Chapter 96: Curl Lips Into A Faint Smile

The more Shen Xi thought about it, the more she felt the need to say something. She resolutely climbed up the wall only to find the man’s receding figure letting out an air of loneliness and sorrow. Feeling a lump in her throat, Shen Xi’s tears threatened to pour.

With her eyes on his back, Shen Xi shouted, “Brother, you look good in your clothes today. It compliments you. I wonder which cutie pie with good taste gave you those clothes.”

Hearing the girl’s voice, an influx of warmth spread out within Li Yuan. The bleak self-mockery in his eyes was gradually replaced by tenderness.

He turned around and was welcomed by the young lady’s bright and sweet smile. The latter gestured a big heart before making her escape, leaving him to curl his lips into a faint smile.

Able to breathe easy at last, Kun Lun walked over after the girl on the wall was gone. “Boss, the executives from the office are here and ready for you.”

It was great that Ms. Shen finally paid notice. Boss would be depressed for days had she not and it would be the subordinates who would be taking the brunt of it.

With a grin across his lips, Li Yuan’s voice resumed its warmth. “Let’s go.”

Kun Lun pushed the wheelchair forward while snickering to himself. Life was bliss when Boss was in a good mood.

“Is there any way to increase the TV ratings?” Li Yuan asked.

Dumbstruck, Kun Lun respectfully replied, “Boss, do you mean falsifying the data? This is doable.”

Li Yuan frowned. “Can it be done undetected?”

Kun Lun gave it a thought. “It’d be hard to get past the eyes of technical experts but no issue with ordinary people. It’s “The Smiling Nation”, we’re talking about, right? I can get Fang Zhu to make arrangements.”

It would be tough to regulate the TV ratings, so the only way was to manipulate the data.

Li Yuan changed his mind after putting in much thought. “No need for that.”

The young lady was confident with her own TV show. She would be disappointed with him should she find out that he tampered with the ratings.

…

The Mathematical Olympiad’s finals were organized on New Year’s day.

The venue of the finals was held at the Capital University. The shortlisted candidates of No. 4 High School venture to the venue a day in advance.

The school had prepared accommodations at a five-star hotel near the Capital University, for the students to conserve their energy and be ready for the finals.

On the bus.

With earphones on, Shen Xi leaned against her chair, closing her eyes and resting her mind.

Yu Yuanxi was reading a book as he sat on the left, separated from Shen Xi by a pathway.

Other than the pair who practiced silence, everyone in the top class was flying high, discussing where to eat and play once they were there. Eat, sleep, play, repeat was a motto they held dear to their hearts.

“Did you hear? A certain naïve thing from our school has signed with a managing company and is making his debut in showbiz.” With eyes of contempt, Chen Bingbing threw a glance towards Yu Yuanxi.

He should take a look at the mirror. Debut in showbiz? What a joke.

“Well, I heard that he didn’t just sign with a managing company. He’s about to join a film cast. The managing company must be blind to represent any Tom, Dick, or Harry.”

“Haha, company? It’s only a tiny sweatshop that has just been established. Saying that it’s a company is over-flattery.”

“What movie is it? Which major director is directing the film?”

“Major director? Oh, stop it. It’s some inexperienced director from god-knows where. A major director, my *ss!”

Shooting Yu Yuanxi a look of disdain, the top class students conversed in loud voices and burst out arrogant laughter at punchlines.

Chapter 97: Bet On It

“Don’t say that.” Su Ruowan softly helped out before embarrassedly explaining to Yu Yuanxi. “Yu Yuanxi, please don’t take it to heart. They mean no harm.”

The top class students put a name on the person but following Su Ruowan’s words, it validated that Yu Yuanxi was the subject of matter.

Yu Yuanxi appeared mild-mannered but his eyes spoke of indifference and distance. He nodded toward her without saying a word.

Despite appearing hurt by his attitude, Su Ruowan let out a gentle smile. “Yu Yuanxi, I believe that you will make it.”

“Thank you,” Yu Yuanxi replied.

“Keep it up.” Su Ruowan maintained a tender and kind front while being torn apart by humiliation and anger within.

Who did he think he was? How dare he put on airs in front of her! She would not have bothered to bestow him a glance had she not Shen Xi to win against.

Ha! If it belonged to Shen Xi – trash or not – Su Ruowan had to steal it all!

Yu Yuanxi was no exception. Su Ruowan must turn Yu Yuanxi against Shen Xi and in turn, have him approach, please, and attend to herself instead.

“Yu Yuanxi, what’s with the attitude?” Not having it, Chen Bingbing fiercely pointed at him. “It’s a blessing to have Wanwan talking to you.”

How dare he ignore Wanwan when she was talking to him! That was crossing the line!

“Bingbing, don’t be so.” Stopping Chen Bingbing from a full-blown attack mode, Su Ruowan sadly said, “I’m okay. Yu Yuanxi just doesn’t like to talk.”

“Wanwan, don’t stick up for him. What’s with the arrogance? He hasn’t gone into showbiz yet he acts like he’s a big shot.” Chen Bingbing was livid.

“Why be angry with these kinds of people?” Su Mushi, who had not said a word, finally opened his mouth to taunts and scoffs. “Well, he wants to act like a big shot but it’s still unclear whether it’s written in the stars.”

Su Mushi found Yu Yuanxi an eyesore the more the latter grew close to Shen Xi. Indeed, one was known by the company they kept!

The boy and Shen Xi, the brat, were birds of a feather flocking together!

Sitting beside Su Mushi, Yu Qiubai intriguingly took a glance at Shen Xi and commenced a countdown in his head.

Three.

Two.

One!

Shen Xi abruptly opened her eyes and offhandedly got up before speaking in an unhurried and cold tone. “What if he’s a hit?”

Yu Qiubai wickedly stared at her and smiled. He sure had the brains, having noticed Shen Xi would express a contrary opinion whenever Shi talked.

“Him? He won’t make it, or my surname isn’t Su.” Su Mushi turned ashen to see Shen Xi standing up for Yu Yuanxi. “And what if he doesn’t make it big?”

“Let’s bet on it.” The aloof Shen Xi had a commanding presence to her when she spoke. “If you lose, go eat shit.”

Su Mushi’s eyes were flaming in rage and face grimacing as he yelled, “Shen Xi!”

Amused by his exasperation, Shen Xi scoffed. “Oh my. Are you saying that the third eldest son of the Su family is angry because he is lacking confidence and a sore loser?”

Yu Qiubai observed the girl. Even while touching on Shi’s sore spots, Shen Xi remained cold and aloof as though no one was of importance.

The onlookers from the top class indignantly glared and looked daggers at Shen Xi. Oh, if looks could kill.

Having been struck a nerve, Su Mushi was burning in rage as he coldy smirked and grinded his teeth. “Fine, let’s bet on it! If you lose, you eat shit!”

Shen Xi, the d*mn brat, ridiculed him on purpose!

Chapter 98: The Bigger Person

“Mushi, Shen Xi, stop it.” The discoloration and fragility in Su Ruowan’s complexion were signs that she was startled. Pulling Su Mushi’s arm, she pitifully cried out in a sobbing voice, “Shen Xi, this is not the way to talk. Apologize to Mushi.”

Unbothered to glance at Su Ruowan, Shen Xi threw Su Mushi a mocking look. “Young Master Mushi, you sure are the man. You need your sister’s approval before you can make a bet with me.”

Su Mushi gazed at Su Ruowan. “Wanwan, this is between her and me. Stay out of it.”

Like a delicate flower swaying in the wind, Su Ruowan’s eyes reddened with worry as she weakly called out, “Mushi.”

“This is between us so don’t you drag Wanwan in on it.” Su Mushi’s heart was breaking to see his sister’s tears but this made him hate Shen Xi more.

How much longer before Shen Xi, the brat would go to hell? She always made Wanwan sad and cry each and every time!

Watching with popcorn, Yu Qiubai finally stood up and became the peacemaker. “We are all schoolmates. It’s vulgar to talk about eating shit and what not. How about this? If Yu Yuanxi becomes a hit, Shi – you should apologize to Yu Yuanxi. The same goes to you, Shen Xi. You should apologize to Shi if Yu Yuanxi doesn’t make it.”

Hitting the roof, Su Mushi gave him an angry look. Whose side was he on!

“I’m always the bigger person. There’s no need to apologize to me.” Shen Xi appeared magnanimous. “Oh, Young Master Mushi, just apologize to Yu Yuanxi in front of the whole school if you lose and admit that you lack perception.”

With his blood boiling, Su Mushi spoke through clenched teeth. “If you lose, you have to kneel before me to apologize in front of the whole school!”

The evil and disgusting brat was taunting him, calling him narrow-minded!

Yu Qiubai let out a cunning smile. “I will bear witness in that case. Don’t either of you go back on your word.”

Su Mushi and Shen Xi both nodded in agreement.

With Yu Qiubai as the witness, they officially signed the wager in triplicate. The witness and parties concerned each bore a copy.

Yu Yuanxi took a seat beside Shen Xi. Guilt made him avert his eyes from her. “I’m sorry.”

He caused her problems once again.

“They insulted me.” Shen Xi’s voice may be cold but for the first time ever, she gave him a comforting look.

Yu Yuanxi was an artist of Cosmos Entertainment. Saying that he would not make it was a slap to her face as the boss!

With his heart skipping a beat, Yu Yuanxi wanted to confirm the fact but the girl beside him had resumed her usual aloof self as she put on her earphones and rested her eyes.

As China’s top high school, No. 4 High School was blessed with the best resources and richest students. Of course, the students representing the school in a competition would not receive any less treatment.

Shen Xi nestled against the sofa while watching TV. She sighed at the generosity the school had, seeing how every student was allocated a standard suite of their own in the five-star hotel. What a life.

The candidates here for the competition were all from the top class, apart from her and Yu Yuanxi. Everyone wanted to go out and have fun together.

Following a knock on the door, Shen Xi leisurely acknowledged.

Pushing a dining car in, the waiter respectfully and politely told her. “Ms. Shen, this is dinner provided by our hotel. Please help yourself.”

“Thank you,” Shen Xi expressed gratitude. Once the waiter was out of sight, her eyes alighted with frigidness.

Dinner was western cuisine – steak, spaghetti, seafood soup, and salad.

She picked up the seafood soup for a sniff before curling her lips sarcastically. Shen Xi placed the bowl back on the table and walked away.

Shen Xi had no doubt that only an idiot like Su Mushi would resort to the cheap trick of adding substances to her food.

Chapter 99: Sweetness Tricking Right Into His Heart

Su Mushi actually believed she had never stayed in a five-star hotel before. This hotel only provided breakfast vouchers and without specific request from guests, there was no dinner service.

This was Yu Yuanxi’s first experience staying in a five-star hotel. After washing his hands, Yu Yuanxi was all ready for dinner when there was a knock on the door.

Standing by the door, Shen Xi nodded at him. “Can I come in?”

With his heart thumping at the sudden appearance of this girl, Yu Yuanxi bashfully bobbed his head. “You were looking for me?”

“Can’t I look for you when there’s nothing going on?” Shen Xi casually put the item she brought over on the table before nonchalantly sweeping a glance in the room. As expected, she saw a dining cart.

The food on the dining cart was exactly the same as the one in her room.

“Have you eaten?” Yu Yuanxi’s nerves got the better of him, getting tongue-tied in her presence.

“Not yet.” Making her way towards the dining cart, Shen Xi suddenly lost her footing when she got close and was able to take a fall.

“Watch out,” Yu Yuanxi cried with concern. Without second thought, he bolted towards her.

Yu Yuanxi managed to catch her before she fell. The save saw the dining cart crashing onto the ground with a thud.

“I’m sorry.” Shen Xi thought it was a waste for the food to end up on the ground. “There goes your dinner.”

“It’s fine.” Yu Yuanxi quickly let go of her. With his face blushing red, he went on a hunt for cleaning tools in a scurry in fear she might notice.

Since her intentions were fulfilled, Shen Xi looked at the young man’s figure and said, “I put some cakes my mom made on the table. It’s to compensate for your dinner.”

Yu Yuanxi could feel his heart jumping out of his chest and his face flushing hot. There seemed to be residue of her chilly temperature and tender sensation left in the palm of his hand.

She was gone by the time he came out.

He looked at the mess with a cheerful grin at the corner of his lips. His eyes melted in loving affection.

The beautiful packaging sitting on the table was brought over by her. Inside were four pieces of cake, each exquisitely made with love.

Yu Yuanxi carefully picked up a piece and tasted it. The sweetness exploded in his mouth, trickling into his heart.

It was his first time tasting something so delicious. Reluctant to eat another after finishing one, he merely stared and grinned at the cakes with a foolish look on his face.

Shen Xi had just returned to her room when there was another knock on the door. She opened the door to Song Wenye, together with the group of girlfriends from the international class. Playing dumb, she shut the door with a wham.

She saw nothing!

She did not know them!

Song Wenye was taken aback for a moment before howling amid sobs. “Xixi, open the door. We’re here to cheer you on!”

Shen Xi wanted to tell them to scream. It was a day before the exams yet here they were, adding to the chaos. Letting out a sigh, Shen Xi opened the door for them in the end.

The group bought some stuff and stuck around for an hour before they unwillingly left.

Refusing to leave under any circumstances, Song Wenye stuck to the sofa and played dead. She would burst out into tears if asked to leave. Talk about drama.

The sight left Shen Xi with the illusion that she was some heart-breaking cheater. She let Song Wenye be in the end since it was not a bad idea to have a witness as an alibi.

Song Wenye had no clue what was up with her. Perhaps she was tired from all the bustle, or maybe she was comfortable in the presence of Lil Xixi, because it did not take long before she fell asleep on the sofa after a glass of water.

“Lil Ye?” Shen Xi went over to pat her face. Certain that she was fast asleep, Shen Xi turned to open the window and agilely took a leap down.

Chapter 100: I Don’t Drink

Sleeping like a log, Song Wenye could not be awakened even if it was raining knives.

Red Bar was the most famous bar around Capital University and was also well known in the whole capital.

Shen Xi walked into the bar as a completely different person. Having transformed into a handsome young man, those close to her would never be able to make out it was Shen Xi.

Dressed in a smart suit that showed off her tall figure, complemented with neat short hair and good looks; Shen Xi let out a distant air of nobility which made every woman in the room’s heart flutter. They could not help but throw themselves at her.

Shen Xi politely declined the numerous beautiful women who made eyes at her and went up to the VIP room on the third floor.

The lights were dim in the hallway of the third floor.

Room 305 was where students of the top class gathered to have fun.

A short distance away, a waiter was pushing a dining cart over but when fast approaching, his complexion was suddenly drained of color. Contorting his face in pain, beads of sweat broke out and his legs began to shake.

“What’s wrong?” Shen Xi drew close.

“My… My tummy is hurting. I need to head to the washroom.” The waiter held his belly in pain, unable to hold it in any longer.

“Which room do you need to go to? I’ll deliver it for you,” Shen Xi knowingly asked.

“305. Go quick. Young Master Mushi isn’t happy today and he’ll throw another tantrum if you’re a second too late.” The waiter gave her a look of gratitude. “Thank you, bro. Let me buy you a drink later.”

“You’re welcome.” Shen Xi kindly handed him a bottle of medicine. “This is for diarrhea.”

The waiter grabbed the medicine while holding onto his backside before scrambling towards the washroom.

Shen Xi let out a smile, looking at the waiter’s receding figure. The meticulous and foolproof plan was progressing as scheduled with everything falling into place.

Pushing the dining cart, she knocked on the door of room 305.

“Bah! The guy is way over his head by thinking he’s going to make it in showbiz. I’ll swallow this wine bottle if he does.”

“Does he think showbiz is cut out for any riffraff? One word from our Young Master Mushi here and there’s no chance for him to go places.”

“Our Young Master Mushi won’t cast a glance at the trashy script even if the director begs him to. Only that guy would treasure that trash.”

“Trash suits trash, don’t you think?”

The top class students ran their mouths, calling Yu Yuanxi trash and condemning him as worthless while flattering Su Mushi to get into his good books.

With Su Mushi’s vanity greatly satisfied here, he was in a better mood.

“He’s so naïve to think that signing with a company and acting in a film will make him the next big star. I guess any Tom, Dick, or Harry can go into show business and act.” Su Mushi coldly scoffed with a look of contempt.

“Young Master Mushi, you’re right. I got my uncle to get the word around to avoid hiring Yu Yuanxi.”

“My uncle has a bit of influence in entertainment. We’ll see who would dare to hire him after that!”

“It’s an insult to our Young Master Mushi If trash like him really makes his debut. Does he think that show biz is a dump?”

The remaining people were vying to curry Su Mushi’s favor.

Holding a bottle of red wine, Shen Xi stood there waiting and listened to their conversation while sneering to herself. Nothing good came out of the mouths of this bunch of trash.

“What are you looking at? Pour the wine!” Sitting on the fence, Yu Qiubai leisurely leaned against the sofa and ordered Shen Xi.

As Shen Xi docilely poured the wine, she had a feeling that Yu Qiubai, the d*mn fox, was looking at her. Surely, he could not tell it was her!

She was pouring wine for Yu Qiubai when he reached out to hold down the wine glass. Curling his lips into a wicked smile, he spoke in a teasing voice, “Don’t you know I don’t drink?”