Chapter 1134: Beaten Up

Chapter 1134: Beaten Up

The class advisor, having finished admonishing Zhao Ling, shifted his gaze to Gu Zi.

Gu Zi met his stare with a composed expression, a slight smile playing on her lips as she said, “Please, teach me, Professor.”

The advisor studied her for a moment before speaking. “Your translation is impeccable—accurate, professional, and flawless. But Gu Zi, why the deliberate show of restraint? I’ve seen your work on the Guangcheng Daily; honestly, you could have done much better with this report, couldn’t you?”

The class advisor’s expression was one of mild irritation, while Zhao Ling, standing beside her, flushed with embarrassment. She hadn’t just been outdone by Gu Zi; she had been utterly crushed. In that moment, Zhao Ling’s face burned, as though she had been slapped in front of everyone.

Gu Zi explained, her voice calm yet sincere, “Professor, you have a sharp eye, and I admit, I could have made this report better. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the university’s work. However, my situation is a bit different. I’m married, with a family and children to care for, so I can’t devote as much energy to this task as I’d like.”

She paused, choosing her words carefully. “Also, to be completely honest, this task doesn’t offer me much personal growth. I believe another student would benefit more from this opportunity. They need it more than I do.”

The advisor raised an eyebrow, his face now showing some displeasure. “So, you never intended to take on this job from the start, did you?”

Gu Zi answered with a steady gaze, “That’s not it, Professor. After taking on the task, I realized this opportunity could be more beneficial to someone else. I’m happy to step aside.”

The advisor studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Well, I can see your point. If you’ve already mastered the level of work required here, then this opportunity won’t do much for your development. Fine, I’ll find someone else. But as for Zhao Ling,” he continued, turning to the girl who was still red-faced with embarrassment, “Having ambition is a good thing, but don’t let it blind you.”

Zhao Ling nodded, her voice apologetic. “Professor, I understand. I’ll correct my mistakes.”

Now, Zhao Ling understood—the Professor wasn’t showing favoritism; he was just recognizing facts. Gu Zi’s abilities far surpassed most others, which was why the professor had said what he did. But Gu Zi wasn’t focused on this opportunity at all. Zhao Ling felt a mix of emotions—conflicted, but a bit enlightened.

After leaving the office, Zhao Ling called out to Gu Zi. “Everyone in class is saying I stole your chance, gossiping behind my back. You must be so pleased with yourself.”

Gu Zi blinked in confusion. “They’re gossiping about you, so why would I be pleased? Besides, if you truly believe that being bold in seizing an opportunity isn’t wrong, why care about what others say? If you want to do something, just do it. As long as you’ve put in the effort and have no regrets, why overthink it?”

She paused for a moment, her expression softening. “Also, both the professor and I agree—there are only a few chances in a group. It’s fine to be brave and seize them. That’s admirable. But you must also remember, there will always be someone better than you. No one is the best at everything. Blindly fighting for the sake of winning is exhausting.”

Gu Zi gave Zhao Ling one last look before turning to leave the building. As she made her way downstairs, Li Juan called out to her.

“Gu Zi, this is from Tang Xue. I told her what you said, and she realizes now that she misunderstood you.”

Li Juan handed her a delicate gift box before leaving. Gu Zi opened it to find a note on top: “Gu Zi, I’m sorry for misunderstanding you. Please don’t be angry. I was just afraid that Chen Xi wouldn’t like me anymore. I didn’t know how to face you. This bracelet is something I made myself—please accept it.”

Gu Zi smiled as she looked at the bracelet—a lovely piece, clearly crafted with care. Tang Xue had real skill.

Slipping the bracelet onto her wrist, Gu Zi felt a rare sense of contentment. With a lighthearted step, she made her way to the bus stop.

Since she had finished classes later than usual, it was Su Shen who had picked up the children. By the time Gu Zi arrived home, Su Shen had already brought them back.

As soon as Su Li stepped out of the car, he ran inside, his face hidden in his hands, sobbing, “Mom, someone hit me, boo-hoo…”

Gu Zi rushed out, pushing Su Li’s hands away to reveal his left cheek, swollen and bruised. Her heart softened, and she asked, “My poor son, what happened? Who did this to you?”

She remembered Su Li bragging just a few days ago that he was the strongest kid in his class, unbeatable in fights. How had he ended up like this so soon?

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