Song Weiwei was furious. "You… what did you just say?!"
Mu Beiyin raised her eyes lazily. "Ancheng University is one of the top universities in the country. Everyone here got in through tough competition from all over China. Are you saying they're all from wealthy families?"
"Just because someone hasn't ridden in a luxury car, they're lowly? And you think that makes you noble?"
This time, many of the students began to get angry.
Exactly! They were all just ordinary people—does that mean ordinary people don't deserve to live?
"I never expected the heiress of a renowned calligraphy family to have this kind of mindset. The impressive ones in the Song family are her elders, not her! And yet she has the nerve to look down on others here?"
"When Song Weiwei said those things just now, Mu Qianrou didn't even refute her. Is that how she sees us?"
Mu Qianrou's expression suddenly changed, and she gritted her teeth. "Weiwei, that's not what you meant. Everyone has the freedom to choose how they get to school."
Song Lingqian's face didn't look good either. Under pressure, he forced himself to say, "Weiwei's still young and spoke without thinking. I apologize on her behalf."
Seeing both Mu Qianrou and Song Lingqian being so conciliatory, the anger of the others gradually cooled.
Mu Beiyin raised an eyebrow slightly. "Then I hope Young Master Song can properly educate Song Weiwei. Otherwise, next time she makes such ridiculous comments again, it'll only embarrass your Song family."
With that, she turned and walked through the school gates first.
Tsk tsk, what a pity Huo Shiqing didn't get out of the car. If Song Weiwei had known that the owner of that luxury car was their very own uncle, that would've been truly entertaining.
Once Mu Beiyin left, the surrounding students also dispersed.
Mu Qianrou sighed in distress. "Weiwei, don't be mad. I wasn't blaming you on purpose just now. It's just… that car was bought last year by a mysterious man. Anyone who can casually drop two hundred million must be incredibly rich or powerful. I was worried you'd offend someone important."
Song Weiwei cursed out loud, "That bitch! She just broke off the engagement with my brother and now she's climbing into some other man's arms. Isn't that disgusting?!"
A flicker of disgust flashed in Song Lingqian's eyes.
That's right—Mu Beiyin had no connections in high society. Other than throwing herself at some old man, how else could she get the chance to ride in a two-hundred-million-yuan car?
Even though the cheating photos from the wedding were fake, the affair might be real. Good thing they had already called off the engagement. A woman like her, so fickle and disloyal, didn't deserve him.
With that thought, Song Lingqian looked at Mu Qianrou with even more tenderness.
"Qianrou, don't let it get to you. You're going to be a guest presenter at the awards later. Don't worry—you'll be the brightest star today."
Mu Qianrou's eyes flickered, and she bit her lip in feigned guilt.
"Brother Lingqian, no matter what, that spot originally belonged to my sister. I'm afraid she'll be upset. Why don't we invite her this afternoon, just in case?"
Song Lingqian's expression grew complicated. "There's no need to—"
Mu Qianrou shook her head. "Grandpa Song values this award ceremony a lot. If she doesn't show up, he might get angry."
Song Lingqian sighed. Mu Beiyin had made Qianrou suffer so much, and yet she still considered her feelings. He couldn't help but feel lucky that he had fallen in love with the kindest woman in the world.
Mu Qianrou suppressed the smile that threatened to surface.
So what if Mu Beiyin had all the spotlight today? In the end, she could only stand by and watch as everything that once belonged to her was taken away—bit by bit.
…
Meanwhile, in the board chairman's office—
Huo Shiqing casually pulled up Mu Beiyin's file, his expression lazy as he raised an eyebrow.
She was admitted to Ancheng University three years ago but didn't enroll. Two years ago, during her sophomore year, the Mu family paid a sum of money to transfer her in.
Because she "pulled strings," Song Lingqian had always looked down on her as an uneducated bumpkin.
"Sir," Bai Ji knocked on the door. "The calligraphy and painting competition is about to end. The principal asked you to head over now."
Huo Shiqing stood up.
Bai Ji added, "I found out that the original award presenter for the competition was supposed to be Miss Mu, but Song Lingqian gave the spot to Mu Qianrou."
"Oh?" Huo Shiqing narrowed his eyes.
A spot that originally belonged to her got taken away—would Mu Beiyin simply accept that?
In the afternoon, the calligraphy and painting competition came to a close.
Song Lingqian made a call, issuing his order loftily, "Mu Beiyin, come to the arts hall. Qianrou kindly invited you to attend the award ceremony. I'm sure you don't want to disappoint Grandpa, do you?"
Mu Beiyin clicked her tongue and subconsciously tightened her grip on the phone.
Grandpa Song was the only elder who had treated her well since she returned to Ancheng. She knew how much the old man cared about this award ceremony...
In the end, she got up and headed to the cultural hall.
"So the calligraphy and painting contest is jointly organized by the Song family and Ancheng University. Mu Qianrou is the guest award presenter, right? Young Master Song really dotes on her, letting her go on stage with calligraphy masters."
"Exactly. So what if Mu Beiyin had her moment earlier? When it comes to talent, she can't compare to Qianrou."
"Shh, stop talking—Mu Beiyin is here."
As soon as Mu Beiyin entered the room, she heard those remarks. She raised her eyebrows slightly and casually found a seat.
Mu Qianrou stood beside Song Lingqian, her demeanor soft and gentle. "Sister, I'm sorry. I know you're upset, but today's award ceremony is really important. Brother Lingqian didn't want any mishaps, so…"
Song Lingqian frowned. "Qianrou, you don't need to apologize. This spot rightfully belongs to my fiancée. You are my fiancée."
He then turned to Mu Beiyin. "Alright, don't be unhappy. Although Grandpa personally selected you to present the award, you're uneducated and incompetent. Going on stage would just be embarrassing. Qianrou is doing this for your own good."
Mu Qianrou gave a proud smile and added with feigned guilt, "Sister, next time there's a chance like this, I'll definitely let you have it. Brother Lingqian, let's go get ready."
With that, she held onto Song Lingqian's arm and slowly left under everyone's envious gaze.
Mu Beiyin watched the two walking away, narrowing her eyes in mockery.
She was about to go sit in a corner, but as she turned around, she suddenly met a pair of smiling yet sharp eyes.
Huo Shiqing stood nearby, clearly amused. When he saw Mu Beiyin finally notice him, he curved his lips slightly.
"Miss Mu, letting others trample all over you like this—that's not your style."
Mu Beiyin froze slightly. Just what kind of image did she have in his mind?
She lowered her head stubbornly. "Mr. Huo, you must be mistaken. Even if the presenter spot was taken, I never planned to make a fuss."
The smile in Huo Shiqing's eyes deepened.
Not planning to make a fuss?
His fingers brushed lightly past a strand of her hair, his gaze suddenly turning sharp.
Too bad—he suddenly wanted to make a fuss on behalf of Mrs. Huo.
…
Backstage, Mu Qianrou hesitated before speaking. "Brother Lingqian, Grandpa Song didn't come. Does he still dislike me?"
Song Lingqian comforted her, "It's alright. Go on stage now. I had to work hard to secure this presenter spot for you. Make sure to perform well so Grandpa will accept you sooner."
Seeing the many reporters waiting outside, Mu Qianrou clenched her teeth.
Yes—once she shared the stage with the giants of the calligraphy world, Grandpa Song would naturally see how exceptional she was!
Soon, the award ceremony officially began.
Mu Qianrou walked gracefully in her gown and ascended the stage amid everyone's admiration.
Out of the entire school, only she had this honor, while Mu Beiyin could only sit and watch enviously from below.
This made Mu Qianrou feel slightly giddy. She shot Mu Beiyin a triumphant smile and was about to step on stage when—
"Wait a moment, Miss Mu Qianrou, please step down!"