Chapter 39

From that night on, strange rumors began to circulate among the wealthy families.
Like, the true love of the two prominent families’ only sons is, him?!
Like, the engagement was just a cover for their true orientation...
Like, on the day of their lover’s engagement, they were deeply sorrowful and couldn’t control their emotions...
Chu Yin: None of this has anything to do with me!
The parents of the families also pretended as if nothing had happened. Even if something had happened, they wouldn’t dare admit it, only wanting to bury the matter as quickly as possible.
“Are you not satisfied until you’ve completely humiliated me?!”
“At least the one you were going on about the other day was a woman! This time, it’s not even a woman?!”
Chen Xuanyuan: “I’m not! I didn’t!”
Father Chen: “Shut up, you unfilial son!”
Chen Xuanyuan was scolded harshly by his father.
Given his repeated abnormal behavior, Father Chen specifically hired a psychologist and bodyguards to keep an eye on him. If he acted out again, they were to knock him out immediately and send him home.
Moreover, to ensure the alliance between the two families, Father Chen demanded that he could only meet with Chu Qiuqiu in private. No other women, or men!, were allowed!
When Chu Yin found out about this, she clapped wildly at her desk for a full minute.
Thank you, Father Chen!
You truly are a living bodhisattva, eliminating harm for the people and saving them from suffering!
In this lifetime, she finally didn’t have to suffer mental pollution! Father Chen deserved a bright red banner of honor!
…
Although there were some rumors among the wealthy families, very few people at school knew about it. Most only knew that Chu Qiuqiu had gloriously gotten engaged and her status was now different.
Chu Qiuqiu had always cared deeply about her identity, and Chu Yin’s arrival had always been a source of unease in her heart. Now that she was tasked with the mission of a family alliance, no one would ever guess she was the adopted daughter of the Chu family. Even if someone brought it up again, they would think that Chu Yin, who wasn’t valued by the Chu family, was the fake heiress.
Chu Qiuqiu felt that this alliance was truly a life-changing event!
“Qiuqiu, I’m so jealous of you. Are you Mrs. Chen now?” Some classmates who hadn’t received invitations gathered around Chu Qiuqiu to congratulate her.
“I heard Chen Xuanyuan is really handsome? Do you have a photo?”
Chu Qiuqiu shyly chatted with her close friends about her fiancé.
“He’s quite handsome and has a good personality.”
Unsurprisingly, she garnered a chorus of envious sighs from those around her.
Liang Yueqi glanced boredly at the group and smirked mockingly.
Such petty people.
Tan Ke looked at the girls in the class and felt a bit pained. He had seen the Chen family’s son before. Although he wasn’t ugly, he was greasy! And that guy’s head didn’t seem quite right, how could they praise him for having a good personality?
The filter must be as thick as the bottom of a bottle!
Tan Ke couldn’t help but think, thank goodness it wasn’t Chu Yin the Chu family had arranged the marriage for, or else that would truly be like letting a pig trample over a treasure.
Just then, the girls in the class happened to mention Chu Yin: “Qiuqiu, doesn’t your family plan to arrange a fiancé for your sister too?”
It was break time, and the classroom was mostly empty. The comment wasn’t loud, but it was clear enough.
Lu Zhen suddenly lifted his head.
Silently, like a predator locking onto its prey in the dark.
Chu Qiuqiu covered her mouth and laughed lightly: “My sister… her conditions in all aspects… aren’t really suitable for an arranged marriage.”
Her words were ambiguous, and if one thought too much about it, they could carry multiple meanings.
But now, Chu Yin’s reputation at school was completely different from when she first arrived. A male classmate nearby didn’t pick up on any hidden meaning and said bluntly, “Yeah, it’s good she’s not in an arranged marriage, it leaves us with some hope!”
Tan Ke happened to hear this and jeered from the back row, “Han Chao, I think you’re dreaming!”
Han Chao grinned, “What? Can’t I just talk big?!”
Lu Zhen frowned and shot a cold glance his way.
Han Chao suddenly shivered.
Did Brother Zhen just look at me? Damn, his gaze was terrifying!
Chu Qiuqiu felt uncomfortable listening to the boys' comments.
The girls around her also asked with great interest, "I wonder if Chu Yin will perform at the Arts Festival? I'm so looking forward to seeing the top student on stage!"
Chu Qiuqiu relaxed her brows and smiled, "Well... I haven't heard that my sister has any particular talents."
...
Chu Yin genuinely didn't want to perform.
Because performing on stage meant taking responsibility for the act, deciding the content, planning the format, and rehearsing multiple times. Just thinking about how much time it would take was overwhelming; it would seriously interfere with her studies.
Each class was required to submit two programs for the Arts Festival auditions. The planning committee for each class consisted of the class monitor and the arts committee member. For Class 5, the monitor was Li Jin, and the arts committee member was Jiang Yan.
Chu Yin could tell that both of them really wanted her to participate in a performance.
The group of boys represented by Li Jin all believed that Chu Yin was the face of Class 5, in every aspect. Academically, she was number one, and in terms of looks, she was on a completely different level. If she performed, even as a minor role, she would undoubtedly attract a lot of attention.
After all, the Arts Festival included competitions, with scoring and voting for each performance. The winning class would receive a cash prize, and it was also a matter of collective honor.
Jiang Yan, of course, also hoped Chu Yin would perform. They had a comedy skit planned for the whole class, and even if Chu Yin just played a small role, it would be great!
But she also knew how much Chu Yin valued her studies. So, although she was eager, she felt too embarrassed to ask.
Chu Yin noticed Jiang Yan's hesitant gaze and silently raised the book in her hands a little higher to cover her face.
No, her conscience was starting to ache.
She needed to solve some problems to calm down.
She had already finished the set of challenging problems she had managed to collect. Last night, she had chatted with Han Chuying, who offered to give her a dusty exercise book full of obscure and difficult problems. Chu Yin decided to go get it now.
As soon as she left, Fu Mingxuan sneered at Jiang Yan, "See? You treat her as a friend, but she won't even participate in your event."
Xing Lan chimed in, "Maybe that's just how top students are, cold-hearted."
Monitor Li Jin interjected, "There's no need to say that..."
Xing Lan retorted, "Isn't it the truth? Our Mingxuan has already signed up for a performance."
Fu Mingxuan snorted proudly. She had prepared an ethereal dance with a few of her friends. They would all wear white feathered dresses, and she was sure it would be absolutely stunning.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Isn't that right? When no one paid her any attention before, wasn't Jiang Yan the first to actively play with her? But it seems like Academic Ace Chu doesn't understand the meaning of gratitude."
Li Jin looked awkward.
Jiang Yan, who was usually soft-spoken, suddenly looked at Fu Mingxuan and asked, "What gratitude?"
Fu Mingxuan was taken aback. "What do you mean, what gratitude?"
Jiang Yan frowned at her. "Is playing with someone an act of charity to you? Why should anyone owe you something in return for that? Isn't that just emotional manipulation?"
The class fell silent at her words.
On second thought, she was right!
By that logic, when Fu Mingxuan and the others had led the charge in isolating Chu Yin before, wouldn't that have been an act of hostility? It's just that Chu Yin had never paid them any mind.
Fu Mingxuan's face instantly darkened, and even her close friends looked somewhat embarrassed.
If Fu Mingxuan really thought that way...
"Besides, whether or not someone wants to perform in the talent show is entirely voluntary," Jiang Yan said as she sat back down. "Just because you're willing to dance doesn't mean others have to perform too."
Song Zhaolin had just returned to the classroom when he heard this. With his years of experience in gossip, he could tell this was likely in defense of Chu Yin.
He immediately chimed in, "Exactly!!"
Li Jin laughed. "Zhaolin, you didn't even hear what she said! How can you agree?"
Song Zhaolin shrugged playfully. "I didn't! But Xiao Yanyan is right!"
The whole class laughed at his antics.
...
Chu Yin was unaware of the little drama unfolding in her class. She had walked to Classroom One and stood at the back door, peering inside.
A boy sitting near the door happened to glance over and, suddenly spotting Chu Yin, was so startled he nearly toppled his chair.
The commotion instantly drew the attention of the entire class, and everyone turned to see the figure at the back door.
Han Chuying's eyes lit up, and she waved frantically. "Yin Yin, come in!"
Her friends immediately grew nervous.
Ahhh, is Chu Yin coming in?
Oh my god, oh my god! This is the first time we've been this close to our queen!
Chu Yin hesitated for a moment but eventually stepped inside. She didn't often visit other classes, always feeling like she might be intruding.
She walked over to Han Chuying's desk, stopped, and slightly bowed her head. "Hello?"
Seeing her friends' starstruck expressions, Han Chuying felt a surge of pride. "Yin Yin, let me introduce you. These are my friends, and they all really like you!"
The faces of the boys and girls instantly flushed red.
Do you have to be so direct?!
"This is Zhao Qingyao. She's the head planner for this year's arts festival."
Chu Yin smiled and greeted them, then raised an eyebrow. "You're really impressive."
Zhao Qingyao: !!! How can I compare to you?!
The only difference between her and Han Chuying was their grades, otherwise, they were equally obsessed with good looks. Though Han Chuying only liked pretty older sisters, while Zhao Qingyao adored both older brothers and sisters!
Clutching a book, Zhao Qingyao gazed adoringly at Chu Yin's face and asked eagerly, "Chu, Chu Yin, will you be participating in the arts festival this year?"
As soon as she asked, several faces turned toward Chu Yin.
...All in unison, like sunflowers.
Chu Yin hadn't expected to receive so much anticipation just by visiting another class. She felt even more uneasy and raised a hand to rub the tip of her nose. "Probably... not."
Zhao Qingyao's face fell in disappointment, Class Five had already submitted a group dance performance by some of the girls.
She had just been fantasizing with Han Chuying about how amazing it would be if Chu Yin came out to dance with them, it would be a total "Ah Wei is dead" moment! Ah Wei would die over and over again!
Ah, but they were probably getting ahead of themselves. After all, they didn’t even know if Chu Yin could dance.
Han Chuying pulled out her exercise book and handed it to Chu Yin, saying earnestly, "It’s okay if you don’t perform. Just participating is enough."
Chu Yin asked, "Why?"
Han Chuying replied, "Because even your still frame is a work of art! I could watch it forever!"
Chu Yin: "..."
She couldn’t handle it. She really couldn’t handle it.
The domineering Boss Yin fled in defeat under the fiery barrage of flattery.
...
Back in the classroom, Song Zhaolin had already gotten the full story of the earlier incident. As soon as he saw Chu Yin, he started chattering in her ear about it.
When Chu Yin heard what Jiang Yan had said about her in front of others, she felt a sudden surge of emotion.
That surge of emotion made her already precarious conscience even more unsettled.
"Sis, Sister Yin," Song Zhaolin sidled up to her, striking a pose, "Are you really not going to participate? Our class’s skit has ten roles, you could take the most laid-back one!"
Chu Yin finally wavered: "Is there one with fewer lines?"
The moment she wavered, Song Zhaolin let out an excited "Awoo!" and said, "Quick, quick, Xiao Yanyan, pick a role for Sister Yin!"
Jiang Yan widened her eyes in pleasant surprise: "Really?"
Seeing how happy she looked, Chu Yin couldn’t bring herself to refuse and replied with a helpless smile, "Really."
Song Zhaolin pointed at the script, eyes wide as he suggested, "I think this Ms. Wang suits you, she’s my CP, gahaha."
Chu Yin: "Get lost."
Song Zhaolin’s role was the lead, and his CP had an overwhelming number of lines, with a very prominent part.
Chu Yin only wanted a background character with few lines, minimal stage presence, and no spotlight.
"Well..." Jiang Yan hesitated, "There is one role that fits, but... it’s a male character!"
And not just any male character, it was the script’s scumbag, a flirt who couldn’t keep his hands to himself. How could they let Yin Yin play such a role?
But Chu Yin’s eyes suddenly lit up: "That’s the one!"
She had no intention of showcasing her charm on stage, so cross-dressing as a male character was perfect!
Even if that dog Lu Zhen saw it, he wouldn’t be interested! Perfect .
In the end, at Chu Yin’s strong insistence, she settled on the role of the "scumbag."
Song Zhaolin threw a flirtatious glance her way: "Since you’re also dressing as a guy, we’ll be competing on the same stage. Sister Yin, don’t let me outshine you!"
Chu Yin let out a light "heh."
…
The roles for Class 5’s skit were quickly finalized, and under Jiang Yan’s organization, rehearsals began scene by scene.
Chu Yin, a secret master scriptwriter, felt a sense of familiarity holding a physical script for the first time.
As it turned out, the "scumbag" role she had picked for herself was absolutely perfect, few lines, minimal stage time, and a central theme that was easy to grasp!
In a word: sleazy!
In this urban romance skit, Chu Yin’s scumbag character was responsible for seducing others and sabotaging relationships.
After enduring the cringeworthy performances of Zheng Yu and Chen Xuanyuan, Chu Yin felt confident she had grasped the essence of the role.
So when it was her turn to rehearse, she stepped up with full confidence.
Her "target" was a petite girl from the class.
Chu Yin walked over, lowered her head slightly, and leaned in a little closer.
Imitating Comrade Chen Qiang’s smirking charm, she curled her lips into a smile and recited her line: "Why resist your true feelings? Wouldn’t it be better to be honest?"
The rehearsal room was quiet, and the girl’s voice, deliberately lowered, carried a slightly husky tone at the end.
Then, the girl who was supposed to shove her away and yell, "You shameless jerk!" suddenly blushed.
Not just her, almost everyone in the room was covering their mouths, suppressing squeals.
Ahhh! So handsome! So charming!!!
If she were dressed as a guy with full makeup, how irresistible would she be?!
Your face defines my moral compass! Sis, I’m all in!!!
Chu Yin: "..."
I’m a scumbag! A scumbag! Damn it!
Chu Yin, the scriptwriting artist, had her first-ever acting attempt end in a spectacular failure. .
-
Chu Yin felt a little defeated.
Who would’ve thought she couldn’t even pull off such a minor role?!
For someone as competitive as her, this was absolutely unacceptable. So, despite originally planning to devote only minimal effort to the performance, Chu Yin couldn’t help but start contemplating her scumbag persona.
As she was walking down the hallway, someone suddenly slapped her on the back: "Yin! Sis!!"
Caught off guard, she nearly stumbled from Song Zhaolin’s enthusiastic pat. She spun around, ready to curse at him: "You stu-"
Before the word "pid" could escape her lips, she noticed Lu Zhen standing beside Song Zhaolin.
Chu Yin: This shouldn’t be happening. I’m just an ordinary, well-behaved student.
She immediately swallowed the curse and replaced it with: "pid melon."
Song Zhaolin: "??"
Why so affectionate? Calling me "stupid melon"!
Before Song Zhaolin could say anything, Lu Zhen abruptly pulled him back.
Lu Zhen frowned slightly, his voice cold: "Watch your strength."
Only then did Song Zhaolin realize how hard he had slapped her and quickly apologized, "Did I hit too hard? Ah, sorry, sorry! Sis Yin, go ahead and curse at me!"
Chu Yin: "…?"
Lu Zhen’s dark gaze swept over her, carrying a hint of probing curiosity.
Is this dog observing me?
Chu Yin put on an innocent expression: "I don’t curse at people."
Song Zhaolin stared blankly: Huh???
Chu Yin had no idea that this pig of a teammate had already told Lu Zhen about her WeChat name, "Wants to Be Daddy."
She smiled amiably: "It’s fine. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head off first. Sis Yin's unusual behavior made Song Zhaolin worry that she was actually angry. He quickly grabbed her: "You’re really not mad? I don’t believe it! Come on, curse at me!"
Lu Zhen: "…"
Chu Yin: "…"
How shameless can you get?!
Chu Yin absolutely refused to break character in front of that dog-like man. She began a tactical retreat: "I'm really not angry, don't overthink it!"
Song Zhaolin: "Impossible! If you're not scolding me, it means you're angry!"
Ahhhh.
Chu Yin, on the verge of collapse, covered her ears and yelled, "The dog is barking, the dog is barking!!"
After saying that, she dashed off in a flash.
Song Zhaolin stood there dumbfounded: "Is that even an insult??"
He turned to look and saw Lu Zhen standing nearby, his eyes curved into smiles, the brownish-red tear mole at the corner of his eye particularly noticeable.
Lu Zhen was almost certain that Chu Yin was putting on an act of being well-behaved.
But even her act of being well-behaved was... so cute.
His chest felt warm, and a sudden, indescribable longing surged within him, he wanted to see her shed her disguise.
Would the little bookworm in his eyes be... wild?
Lu Zhen chuckled to himself for a while.
After laughing, he turned to look at Song Zhaolin and immediately straightened his expression.
Lu Zhen's tone was indifferent: "You really are quite shameless."
Song Zhaolin: ??? Why attack me!
…
In recent days, every class had been bustling with preparations for the arts festival.
When Han Chuying and Zhao Qingyao found out that Chu Yin had joined Class Five's skit, they were overjoyed, practically beating drums and gongs in celebration, and wished they could come watch her every day under the guise of "guidance."
Chu Yin felt even more pressure.
Even if her role was just a background scumbag, she was determined to embody the soul of a scumbag! [clenches fist]
During rehearsal that day, Zhao Qingyao and the others were busy organizing the venue setup, so they didn't come to watch her.
After rehearsing her part, Chu Yin discussed her scumbag costume with the props team and then left the rehearsal classroom, planning to go back and work on some problems.
But just a few hundred meters out, she suddenly ran into Zhao Qingyao, who was rushing over in a panic, as if something had happened.
"What's wrong?"
Zhao Qingyao was so flustered she could barely think straight. At Chu Yin's question, she blurted out: "Han Chuying went to No. 1 High to borrow some old desks and chairs for me, but somehow she got into a conflict with people from No. 1 High! Someone just ran back to report that the No. 1 High students are about to start a fight!"
Chu Yin frowned and grabbed her: "Don't rush over by yourself. Go find help now, preferably some boys."
Zhao Qingyao had been panicking, but hearing Chu Yin's voice calmed her down. She immediately nodded: "I understand!"
Chu Yin watched her run off to find help before turning and heading towards No. 1 High School.
Han Chuying was smart and not the type to cause trouble. This time, she was probably being deliberately targeted.
Chu Yin entered No. 1 High School and quickly spotted the group of people locked in a standoff.
A quick glance revealed familiar faces.
The Shit-Playing Trio.
These "big sisters" were truly dedicated to stirring up trouble everywhere they went. Han Chuying and her friend had likely done nothing wrong today, they were just being targeted because they were from Quiwen.
Now, the two girls were trapped, carrying a desk, looking utterly helpless.
Chu Yin took a few steps forward, stretching her shoulders and neck as she did.
Every time, she had let them play with shit without truly striking back, which had left this problem unresolved. Since she had run into them today, she might as well settle it once and for all.
As soon as Chu Yin stepped into their line of sight, the "big sisters" noticed her, and their attention immediately shifted.
"Well, well, if it isn't the top student from next door!"
Han Chuying, seeing Chu Yin, frantically gestured for her to run away.
Why had she come alone?? Didn't she know these people were trouble?!
Han Chuying looked at Chu Yin's slender, delicate frame and felt an even stronger surge of worry.
Ahhh, what if the beauty got beaten up? No, that can't happen!
Chu Yin glanced at the group of troublemakers, slightly raised her chin, and then led the way toward the back of First High's teaching building.
"Big sis, this brat is provoking us again?!"
"Old grudges and new scores to settle!"
"Let's go! Today, I'm going to teach her a lesson!"
Han Chuying instinctively wanted to follow, but she was more rational. She turned and ran back to Quiwen.
Rushing over would be useless, she needed to find some boys to help!
...
Behind the teaching building, it was 1v3. Chu Yin faced off against the trio.
The troublemakers smirked sinisterly, cracking their knuckles as they approached. "You came to us this time. Don't blame us for being rude..."
Chu Yin nodded and suddenly raised her hand.
"Even though I know you love playing with shit, today, I can't let you do it anymore!"
Because, privileges are too precious! And you're not worthy!
Her tone even carried a hint of regret.
The group froze for a moment before realizing she was insulting them. They immediately started cursing and lunged at her.
...
Meanwhile, Zhao Qingyao had been looking for help at school. Many people, upon hearing that their classmates were being harassed by No. 1 High School students, were outraged and ready to step in.
Then, Han Chuying also ran back and happened to run into Lu Zhen and Song Zhaolin.
At the very least, they were in the same group chat, and these two looked like they could handle a fight. Han Chuying caught her breath and immediately said, "Hurry to No. 1 High School, behind Building 2, "
Song Zhaolin: "Huh?"
Lu Zhen's expression remained indifferent.
Han Chuying finally caught her breath: ", Chu Yin was taken by some people from No. 1 High School. I'm afraid she's going to get beaten up!"
Song Zhaolin: "What?!!"
Before he could finish his sentence, the person beside him suddenly moved.
Song Zhaolin had known Lu Zhen for a long time but had never seen him run so urgently.
In the blink of an eye, Lu Zhen had already dashed out of Quiwen's school gate, moving so fast that his bangs were swept back.
Song Zhaolin panicked for a second before rallying and shouting, "Quick! The school beauty is being bullied! Any real men, follow me!"
...
In the end, a huge crowd swarmed into No. 1 High School’s campus, startling the security guards into action.
"Zhaolin, where are they?!"
Song Zhaolin was also a bit disoriented. Suddenly, he spotted Lu Zhen's figure in the distance and immediately shouted, "Quick! Follow Brother Zhen!"
A large group of them charged toward the back of the teaching building.
Song Zhaolin yelled, "Don't be afraid, we're coming!" as he rushed forward.
Just as he reached Lu Zhen's back and peeked out, he suddenly saw a girl in a school uniform in the distance kick a girl from No. 1 High School flying.
Her leg was raised extremely high.
From the front, it made her legs look incredibly long and slender. Her posture was poised, exuding a vibrant tension.
And at her feet, three people lay on the ground.
Song Zhaolin: Damn.
Everyone: Stunned.
Chu Yin retracted her leg.
She had only asked Zhao Qingyao to casually bring a few people, but judging by the commotion, it seemed a bit exaggerated?
Chu Yin turned around and unexpectedly saw a large crowd of people standing there, dumbfounded.
And in the center of the crowd stood Lu Zhen, staring at her without blinking.
His dark, crow-black pupils seemed to be ignited by something, gradually lighting up with a scorching, amused glint.
Chu Yin: "..."
...No.
I can explain...!
Song Zhaolin said dazedly to Lu Zhen, "Brother Zhen."
"I think your position as school heartthrob is in jeopardy."
Damn, isn't this just too cool?!