Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 856 - Chapter 856 Chapter 856 Slap in the Face (1)

Chapter 856: Chapter 856 Slap in the Face (1) Chapter 856: Chapter 856 Slap in the Face (1) “Are you feeling unwell?”

When Jiang Shaocheng came downstairs, he saw Xu Qiao sitting on the sofa, clutching her phone in one hand and covering her chest with the other, her charming face almost contorted, and thought she was sick.

“If you feel unwell, call the family doctor to have a look.”

“No, I’m not feeling unwell, just a bit stuffy in my chest,” Xu Qiao said, her heart trembling, not daring to let Jiang Shaocheng find out what she had done.

She still hoped for the best, thinking that the old lady was just speaking off the cuff, how could she truly cut off contact, even though they were distant relatives, they were still family.

However, when later all the festival gifts she sent were returned, Xu Qiao knew the old lady was serious and really didn’t want this kinship.

At this moment, Jiang Shaocheng had not yet realized that the thick-skinned Xu Qiao had spoiled things for him as he examined Xu Qiao, indeed not seeing any major issues, and then brought up his plans for Jiang Jing.

“I’m planning to send Jingjing abroad, it’s still August, so there’s still time to arrange it.”

“Abroad?” Xu Qiao exclaimed, immediately objecting, “She’s perfectly fine, why should she go abroad? Jingjing has already decided to go to Qing University.”

After bumping into a wall with Professor Xu, Jiang Jing, fueled by defiance, had decided against Beijing University, settling for Qing University as the next best thing. Now they were talking about going abroad, and Xu Qiao simply couldn’t understand why.

Jiang Shaocheng snorted coldly, “Without going abroad, how can she have any room for development?”

“Just because she didn’t get into Tianqi, isn’t it a bit exaggerated? There are many other institutes to choose from,” Xu Qiao’s mind lit up, “including the Huo Research Institute.”

Jiang Shaocheng was taken aback, looking hesitant; he indeed hadn’t considered the option of Huo.

The Huo Institute, like Tianqi, also had youth training programs.

If she were chosen by Huo, her future would be limitless.

Xu Qiao muttered, “Jingjing’s failure to be selected all ultimately boils down to Han Luo; probably Huo Chi is behind his actions. After all is said and done, Jingjing is just a pawn in their rivalry; it’s only right that they offer some compensation.”

Jiang Shaocheng wore a strange expression; Xu Qiao’s thoughts were too idealistic, wanting compensation from Huo as if they wouldn’t turn and accuse her instead.

But in the end, all he said was, “I’ll think about it.”

“Take your time thinking, I’m going out,” Xu Qiao calmed herself down, picked up her handbag, and stood up.

Jiang Shaocheng asked casually, “Where to?”

Xu Qiao tidied her hair, “I thought Jingjing had successfully gotten into Tianqi, and I had already notified several friends to organize a celebration party; even though it’s fallen through, I still owe them a meal.”

Jiang Shaocheng felt he could be driven mad by Xu Qiao, his voice filled with angry reproach, “You’re so foolish! You couldn’t wait to tell the whole world before anything was confirmed, and you’ve completely embarrassed Jingjing.”

“I didn’t know it would turn out like this at the time.”

Xu Qiao felt wronged; she didn’t want to hear Jiang Shaocheng’s preaching and casually said, “Okay, I know I was wrong and I’m already making amends; I won’t talk to you anymore, I’m going out.”

With that, she quickly slipped away.

The old lady’s whispering winds had not succeeded; Jingjing’s face must be saved.

…

Xu Qiao had reserved a spot at a high-end teahouse by the river, a place where the clientele was either rich or noble due to the high cost.

She had just arrived when several society ladies did as well.

Since they often had business dealings with her family, Xu Qiao frequently maintained a good relationship with them.

Sitting down, Xu Qiao smiled and said, “Sorry, I’m late.”

“Not at all, we’ve only just arrived,” one society lady sitting across from Xu Qiao looked around and asked, “Why isn’t Jingjing here? As the guest of honor, shouldn’t she make an appearance?”

A chorus of voices said, “Today, we’re here to congratulate Jingjing.”

“Out of all these children, it’s Jingjing who is the most promising. You and Director Jiang are truly blessed,” someone said.

The more they complimented, the more stiff Xu Qiao’s smile grew. She forced a laugh and said, “To be honest, and not to embarrass ourselves, Jingjing actually wasn’t selected for the Tianqi Research Institute.”

As soon as these words came out, everyone present showed a surprised expression, utterly incredulous that Jiang Jing would be rejected.

Jiang Jing was famously talented in Yuncheng, and she was rejected?

However, after the surprise, different thoughts began to emerge.

Those who were jealous of Jiang Jing’s talents couldn’t help but feel secretly pleased. Jiang Jing wasn’t so great after all, and now that she was rejected, they wondered how Xu Qiao would continue bragging in the future.

There were indeed some who genuinely felt sorry for Jiang Jing.

“How could she be rejected? Could there be a mistake?”

Xu Qiao was waiting for this question. She sighed and said, “You might have heard of the name Qiao Yun, right? The niece of Director Su from the Su Family, Su Mian’s daughter.”

“Who doesn’t know? Back then, the Su Family and the Lu Family nearly turned Yuncheng upside down.”

When Qiao Yun went missing in Yuncheng, the Su Family and the Lu Family mobilized many people to search for her, even the news was broadcast around the clock.

Luckily, Qiao Yun was later found, and the news naturally spread back to Yuncheng.

Moreover, not long ago, Qiao Yun saved many lives, and from that time onward, she became famous.

Someone asked Xu Qiao, “Why suddenly bring her up?”

“Embarrassing as it is to tell, Qiao Yun has a bit of a connection with the Li Family’s Grandpa Li…” Xu Qiao went on to add fuel to the fire.

Originally, the Li Family intended to form a marriage alliance with the Jiang Family, but because of Qiao Yun, the plans fell through. Later, Qiao Yun found out and made a bet with Jiang Jing to see who would be selected for the Tianqi Research Institute first.

However, unexpectedly, Qiao Yun turned out to be related to the Qiao Family, and the Qiaose Research Institute is closely affiliated with the Tianqi Research Institute, making her a judge there.

At this point, Xu Qiao gave a bitter smile, “Of course, I’m not saying that the Tianqi Research Institute is unfair, but just that Jingjing was affected and didn’t perform well, hence her rejection.”

Everyone present frowned.

Jiang Jing had won so many awards; they initially thought it impossible for her to be rejected, and now Xu Qiao had explained the circumstances.

It was hard not to think that Jiang Jing had been the victim of a personal vendetta.

Thinking this, they felt quite sorry for Jiang Jing, all those years of preparation wasted because of a personal grudge.

“Being so young and already a judge at Tianqi, isn’t it through connections?”

“I didn’t expect her to be that kind of person.”

“Jingjing is so unlucky; if it weren’t for someone obstructing her, she definitely would have been selected.”

The people present sighed repeatedly.

Having never met Qiao Yun, they naturally believed Xu Qiao more.

Xu Qiao dared to distort the facts because she was sure it wouldn’t draw too much attention; she didn’t want to cause a scene, just to let everyone know that Jiang Jing’s failure was not due to her lack of capabilities, but because someone had tripped her up.

Xu Qiao said hoarsely, “Poor Jingjing, being short-sighted, offended the wrong person, but no matter, she’s still young and has plenty of opportunities. She just has to steer clear of Qiao Yun from now on…”

Before Xu Qiao could finish, she heard someone snicker, followed by an unfriendly voice that spoke up.

“Indeed, one should steer clear…”