Rejecting the Big Shot - Chapter 6

Gu Sheng was puzzled by Yi Zhongshen’s words and Bo Xiyun also paused, not expecting such a question, “…Tonight?”

 

“Yes.” Only Yi Zhongshen’s expression was normal as he calmly asked this question that didn’t involve him. “For the school holidays, what do you intend to do?”

 

Although Bo Xiyun had obtained direct admission credentials, his high school life had not ended.

 

He needed to get his graduation certificate half a year later and he also had additional responsibilities from being a national team candidate.

 

“Oh,” Bo Xiyun realized what Yi Zhongshen meant, “Teacher was just discussing it with me over the phone.”

 

The school was aware of Bo Xiyun’s current family situation and the class teacher talked to him specifically about this.

 

According to Bo Xiyun’s plan, just entering the national training team was not his final goal. He needed to wait for the school to reopen, take part in the next round of selections for the national team and obtain the right to represent the country in international competitions.

 

“I have two options now,” Bo Xiyun said.

 

“One, leave Q City during the holidays and go to B City in advance. Besides the bursaries provided by the school, I think I can also apply for a loan in advance from the university. After spending the winter holiday in B City, when school reopens, I will directly take part in the national team selection.”

 

Why is he going to B City so early?

 

Gu Sheng did not understand at first.

 

Afterall, the cost of living in B City was a lot higher.

 

But he quickly understood.

 

Although the teacher did not lay it out, but clearly this option was to—

 

Stay away from the Bai family.

 

Although Gu Sheng knew that the current Bai family situation would cast a shadow in Bo Xiyun’s life, he was observing from a third party’s point of view. Furthermore, Bo Xiyun did not express much.

 

He only realized how serious the school thought this situation was when they suggested this option.

 

Bo Xiyun was only seventeen.

 

He was still a child.

 

The Bai family, that was not just an empty phrase.

 

That was a place where a child set down his roots and lived for over ten years.

 

With his thoughts and emotions in a jumble, Gu Sheng heard Yi Zhongshen ask, “Bai Xiu took part in the Olympiad competition too?”

 

His voice sounded very cold now.

 

He had also recognized the problem the Bai Family posed.

 

Bo Xiyun was still very calm and he nodded his head, “Yes, Bai Xiu just got transferred to the First High School and the Bai Family managed to get him a placement into the team taking part in the Olympiad in Informatics.”

 

Unlike the Physics Olympiad team that Bo Xiyun was part of, the selection for the Informatics team had different criterias and did not depend on written tests alone. The final team selection was also later because of this.

 

The Bai family immediately got a placement for Bai Xiu in this team once he was back in the Bai family.

 

Based on Bai Xiu’s ability, he would never be able to achieve the gold medal or direct admission eligibility. But, he would still have an advantage with just the certificate of participation. If Bai Xiu was lucky and got a chance to enter the top 50, there would be a high chance he would be awarded bonus points during the college entrance examinations.

 

The Bai family was obviously going all out for Bai Xiu.

 

“…”

 

After Gu Sheng heard this, he had an indescribable look on his face.

 

The Bai family had thrown Bo Xiyun and all his belongings out and washed their hands off him. But towards Bai Xiu, they held a big banquet and would even resort to bribing to get a placement for him in the school’s Olympiad team.

 

Although Gu Sheng knew about Bai Gelei’s exploits based on his past interactions with the Bai family,  now looking at Bai Gelei’s extremity and handling of this situation, he felt that this was not a person to be friends with.

 

Gu Sheng thought silently to himself.

 

I must let the family know later.

 

“Bai Xiu will be studying in First High School?” Yi Zhongshen continued asking.

 

Bo Xiyun nodded.

 

Gu Sheng frowned.

 

The Bai family transferred the real son to First High School and in future, both Bai Xiu and Bo Xiyun would be in the same school and same grade. This “real young master” would very likely meet Bo Xiyun.

 

Yi Zhongshen did not share his thoughts and only asked, “What is the other option?”

 

“The second option is to stay here.” Bo Xiyun said, “And use this holiday to study and take part in Olympiad training classes. I will Travel to B City only when the national team selection starts.”

 

The only difference in both options was which city Bo Xiyun would spend his time during the winter holidays. 

 

The lounge was silent.

 

Gu Sheng asked, “How long have the teachers given you to consider your options?”

 

Bo Xiyun considered the question and said, “Three days.”

 

Three days was not a long time to make a decision so Gu Sheng said, “You should think carefully…”

 

He had not finished his sentence when he heard Yi Zhongshen say, “You have replied?”

 

What?

 

Gu Sheng was shocked. He looked towards Yi Zhongshen but there was nothing showing on his face. Only his calm eyes were looking directly at Bo Xiyun.

 

How did Zhongshen know?

 

Gu Sheng was still wondering about this when he saw Bo Xiyun nod in surprise. “Yes.”

 

“I have just replied to the teacher.” Faced with such an important decision, Bo Xiyun was very calm, “I choose to stay in Q City and prepare for the competition here.”

 

The difficulty level was much higher for the national team’s selection, and he would need a large amount of specialised studies.

 

Moreover,

 

The best way to solve a difficult situation was definitely not to escape from it.

 

Therefore, there was no hesitation.

 

The youngster’s face was calm but determined. Looking at him, Gu Sheng’s expression involuntarily changed. 

 

Gu Sheng did not realize it but he had started to laugh.

 

Bo Xiyun was a little puzzled and tilted his head, “What is it?”

 

“Nothing.” Gu Sheng’s lips were upturned and said, “I just thought about someone.”

 

He found his fondness for this little junior increasing. This kid looked to be slender and thin but had clear goals and acted with determination and decisiveness.

 

“Her character and yours are a little similar.”

 

There was remembrance in Gu Sheng’s voice.

 

She was brilliant and elegant, and it was a pity he never had the chance to meet her due to his young age. Gu Sheng could only hear about her from others’ description.

 

After all, she was gifted and gorgeous, the most pampered and loved Gu family’s little daughter.

 

Gu Sheng’s aunt.

 

And she had already passed away sixteen years ago.

 

What a pity.

 

Gu Sheng sighed silently.

 

The youngster in front of him was not from his family.

 

What a good kid.

 

Gu Sheng controlled his emotions and asked, “Have you decided on where you will stay tonight?”

 

Bo Xiyun nodded his head, “Teacher told me I can still go back to the school and stay.”

 

Gu Sheng was doubtful, “The school is not closed?”

 

Bo Xiyun replied, “The school will be closed after the school holiday starts tomorrow.”

 

Although it was a hassle dragging the luggage around, at least there was a place to stay tonight.

 

Yi Zhongshen with his arms akimbo asked softly, “What about the holidays?”

 

Gu Sheng also said, “You won’t be able to stay in school during the holidays. Right?”

 

Bo Xiyun nodded his head.

 

The teacher had also mentioned this and tried to persuade Bo Xiyun to stay with him but Bo Xiyun tactfully rejected it. 

 

He did not want to impose on his teacher.

 

Gu Sheng said, “That means there’s no other place to stay?”

 

Yi Zhongshen was silent.

 

He looked at Bo Xiyun, his slender Adam’s apple slowly moved.

 

Gu Sheng immediately suggested, “Why don’t you come with us? We are also looking for a place to stay.”

 

Bo Xiyun was a little startled and immediately shook his head, “No need. Thank you, Senior, but it will be too much trouble.”

 

He replied without any hesitation. Yi Zhongshen, who was looking at him, did not reveal any expression of surprise over his rejection.

 

“There are a lot of tuition classes near the school during the winter holidays.” Bo Xiyun said, “I can look for a position as a tutor and these classes usually provide lodgings.”

 

Yi Zhongsheng lowered his eyes and did not say anything.

 

Gu Sheng may have only discovered this today but Yi Zhongshen knew much earlier.

 

This kid was not used to imposing on others.

 

He would do everything himself and do it well.

 

Gu Sheng hesitated but still continued his persuasion as work would also take up a lot of time. He had not continued for long when Bo Xiyun’s mobile phone rang again.

 

Bo Xiyun, as per his habit, took the call outside. This time, the conversation was very short and ended after he acknowledged a couple of times.

 

Gu Sheng managed to hear the sound of the voice over the phone and felt that it was familiar, “Madam Bai?”

 

Bo Xiyun was still a little stunned by the phone call but regained his senses after hearing Gu Sheng’s words, “Correct.”

 

Gu Sheng was about to ask further when he suddenly became aware of a matter—Why are there no questions from Zhongshen now?

 

He looked at Yi Zhongshen but he still had no expression as usual. Gu Sheng couldn’t make out anything and asked instead, “What did she say?”

 

Bo Xiyun was obviously still surprised. He used his finger to scratch at his face, causing a patch of red to appear on his soft white skin. “Aunty said she received a call from the teacher. She will be arranging for me to stay in a hotel this holiday.”

 

Gu Sheng met Wu Ying today. She was a beautiful young lady and was wearing a long white dress. From their short interaction, this Madam Bai was a lot easier to talk to compared to Bai Gelei.

 

Looking at this, maybe the stepmother, Madam Bai, had more feelings for Bo Xiyun.

 

This was good news and Gu Sheng said, “That’s good. Concentrate on your studies this holiday and don’t work.”

 

Bo Xiyun nodded his head in acquiescence.

 

Gu Sheng gave him a few more instructions before remembering his good friend standing at the side.

 

From the beginning to the end, Yi Zhongshen never showed any emotions toward Madam Bai’s arrangement.

 

Although he was usually expressionless, Gu Sheng still felt it was odd.

 

…Did Yi Zhongshen know something in advance?

 

Gu Sheng did not manage to ask closely as it was getting late. The wind had died down and they should leave.

 

Coincidentally, both Madam Bai and Gu Sheng had made reservations in the same hotel and it was convenient for them to travel together.

 

The three of them walked to the car park and Gu Sheng naturally invited Bo Xiyun to take his car, “Xiyun, come.”

 

He had not taken out his car keys when he heard Yi Zhongshen’s voice, “Come here.”

 

Yi Zhongshen was saying to Bo Xiyun, “His driving skills are no good, you will get motion sickness.”

 

Gu Sheng: ?

 

Hello? I have my chauffeur?

 

No, wait. Gu Sheng realized he was focused on the wrong point a tad bit slower than usual. 

 

I’m very good at driving, ok?

 

He did not make it in time to rebuke this obvious slander when Bo Xiyun had already sat in Yi Zhongshen’s car.

 

Gu Sheng was left standing alone in that cold winter night in bewilderment.

 

Eh, you don’t let others take your car right?

 

After knowing Yi Zhongshen for so long, he was well aware of Yi Zhongshen’s habits. He had never made an exception for anybody, including his good friend of many years.

 

But today…

 

Suddenly, Gu Sheng remembered Yi Zhongshen’s words.

 

“His driving skills are no good, you will get motion sickness.”

 

Looks like Bo Xiyun was very sensitive.

 

Gu Sheng thought of something else and was in a trance.

 

Could it be that…

 

Young Master Yi was using junior to practice his driving skills?

 

***