Chapter Forty-Seven: The Class Meeting

“All right, everyone, quiet down,” a middle-aged man entered the classroom at that moment, putting an end to the low hum of private conversations.

Standing at the lectern, he swiftly wrote his name on the board, then turned and swept his gaze over the seated students. “I am your homeroom teacher. I’ll be with you all the way to graduation. Let’s work well together.”

He continued, “Now, I’d like each of you to come up and introduce yourselves so we can all get to know each other.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than the classroom erupted. Some students were full of anticipation, others were anxious. The girls discreetly checked their clothes and touched up their makeup, making sure everything was perfect. The boys straightened their backs, hoping to make a good impression on the girls.

Only three people seemed completely unfazed: Yu Qian, the girl, and Lin Yuexin. As for why, Yu Qian simply didn’t think anyone here could compare to Senior Wen. The girl’s goal was the campus heartthrob, Cheng Yanran. Lin Yuexin, for her part, didn’t think much of anyone here—only those who excelled were worthy of her attention; she aspired to stand above the rest.

Under the homeroom teacher’s watchful gaze, the students began introducing themselves one by one. Soon it was Yu Qian’s turn. She walked up without the slightest hint of shyness and declared loudly, “Hello, everyone! I’m Yu Qian, please take care of me from now on.” She flashed a broad grin before returning to her seat.

Sunny and cheerful—that was everyone’s first impression of her.

Next should have been the girl’s turn, but Lin Yuexin hurried ahead, rising gracefully to the front.

Seeing this, Yu Qian tugged the girl’s arm, her face clouded with displeasure. The girl merely smiled, unconcerned, and patted Yu Qian’s hand to reassure her.

Even if she truly didn’t care, she couldn’t let the slight go unnoticed. The girl bit her lip softly, her beautiful eyes brimming with innocence, her expression wounded and confused, stirring sympathy in those who noticed. Many began to quietly stand up for her, even the sharp-eyed homeroom teacher frowned in displeasure.

Anyone smart enough to get into Zhuoguang could see through Lin Yuexin’s little ploy. She knew that Jiujou would steal the spotlight from her; better to go first than be forgotten in the shadow of another. Such calculation.

Because of this, the girl’s subtle expression soured everyone’s impression of Lin Yuexin. Though she was attractive, she seemed lacking in grace and a bit too cunning.

Lin Yuexin took the stage, put on her sweetest smile, and spoke in a soft voice, “Hello, everyone. My name is Lin Yuexin. I’ve already memorized your names from our class group chat. I’m so glad to finally meet you in person.”

Despite her efforts, she failed to win them over. Most people these days preferred girls who were pure and unpretentious, whose faces and hearts alike were clean and bright. Lin Yuexin clearly didn’t fit their ideal, and so she didn’t spark their interest.

The girl noticed their glances and couldn’t help but recall the stark contrast to her previous life. Back then, Lin Yuexin had deliberately gone up right after her, using her own timidity to highlight the girl’s lively charm, winning everyone’s affection and earning the title of class beauty.

But now? Lin Yuexin was flustered, no longer as composed or sensitive as before. Clearly, recent events had shaken her. Now the tables had turned—it was her turn to taste this bitterness.

The girl smiled faintly, watching as Lin Yuexin stiffly returned to her seat. Then she rose with gentle poise and stepped onto the dais.

Already possessed of an extraordinary air, now that she was standing, everyone’s attention was drawn to her every movement.

Standing before the class, she bit her lower lip shyly, a vibrant blush coloring her cheeks. Her star-like eyes swept earnestly over her classmates as she spoke in a clear, sweet voice, “Hello, everyone. My name is Wei Jiujou. I’m delighted to meet you all. In the next four years, I hope that while we study hard together, we can also form deep friendships. Thank you.” She finished with a graceful bow, utterly endearing.

A thunderous applause broke out, startling her into stillness. She blinked in confusion, her eyes bright with tears, then blushed and hurried back to her seat.

She looked adorable in that moment.

Beautiful, kind, gentle, lovely—none of these words seemed enough to describe her.

The whole class stared at her, as if unable to believe that someone so lovely could exist. She was a rare beauty, and they would be spending four years with her!

Heavens, they could hardly contain themselves!

Excitement buzzed through the room, whispers flying as glances continued to flicker toward her, marveling at her perfect profile.

Lin Yuexin noticed the difference as well. Regret gnawed at her, and her resentment toward the girl deepened. Yet she still managed to look pitiful as she apologized, “I’m sorry, Jiujou. I was just too nervous and forgot you were next. I just wanted to get it over with. I didn’t mean to.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes, poised on the brink of falling, tugging at the heartstrings of those watching.

“It’s all right, I know you didn’t mean it, Xinxin. We’re good friends, after all,” the girl replied, her voice generous yet sweet. This only endeared her further to everyone. Though she drew all eyes, even the girls in the class couldn’t bring themselves to resent her. There was only admiration and longing.

Lin Yuexin’s face froze for a moment before she nodded. “Yes, we’re good friends.”

Inwardly, she seethed: Who wants to be your friend? If you really thought of me as a friend, you wouldn’t steal my thunder. Such a perfect act, and everyone believes her…

Sulking, she ignored the others, pretending to listen intently to the ongoing introductions.

Yu Qian shot her a smug glance, full of obvious mockery. Fortunately, Lin Yuexin didn’t see it, or she would have been even more upset.

Qianqian was truly the perfect ally for the girl. With just a look, she knew exactly what to do. With her paving the way, the girl only needed to play along. Then she could step in as the peacemaker, her gentle image flawless.

The girl flashed a bright smile and winked at Yu Qian, her eyes sparkling with a secret only they shared.

Thank you, Qianqian dear. Love you.

Yu Qian quickly understood, tilting her head and blinking back in playful acknowledgment.

Love you too, mwah!

Her heart soared with happiness. Jiujou had confided everything in her days ago; she was only pretending to side with Lin Yuexin to see what tricks she’d pull. Ha! She knew Jiujou was too clever to fall for Lin Yuexin’s games. From now on, she would play the straight-talker, Jiujou the gentle one—let’s see how Lin Yuexin handles that.