Chapter 99: Can Rivals in Love Really Be So Calm and Gracious Toward Each Other?

Gu Shiyan's gaze toward her brightened, his heart earnestly hoping she would say those words.

"I admit, I just can't resist good-looking people," Luo Xing pushed him away. "Even if it wasn't you standing here today, if it were a handsome guy, I'd blush just the same."

She lowered her head, nibbling on her cheese bread.

Her words clearly wounded Gu Shiyan. After being pushed aside by Luo Xing, he left straight away. Just as he was about to enter his room, he turned and opened the door to another room. "You can stay here tonight. Tomorrow, I'll explain everything to Professor Wen."

Luo Xing watched him finish speaking, and he quickly closed the door.

...

Luo Xing and her teammates formally arrived at the competition venue.

As a provincial-level contest, the entire event was documented.

This year, the organizers even streamed the competition live, ensuring complete fairness and transparency.

Luo Xing had sorted out her lingering emotions from yesterday and focused intently on her defense script.

The final round was the defense, which Luo Xing was chiefly responsible for.

Even their captain, Xu Yan, admired Luo Xing.

After such a serious incident overnight, Luo Xing was able to perform unaffected, and even better than ever before.

The host delivered congratulatory remarks on stage. Luo Xing stood at the center, Xu Yan holding the trophy.

Originally, Qi Changbai was supposed to stand beside them, but Gu Shiyan squeezed in as well.

Luo Xing knew he was deliberately positioning himself there.

The group soon left the stage.

Only backstage did Luo Xing finally check her phone to see how things were unfolding online.

The person who leaked information in their class had indeed been found.

But Luo Xing didn't know them; there was no connection between them.

She reported the matter to her counselor.

If it wasn't a personal grudge, it was likely that the student who leaked the information had benefited from something.

As their team packed up to leave backstage, they happened to run into Team One.

The captain of Team One, Wen Fan, looked at Luo Xing and smiled inexplicably.

It left Luo Xing a little taken aback.

Shen Que stood by her side and, noticing Wen Fan's expression, stepped protectively in front of Luo Xing.

Qi Changbai grinned at Team One's captain. "So? The powerhouse that won the national award can't even clinch a provincial gold now? Or are you being generous and letting us have it?"

"We don't care about some provincial contest," Wen Fan retorted. "Even without the gold, we'll still qualify for the nationals and win the big prize. If you can't handle this provincial round, you won't even have the chance to compete in the nationals."

He sneered, pulling out his phone. "I'm laughing because a certain lady really knows how to attract attention. An ordinary person making the trending list? Must feel good to have powerful backing, huh?"

Luo Xing glanced at her phone, smiling casually. "What, are you about to spread rumors again?"

Wen Fan was instinctively wary whenever he saw her phone now.

He snorted coldly. "Just wait. Even if you really secured the gold, whether you get the qualification to compete is another matter. You think this issue won’t affect you?"

He taunted her, "This might even cost you your education."

Luo Xing smiled gently. "Don’t worry. If ever I’m forced out of school, I’ll be sure to drag you down with me."

Wen Fan’s heart skipped, and he hurried off with his bag.

Shen Que looked at Luo Xing with concern. "They’re right. If this isn't handled properly, Qi Zhi’s fans might come to the school. Then your classes and movements will be disrupted."

Before Luo Xing could reply, her phone rang.

She answered, "Dad..."

"Star, I’ve seen everything. Don’t worry. I’ve already handed this matter over to my friends at the law firm. All those who slandered and insulted you online will face legal consequences."

Luo Xing responded softly.

Her heart warmed. No matter what happened, her family always had her back.

"Congratulations, sweetheart, on winning the gold. Enjoy yourself today and relax with your brother."

"Brother’s in Jing City?" Luo Xing was surprised.

"He’s here on business—negotiating a contract. I asked him to spend some time with you. Let your brother shoulder these troubles for you."

Luo Xing had managed to handle the sudden storm with reason, but her father’s comfort now made her feel even more aggrieved. "Dad..."

It was clear he’d taken time from his busy schedule to call her now. Not wanting him to worry further, they ended the call after a few words.

When she stepped outside, Luo Zhou was already waiting for her.

Luo Xing beamed, running toward him. "Brother!"

She skidded to a halt before him. "Did you finish your contract talks?"

Luo Zhou smiled, handing her the milk tea. "The contract’s for the day after tomorrow. Today, I’m here for you."

Luo Xing pouted, her eyes downcast. "I don’t know why..."

Seeing her beloved family, the walls she’d forced herself to hold up suddenly collapsed, and a wave of emotion welled up in her chest.

Luo Zhou saw his sister about to cry and hurriedly poked the straw into her milk tea, placing it in her hands, and gently patted her head. "All right, all right, don’t cry. Everything’s fine. Don’t worry—it’ll be resolved. I’ve already spoken to the school, found the person who posted, and everyone who slandered you will receive legal notices. Not a single one will escape."

Luo Xing clung to his arm, sipping her milk tea, tears shimmering in her eyes. She stammered, "I thought I could handle it myself. I wanted to solve it alone. I really don’t care what they say—it’s all lies. I’m not that kind of person..."

Luo Zhou comforted his tearful little sister. "Of course not. Our Star is nothing like that. Ignore them. Leave everything to your brother. You just eat and drink and enjoy yourself."

He took her bag, handed her tissues, and wiped her face. "But why did you suddenly join the physics competition? You didn’t tell the family—I only found out this morning. Was it to accompany Shen Que?"

Luo Xing snatched the tissues to wipe her face herself. "Can’t I just want to work hard for my studies?"

"That’s fantastic!" Luo Zhou tilted his head and applauded, making Luo Xing laugh.

Not far away, Gu Shiyan and his group emerged.

Gu Shiyan’s gaze instantly fell on Luo Zhou.

He was from that dessert shop!

He’d been so focused on Shen Que these days that he nearly forgot about the dessert shop guy.

Gu Shiyan glanced at Shen Que beside him. The dessert shop guy knew his name—clearly, the two were acquainted.

"So even if Luo Xing breaks up with me, you still don’t stand a chance," Gu Shiyan said, a hint of sourness in his voice that he himself hadn’t noticed.

Shen Que looked at Luo Zhou, who was comforting his sister, completely missing Gu Shiyan’s subtle provocation.

He ignored Gu Shiyan and walked over to Luo Xing, calling out, "Brother Zhou."

Gu Shiyan was stunned. Shen Que not only knew him, he called him 'Brother Zhou.'

How could rivals be so calm and friendly with each other?

Every time Gu Shiyan saw Shen Que, he wanted to toss him into a sack and ship him abroad, so he'd never have the chance to get near Luo Xing again.