Chapter 370: Who is The Person You Love Most?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

With determination in her eyes, Ziyu affirmed, “I can definitely win the championship.”

Gu Qingcheng replied, “I believe you can win, but what if you don’t? What will you do if you fail to win the championship?”

Ziyu was momentarily stunned, seemingly unprepared for this question.

Gu Qingcheng observed the change in Ziyu’s expression closely.

“Answer me,” she pressed Ziyu with a forceful presence. “What will you do if you don’t win? What will be the consequences?”

Feeling the intense pressure from Principal Gu, Ziyu experienced a moment of fear but then looked directly into Gu Qingcheng’s sharp eyes. “I never considered not winning,” she confessed. “My only focus is on winning the championship.”

Gu Qingcheng, outwardly expressionless, inwardly appreciated Ziyu’s display of firm confidence.

She didn’t praise Ziyu, wanting to avoid relaxing her constantly taut nerves.

“I have another question for you. Who is the person you love the most in this world?”

Caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic, Ziyu hesitated, struggling to respond.

Gu Qingcheng glanced at the time, knowing there was still a while before the competition. She had time to counsel Ziyu.

“I love my mom, I love Principal Gu, I…’

“No,” Gu Qingcheng interrupted. “Tell me again, who do you love the most?” Ziyu’s voice wavered with uncertainty: “I love my mom… I…”

“Wrong,” Gu Qingcheng interjected firmly. “Your mother is an unfit parent, and so is your father. I don’t expect them to teach you anything, but I hope you understand, as I’ve told you more than once, you should first learn to love yourself before you can love others.”

“You’ve always tried to please your parents, hoping they’d treat you kindly in return. It’s a sign of lack of love and a lack of self. You’ve never shown your true self, nor have you ever fought back.”

“Ziyu, the child who doesn’t cry doesn’t get the candy. You must learn either to cry or to fight back. But you do neither, and such people are doomed to be bullied. ”

She couldn’t bear to see a talented person like Ziyu ruined.

Ziyu pondered over Gu Qingcheng’s words, agreeing wholeheartedly.

Her mother always claimed to love her, but when her stepfather abused her, her mother either looked away or just watched silently.

“Kindness is good, but excessive kindness is harmful,” Gu Qingcheng advised. “Your silence is an implicit approval of the wrongdoings. It’s like a snowball, getting bigger, eventually pushing you into an abyss.

“Ziyu, when you’re helpless, you must learn to fight back, to strive, to live for yourself. In the end, everyone should pursue their happiness and fulfillment.

“Actually, no one is that important. Life goes on with or without anyone. By sacrificing yourself for your mother’s happiness, you’re inheriting her weakness and incapacity.”

Ziyu’s tears fell. Gu Qingcheng’s blunt words, like a knife to her heart, made

her understand the harsh truth.

Her compliance with her mother’s happiness allowed her stepfather to abuse her.

Gu Qingcheng’s tone softened as she continued, “Most women live tiring lives, just like you. They feel obliged to contribute more to their families the more they’re neglected, not realizing they’re sinking deeper into despair.”

Pausing, Gu Qingcheng added, “Ziyu, you might think I’m criticizing you, but I prefer you learn to love yourself first, then others. Be an independent, kind, confident, and determined girl.”

Sighing gently, she spoke with a hint of warmth, “Every girl is an independent and unique individual with her own beauty. I hope every girl controls her destiny and enjoys life. Ziyu, you too. I hope you become the happiest girl in the world, but it requires your effort.”

Ziyu, tears blurring her vision, seemed to have an epiphany from Gu Qingcheng’s words.

“Thank you, Principal. Your words have shown me my goal.”

“Now, focus on the competition,” Gu Qingcheng gently advised. “If you win, the endorsement contract with Star Dream Entertainment, the Peach Lotus Cup championship prize, and the Imperial Arts School prize will be substantial. You can travel, relax, or do whatever you like. But all this depends on you winning the championship. Can you do it?”

“Yes,” Ziyu replied tearfully but with undeniable determination. “I can, I promise you.”

“Don’t promise me,” Gu Qingcheng shook her head. “Make a promise to yourself.”

“I can, I will win the championship,” Ziyu affirmed, patting her chest, her eyes tearful yet filled with unprecedented confidence. “I believe in myself.”

“Let’s go. I’ll take you to the makeup room. The school’s makeup artist will do your makeup and help you change,” Gu Qingcheng said as she headed towards the door. “I’ll be there in the audience watching you. I believe in you, and you must believe in yourself.”

Following Gu Qingcheng, Ziyu’s eyes shone with resolve.

After taking Ziyu to the makeup room, Gu Qingcheng was pulled aside by Li Jing.

Li Jing looked at Gu Qingcheng anxiously. “You were supposed to counsel Ziyu, not scold her, right?”

Gu Qingcheng was taken aback. “I didn’t scold Ziyu.”

“You didn’t?” Li Jing was surprised. “Her eyes were swollen from crying.”

“I talked to Ziyu about reason, which made her cry,” Gu Qingcheng explained. “Don’t worry. She still has to compete. How could I scold her? I always speak reasonably to Ziyu, always.”

Li Jing observed Gu Qingcheng from head to toe.

Feeling uneasy under Li Jing’s scrutiny, Gu Qingcheng asked, “Master, why are you looking at me like that?”

“Getting married, being in love with Huo, you’ve changed,” Li Jing chuckled.

“You’ve become calm and collected. I was afraid you’d be too harsh on Ziyu.”

Gu Qingcheng pouted. “I haven’t learned that from Huo Sicheng. And I wouldn’t hit Ziyu. Stop teasing me.”

Li Jing smiled warmly. “Okay, I’ll stop. I have things to do. You better get ready.

You’re the final act, so there’s plenty of time.”

“Okay, Master,” Gu Qingcheng replied, heading back to the makeup room.

“Qingcheng…” A joyful and magnetic voice called out.

Gu Qingcheng turned, “Why are you here?”