Chapter Thirteen: The True and False Heiress

Listening to Huai Ying’s words, Mu Jinnian’s unease did not lessen.

He wished, more than anything, that she would blame him.

Not act as if it had nothing to do with him.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he lowered his head in helplessness.

“Maybe I’m just overthinking it.”

A flicker of confusion crossed Huai Ying’s eyes.

As if recalling something she had seen before, she reached out and patted his shoulder.

“I don’t blame you. You should go.”

Was she comforting herself?

This thought flashed through Mu Jinnian’s mind.

He looked deeply at Huai Ying and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you going to get engaged to Gu Mingxu?”

Without hesitation, Huai Ying nodded.

Mu Jinnian pressed on urgently, “Do you like him?”

Again, Huai Ying shook her head without hesitation.

A look of disdain flickered in her eyes. “He’s too stupid.”

“Then why are you getting engaged to him?”

“No reason. I just decided to.” Huai Ying replied patiently.

She truly couldn’t understand why there had to be a reason for everything.

“Goodbye.”

Huai Ying bade a polite farewell and turned to leave.

Xiao Hong watched this scene with curiosity.

It was the first time she had ever seen Huai Ying be so kind to someone.

“Do you really like him?” Xiao Hong moved closer, tentatively asking.

“Stop saying things I don’t understand.”

Huai Ying’s tone remained cold, but Xiao Hong didn’t mind and continued to approach.

She realized that Huai Ying was actually a very gentle person.

She didn’t get angry over such small matters.

“Your attitude toward him is quite special.”

Xiao Hong analyzed, “Although he is indeed good looking, you obviously aren’t superficial. So, what exactly is it that makes you…”

“He’s good looking.” Huai Ying’s words cut off the conversation.

Xiao Hong stiffened, turning her head in shock.

“Boss, what did you just say?”

She tugged at her ear and gave an embarrassed smile.

“I must have misheard. How could that be?”

“He’s the most handsome I’ve ever seen, like he’s bathed in sunlight and exudes a fragrant scent.”

Huai Ying frowned, lost in thought.

She spoke to herself, “He doesn’t carry the rotten stench others do. He’s so pure, his eyes so clean. That kind of goodness makes me curious.”

“Uh.” Now it was Xiao Hong’s turn to be confused.

Could she really be that much of a looks person?

“I’ve had many people around me before. They treated me well, even willing to give their lives for me, seeing me as everything.”

Huai Ying collapsed on the bed, her gaze unobstructed as she looked at Xiao Hong.

“But I know it’s because I have something they want.”

“They hate me to their bones, but to get what they desire, they endure their disgust and flatter me. But he seems different.”

“I want to know what he wants.”

Her eyes were clear, yet empty.

As if speaking of something unrelated to herself.

The calm tone pierced one’s heart.

Xiao Hong pulled at the corner of her mouth.

She wanted to say Huai Ying was actually very good, that many people would sincerely approach her.

But the words died on her lips.

What right did she have to say that?

Even she approached Huai Ying with motives.

Sighing, Xiao Hong quietly lay down beside Huai Ying.

There was nothing she could do but keep her company.

The next day, Huai Ying went to school as usual.

Xiao Hong lay bored on the desk, yawning.

Her gaze fell on Huai Ying’s backpack, unease flashing in her heart.

“Boss, what’s in your bag? You didn’t bring those bacterial bombs you made to school, did you? What exactly are you planning?”

“You’re not thinking of blowing up the school, are you…”

Xiao Hong pressed her philtrum hard to keep from fainting.

“Boss, the cafeteria has your favorite braised pork for lunch.”

Huai Ying answered casually, “That’s why I plan to eat first, then detonate.”

Dizzy!

Xiao Hong rolled her eyes wildly.

No, she had to come up with a reason quickly.

Right!

“Have you forgotten Mu Jinnian? Don’t you like him? Are you planning to take him down with you?”

Xiao Hong looked hopefully at Huai Ying.

“He will grow old, and his appearance won’t be what I like anymore. Over time, he will become the person I despise most. Rather than wait until then, it’s better to end it now.”

Huai Ying didn’t think it was a big deal.

If Mu Jinnian became an ordinary mortal in this world—

Muttering things that made her sick and showing an embarrassed expression—

That wouldn’t be a pleasant sight.

Better to keep him frozen in memory.

She believed Mu Jinnian would agree.

That’s settled!

A spark of excitement lit Huai Ying’s eyes, but Xiao Hong felt a chill inside.

This was too difficult!

She wanted to say something to persuade Huai Ying but was silenced by her own restraint.

At lunch, as soon as Huai Ying sat down, a crowd gathered around her.

Xue Wei, Bai Jinwei, Mu Jinnian—all familiar faces.

“Classmate, I went looking for you, but your classmates said you took the day off. Are you sick?”

Xue Wei propped her chin on her hand, gazing at Huai Ying admiringly.

“My sister is indeed ill. Thank you for your concern,” Bai Jinwei smiled and lowered her head to grab her bag.

Not far away, Gu Mingxu walked straight ahead without looking around and sat in a corner.

“Brother Gu, aren’t you sitting with Sister Wei anymore?” his companion asked in shock.

“No, I’m not close to her,” Gu Mingxu replied stiffly.

Listening closely, one could sense his grievance.

“Don’t tell me you’re waiting for Sister Wei to come and comfort you. Enough already, you know her personality well. It’s better to admit your mistake sooner rather than later.”

“I’m not wrong,” Gu Mingxu retorted stubbornly.

“I have nothing to do with her anymore.”

The others looked unconvinced.

“Stop fooling around. I saw you bringing medicine to Sister Wei this morning. What’s this? Brother Gu, have you taken up the cold shoulder and laundry drama?”

Laughter broke out. Gu Mingxu slammed his palm on the table.

With a cold glare sweeping over everyone, his warning was unmistakable.

The crowd quickly fell silent.

“Take this to her later, but don’t say it came from me.”

Gu Mingxu pushed the thermos toward the person beside him without lifting his eyelids.

Everyone exchanged looks and sighed helplessly.

Here we go again!

Bai Jinwei looked at the medicine in her bag and looked away.

She took out some prepared pastries and casually offered them to Huai Ying.

“Look, do you like these?”

At the same time, Xue Wei pushed a roughly packaged bag toward Huai Ying.

“Classmate, this is a local snack sold in the alley near my house. It doesn’t look great, but it’s super delicious.”

The tempting aroma wafted into Huai Ying’s nose.

She looked up, picked a piece, and tasted it, her expression one of surprise.

“I want to try some too. Huai Ying, can you feed me a bite?” Mu Jinnian spoke after a long silence.

With a look of grievance, “My hand hurts a bit, it’s inconvenient.”

“Okay.” Without much thought, Huai Ying fed him.

In an instant, the atmosphere grew tense.