Chapter 92: At Home, I Really... Have No Status

The question posed drew the attention of everyone present. Wen Zhixia lifted her eyelids slightly but said nothing. She simply believed that if Gu Pingsheng had told her to leave earlier, the current situation would never have arisen. It was truly rare for a partner like her—unassuming and willing to step down gracefully—to be so self-effacing.

She hadn’t made a scene or argued with him in public; she had quietly preserved both their dignities. Yet, he insisted on pulling her into the spotlight.

“Don’t you think this woman is like a low-budget version of Senior Wen?” someone whispered.

“Now that you say it, I do. I thought she had a decent aura before—though not stunning, she was pleasant to look at. But compared to the real thing, she just pales in comparison, like the genuine article versus a cheap imitation.”

“You’re being generous. At least a counterfeit would share the same face. Apart from the eyebrows and clothing, everything else is just getting beaten up. I must have been blind earlier, thinking she was Senior Wen.”

“...”

Even today’s students are amusing; insults like these shouldn’t be spoken openly. Yet hearing them so brazenly voiced is oddly satisfying.

Not only did Wen Zhixia hear every word, but Zhao Fuhe’s expression darkened noticeably as well.

The student who asked the question was still waiting for Gu Pingsheng’s response when Shen Wenyan stood up, his voice loud and clear, cutting through the tension.

“Yes, Senior Gu, since you and Zhixia are husband and wife, then who is this woman who suddenly appeared, was mistaken for you, yet didn’t deny it?!”

Youth, untempered by the world, showed plainly on his face—a question that almost read: Are you cheating on Zhixia and have the conscience to face her?!

After all, this was Sifang City University. The tales of Gu Pingsheng’s grand gestures in courting Wen Zhixia had long been passed down among students.

Their love story was revered as pure and noble, and thus intolerant of any stain—a reflection of people’s harsh standards for perfection.

Xiao Fang noticed the seminar was turning sour and quickly stood to maintain order, but Professor Wang made no move to intervene. He, too, was scrutinizing the three on stage, ready to step in for Wen Zhixia if Gu Pingsheng failed to explain himself—wishing only to keep his distance from this troublesome youth.

Under everyone’s gaze, Gu Pingsheng picked up the microphone and looked at Zhao Fuhe.

“Miss Zhao, do we know each other well?”

Zhao Fuhe froze, clutching her bouquet tighter. “Senior…”

“Everyone’s asking what our relationship is. Why don’t you clarify it for them? My wife is right here. If you can’t explain yourself today, how am I supposed to explain this at home?” He slipped one hand around Wen Zhixia’s waist, and despite her displeasure, he leaned down to kiss her delicate brow. The stage lights bathed them both, and though Wen Zhixia was unhappy, the moment carried a certain beauty. “After all, she gets jealous easily. She turned to leave just now without giving me a chance to explain. At home, I don’t have much say…”

Wen Zhixia shot him a sideways glance. Anyone unaware would think he was the one oppressed at home. Not a single word from him was true.

Zhao Fuhe glared at the intimate couple and the disdainful stares from the students below. Clenching her fists, she had never imagined that, after coming all this way, he would give her no face and pretend not to recognize her.

Humiliated, Zhao Fuhe turned to leave. If he wanted an explanation, she would give him none.

Wen Zhixia was well aware of what had transpired between them!

“Stop!” Gu Pingsheng’s voice was sharp and stern, completely different from how he addressed Wen Zhixia. “Miss Zhao, if you leave now, how am I supposed to handle this? Speak clearly before you go.”

Zhao Fuhe covered her face and ran.

Gu Pingsheng’s deep eyes darkened, and the atmosphere grew tense. Fortunately, the moderator acted quickly to sweep the incident aside as a mere farce.

Wen Zhixia remained composed on stage. After all, no matter the turmoil at home, they were still the face of the Gu Xia Group. Publicly, they had to maintain an appearance of harmony.

During the subsequent discussion on the Gu Xia Group’s development and the Q&A about entrepreneurship, Wen Zhixia also spoke confidently. Though she had resigned and stayed at home, she was far from ignorant of business matters. Habits die hard—she still occasionally perused financial news to keep abreast of industry trends.

Shen Wenyan looked at Wen Zhixia’s refined features and calm demeanor on stage, feeling a pang of inadequacy.

It seemed that, without warning, the distance between the two had suddenly widened.

The lecture ended, but the students’ excitement did not wane. After a group photo, they left the classroom as arranged by the school.

After wandering alone for a while, Shen Wenyan came upon the two chatting and laughing with several professors along a small path. They were the perfect match of talent and beauty, their synergy complete. Their confident, serene smiles softened even the most stringent professors—not due to flattery, but because people instinctively temper their temperaments around the successful.

Shen Wenyan quietly turned and walked away, unaware that Gu Pingsheng watched his retreating figure, the corner of his thin lips curling slightly.

This was the sorrow of those who had nothing. No matter how much they liked someone, they knew deep down they were unworthy.

They were simply not the same kind of person.

“Now that there’s no one else around, tell me honestly, what’s going on with that woman?” Professor Wang asked with a stern face as he accompanied the couple, now alone.

Gu Pingsheng slipped Wen Zhixia’s hand into his pocket, rubbing it with his large palm.

The sun had set; the sky dimmed, and the temperature dropped considerably.

“She’s an irrelevant person. Professor, what else do you want to ask?”

But Professor Wang was not convinced. Would an unimportant person recklessly rush to a lecture with flowers, and be mistaken for Wen Zhixia?

“Zhixia, tell the teacher—is this guy bullying you?”

Wen Zhixia glanced at Gu Pingsheng, her lips moving slightly but ultimately chose not to rat him out. They were adults; their matters were best resolved between them. She tugged the corner of her mouth in a faint smile. “No.”

Professor Wang frowned. “You’re something else… protecting him at a time like this.”

Wen Zhixia smiled. “No, he can’t bully me. I’m quite fierce.”

“No matter what, if anything happens, you can tell me. If you can’t bring yourself to say it, tell your teacher’s wife. I treat you like half my daughter. If anyone hurts you…” Professor Wang glanced pointedly at Gu Pingsheng, “I’ll deal with him myself.”

Wen Zhixia laughed and agreed.

After getting into the car, Gu Pingsheng made a call while Wen Zhixia sipped hot water, paying no attention to his actions.

“How familiar are you with the company’s affairs? Hmm… starting tomorrow, you’ll officially take over Secretary Li’s duties. Remember your responsibilities—I don’t want you to follow in her footsteps!”