Chapter 39: The Cuckoo in the Magpie’s Nest

In an instant, everyone’s gaze flickered back and forth between the Dean of Students and Gu Ci.

At First High, the Dean had always been a symbol of strict authority—yet now, he was being forced to apologize by Gu Ci? And Gu Ci was refusing to join Class One, only asking for the Dean’s apology? Class One was the most coveted class in the entire school, admired by all except those in Class Twelve. Even students who struggled academically were tempted by the prospect. But Gu Ci rejected the offer without a moment’s hesitation?

The Dean’s expression grew uglier by the second, his anger barely contained. “Are you saying that I, as your elder, should apologize to someone younger than me?”

No matter what, the Dean was much older than Jin Jiejiao and counted as a senior. To make him apologize to Jin Jiejiao was nearly unthinkable.

Yet Gu Ci, standing by the window, enunciated her words slowly and clearly: “Teacher, you are supposed to educate and nurture, to be a model of honesty and integrity. If I don’t insist on your apology, wouldn’t that destroy your reputation for noble character and sound judgment?”

The Dean was so furious that his hand trembled as he pointed at Gu Ci, unable to utter a single word.

Just then, Gu Zhiren, who had at some point walked over to their classroom, spoke up gently on the Dean’s behalf. “Cousin, the Dean only wanted to encourage you and Teacher Jin. He did this for your own good—how can you say such things?”

“And now that you’ve already secured Jingyi’s spot, can’t you just let this go?”

If Gu Ci continued to press the issue, she would look petty and small-minded.

The Dean’s gaze toward Gu Zhiren softened considerably, but when he looked at Gu Ci, his attitude became self-righteous. “Gu Ci, I was willing to let you join Class One—what more do you want? Don’t be so greedy!”

The students of Class Twelve were furious at Gu Zhiren’s manipulative words. Just then, Gu Ci spoke in an unhurried tone. “Since you made the bet, you should be ready to bear the consequences of losing. I’m doing this for your own good—I hope you’ll learn to keep your word and be good people. Surely you won’t mind that, will you?”

“I’ve already admitted you lost—what more do you want me to say?”

The faces of the Dean and his supporters flushed red. Listening carefully, they realized that Gu Ci was now repeating the very words they’d used to force her to apologize just a little while ago.

The lines they’d spoken, fearing Gu Ci might go back on her word, had now become sharp knives turned against themselves!

The students of Class Twelve couldn’t help but laugh.

At first, they’d thought Gu Ci was a cold, untouchable beauty, aloof from the world—but now they saw she could hit back just as sharply as anyone.

Yan Moryu chimed in, “Gu Zhiren, before you told our Gu Ci to apologize and leave, saying it was for her own good. Now you say the Dean did everything for her sake too. Was giving the spot to Duan Jingyi for her good, or was forcing her to leave First High for her good? Are you saying Gu Ci should be grateful for all the things you do for her benefit?”

“I—I didn’t…” Tears shimmered in Gu Zhiren’s eyes. Her fists clenched tightly beneath her sleeves, nails digging into her palms without her noticing.

The Dean roared, gritting his teeth, “Fine! So I made a careless mistake—what, do you think I can’t admit it? If you want an apology, you’ll get one!”

He was filled with regret. He should never have assumed Gu Ci would simply agree to his request—talking to her about it only brought him public humiliation.

Gu Ci waved lazily. “When the day comes for your apology, don’t forget to relinquish the position of Math Team Leader as well.”

The Dean stumbled, his departing footsteps now hurried and uneven.

Ignoring Gu Zhiren—who still stood by the window—Gu Ci lay down, getting ready to catch up on her sleep.

Being so blatantly brushed aside, Gu Zhiren felt a flush of embarrassment. Suppressing her irritation, she raised her voice. “Cousin, I came to find you for a reason. Your parents are coming soon, but they couldn’t reach you by phone, so they asked me to let you know.”

With that, Gu Zhiren revealed two pieces of information at once.

The students in Class Twelve didn’t react much, but those passing by in the hallway gave Gu Ci odd looks.

On one hand, it meant Gu Ci’s parents—who, like Gu Zhiren’s, came from the countryside—were about to arrive. It was a reminder that this ice queen, idolized by so many at First High, was in reality just a country bumpkin, no matter how cold and proud she appeared on the surface.

On the other hand, the fact that her parents couldn’t reach her directly and had to go through Gu Zhiren made everyone think—was it that Gu Ci was ashamed of her parents, so much so that they could only contact her through someone else?

Such snobbishness and vanity were despised at First High. The goodwill she’d earned earlier by standing up to the Dean now seemed to evaporate.

Sensing the change in those around them, a smile flickered in Gu Zhiren’s eyes, though her voice remained full of concern. “When they arrive, your uncle and aunt will probably take you along to apologize to Sister Yueling. Cousin, you should really consider your uncle and aunt’s feelings—they’ve had a hard time in the countryside. Please stop fighting with people.”

Gu Ci actually hit people?

Gu Zhiren’s words landed like a depth charge—everyone drew in a sharp breath, and their gazes toward Gu Ci grew stranger still.

At the mention of “parents,” Gu Ci’s brow twitched.

Of course she knew that the “parents” Gu Zhiren referred to were not her nominal birth parents. They must be that couple from the Gu family’s second branch—either complicit or innocent bystanders.

And once again, Gu Zhiren was bringing up apologies…

Gu Ci folded her arms and lifted her head, calling out to Gu Zhiren.

Her eyes were dark and deep. “You keep calling me cousin—have you forgotten who you really are?”

For a moment, Gu Zhiren’s flawless smile faltered.

Gu Ci’s voice was cold. “I have no interest in anything you care about, but if you insist on putting on a show in front of me, I won’t mind showing you what it really means to steal someone’s place.”

Did Gu Zhiren really think she hadn’t noticed her constant scheming in the shadows? She’d simply been too indifferent to bother with her. But if Gu Zhiren insisted on provoking her, she wouldn’t mind making sure she never had the chance again.

Gu Zhiren’s face went rigid, tears gathering rapidly in her eyes. She covered her face and ran off without another word.

The onlookers didn’t know exactly what had happened—only that Gu Ci had made Gu Zhiren cry and run away. They looked at her with disapproval.

Gu Ci paid them no mind.