"You’re kidding, Columbia University is no ordinary prestigious school, it’s a world-renowned institution! A graduate from there is worth several master’s degrees from ordinary schools in China. In fact, in terms of academic ability and execution, they’re stronger than some PhD holders in China. Especially thinking back to when I asked Gu Zixuan which school she graduated from, she said it was just an average school... An Ran felt like she was slapped in the face by Gu Zixuan. But still skeptical, she couldn’t help but ask, "Was it Columbia University or Barnard College?" After all, as many global top universities have their affiliated colleges, so does Columbia—a private women’s undergraduate college, officially called ’Barnard College, Columbia University.’ But asking this made An Ran seem a bit targeted and petty. Some of the people present also felt sour and chuckled lightly, saying, "Assistant An, you do understand how to..." An Ran’s face instantly flushed with heat, and she lowered her head. Gu Zixuan just smiled and said, "It’s the main campus business school." At the same time, she glanced at the cards in front of her and pushed all her chips forward, "ALL/IN." "..." As soon as that was said, the people present looked at Gu Zixuan with more admiration. Especially Chinese international students, getting into the business school is like finding a needle in a haystack. In poker, it’s all about aura. Gu Zixuan’s calm and relentless all-in move showed she’s an investor with a gentle exterior but a tough interior. After all, Gu Zixuan was constantly winning small amounts at the beginning, and no one thought she played particularly well, until this push of chips revealed it. Several rounds of competition had already accumulated a massive amount of chips in the pot, and Gu Zixuan surprisingly still had the most chips remaining among everyone. So... no matter how good the other players’ cards might be, they only had two choices: either top up and keep going all out, or fold and let Gu Zixuan take the entire pot... Immediately, all eyes were drawn to the poker table and the investigation of Gu Zixuan’s abilities on the side, hesitation appeared on the faces of several male directors. After all, this was a gamble, and losing money wasn’t the main concern; the key was whether they could ultimately win the game. Carefully weighing Gu Zixuan’s playing habits and personality, then considering the cost of following her cards... After weighing all these, nearly everyone chose to fold. The outcome of the game was already clear, everyone watched Gu Zixuan with smiles as the dealer pushed all the pot’s chips over to her. They were so impressed they didn’t know what to say; even the women admired her because those chips represented money! But Gu Zixuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, because this delay stopped the probing questions directed at her... Therefore, by the time someone thought of asking her some personal questions, it was already around 3:45 PM. Gu Zixuan didn’t use cards to draw attention again, instead, she spoke more, extending the conversation in a direction she could handle. For example, when someone asked her age, she subtly mentioned she was 26, and in response to the questioner’s implied amazement, "So young." She smiled and shook her head, saying she’s not young, and then proactively began talking about skincare. This topic had plenty to discuss, and with Gu Zixuan taking the initiative, it showed she wasn’t aloof, and immediately, many women present were led by the topic. Some even developed a fondness for Gu Zixuan. When the topic ended once again and someone asked another question, it was already 3:54 PM. Gu Zixuan spoke again. Her warm tone, calm pace, and authentic demeanor, along with her polite and low-key attitude towards everyone, made those present approve and recognize her likability and affability even more. However, no matter how things stood. The company’s interest in Gu Zixuan wasn’t just skin-deep. So, after some inquiries, Musa and An Ran’s eyes gradually curved into cold smiles. Finally, someone couldn’t help but ask that question, "Director Gu... are you married?" In an instant, Gu Zixuan’s fingertips froze slightly. It seemed that she felt the company’s intense curiosity about her, and even the male directors present, who usually didn’t engage in gossip, all raised their eyes at once. But at this crucial moment... Gu Zixuan’s phone rang. Recovering herself, Gu Zixuan offered an apologetic smile and answered the call. As expected, it was Housekeeper Li calling as planned, "Miss Gu, is it inconvenient for you to leave?" Gu Zixuan, in that moment, understood what kind of people had what kind of subordinates around them. Feng Chengjin was truly better at choosing servants with judgment than Zhou Huimei, who persistently selected the docile and submissive types during their time at the He Mansion. Read complete version only at novel_fіre.net With a casual response, she said, "Hmm, what’s the matter?" Housekeeper Li laughed and said, "We are already waiting outside the Tai Xihe Mountain Villa. If it’s inconvenient for Miss Gu to speak now, there’s no need to reply. Wait for us to come in and find you." Realizing that everyone’s interest in her was far more intense than she imagined, the questions had now reached the most critical point. Gu Zixuan didn’t refuse Housekeeper Li’s suggestion, going along with it, she changed her plan before leaving home. Her expression instantly "froze," and she pretended to be anxious, "When did it happen? Is it serious?" Housekeeper Li, who clearly understood, thought about recent events at the mansion and said, "Just say your nephew got into a car accident. What’s Miss Gu’s room number?" Gu Zixuan was really impressed by Feng Chengjin’s housekeeper’s quick wit. Due to the environment, it was inconvenient to ask Housekeeper Li how he thought of such a reason, so she turned around and promptly reported the room number, "I’m in Golden Emperor T-03 private room." Housekeeper Li said, "Alright, we’ll be there soon." Then hung up the phone. Gu Zixuan, as if she had forgotten the questions from everyone earlier, smiled apologetically, pushed the chips forward a bit, and said, "Sorry, something’s come up at home, I can’t play anymore. Split these among yourselves or have someone take over. I’m really sorry." "Director Gu is leaving? What’s the matter? Is it serious?" someone asked with concern. While packing her handbag, Gu Zixuan thought of Housekeeper Li’s reason, but eventually, feeling a bit uncomfortable, she didn’t mention any nephew, just helplessly smiled and said, "A family member got into a car accident, need to go see them now." Hearing this reason, most people present were understanding. After all, the woman who had stirred the company’s curiosity for three weeks had finally been met today, and her temperament was likeable and comfortable, not inviting any wild thoughts. However, it couldn’t prevent those who were particularly sensitive, especially considering the timing when everyone in the company was most curious about whether Gu Zixuan was married... But out of politeness, no one could point it out. They exchanged glances. Only Musa and An Ran seemed deep in thought, almost losing their chance to expose her due to a telephone call, their hands tightened. Especially Musa, seeing how such an elaborate gathering, which took so much manpower and social connections, was specifically arranged. The aim was to unmask Gu Zixuan, who had risen to fame in the company, and restore her to ridicule and gossip. And everything meticulously planned for that night, since Gu Zixuan had come today, she wouldn’t leave with her reputation unscathed! At this moment, they truly admired Gu Zixuan’s skill of playing Tai Chi silently yet being able to withdraw without anyone knowing. So, how could Musa let Gu Zixuan off? With a slight curve of her red lips, Musa spoke up. "Was it your husband who called you, Director Gu?" Husband? Was Director Mu jokingly teasing or really revealing something? Given her tone. In an instant, everyone’s gaze and interest returned to the previous concern. Gu Zixuan’s body stiffened, understanding the deep implication in Musa’s words. Musa indeed knew, and "husband" definitely wasn’t referring to anyone else but her ex-husband... The air seemed to freeze in an instant. No matter how composed Gu Zixuan appeared outwardly, her heart was pounding. Most importantly, that sentence, Musa no longer cared about who would break the thin paper wall but was determined to pull her in. Was it really her plan to ruin her today, revealing to the entire company how she got divorced? Or was it just a warning, forcing her to not be with Feng Chengjin anymore? After all, she couldn’t choose to lie to others saying she was single; the day it was exposed, others would look down on her more. She also couldn’t admit she was married or had been married, that admission would... Gu Zixuan couldn’t see through Musa. From those proud and arrogant eyes, all Gu Zixuan knew was that Musa was someone who was determined to get what she wanted. The scene, in silence, slowly pushed to the peak of tension. Musa and An Ran were waiting, waiting for Gu Zixuan’s reaction to reveal a flaw, then letting others at the company automatically suspect. Their lips curled with a smug smile. Until Gu Zixuan, in the quiet, slowly lifted her gaze. She opened her mouth and said, "..."