Chapter 44 Later, "Follow him."

"Hey, have you heard? Senior Brother Ci will also go to see that dance performance! I'm excited too!"

"Ah! Are you talking about the Qingyi Ballet Troupe's tour tomorrow night? I heard that Shang Zui will be there too! The two chefs are ecstatic!"

"But tickets for their dance troupe are always hard to come by. Senior Brother Ci has tickets but we don't! How did he get the tickets?"

"Who knows? Anyway, those who can get tickets are the chosen ones. Besides, haven't you heard? Senior Brother Ci and Shang Zui have been friends for many years since their school days. It's normal for him to have tickets?" "Now that

you mention it, I remember! Weren't Senior Brother Ci and him secretly photographed by paparazzi before? I don't know how many people wrote in blood on the Internet asking for Senior Brother Ci's contact information. Unfortunately, it was dealt with as soon as it was put on the hot search. They say Shang Zui's family has a strong background, and it seems that's true!"

"What's the truth? How do you know it's not Senior Brother Ci who has a strong background? He has been hiding for so many years, and people chasing him are lining up all over the place, "I don't know how many times those candid photos have gone viral online, but no one has truly understood him. I think Senior Brother Ci is the real mystery..."

Just as he finished speaking, the bell rang, and a tall, fair-skinned young man hurried into the lecture hall, books in hand. Instantly, the previously noisy classroom fell silent.

Two students, who had been whispering in the first row, felt strange and glanced up. They also fell silent, their faces flushing uncomfortably.

The young man stood at the podium, intently working on his laptop. Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating his complexion, making his fair complexion appear radiant. His soft, black hair shone, and the light cast a small shadow under his tall nose.

"Oh my god...it's so beautiful it's almost breathtaking..." A classmate quietly poked their deskmate's elbow. "Isn't this a dream?... Why is Senior Brother Ci here?"

"Is this the perk of having Senior Brother Ci as your instructor?! So many people have wanted to see this unseen man, and now he's right in front of us!!!"

Gu Ci walked up to the podium, put down his book, and looked up. The audience was completely silent. Puzzled, he met their focused, expectant gazes.

"..."

Why the sudden silence? Was he too stern?

Gu Ci tried to soften his expression, then smiled and said, "Junior sisters and brothers, hello everyone, I'm..."

Before he could finish, thunderous applause erupted in the classroom.

Gu Ci: "?"

Meeting his puzzled gaze, a girl in the first row blushed and explained, "Senior Brother Ci, you don't need to introduce yourself. We all know you."

"Woo~ That's right, everyone knows Senior Brother Ci! He's almost got WeChat!"

Someone in the audience started to boo. Gu Ci smiled awkwardly and quickly drew everyone's attention back to the class.

"Hello, students. It's a pleasure to meet you. Professor Zheng was unable to reschedule his class due to an academic conference, so today's class is a group theory discussion. I'll share my thoughts with you..."

Gu Ci opened a pre-prepared PowerPoint presentation and began to introduce the theoretical introduction. In the lower right corner, a diagram of the School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at a top domestic university was displayed.

Gu Ci spoke at a moderate pace, his tone gentle and logical. His clear and logical introduction quickly captivated the students, who began to understand why Senior Brother Ci had been able to secure a direct doctoral degree at such a young age. It

was because he was truly exceptional.

A few years ago, Gu Ci, the top scorer in the city's entrance exam, had caused quite a stir online. Someone even managed to find his contact information, and he was flooded with WeChat friend requests. Forced to do so, Gu Ci changed his phone number and WeChat account. Eventually, the Huo family intervened, suppressing any comments about his privacy and banning his account.

Gu Ci thought summer vacation would be over, but on the first day of college, no fewer than ten people asked for his contact information. He even attracted a large crowd during military training, ultimately being advised by the school to leave.

Gu Ci was quite depressed at the time. While his roommates were presenting their achievements during military training, he was the only one hiding in a corner, wearing a mask and a baseball cap, sneaking into the crowd to cheer on his classmates.

Shang Zui said, "Is that normal? You're the top student! And you're getting more and more beautiful. You're even more stunning than when I first met you. If you were in our school, I'd be watching you every day, okay?"

Gu Ci asked skeptically, "With so many good-looking people in your dance academy, do you really need an ordinary person like me? If you say that, be careful Qu Zhi comes after you again."

"…" Shang Zui immediately backed down, "Garlic bird, isn't it enough that I sympathize with you? Don't bother him. I'm scared."

Later, Gu Ci continued to excel, winning numerous scholarships and competitions, and publishing countless top-tier papers and patents. He became the most impressive admissions officer at Jingcheng University, and, as expected, he was admitted to a doctoral program at the same school.

Senior Du Daoci from Jingcheng University has excellent grades, outstanding looks, and a gentle personality. He has countless suitors, but he has never been seen to promise anyone, which has aroused the desire of some people to explore him.

In summary: Gu Ci from Jingcheng University is a god-like existence.

Upon learning of these comments, Gu Ci just laughed it off. After all, he knew very well that the public always used some exaggerations when making comments, and that was not the real him. The

real him just wanted to be down-to-earth, move forward step by step, and then become a better version of himself.

In this way... it seems to be worthy of the promise made by the two teenagers.

The class discussion ended successfully. Gu Ci put the computer in his bag and was about to leave when he was stopped by two girls. Turning around, one of the female classmates immediately shifted her eyes to the upper left.

"Do you have any questions?" Gu Ci thought it was related to the content of the course.

The girl shook her head, then mustered up the courage to say, "Brother Ci... I heard you're going to the Qingyi Ballet Company's performance tomorrow night, too. I happen to have tickets, so we can make an appointment. Can we go together?"

"Huh?" Gu Ci wasn't expecting such a request. Although he thought it was okay to go to a performance together, he still declined apologetically. "Sorry, I've already made an appointment with a friend. I'll be there early, so I can't join you this time."

The girl nodded regretfully. Gu Ci smiled and reassured her, "It's okay. Even though we can't go together, we're still seeing the same show. See you then!"

The girl's eyes lit up at his words, and

she nodded, "See you then!" Gu Ci politely waved goodbye, and before turning and walking out of the classroom, the remaining girl was stunned for a moment.

"Wow... beautiful... is this an angel?"

"Ding—"

a message alert sounded, and Gu Ci pulled out his phone, discovering several new messages on WeChat.

Qu Xiang Xiang Tian Ge: [Pretty girl! Is class over? My sister and I are here!] Gu Ci clicked on the

picture , a smile on his face, and

replied to the chat box: [Just finished class, I'll be right over~]

As expected, as soon as he walked to the door, he saw a dark purple Mercedes-AMG.

Yes, this is very commercial.

The window rolled down, and Qu Zhi reached out and greeted him: "Little pretty, come on!"

Gu Ci replied, "I'm coming."

As he got in the car, Shi Fei, who was in the passenger seat, turned and said, "The flowers you chose are beautiful. Next time, give me the florist."

Gu Ci looked to the side. Two oversized bouquets lay on the seat. It looked like he had just picked them up.

"I'd better give them to you directly, or I might forget next time." Gu Ci clicked on the florist's WeChat profile, deftly found Shi Fei's WeChat ID, and passed it to him.

His phone vibrated, and Gu Ci lowered his head to check:

Fei: [Heart~]

Shi Fei took out her air cushion to touch up her makeup, observing Gu Ci's expression in the small mirror. She casually mentioned, "Zhihe is also on his way back to China. I don't know if he can make it to Shang Zui's performance. If he can, we can get together."

Qu Zhi's nerves tensed at this. He turned to Shi Fei and said, "Sister, why are you saying that?"

He glanced at Gu Ci with a wary look.

After all, Liu Zhihe's confession was quite grand. Even when Huo Wenyuan went abroad, she did not give up immediately. It was not until the dinner party after the college entrance examination that she was rejected by Gu Ci again.

Liu Zhihe did not even wait for the college entrance examination results. She sent Gu Ci a last WeChat message and soon moved abroad with her sister.

Gu Ci put down his phone and looked out the window. His hair was blown by the wind and his eyes were filled with a hint of nostalgia.

"Fei Fei is right. We are friends. It is only right for us to get together."

Over the years, they have been scattered all over the world, which really proves the words "We all have our own beautiful future" when they graduated.

Shang Zui didn't become a paparazzi, but enrolled in a dance academy and recently became the principal dancer of a top ballet company. Qu Zhi, after graduating from business school abroad, took over the family branch, shedding his slovenly demeanor and becoming known as "Little Qu." Shi Fei, at a young age at the art academy next door, had already held several exhibitions in galleries and established herself as a well-known artist. Liu Zhihe became a photographer after graduating from university, collaborating with many celebrities and running a thriving publication.

Those youngsters, once naive and naive, struggling with homework in their school uniforms, have now become independent, capable adults.

Gu Ci remains grateful for meeting them at the most crucial time, a perfect match for him.

Passing a traffic light, Qu Zhi, behind the wheel, suddenly said, "By the way, didn't I catch up with a childhood friend who just returned from America? Guess who they're targeting for a partnership?"

Gu Ci's heart skipped a beat when he heard Qu Zhi's question, a feeling of uncertainty, like a feather suspended in mid-air, unsure of where to land.

Seeing no one paying attention, Qu Zhi answered himself, "Haha, it's Huo Wenyuan! Didn't you all expect that?"

Seeing Gu Ci still unresponsive, he continued, "By the way, pretty girl, did Huo Wenyuan really just go abroad for treatment? Why hasn't he returned since?" Gu

Ci's throat suddenly felt dry, his knuckles white as he clutched his shirt. He shook his head, "I don't know."

He had moved out of the Huo family after graduating from high school. Although he'd still check in on holidays and other important occasions, he hadn't lived there long, so naturally, he wasn't always up to date on Huo Wenyuan's activities.

It's just that... occasionally, they'd run into him on TV or online, only to hear rumors about wealthy sons and interviews with talented young men...

Huo Wenyuan, that kind of person, felt a little too far away from him.

Gu Ci felt again that, though youthful promises were sincere and heartfelt, they weren't necessarily enough to overcome all odds. They faced so much, and when things seemed most helpless, making promises too forceful wasn't a good thing.

"We really haven't been in touch. You were so close back then..." Qu Zhi sighed softly, then thought again, perking up. "Oh, right! Guess what else I heard!"

"I heard Huo Wenyuan has someone he likes! Isn't that a fairy tale?" Qu Zhi relished the gossip. "They say that at the beginning of the year, the daughter of some knight made advances to him, but he flatly rejected it, saying he already had someone he liked. Wow, I can't believe it..."

He turned around, beaming, to meet Shi Fei's icy face.

"Qu Zhi, no one's going to think you're dumb if you don't speak." Qu

Zhi: "..."

The pressure of his bloodline silenced him.

There was nothing unusual about Gu Ci. When they arrived at the theater, he got out of the car holding the flowers. They went to the dressing room first to say hello to Shang Zui.

Shang Zui was putting on makeup. When he saw Gu Ci holding the flowers, he stretched out his hand to pounce on him. Unexpectedly,

Qu Zhi suddenly appeared out of nowhere. "?" Shang Zui took a step back, "What are you doing here!"

"What am I doing here? What? After you unilaterally identified me as your ex, am I even deprived of the right to watch the performance?" Qu Zhi pulled Shang Zui into his arms, hugged him and said with a smile, "I didn't admit the breakup. We've already met each other's parents. Zui Zui, don't be so angry."

"Zui, you idiot!" Shang Zui struggled to break free from Qu Zhi's arms with all his strength and ran between Gu Ci and Shi Fei, "Little Gu Ci, Sister Feifei, protect me! I've broken up with this person!"

Shi Fei stretched out her hands to protect Shang Zui and looked at Qu Zhi with a warning look, "Don't affect Shang Zui's performance."

Qu Zhi: "..."

If he had known earlier, he should have kidnapped the man directly. Otherwise, there wouldn't have been so many troubles later.

He shrugged, his hands spread out in a gesture of compromise, idly listening to the sisters' chit-chat until Shi Fei's phone rang.

"Hello, Zhihe? Are you coming to the theater?"

The moment this was uttered, the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Shang Zui raised an eyebrow at Gu Ci. "Oh, Teacher Liu is really here?"

How could he not know his performance was such a grand occasion?

"You're not coming for real, you're just pretending!" Liu Zhihe, hearing his voice over the phone, joked, "Don't think I'm here to see you alone! I'm here to see my friends! Meet me at the door!"

Everyone laughed. Leaving the actors' dressing room, they spotted Liu Zhihe getting out of a taxi at the theater entrance.

After not seeing her for a long time, Liu Zhihe now had red curly hair, a fitted black dress, and the latest JC high heels, looking elegant and charming.

She paused, glancing at a few of her friends, then walked over and hugged Shi Fei.

"Sorry, I was so busy and missed my goddaughter's birthday. I'll make it up to you this time."

Then, she let go of Shi Fei and reached out to hug Qu Zhi.

"You kid, I heard that you've made Shang Zui angry again. You'd better coax him after the performance." Qu

Zhi said with a playful smile: "My sister Liu is right! We're waiting for you to take wedding photos for us!"

Liu Zhihe rolled her eyes at him, pushed Qu Zhi away, and finally looked at Gu Ci.

Even though she had rehearsed many times, her heartbeat was still a little slow, but she still generously extended her hand to Gu Ci.

"Long time no see, old classmate. Even though I've been rejected so many times, I still like you very much."

Gu Ci did not shake her hand, but smiled and gave her a hug: "Thank you for your love."

The two knew what was going on, smiled at each other frankly, and then separated.

Not far away, a black car stopped quietly.

Shi Fei took Liu Zhihe's arm and asked as they walked in, "Didn't we say we'd be there by midnight? Why are we a little late?"

"I ran into an old friend on the way," Liu Zhihe said, glancing at Gu Ci. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, it was Huo Wenyuan."

"Huh? He's back?" Qu Zhi exclaimed in surprise. "We were just talking about him!"

"He took the VIP corridor, but he was still surrounded by reporters, like a celebrity." Liu Zhihe looked at Gu Ci. "Gu Ci, didn't you know he was coming back?"

Gu Ci shook his head. Now, when it came to his level of understanding of Huo Wenyuan, he was no different from the others.

Liu Zhihe saw something in Gu Ci's expression and dropped the subject.

That evening, Shang Zui's performance concluded successfully, and to thank his friends for their support, they planned to go to a bar for a late-night snack.

Gu Ci had a lab the next afternoon, but then he realized how difficult it would be to get everyone together, so he readily agreed to Shang Zui's suggestion.

Just like many years ago, they were neatly arranged, chatting and laughing, from meeting to parting, and then from separation to reunion. Fortunately, the young ones were all there.

As if sensing something, the lights of the black car flashed.

The driver turned around and reminded: "Sir, it's time to go to the airport."

"No problem." The person in the back seat was hidden in the shadows, his voice deep and low.

"Follow me."