Gu Man was about to speak when Gu Rou said, “This time, I was too concerned and caused a misunderstanding. I’ll pay for this meal.”
“No need,” Zhuang Yan said angrily.
“Teacher Zhuang, I know you’re angry with me. I understand. Just now, I heard that Teacher Zhong wanted to recruit Gu Man to Zhong Chu University. You’re running around for Gu Man because her personality is similar to yours. Although she has some smarts, Zhong Chu University is nothing but a pipe dream for her. You’ll make her proud and indirectly harm her.”
Gu Rou’s words made one’s imagination run wild. Teacher Zhuang had planned things out for Gu Man because of their relationship, and it was still uncertain if Gu Man had the real ability.
To put it bluntly, Teacher Zhuang had deceived a professor from Central Chu University and her senior.
Zhuang Yan really did not expect Gu Rou to say such lethal words. She turned around and met Gu Rou’s eyes. “Gu Rou, don’t slander me!”
“Alright, if Teacher Zhuang thinks that what I said is wrong, I’ll apologize. I’m doing this for Gu Man’s sake.”
Gu Man immediately said, “Gu Rou, I don’t need you to pretend to be a good person. Please leave.”
She did not even look at Gu Rou, afraid that she would be full if she saw the pretentiousness on Gu Rou’s face.
Gu Rou pulled Madam Zhang. “Auntie Zhang, let’s go first. I’m relieved to know the situation now.”
After Gu Rou left, the atmosphere at the table was quiet.
Gu Man said softly, “Teachers, I’m sorry.”
Zhuang Yan immediately said, “It’s not your fault.”
Meanwhile, Zhong Kai’s expression was no longer as excited as before. He asked directly, “Just now, Gu Rou said that you usually go out in the middle of the night and come home in the middle of the night. Is that true?”
Before Gu Man could answer, Zhuang Yan said, “Senior, you believed what Gu Rou just said?”
Zhong Kai looked at Gu Man and saw her frown.
He replied, “Junior, you know that this talent plan of Zhong Chu University has a certain quota. Although it’s not exclusive to talents, character is also a part of the assessment.”
Zhuang Yan was a little disappointed. “I know you need to consider everything, but you know my personality more or less. I don’t know how to be emotional. It’s rare for such a talent to appear now. I just cherish talent.”
Zhong Kai knew Zhuang Yan’s personality. She was calm and composed. After spending so much time together, he trusted her judgment. Thinking of this, he said, “Look, I actually didn’t believe you and believed the words of an outsider. I should reflect.”
Zhuang Yan sighed. “Of course, I have my own selfish motives. Gu Man doesn’t like to talk and her personality isn’t ostentatious. She’s very similar to me. I’ve interacted with her parents. They don’t understand Gu Man’s strengths at all and have been suppressing her. Just like Gu Rou just now, they don’t think highly of Gu Man at all. I just thought that I should help her if I can.”
Seeing that Zhuang Yan had said so much, Gu Man was surprised. They had only interacted twice, but Teacher Zhuang already treated her so well.
Her heart warmed slightly and she said, “Thank you, teachers. I have to go to Zhong Chu University. Whether it’s through the talent plan or through the official college entrance examination, my decision will not change.”
Seeing that Gu Man was actually so firm and confident, Zhuang Yan and Zhong Kai were both stunned.
“You know, this isn’t easy,” Zhuang Yan asked.
“I know.”
Zhuang Yan couldn’t help but laugh when he heard Gu Man’s words. She turned around to Zhong Kai and teased, “The first time I asked this question, she also said the words ‘I know’. She seemed to only know these two words. But to be honest, I believe her too.”
Zhong Kai also smiled. “Gu Man, good luck with the special test later.”
“Okay.”
Zhuang Yan asked again, “Senior is returning to Zhong Chu tomorrow?”
“Yes, it’s a noon flight tomorrow,” Zhong Kai replied.
“Then Gu Man and I will send you off.”
“No need. I’m meeting an old student for coffee tomorrow morning. He’ll send me to the airport then.” Zhong Kai waved his hand and rejected Zhuang Yan’s suggestion.
“Senior Brother, it’s the thought of your student to send you off. It’s our thought to send you off. It’s not conflicting.”
Hearing this, Zhong Kai smiled and said, “Alright, then come and send me off.”