Chapter 43: The Internet Buzz

After Yang Qin's futile attempt to intimidate Gu Yining, she quickly picked up her phone and dialed Gu Wenxuan's number to spill the news of Gu Yining's return to Ling City University. 

Yang Qin, who was not of Gu Wenxuan's stature and had to work hard to ingratiate herself into the upper echelons of society, had spent the past three years as a loyal follower of Gu Wenxuan, a socialite in her own right. 

Gu Wenxuan had been wallowing in self-pity ever since her loss in a fragrance competition. The moment she heard that Gu Yining had somehow managed to return to university, she immediately left the Gu family residence and drove back to campus. 

She had gone to great lengths to rid Ling University of the eyesore that was Gu Yining. There was no way she would allow her to waltz back in without consequences.

As Gu Wenxuan's car rolled into the university grounds, she bypassed any thoughts of confronting Gu Yining directly. Instead, she stormed into the principal's office. 

The Gu family had invested significantly in several of the university's buildings, giving Gu Wenxuan some leverage when it came to discussing matters with the administration. 

She barged into the principal's office, her tone accusatory. "Principal, why did you allow Gu Yining to return? Didn't her expulsion from Ling City University mean anything?" 

The principal, seated comfortably behind his desk, reluctantly rose, holding a teacup. He looked conflicted as he replied, "Wenxuan, it's not that I want her back; a big shot intervened, and I had no choice but to oblige." 

"A big shot? What big shot could possibly know her? Who is it?" Gu Wenxuan was incredulous. 

It seemed impossible that someone of importance would go out of their way to help Gu Yining. How could a girl with a poor reputation, an unattractive appearance, and a timid personality attract any influential ally?

"I'm afraid I can't disclose that information. Just go back to class, alright? Gu Yining is your sister, after all. Sisters should resolve their differences and treat each other well," the principal added cryptically. 

"Since you can't tell me, I'll find out myself. As for Gu Yining, I won't let her off so easily," Gu Wenxuan muttered through clenched teeth as she stormed out of the principal's office.

She still hadn't forgotten the humiliation of the coffin incident.

Once Gu Yining reported back to her class, her morning schedule was already clear. 

Stepping out of the university, she headed straight to a nearby internet café, ready to log in and make her presence felt. After showing her ID to charge her card, she found a secluded corner, donned her headphones, and prepared for action.

With her delicate fingers flying across the keyboard, she opened her browser and navigated to the Ling City University forum. A quick scan revealed that her scandal had been buried under newer headlines, leaving behind only mundane discussions.

Leaning back in her chair, Gu Yining smirked, "Looks like I need to spice things up on this dull forum." 

Minimizing the page, she deftly opened a group chat for gossip enthusiasts. 

"Reward of 100,000 for a hunky half-body photo, needed urgently. Must possess legal rights," she typed in, sending the message with a mischievous grin.

As soon as the bounty was posted, the chat erupted with excitement.

[Superman Won't Fly]: "Crap, I'll donate a half-body pic of my loser ex-boyfriend. Just call me selfless!" 

Moments later, the first photo appeared, showcasing an incredibly muscular man with a chiseled eight-pack that could make anyone drool. 

[Coffee No Sugar]: "Me too! I'll contribute a pic of my dad. He's got a belly that's as round as it is legendary!" 

Ding! Another photo popped up, revealing a stark white beer belly that was so large it could take up the entire computer screen. 

Gu Yining nearly choked on her laughter, unable to contain herself as she stared at the image. The absurdity of it all was both entertaining and a perfect distraction from her troubles. 

As she continued to interact with the lively chat, Gu Yining felt a rush of exhilaration. It was a refreshing change, using humor and wit to reclaim her narrative in a place that had once tried to reject her. The forum buzzed with her antics, and for the first time in a long while, she felt in control. 

She was no longer just the ugly duckling in a scandal; she was becoming a force to be reckoned with.