C45 Bet!(part II)

She wouldn't consider Bo Yandong as a chip in a wager.

"Scared?" Gu Ruoshan taunted her further.

Gu Zhiwei responded with a dismissive smile, "No, you're simply not qualified."

"Fine, very fine," Gu Ruoshan said, glaring at her with fury, "We'll see each other on the field of competition!"

With that, she stormed out of the classroom.

Once Gu Ruoshan had left, the rest of the class gradually followed suit.

Chen Xixi gazed at Gu Zhiwei with admiration. "Zhiwei, you're incredible! You've finally peeled away Gu Ruoshan's mask of hypocrisy!"

Gu Zhiwei strolled out of the classroom at a leisurely pace. "You're underestimating her."

"Huh?" Chen Xixi's face was a picture of confusion.

As they walked, Gu Zhiwei elaborated, "Think about it, has anyone continued to mention her involvement with Zhao Qiao?"

Gu Ruoshan wouldn't be herself if she conceded defeat that easily.

Chen Xixi reflected on the earlier events and had an epiphany, "Right, everyone was talking about the post before, but now the conversation has shifted to the bet!"

Gu Ruoshan wouldn't have been able to cause so much trouble if she were that easily rattled.

"Let's get going, or there won't be any seats left in the cafeteria," Gu Zhiwei remarked nonchalantly.

Gu Ruoshan's reaction was anticipated.

Their conflict was only just beginning.

...

Beiverlim University's computer programming competition was an annual event.

Though termed a programming contest, it was more of a team-based challenge, assessing the collaborative spirit of the group.

On the day teams were to be formed, Gu Zhiwei was rudely awakened by a call from Pann Yan.

"Gu Zhiwei, could you make it to the school today? We're forming teams this morning, and if you're not present, it'll be considered a forfeiture."

Gu Zhiwei acknowledged the request.

She had committed to the competition and intended to abide by its rules.

The computer science class was as boisterous as ever, but the moment Gu Zhiwei walked in, the room fell noticeably quieter.

Chung Lu glared at her with disdain and muttered, "Some people just show up to pad out the numbers."

Shortly thereafter, a stern-looking woman in her fifties, wearing glasses, walked into the classroom holding a roster.

Zhang Yanmei, the head of the Computer Science Department, was known for her strict demeanor and lack of humor. "Your advisor is unexpectedly unavailable, so I'll be taking over the registration and team assignments," she announced, glancing down at the roster in her hands. "Let's begin with roll call."

When she reached the name Gu Zhiwei, Zhang Yanmei's frown deepened. "Gu Zhiwei."

"Present," came the reply, the voice tinged with a casual nonchalance.

Zhang Yanmei's frown tightened. In her decades of teaching, she had never encountered a student quite like Gu Zhiwei. Students at Beiverlim University, even the least impressive among them, were considered exceptional. Many had vied fiercely for a place at Beiverlim, yet here was Gu Zhiwei, occupying a coveted spot without any apparent regard for the institution. And still, the university hadn't expelled her.

"Gu Zhiwei," she said, fixing her gaze on the girl seated at the back of the room. "This is a team competition. Are you certain you wish to participate?"

Gu Zhiwei half-closed her eyes, focusing on her pale fingertips, and responded simply, "Yes."

Zhang Yanmei's expression grew colder at the display of apathy. With a swift motion, she slammed the roster onto the lectern and scoffed, "Do you understand the significance of this competition? The winning team will have the chance to compete internationally in M Country—a dream opportunity for many. If you become a liability to your team, can you bear the weight of that responsibility?"

The classroom fell into a hushed silence, all eyes turning to Gu Zhiwei.