Chapter 1043: Husband of the Provincial Top Scholar

Su Li thought he had been discreet, but little did he know, Su Bing had noticed everything.

However, as Su Bing observed Xu Sheng’s frail state, he chose not to confront Su Li. Maybe, just maybe, Su Li’s actions were right after all.

The group–Su Li, Su Bing, and the rest–arrived at the restaurant, only to be greeted by a chorus of children’s laughter. To his delight, Su Li recognized many familiar faces–Jiang Nuan, Jiang Ping, and a few others from school. He excitedly ran up to them.

“Hey, you guys here for the celebration too?” he called out.

Jiang Nuan approached, calling out to Su Bing. “Su Bing, Su Li, we all came with our parents. We heard about Aunt Gu Zi winning the Provincial Top Scholar title, so we’re here to celebrate with her.”

Su Li grinned. “Oh, that’s why you’re here! Well, come on, let’s go upstairs! My Uncle Jin Long brought us a ton of arcade machines. We can play as much as we want.”

With that, the children eagerly followed Su Li up the stairs, but Su Bing, ever the protector, took Su Le in his arms and trailed behind, unwilling to let them out of his sight.

Meanwhile, Gu Zi, observing the situation, felt a little relief knowing that Su Bing was there to keep an eye on the kids. With the Lin family and the Gao family helping out, she was able to focus on the task at hand–greeting guests alongside Su Shen.

The grand cars began to pull up one by one, disgorging guests whom Gu Zi mostly didn’t recognize. But with Su Shen by her side, she felt unbothered. In fact, it was the guests who couldn’t stop teasing Su Shen, while they showed great respect to Gu Zi.

“Look at our Boss Su! He married a young, beautiful wife, and to top it off, she’s the Provincial Top Scholar! It’s truly a fairytale!”

“Indeed! Our Boss Su must have incredible luck. A Provincial Top Scholar–such a catch! It’s not every day a man gets to marry someone like that,” one of the guests laughed.

“Don’t listen to him,” another guest chimed in. “Su Shen’s always been the stoic type with a serious face. But he’s not cold–he’s just reserved. And who wouldn’t be overjoyed with a wife like Gu Zi, especially since he’s now the husband of a Provincial Top Scholar?”

The praise made Gu Zi feel a little uncomfortable, though she couldn’t deny the truth of their words. Yes, she was the Provincial Top Scholar, but Su Shen was more than just a humble pig farm owner. He had connections in the military and government too–something she was only just beginning to understand.

But Su Shen, basking in their flattery, was beaming. After all the guests were ushered in, he turned to Gu Zi, pride in his voice. “You’re the Provincial Top Scholar, and now I’m the husband of the Provincial Top Scholar.”

His tone was full of pride, and Gu Zi, amused, laughed. “I can tell you’re really enjoying that title.”

Of course, Su Shen had nothing to fear. A man like him wasn’t concerned about his wife overshadowing him. His confidence in himself shone through effortlessly.

As more guests arrived, Gu Zi began to relax. Initially, she had worried that booking the entire restaurant at the Golden Sun Hotel would be too extravagant, but now, seeing the steady flow of visitors, it seemed that Su Shen’s connections were far more extensive than she’d ever imagined.

Rumor had it that he had business partners in investment too, something she had no idea about until today. Su Shen was expanding his empire beyond just farming–it was hard to even fathom how wealthy he might become.

Just then, a few reporters arrived, hoping to get a glimpse of the action. They were allowed to take some photos outside, but Jin Long had made sure they wouldn’t disrupt the festivities by blocking them from entering. As the auspicious time drew near, he quickly began preparing the fireworks, even stepping into the line himself.

Upstairs, the kids seemed to have gotten wind of the fireworks as well, their excitement palpable. Su Li, ever the mischievous one, kept running around Jin Long. “Uncle Jin Long, can I light the fireworks later?”

Jin Long chuckled, shaking his head. “These are big fireworks, Su Li. Not for kids. Go inside.”

But Su Li, determined as ever, gathered the others, forming a mini parade behind Jin Long, as if they were chicks following their mother.

When Gong Xin, who had just arrived, saw them, she raised an eyebrow.

“Ha! I thought you’d turned into the King of Kids,” she teased.

Jin Long’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of Gong Xin’s voice, and he quickly stood up, adjusting his clothes and hair as if to smooth out the sudden jolt of nervousness. He quickly recovered, trying to act casual. “You’re here! These kids are just being mischievous. They want to play with the fireworks. But they’re not allowed.”

Gong Xin smiled, his tone mischievous. “It is dangerous for them, but I’m not a kid. Can I play with them? How about we light them together?”