Chapter 9: Trouble Finds You Even at the School Gate

Jing City University is nestled near the bustling commercial district of the capital, a sacred ground in the hearts of countless students. However, sacred grounds require vast fortunes to establish; in terms of both its prime location and its internal infrastructure, Jing City University is an incredibly expensive institution. While one might not know if every inch of land elsewhere is worth its weight in gold, it is an absolute certainty that every inch of Jing City University is.

Few are those who can pass the entrance exams to this university, and even those with exceptionally prominent family backgrounds are not guaranteed a place. Though Ning Huaizhi has always thoroughly disliked Ning Lebao, she had to admit that the girl possessed some degree of capability to have earned her spot.

Ning Lebao majored in piano. When she sat at the instrument, she resembled a graceful swan with a slender neck. Pretty and hailed by the music department as a talented young woman, she enjoyed considerable fame and had many suitors, among them no shortage of young scions from distinguished families. Yet, Ning Lebao never deigned to cast a glance their way; she held no interest in them whatsoever. Far from discouraging them, this only made them find her more intriguing, fueling their fervor. Even when Ning Lebao displayed a touch of temper, they seemed to relish it.

Ning Huaizhi found the spectacle simply unbearable to watch. She wondered if, upon their return today, those suitors would still hold the same sentiments. At this thought, the corners of Ning Huaizhi’s mouth curled upward involuntarily.

Ever since getting into the car, Ning Lebao had kept as far away from Ning Huaizhi as possible, as if afraid of contracting a virus. A casual glance allowed her to catch sight of Ning Huaizhi’s smile, which left her seething. What was wrong with Ning Huaizhi? Had she not noticed the attitude of disdain being directed at her? In the past, if she had displayed such behavior, Ning Huaizhi would have pressed herself against the car door to leave her plenty of room. It wasn’t that the car was too small for two people, but Ning Lebao enjoyed the feeling of bullying her. Now that the other girl wasn't playing along, she felt at a loss for what to do.

Ning Huaizhi collected her thoughts, noticed the strange posture and look in her eyes, and smiled. "What's wrong? Is the car not spacious enough? Oh, little sister, you really shouldn't keep such big problems to yourself; you should tell Dad. I'll have him get you a wider car later so you won't feel cramped. Though, I recall this is a two-seater—why is it that it just doesn't seem to fit you? It really is quite distressing."

Ning Lebao nearly choked on her own breath. She wasn't naive enough to miss the implication; Ning Huaizhi was mocking her weight.

She straightened her posture with a huff and said expressionlessly, "Forget it. Sister, save your breath. With all this effort, you'd be better off saying things that make Mom and Dad happy, so they don't get a headache the moment they see you."

"I suppose I really should learn from you, then."

Ning Lebao’s retort was completely neutralized. It felt as if she had thrown a punch into a pile of cotton, unable to exert any force at all. Deflated, she stopped talking and ceased her antics, and the two arrived at the school gate without further incident.

It was seven-thirty in the morning, and the entrance was teeming with students. No sooner had Ning Huaizhi stepped out than she spotted Ning Lebao’s little entourage. These girls, who followed Ning Lebao around, had bullied her quite often in the past. Thinking of this, Ning Huaizhi’s eyes darkened.

Standing at the front was Liu Duoduo, Ning Lebao’s most loyal follower and the one most active in bullying her. She was also an illegitimate daughter of the Liu family. The young lady from the Liu family whom He Mingyuan had been flirting with yesterday was none other than Liu Duoduo’s half-sister. As for the others, none came from prominent Jing City families; they merely used Ning Lebao’s name to bully others and throw their weight around.

As Liu Duoduo approached, she immediately noticed Ning Huaizhi standing nearby. Her gaze turned fierce, like a wolf spotting prey, and her voice sharpened. "Ning Huaizhi, you actually have the nerve to show your face? And you rode in the same car as Lebao? We all know you pushed Lebao into the water at the banquet the day before yesterday. I never expected you to be so vicious! Lebao has always been so good to you, always thinking of you first whenever she had anything nice, yet you repay kindness with ingratitude. If you ask me, Lebao is just too kind-hearted, which is why she pours her heart and soul into caring for you."

After hearing this, Ning Huaizhi nearly burst out laughing. She had heard this exact speech in her past life—not at the school gate, but inside the campus, surrounded by a crowd. Ning Lebao wanted to play the saint in front of her and maintain her image of magnanimity, so she couldn't confront her directly. Instead, she would send Liu Duoduo out to play the villain while she hid in the back, acting the part of the good person. Once Liu Duoduo had said her piece, Lebao would emerge from behind and say, with a fragile, delicate tone: "Stop it. Sister didn't mean it. I can forgive her, but I just hope she won't do it again. It doesn't matter if she hurts me, as I owe her that much, but it wouldn't be good if she hurt others."

By doing this, she would win everyone’s sympathy. Although the script was heavily contrived, Ning Lebao was a talented actress. If she didn't enter the entertainment industry, it would truly be a great loss.

"Liu Duoduo, do you not know what happened last night? It seems your information isn't very up-to-date."

It made sense; after Miss Liu had made such a fool of herself yesterday, her parents were likely in a foul mood and wouldn't have bothered to inform Liu Duoduo. At this thought, a trace of pity surfaced in Ning Huaizhi’s eyes. How pathetic, to be kept in the dark like this.

"Of course I know! It’s about you pushing Lebao into the water, isn't it? I never expected you to still be trying to quibble. Today, I’m going to let everyone see your true colors!" Liu Duoduo had never considered that the plan might fail, and she spoke with great confidence.

The group had gathered together, which was already eye-catching. Seeing them arguing, more people crowded around. Being Jing City University students, they cared about their reputations and dared not look too obvious, so they pretended to be passing by or making phone calls, while in reality, they had already surrounded the group.

"Enough!" Ning Lebao stepped out of the car, her face ashen.

Liu Duoduo, assuming Ning Lebao was merely acting to defend Ning Huaizhi, continued with her performance. "Lebao, your temper is just too good; it makes it easy for you to be bullied. If Ning Huaizhi could push you into the water at the banquet the day before yesterday, who knows what she might do tomorrow? I know she's your sister, but you can't just keep indulging her."

"I said enough! Don't say another word—can't you understand that?" Ning Lebao’s emotions were becoming increasingly volatile.

Only then did Liu Duoduo realize something was amiss. If the plan had succeeded, Ning Lebao shouldn't have been reacting this way. But if it had failed... how could it have failed?

Ning Huaizhi stood there with her arms crossed, watching for a long time. Seeing Liu Duoduo’s confusion, she "kindly" stepped in to explain. "I never pushed Ning Lebao into the water. It was all a performance she directed and starred in herself. The surveillance cameras captured everything quite clearly. Would you like to take a look?"