That evening, when He Qingchen came to the driving school to pick up someone, Jian Xi instinctively shied away when he tried to hold her hand.
He Qingchen sensed something was off, and after repeatedly asking, he finally learned that she had been punished again.
After returning home, he applied medicine for Jian Xi, though it didn't have much effect, it was still better than nothing.
Gu Zhiyao's flight was scheduled for 10 AM on Saturday, so that morning Su Yinghe, Huo Chengxi, and Ye Ze came to pick up Jian Xi together to go to the airport.
At the airport, Huo Chengxi had already made arrangements, so they went straight to the VIP exit to wait for Gu Zhiyao.
They thought they had arrived quite early, but unexpectedly, the exit hall was already crowded with Gu Zhiyao's fans when they reached the airport.
Everyone was holding support banners, some were carrying large bouquets of flowers, and others were carrying various small gifts.
Jian Xi was amazed by the scene for the first time, exclaiming, "Third Senior Sister's popularity is really extraordinary!"
"What did you expect? Third Senior Sister is an award-winning actress who has won numerous awards. She has over a hundred million fans alone," Huo Chengxi boasted proudly.
Su Yinghe reached out and tapped Huo Chengxi's head, "That's Third Senior Sister's achievement, what are you so proud of? Now think about how we're going to squeeze through the crowd. There are too many people, and the path to the VIP exit is completely blocked. Doesn't your family own shares in this airport? Why don't you hire more security guards?"
Huo Chengxi looked at the security staff standing like a human wall, his mouth twitching. Wasn't that already sufficient? It was just that Third Senior Sister had too many fans!
Ye Ze remained silent because with their exceptionally high looks, many people's gazes would occasionally fall on them, so he was feeling nervous at the moment, let alone having time to speak.
Half an hour later, with the help of the security staff, they successfully entered the VIP lounge area.
After waiting for a while, they finally saw Gu Zhiyao. She was wearing a purple long dress, her tall and slender figure, elegant and calm demeanor, and exquisite features made her seem like a graceful lotus blooming with every step.
However, this gentle and gracious woman instantly transformed when she caught sight of Jian Xi. She hastily removed her hat and sunglasses, tossing them to her assistant, and strode straight towards Jian Xi.
Jian Xi thought Gu Zhiyao was going to hug her, so she opened her arms and ran over, sweetly calling out, "Third Senior Sister!"
But just as they were about to embrace, Gu Zhiyao grabbed Jian Xi's ear instead.
"Ouch, ouch, Third Senior Sister, be gentle!" Jian Xi covered her ear, her little face scrunched up in pain.
"Jian Xiao Xi, you've got some nerve."
Oh no, Jian Xi thought, here comes the Xuantian Temple catchphrase, nothing good ever follows!
"You and that little brat He Qingchen are together, and you didn't even tell us. Were you planning to just inform us and invite us to your wedding?" Gu Zhiyao didn't release Jian Xi's ear as she scolded her in mock anger.
Jian Xi looked to the others behind her for help, but none of them budged. Especially Su Yinghe and Huo Chengxi, they had already been scolded in the group chat for several days because of this!
This time, they'll let Third Senior Sister have her say!
Behind Gu Zhiyao, her assistant Lin Miaomiao was startled by her behavior. She stretched her neck, looking back and forth, and only relaxed after confirming no one was around.
She had been working with Gu Zhiyao for two years, but this was the first time she had seen her act like this. Even off-camera, Gu Zhiyao was always gentle and mild-mannered. Her current rough demeanor was a complete novelty to Lin Miaomiao.
If she had to describe Gu Zhiyao's current behavior, the only fitting term would be - like a mother tiger!
After failing to find help, Jian Xi could only resort to acting cute with Gu Zhiyao, "Third Senior Sister~ I didn't mean to hide it from you. Big Brother and I just confirmed our relationship not long ago. I was planning to tell you first since you're my most, most, most beloved Third Senior Sister!"
"Ahem!"
"Ahem!"
"Jian Xiao Qi?"
Jian Xi: "......" She turned to explain, "I love you all, hehehe."
The burden of showing favoritism, ah!
Gu Zhiyao didn't torture her any further and released her grip on Jian Xi's ear. "Let's go, this isn't the place to talk. We'll discuss it in the car."
After saying that, she put her sunglasses and mask back on, regaining her elegant and graceful demeanor.
Jian Xi and Su Yinghe each took one of Gu Zhiyao's arms and walked ahead.
Ye Ze and Huo Chengxi quickly followed behind.
Although Ye Ze was a year older than Gu Zhiyao and her senior martial brother, he was a bit afraid of her, just like Jian Xi.
Not only him, it seemed that except for the eldest senior brother, everyone else felt the same way. After all, the gentle version of the mother tiger was the most terrifying!
Lin Miaomiao followed behind them, also donning a hat, mask, and sunglasses.
The VIP lounge had a dedicated exit, so they successfully avoided the fans, mostly because Lin Miaomiao had 'impersonated' Gu Zhiyao and lured them away.
Ye Ze put the luggage in the trunk, and since there were many people today, he drove a top-of-the-line luxury sedan.
In the car, it was finally quiet. Gu Zhiyao first scolded them one by one, and then gave each of them the gifts she had brought.
It was a classic case of giving a sweet after a slap, but the sweet was the only thing Jian Xi didn't receive.
Why, you ask?
Well, because her monthly allowance had already been exhausted, so she would have to wait until next month for her gift!
Jian Xi pouted as she watched everyone else receive their gifts.
At that moment, Huo Chengxi made a sarcastic remark, "Jealous, aren't you? If you want to receive gifts so freely, you'll have to wait at least two more years. Oh, no, one and a half years!"
Indeed, Jian Xi still had a year and a half until she turned twenty and could legally get married.
Jian Xi glared at Huo Chengxi, "Hmph! Sixth Senior Brother should be careful with his words. You have a peach blossom on your head, don't you? Do you believe I can make it rot even more?"
As expected, Huo Chengxi immediately fell silent.
Jian Xi smiled triumphantly. Gu Zhiyao glanced at Huo Chengxi, who remained quiet, and smiled faintly. There was no rotten peach blossom!
Indeed, Gu Zhiyao's main studies at the Xuantian Temple were physiognomy, astrology, and fortune-telling. Although her talent wasn't as good as Jian Xi's, it was still impressive. However, after leaving the temple, she ended up pursuing an acting career due to her outstanding appearance.
Before they left the temple, their master had once told them not to worry if their life path diverged from what they had studied, for life is full of twists and turns.
In fact, those words were said mainly for Gu Zhiyao, as the abbot had already foreseen that she would be the only one among them to not use what she had learned.
Not because she wasn't good at it, but rather because her destined career lay elsewhere!
