Chapter Sixty-Three: The Frustration of the Fated Heroine

In her view, playing the beloved group favorite was the most suitable path. With someone like Bai Ling occupying the spotlight, she was more than willing to play the harmless little nobody. After all, even the supposedly useless could win affection.

Her plan was to cultivate popularity with the boys and bridge the gap with the girls, ensuring she was liked by all sides. Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds? Put plainly, it was people skills; put nicely, it was personal charm—enough to become the darling of the group.

Yes, this was the perfect route for Wen Yan!

If Bai Ling ever learned her true thoughts, she might just give her a big thumbs up. Truly, the chosen heroine was a cut above the rest, with insight to match. In “Splendor,” Wen Yan had indeed followed this path, winning favor on all sides, climbing to the pinnacle of life, marrying a top film star, and becoming the unattainable ideal in countless hearts.

In short, she had every advantage, her fate as the heroine sealed from the start.

Since it was lunchtime and meals were provided, all the children remained at school, bustling about and lending a lively atmosphere. Today, though she was only delivering lunch, Wen Yan already had a target in mind.

Not Bai Ling!

The old routine of feigning sisterly affection with Bai Ling was passé, completely outdated. Today, she aimed to win over the children themselves. As long as she became popular with the students, her victory was almost certain.

But when Wen Yan arrived with Lin Yubai and the others, she found the students gathered around Bai Ling.

What was happening here?

The sight made Wen Yan's heart sink, a foreboding sense creeping over her. Was Bai Ling about to steal her strategy? Feeling something was amiss, Wen Yan approached with a lunchbox, hoping to use the gesture as a way to gauge the situation.

As she drew near, she overheard the conversation between Bai Ling and the children.

“Studying is important—this is your best chance to change your destiny.”

“Of course you can read extracurricular books. Some of them are truly valuable. I’ll bring you some next time, all right?”

“You’ve all done so well. I’m proud of you!”

“A present for me? A lollipop? Thank you, little brother!”

“Having trouble with your studies? That’s all right. Difficulties always pass. As long as you try your best, you’ll have no regrets.”

…

Listening to their lighthearted chat, Wen Yan was momentarily stunned. What was this? Bai Ling was giving the children pep talks? That was all?

Her initial worry faded. To her mind, Bai Ling’s approach was far too bland. Would these kids really enjoy such motivational speeches? It seemed today truly was her chance.

Seizing the opportunity, Wen Yan stepped forward. “Sister Bai Ling, you haven’t had lunch yet, right? I brought you a bento box.”

“I made it myself, so you have to finish it all!”

After all, striving to be the group’s favorite and pretending to be close sisters weren’t mutually exclusive, so Wen Yan decided to work both angles at once.

Bai Ling’s expression shifted slightly when she saw Wen Yan, but she quietly accepted the bento and thanked her. Then she said, “Don’t worry about me. You brought lunch, right? Take the kids to eat.”

Delighted, Wen Yan couldn’t have hoped for a better opening. She’d been looking for a way to blend into the group, and now Bai Ling was handing her the perfect opportunity.

So, with a smile, Wen Yan led the students away.

But her smile soon faded. The crowd of children was noisy and unruly. At first, she managed to keep up a cheerful facade, chatting and distributing the lunches. But as the children’s questions grew relentless, irritation crept in. Her patience thinned, and her tone shifted ever so slightly.

Though the change was subtle—one most adults and the viewers in the livestream wouldn’t notice—children were highly sensitive. They quickly realized that not only was this sister less beautiful than Bai Ling, but she was also less patient.

Most of them grabbed their lunch and ran, soon flocking back to Bai Ling. The situation made Bai Ling both amused and helpless; even a peaceful meal was a luxury, as the children clung to her.

Wen Yan, left with only a few children around her, grew increasingly gloomy. She couldn’t understand what she lacked—how could she fall short of Bai Ling? Was her own charm not enough?

In truth, it was only natural.

After all, her background and Bai Ling’s were worlds apart. Bai Ling had grown up in hardship, a child of the countryside. When she spoke those words of encouragement, they came from the heart, imbued with genuine feeling.

Unlike some, who sounded preachy or stiff, Bai Ling’s empathy was real—her own misfortune allowed her to truly connect with the students, making her approachable and warm. This was the crucial edge Wen Yan could never quite match, no matter how perfect the opportunity seemed.

To make matters worse, Ouyang Ruofeng approached with his own lunchbox, eating as he commented, “That Bai Ling really is something special.”

“Talented in so many ways, and so kind-hearted. Look how popular she is.”

“Tsk, tsk!”

“Wen Yan, are you going to eat that drumstick? You keep picking it up and putting it down. Don’t like it?”

Old acquaintances, Ouyang Ruofeng spoke casually, unaware of Wen Yan’s tangled feelings. She was already silently comparing herself to Bai Ling, and now he was praising her rival right to her face—enough to make anyone fume.

“Take it! Just take it!”

“It’s just a drumstick, must you go on and on?”

She tossed the chicken leg into his box and, after a few hurried bites, prepared to leave.

Seeing her heading back to the inn, Ouyang Ruofeng called out, “Where are you going?”

“We’re supposed to help with the teaching assistant work this afternoon!”

Hearing this, Wen Yan immediately turned back.

“Really?”

Yesterday’s plan to bond as sisters had failed. Today’s attempt to play the gentle big sister had failed as well. This last chance—she had to seize it.

After lunch and a brief rest, it was time for class. Wen Yan had assumed the producers would assign her the art class, but with so many senior guests present and Bai Ling’s outstanding performance, there was no need for her in art at all.

Only two language classes were left for her and Zhuge Ming.