, retorting, “You’re overthinking it. My queen is rather temperamental. Why else would she strike you? She even administered justice to your daughter, Gu Mei, leaving her wheelchair-bound.”

Chu He’s expression contorted in response.

“You…” Incensed, she struggled to formulate a response.

“Master Qi, your conduct is excessive,” Gu Mei added, irked by Qi Shaoze’s audacity. “Mom, let’s go.”

Dismissing their company with a disdainful snort, Chu He wheeled Gu Mei away.

A glint of acrimony prompted Qi Shaoze to narrow his eyes. Following the gaze, he spotted Huo Sicheng seated in a wheelchair on the second floor.

Smirking, he raised a hand to greet Huo Sicheng.

Across the divide, Huo Sicheng’s clenched fists betrayed his escalating irritation.

Chu Yu turned her attention to Qi Shaoze, her demeanor reproachful as she inquired, “President Huo, could you dispatch someone to eliminate Qi Shaoze?”