Chapter 1036: Don’t Worry About The Cost

Gu Zi’s mind went blank as she processed the words–How much would this cost? Her scholarship for the day was only two thousand, and this extravagant affair–could it even cover it? She couldn’t help but feel a mix of disbelief and amusement. “Are you saying you’ve rented the entire place out? Su Shen, do we have so many relatives to invite?”

Su Shen, noticing the playful tone in her voice, found it endearing. With a small smile, he reassured her, “Don’t worry about the relatives. I’ve only invited the ones we actually see regularly–mostly close friends and business partners. Today, just forget about everything else. This is about giving you the best possible graduation celebration.”

Gu Zi bit her lip. She wanted to say something but found herself at a loss. Part of her truly wanted to enjoy the celebration, but another part was reluctant to spend so much money.

She knew that Jin Long’s hotel was the best in Guangcheng, and the prices would certainly reflect that. Renting out the entire place? It was bound to be astronomical.

As she hesitated, Jin Long appeared beside them, breaking her train of thought. “Hey, don’t be so formal! I already said I’m covering the entire event for you. Don’t worry about the cost–I’ve got it handled. Let me know if you want a bigger banner; I’ve already got the biggest one made!”

Su Shen gave Jin Long an approving nod, before turning to Gu Zi with a small, teasing smile. “What do you think, then?”

Gu Zi’s eyes widened with surprise. ‘Wait, I won’t have to pay?’

She glanced around at the decorations, taking in the glistening gold banners and elaborate arrangements. It was impressive–really impressive.

She smiled, genuinely moved. “I love it! Jin Long, you’ve really outdone yourself. Next time, I’ll cook you a feast at home to thank you.”

Jin Long grinned, scratching the back of his head, clearly pleased. “As long as you’re happy, it’s all worth it. You two should head upstairs; I’ve set up a stage for you guys as well!”

Gu Zi and Su Shen entered the hotel, only to be interrupted as they were about to head upstairs.

A group of people emerged from one of the private rooms.

Gu Zi froze. She recognized many of them–some were relatives of the Gu family, others from the Zhang family, and even a few from the old neighborhood. It seemed they were all attending Lin Miao’s graduation party, though Gu Zi wasn’t particularly interested in greeting them.

She looped her arm through Su Shen’s and made to continue upstairs.

However, a few of the people recognized her immediately, and one stepped forward–none other than Zhang Da, Zhang Mei’s older brother and Lin Miao’s uncle. He gave her a cold, mocking smile. “Well, well, if it isn’t the ungrateful Gu Zi. What, heard that Lin Miao made it into university and now you’re trying to kiss up? But who even let you in? I’m pretty sure neither the Gu family nor the Zhang family invited you here.”

Gu Zi’s heart sank as she realized what was happening. Lin Miao must have done well on her exams too, and now these people were showing up, flaunting their newfound superiority.

How typical, she thought. Lin Miao was the protagonist in this story, after all, the one who had overcome everything, even prison, to succeed.

Before she could respond, Zhang Da’s relatives began to chime in. “Gu Zi, you really are a piece of work. When your adoptive mother was so sick, where were you? When your adoptive parents were fighting, why didn’t you step in? If it weren’t for Lin Miao, things might’ve gotten much worse. And now, she’s the one who’s made it to university, and you’ve come here–how shameless.”

Gu Zi surveyed the group, her expression unreadable. She wasn’t bothered by their stares; instead, she calmly replied, “I don’t need an invitation from the Gu or Zhang families to be here. I came on my own, and I’m not here to celebrate Lin Miao’s success.”

Zhang Da scoffed. “What’s the matter? Too ashamed to congratulate Lin Miao? After everything you did to my sister’s family, you still have the nerve to show up here?” His voice grew louder. “Get out!”

The others in the group nodded in agreement, their eyes narrowing. “Gu Zi, the Gu family raised you for over ten years. Even if Lin Miao made some mistakes in the past, she didn’t deserve to be sent to prison. You did that. Don’t make things worse today. This is Lin Miao’s big day, and you shouldn’t ruin it.”

“Exactly,” another person added. “We all watched you grow up, and the Gu family invested so much in you. Now, the Gu family is relying on Lin Miao to bring them glory. You’ve already ruined her once, don’t do it again.”