All the students turned their attention to Qin Ruoyao.
Qin Ruoyao was so embarrassed that she couldn’t lift her head. Holding her written apology, she slowly shuffled onto the stage.
“Today, in front of the entire school, I would like to apologize to Lin Xuan and to the school. I should not have disregarded morality and propriety by asking Lin Xuan to buy me a necklace. After receiving criticism from my teacher, I deeply realize that I was wrong…” Qin Ruoyao read from the script in her hands, not daring to look up the entire time.
Upstairs, Su Hua wasn’t paying any attention to Qin Ruoyao. Her focus was entirely on Lin Xuan.
“Jiang Qing, don’t you think Ah Xuan is incredibly handsome and outstanding?” the stunning woman asked, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes filled with amusement.
Jiang Qing’s expression stiffened slightly. This was a tricky question.
If she said he wasn’t handsome, wouldn’t that imply that Su Hua had poor taste? But if she said he was handsome, Su Hua might overthink it and assume she had feelings for Young Master Lin.
“Su Hua, you know about my past experiences,” Jiang Qing carefully replied. “I’ve become immune to matters of love and men. I can’t really tell if someone is handsome or not. But since you’ve taken an interest in him, he must indeed be handsome and outstanding.”
“Hmm.” Su Hua’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Indeed, ever since I met him, he has always been outstanding and handsome.”
Jiang Qing: “…” Su Hua, touch your conscience. Was Lin Xuan really handsome and outstanding before?
Truly, love blinds even the sharpest eyes.
“Knock, knock.” A knock sounded at the door, and Jiang Qing went to open it. It was the principal’s assistant.
“Su Hua, it’s almost time for your speech,” the assistant said respectfully.
“Alright.” Su Hua stood up and headed downstairs. As she passed the assistant, the assistant couldn’t help but feel a little dazed.
Su Hua was truly breathtakingly beautiful. Even as a woman, the assistant felt her heart racing.
Qin Ruoyao finished reading her apology in front of the entire school, her eyes red and swollen. She couldn’t bring herself to look up, afraid to see the mocking and disdainful gazes of her peers. She had always been the center of attention, and the thought of being ridiculed terrified her.
“Principal, I’m feeling a bit unwell. May I leave for a moment?” Qin Ruoyao approached the principal, her voice choked with tears.
The principal sighed. “Go ahead.”
Qin Ruoyao kept her head down as she exited through the side door. As she left, she happened to run into Su Hua, who was coming down from upstairs.
It was her!
Qin Ruoyao’s face darkened, and she clenched her fists tightly.
This woman had humiliated her in front of the entire school. She must be feeling so smug right now!
Qin Ruoyao continued walking with her head down.
“Qin Ruoyao.” Su Hua’s cold voice rang out.
Qin Ruoyao stopped in her tracks, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
Su Hua walked over, her tone indifferent. “The apology you gave today was my doing. I told the principal that your behavior was unacceptable.”
Qin Ruoyao couldn’t hold back any longer. She glared at Su Hua with hatred in her eyes.
“Do you think just because you’re rich and powerful, you can do whatever you want? Even if I’m not wealthy, I’m still a human being! How dare you humiliate me like this!” Qin Ruoyao shouted, portraying Su Hua as someone who abused her power.
All she had done was ask Lin Xuan to buy her something. What was so wrong about that? And it wasn’t even successful!
Jiang Qing shook her head. Qin Ruoyao had some nerve to speak to Su Hua like that. If it weren’t for Su Hua’s concern about causing a rift with Lin Xuan, Qin Ruoyao would have been buried six feet under by now.
The principal’s assistant broke out in a cold sweat.
“You rich people, you may have money now, but so what?” Qin Ruoyao clenched her fists. “That doesn’t mean you’ll always have it! And us poor people, we might rise to greatness one day. Don’t get too cocky!”
Lin Li was very fond of her. Even if she married Lin Xuan, Lin Li would never abandon her. She would eventually marry Lin Li and become the young madam of the Lin family.
She refused to believe that this woman was more powerful than the Lin family. Once she married Lin Li, she would make sure to crush this woman under her feet!
Su Hua remained calm throughout.
Qin Ruoyao noticed the way Su Hua was looking at her. What kind of look was that? As if she were some kind of clown!
Yes, a clown!
She was the campus belle of Shangqing University, adored by countless men. Her academic performance was among the best. Everything she had, she had earned through her own efforts. And this woman? She had everything handed to her by her family. How dare she look down on her!
“Tsk.” Su Hua let out a light laugh. “So what if I’m using my power? I have it, and you don’t. That means you’re at my mercy.”
Su Hua’s previously relaxed demeanor shifted abruptly. Her gaze turned sharp, and her powerful aura almost suffocated Qin Ruoyao.
“Qin Ruoyao, I wouldn’t normally bother with someone like you. But you made the mistake of trying to lay a finger on my man,” Su Hua said, her eyes narrowing.
“Lin Xuan is mine. If you cross that line, I’ll ruin that pretty face of yours, and your life will be over.”
Su Hua licked her lips with a twisted smile. She had been trained as an assassin since childhood, and she loved killing.
Fear filled Qin Ruoyao’s eyes.
For some reason, an image flashed in her mind: Lin Li tied to a cross, bleeding to death, while she herself was mauled to death by a white tiger.
No, that wouldn’t happen!
This was a society governed by law. How could this woman dare to kill them?
Su Hua retracted her intimidating aura and smiled faintly. “Assistant Chen, is it time for me to go on stage?”
“Yes,” the assistant quickly responded. “Su Hua, this way, please.”
Qin Ruoyao’s eyes flickered.
This woman was also going to attend the opening ceremony? When she had complained to Luo Yuan, he had promised to publicly demand justice for her. This woman’s reputation would be ruined.
People like her cared deeply about their image. She would be utterly humiliated later.
How could Qin Ruoyao miss such a good show?
Qin Ruoyao changed her mind and returned to her seat.
“Ruoyao, are you okay?” Li Siyu asked with concern.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” Qin Ruoyao replied, a cold glint in her eyes.
Li Siyu looked puzzled. Just moments ago, Ruoyao had seemed deeply upset. Why did she now look so pleased?
On stage, the principal held the microphone, struggling to come up with an impromptu speech.
“Students, in the coming semester, you must study hard, be kind to your classmates, and not just focus on book knowledge. Participate in more practical activities…” The principal wiped the sweat from his forehead. Why hadn’t Su Hua arrived yet? He was running out of things to say!
The students below the stage were growing impatient.
“Ugh, from elementary school to university, these principals and deans always go on and on with the same old speeches. I wish I could tape their mouths shut. How do they manage to talk so much?”
“Right? This is always the worst part.”
Finally, the assistant appeared below the stage and nodded to the principal.
The principal’s eyes lit up. It was finally over!
“I’m sure you’re all tired of listening to me ramble,” the principal said with a chuckle, though he was just being polite.
To his surprise, the students shouted in unison, “Yes! We’re done listening!”