Hidden identities of the AI Heiress-Chapter 998: Professor Qiao Is About to Make a Big Move
Li Hanzhou actually showed up!
This is practically the eighth wonder of the world!
What shocked netizens even more was how much of a henpecked husband Li Hanzhou seemed!
Qiao Yun actually managed to tame Li Hanzhou so well?!
The gossip-hungry crowd claimed they’d witnessed a miracle.
Some even joked about how the mighty CEO Li Hanzhou had turned into a lovestruck fool.
But most of them were simply envious of Qiao Yun.
[Requesting tips—how did Qiao Yun make Mr. Li fall head over heels?]
[Although I feel Qiao Yun’s standing doesn’t match Mr. Li’s, I still envy her.]
[As a working woman myself, I’m just ridiculously jealous, okay? I want a rich, handsome, and obedient boyfriend too.]
[Anyone know how to find a CEO like Mr. Li? Let me be a "soft rice girl" like Qiao Yun.]
At this moment, Jiang Jing stared at the online comments, her face darkening like the bottom of a pot.
She just couldn’t wrap her head around it.
How could someone like Qiao Yun manage to have Li Hanzhou so protective of her?
He’d even lower his own stature to elevate Qiao Yun’s standing.
Jiang Jing tightly pursed her lips, her fingers angrily pressing down on her phone as she typed: [Did Qiao Yun cast a spell on Li Hanzhou? Otherwise, why would he be willing to serve Qiao Yun alongside Pei Ya?]
Jiang Jing’s comment quickly drew a string of sarcastic replies from netizens.
[Honestly, Qiao Yun is just too good at pretending.]
[I’d love to know her secret too.]
[I’m unfollowing. I hate people who aren’t loyal in relationships. Suddenly, I feel kind of sorry for Mr. Li.]
People who love drama didn’t care whether there was evidence; all they cared about was stirring up trouble.
...
Meanwhile.
Qiao Yun had already finished checking in.
Due to her own personality, she had chosen not to stay in the dorms.
Although freshmen were typically required to stay on campus, her special circumstances allowed her an exception.
Whether walking into the university or leaving it, Qiao Yun couldn’t help but notice that many pairs of eyes were on her.
Curious, amused, envious.
It was obvious many students had caught wind of the gossip about her online.
Qiao Yun’s mood remained completely unaffected—she wasn’t the type to care about others’ opinions.
"Professor Qiao."
Just as she was about to get into her car, someone called out to her from behind.
She turned to look—it was Qing University’s president. She nodded slightly in greeting.
The president of Qing University then greeted Li Hanzhou politely: "Mr. Li, long time no see."
Li Hanzhou replied casually, "Long time no see."
The university president didn’t linger on pleasantries with Li Hanzhou—his real focus today was Qiao Yun.
Rubbing his hands together, he smiled warmly and said: "You’ve come to check in today?"
Though his words were a bit redundant, Qiao Yun still responded, "Yes."
Seeing an opportunity, the president’s eyes lit up, and he said, "Professor Qiao, any chance you’d be interested in teaching at our university? Honestly, the future of the country needs talents like you. If our students could learn from you, they’d undoubtedly become world-renowned scholars someday."
Qiao Yun: "..." No need to flatter me so much.
The president grew more excited: "Join us. Work alongside our students to build the nation! Contribute to scientific research together! Everyone’s been eagerly waiting—they’re just missing you!"
"..." With a blank expression, Qiao Yun responded with just two words: "No thanks."
The rejection was crystal clear.
She wasn’t here to teach; she was here to experience life.
The university president still wanted to make his case.
What’s the appeal of being a student? Being an admired professor sounds way better.
Yet just as he opened his mouth again, he caught Li Hanzhou’s amused yet sharp gaze, which promptly shut him up.
Li Hanzhou smiled faintly: "The kid is still young—hardly professor material."
If the kid were to become a teacher, being so outstanding and beautiful, wouldn’t she attract a swarm of admirers?
The president thought: "..."
Do you actually believe your own words?
Seeing the president lost for words, Qiao Yun said, "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way."
"Ah... Oh, sure, sure."
The university president didn’t want Qiao Yun to leave, but Li Hanzhou’s intimidating gaze was hard to ignore.
In the end, he could only watch helplessly as Qiao Yun got into the car.
Well then—as long as Professor Qiao had chosen Qing University, he had plenty of time to convince her.
Though...
The president sneaked a glance at the visibly annoyed Pei Ya sitting in the car and couldn’t help but internally gossip about the rumored fling between Pei Ya and Professor Qiao.
He didn’t believe those online claims about Professor Qiao cheating with Pei Ya for a second.
Ridiculous.
Besides, hadn’t people noticed Qiao Yun had never hidden her obvious motherly affection toward Pei Ya?
Talk about outrageous—those rumors would be incest, wouldn’t they?
He was genuinely looking forward to the day the truth came to light. That would undoubtedly be a legendary public embarrassment.
Meanwhile, a photo of Qiao Yun, Li Hanzhou, and Qing University’s president meeting was posted on social media, quickly gaining traction through multiple shares.
[Whoa, Qing University’s president personally came out to see Qiao Yun? This is what being backed by capital gets you.]
[But Qiao Yun being a double top-scorer in the college entrance exams makes this entirely reasonable. Who wouldn’t want an outstanding student?]
[Li Hanzhou really adores Qiao Yun—personally bringing her to check in.]
[Wait, did anyone else notice a reflection in the car window? Doesn’t that face look just like Pei Ya’s?]
[Oh wow, it really does! So there really IS something between Pei Ya and Qiao Yun?]
[Confirmed—this is totally a love triangle!]
Even though the photo was swiftly deleted, it still sparked a wave of heated discussions.
For the time being, Qiao Yun paid no attention to online matters. Sitting in the car heading home, she received a call from Volkov.
As soon as the call connected, an excited stream of foreign words burst forth from the other side.
She frowned, feeling a headache coming on. "Speak properly."
"Q, my apologies."
Volkov’s tone slowed down, "Simon has already told me—because of me, you’ve been insulted. I shouldn’t have mentioned to others that I planned to attend your birthday party."
The root of the controversy had indeed started with Volkov, leaving him deeply remorseful now.
"I’ll make it clear that I was merely dropping by for your birthday party, while the president’s party is privately organized."
Qiao Yun replied indifferently: "It’s not your fault."
Even clarification won’t help.
The people intent on smearing her name would just keep going.
"This is someone who wants to ruin my reputation."
By this stage, it was clear that malice was at play behind the spread of negativity.
"What?! Oh heavens! Who’s the bastard daring to slander you!"
Volkov was incensed. He immediately vowed: "Q, I’ll uncover them. Wait for my good news!"
With that, he angrily hung up without waiting for her response.
Qiao Yun stared at the phone, blinking.
After a brief thought, she decided not to stop Volkov.
His guilt was evident, and if she didn’t let him take action, he’d probably remain uneasy.
...
Over an hour later, the car pulled up in front of the Lu Family’s residence.
Pei Ya had stormed out halfway through, rushing off to personally monitor the online narrative.
Qiao Yun stepped out of the car, leaning slightly to remind Li Hanzhou: "Drive safe."
Li Hanzhou took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as his voice turned soft: "Stay offline."
Even if Qiao Yun didn’t care, he didn’t want her seeing those vile comments.
Instead of answering, Qiao Yun simply said: "I’m fine; it doesn’t affect me."
A chill flickered in Li Hanzhou’s gaze: "I’ll take care of it."
Feeling a warmth in her heart, Qiao Yun nodded: "Alright."
Li Hanzhou patted her head gently. "Go inside."
Qiao Yun hummed in acknowledgment before walking into the Lu residence as he watched her leave.
...
Upon entering the house, Qiao Yun was surprised to find all her family members present.
During work hours, everyone was home—even Lu Zhanxing.
The moment she stepped inside, she sensed a peculiar tension in the air. Each person donned a complex and mostly angry expression.
Feeling puzzled, she asked with concern: "Did something bad happen?"
Her question brought a heavy silence to the living room.
After some time, Su Mian spoke up first: "No, we’re all fine."
They were just furious about the online comments targeting Qiaoqiao.
Especially Su Mian, who felt deeply distressed.
Her darling daughter was so well-behaved—and yet, why did those people have to maliciously speculate about her?
The things they said online were appalling. Watching had made Su Mian’s heart ache, her anger steadily rising—almost to the point of inducing heart pain.
Unable to fully suppress herself, her expression briefly twisted.
But soon she returned to calm, smiling brightly: "Qiaoqiao, how’s the university? Are you liking it?"
Lu Rui chimed in cheerfully, "Let’s go out for dinner tonight to celebrate you starting college."
Lu Jingzhi agreed: "I’ll book the restaurant."
Lu Zhanxing glanced around—seeing everyone else had spoken. What am I supposed to say now?
After a moment’s pause, Qiao Yun asked straightforwardly: "Have you seen the things people are saying about me online?"
"..."
The living room fell silent again, except for the sound of breathing.
Finally, it was Lu Zhanxing’s faint sigh that broke the stillness: "I told everyone my baby sister is a sensitive person."
Su Mian dropped the pretense too, comforting Qiao Yun: "Qiaoqiao, ignore them. We know who you truly are."
Lu Zhanxing let out a bitter chuckle: "Sis, it’s your brother’s failure. The internet should be my battlefield, but I can’t step in this time."
As someone with high popularity, he also faced significant backlash.
If he jumped in, the attacks would only multiply.
The best course of action was to let things cool down.
The digital tide shifted quickly—just as before, when Qiao Yun’s championship win had earned universal praise. Yet now, not long after, people were tearing her down.
It was clear that the craze for drama would fizzle out within days as people found new topics.
Still, Lu Zhanxing felt guilty.
He hadn’t protected his sister properly.
Lu Jingzhi added, "I’m already working on managing the narrative online."
Qiao Yun glanced around, detecting their concern in each of their eyes.
Warmth flooded her heart, but it also made her ache internally.
She didn’t want her issues to affect them, softly reassuring, "Don’t worry, this will pass soon."
"Yes, yes, it’ll all be over soon," Su Mian said without taking Qiao Yun’s words seriously, directing Lu Jingzhi: "Weren’t you going to book a spot, eldest? Get on it."
Lu Jingzhi responded, "Got it."
The family unanimously opted to change the subject, not wanting Qiao Yun to dwell on the problem.
Qiao Yun didn’t press further, stating she’d head upstairs to change into something else.
...
In her room, Qiao Yun swapped outfits before seating herself and picking up the phone left on her desk.
She opened her social media app, typing her name into the search bar.
Immediately, related search terms appeared—and several were marked as trending.
Her name was even linked to Pei Ya and Li Hanzhou.
Clearly, a lot of people were searching for her.
She casually clicked into one of the trending topics.
With calm eyes, she scrolled through the comments, noticing they were a mixed bag.
There was a fair share of supportive voices, but plenty of harsh critiques too—undeniably unpleasant remarks.
No wonder her family was upset.
Unperturbed, Qiao Yun read through a handful of comments, finding herself unaffected emotionally.
Her sensitivity had never been tied to external comments, thus leaving her unfazed. However, her lack of reaction didn’t apply to her family, to Li Hanzhou, or to Pei Ya—or to anyone who genuinely cared for her!
One comment particularly caught her eye—it said she was freeloading off Li Hanzhou. She pursed her lips briefly before exiting the app and dialing Pei Ya’s number.
The call was picked up without delay.
Pei Ya answered curiously: "Boss? You need something?"
Qiao Yun spoke seriously: "How much wealth do I have?"
Since most of her assets were managed by Pei Ya, she didn’t have a clear idea of her financial standing.
"Oh my god! Is the world ending? You’re actually asking about money?!"
Pei Ya couldn’t hide his disbelief.
Professor Qiao was famous for her disdain toward wealth.
She could throw away millions without batting an eye.
It made him, someone with merely billions in net worth, envious to the core.
Ignoring Pei Ya’s joking, Qiao Yun asked directly: "Do I have more money than Zhouzhou?"
"Based on estimates, you and Li Hanzhou should be about equal."
Qiao Yun hummed in response: "So I haven’t freeloaded off Zhouzhou. Not now, and not in the future."
Pei Ya burst into laughter, taking a while to stop.
"If anything, Li Hanzhou is freeloading off you."
Qiao Yun deadpanned: "But people are calling me a golddigger!"
"...?"
"I’m not a golddigger."
Pei Ya faltered: "What?"
Qiao Yun declared: "I don’t like hearing that me and Zhouzhou aren’t a good match."
Still perplexed, Pei Ya asked: "So what now?"
In her usual calm tone, Qiao Yun said: "At the Global Computing Conference, I’ll accept the award myself."
Pei Ya: ??????
Pei Ya: !!!!!!!!
He was so startled his jaw practically hit the floor. In an uncontrolled shout, he exclaimed, "What did you just say? You’ll accept the award personally?!"
"Mm."
Pei Ya explained: "You might not realize this, but the award ceremony is publicly broadcast. It’s going to be on television!"
Qiao Yun responded in an indifferent tone, signaling she understood.
No, you don’t understand.
Pei Ya emphasized: "Everyone will see you."
Qiao Yun’s tone turned sharp: "Do I look ugly?"
"Of course not. Who would think that?"
"Then why can’t they see me?"
"..."
It dawned on Pei Ya.
Professor Qiao was preparing to deal a massive slap in the face!
Unconditionally supportive of her every move, he immediately pledged: "Alright, I’ll arrange everything for you."
Once satisfied, Qiao Yun dismissed Pei Ya.
She put away her phone and headed downstairs.
The atmosphere was slightly lighter than when she’d first come home. Still, Qiao Yun could tell that while they were smiling outwardly, everyone felt quite distressed internally. They were pretending nothing was wrong for her sake.
She announced: "I’m ready; let’s head out."
Su Mian replied with a smile: "Let’s go then—before traffic gets bad."
With various emotions lingering inside, the family left to celebrate Qiao Yun starting university.
...
Elsewhere, Pei Ya gazed at his phone, chuckling to himself with a cryptic expression: "Professor Qiao’s about to drop a bombshell!"
