The next day, when Lin Muci went to school, her report card was posted on the bulletin board.
Everyone was whispering.
"Did you hear? Lu Miaoyu seems to have dropped out..."
"But even if she didn't drop out, she couldn't compare to Lin Muci. After all, Lin Muci scored over seven hundred points again this time. I heard that Tsinghua University's admissions office has already sent people."
After school.
Lin Muci was called to the office by her teacher.
The girl sat on a chair and saw several teachers looking at her kindly.
"It's like this, Lin Muci, we asked you to come over because we wanted to ask you in advance if you've decided which university you want to apply to in the future?"
These teachers stared intently at Lin Muci, hoping to get an answer from her. Lin Muci pondered for a moment.
She gave her answer.
"Tsinghua University."
"But I want to do an exchange study at Caltech. So, I might need to apply for a short leave later."
Those people became anxious.
They thought that a good prospect like Lin Muci would surely stay in the country, but they didn't expect her to want to go to Caltech, and everyone couldn't stay calm.
"Why Caltech? Think about it carefully."
"The treatment here in China is very good right now."
Lin Muci remained calm and composed.
"Yes, I've thought about it."
"It's just an exchange study."
She walked out of the campus. Outside, paparazzi were still waiting for her. Seeing her, their tone became much gentler this time. They no longer mentioned Lu Miaoyu, but instead interviewed her about her monthly exam results and her future academic plans.
"We saw the honor roll posted outside your school. Lin Muci, you seem to be on it. Do you still plan to continue acting, or will you focus on your studies first?"
Lin Muci found the question strange.
"Can't I do both?"
The reporter was struck dumb by her question.
"But human energy is limited... it's difficult to do several things well at the same time..."
"Ling Qianhe also dropped out... and later, with astonishing perseverance, he re-enrolled in the drama department of a top overseas university, completing his degree in two years while filming a movie with an overseas director. Therefore, we thought you might drop out, or leave the industry..."
Lin Muci found it even stranger.
"He is him, and I am me. Why should I follow his path?"
The reporter didn't know how to explain for a moment.
The main reason was that the young girl in front of them had such a powerful aura. They looked at each other, and then hesitantly said.
"Because everyone compares you together, and believes that you, like Ling Qianhe, belong to the category of 'heaven-sent purple stars' in the entertainment industry."
It was unclear if these reporters had been dealt with by someone, but their attitudes were excellent.
They didn't dare to be arrogant in front of her.
Lin Muci smiled.
"Heaven-sent purple stars in the entertainment industry?"
She didn't care about these titles. She just felt that the news was putting her and Ling Qianhe together again for comparison, which was truly...
Troublesome.
...
The topic of #Lin Muci the scholar# once again topped the trending search.
Her previous live broadcast had broken through the circle and received a very good response.
Therefore, this topic did not provoke any backlash from the public, but instead led to discussions.
Compared to ordinary entertainment stars, she had more controversy.
A rich girl who was almost killed by school bullying, a former top male star's delusional fan, and the new top female star who debuted as the center in an idol show.
To put it simply, her journey had been full of ups and downs. In just one year, it felt more exciting than ten years of experience for others.
[I feel like Xiao Ci is the one who got the "Hell Girl" script.]
[Those who bullied our Xiao Ci will surely face retribution.]
Fans sighed one after another.
[Alas, have you seen Ling Qianhe's latest scandal? He's kissing his female assistant in the dance studio. Ah, if Qianhe really wants to date, I think only a girl as steadfast as a rock like Xiao Ci would be a match for him.]
Before Ling Qianhe's scandal was exposed, the mere thought of Ling Qianhe possibly dating made his fans heartbroken.
Now, with the kissing video exposed.
After a period of wailing, they thought in their hearts, if only... Ling Qianhe could date a better girl.
Before, they felt no one was worthy.
Now, thinking about it again.
Among his collaborators, the one who could create the most sparks was surprisingly Lin Muci, who had been the most heavily criticized before!
[Yes. Little Ci is actually quite good. Her business capabilities are incredibly strong, and she reversed the situation with her own strength, debuting as the first and leaving everyone else far behind.]
[She comes from a privileged background, and it's rumored her family's assets are tens of billions... She is the only daughter who will inherit the family business. Her mother just kicked out the scumbag husband and left him with nothing, and her entire focus is on her.]
[And most importantly, Xiao Ci and Qianhe also have amazing chemistry.]
[In the preview scenes of "Peerless Beauty," the emotional intensity made me almost cry a river. How can Xiao Ci be compared to a lowly female assistant? Woo woo, Qianhe, open your eyes!]
Unbeknownst to them, many CP fans had sprung up between Lin Muci and Ling Qianhe!
Lin Muci's solo fans, however, coldly refused.
[Please don't. Our Xiao Ci is best on her own.]
[Our Xiao Ci said that her priority now is her career and studies. Ling Qianhe having a secret relationship with his assistant is fine, as long as it doesn't involve our Xiao Ci.]
[We Xiao Ci wouldn't bother with such a playboy.]
The solo fans were full of confidence.
[What kind of good person is he? If he truly cared about Xiao Ci's sincere pursuit of him back then, he should keep his distance from Xiao Ci!]
[Our sister was young and naive back then, and she did like him. But now that she's entered the entertainment industry herself, she will meet better people!]
These comments kept appearing online.
Ling Qianhe, who was preparing, quietly looked at the comments on his phone.
He remained silent as the makeup artist applied makeup to him. Hearing him ask.
"Am I very scummy?"
The makeup artist's hand trembled.
"No... no. Who would think Qianhe is scummy?"
Ling Qianhe lowered his head and looked at the comments on his phone, then pointed them out word by word to the makeup artist.
"Many people say that."
The makeup artist was somewhat speechless. After a while, she carefully comforted him.
"That's because they don't understand you! Believe me, Qianhe, if people knew you, they would never think you are a scumbag. You are professional, ambitious, hardworking, and possess the most beautiful face in the world. I've been in the entertainment industry for so many years, and I've never seen an artist with more superior physical appearance than you."
Ling Qianhe, however, had a cold expression.
"Perhaps in other people's eyes, I really am a scumbag."
"No matter what I do, I'm a scumbag I can never make up for."
The makeup artist dared not speak anymore.
Ling Qianhe's appearance was indeed too cold.
He lowered his head, and deep within his eyes, a ripple of emotion surged.
As if mocking himself.
"So, I'm a scumbag."
The makeup artist felt a bit sorry for him.
Those comments online didn't understand the truth at all... Ling Qianhe wasn't someone who messed around, but Ling Qianhe raised his head, his eyes filled with a cold, sharp gleam, and the corners of his lips curved slightly upwards.
So what if he was a scumbag.
As long as it helped him achieve his goal of keeping Sister Muci by his side forever, he was willing to pay any price.
He knew very well that Feng Yuting had bought these photos at a high price and deliberately released them now to sow discord between him and his "little girlfriend."
But he was fearless.
He was rather curious.
What would that girl's reaction be when she saw these photos.
Familiar memories flooded his mind. Would she feel... shy?
He eagerly wanted to see her again.