Chapter Fifty-Eight: Publicly Ridiculed

"Rest for another two or three days—I'll stay with you." His tone wasn't forceful, yet there was no room for refusal. The final words, "I'll stay with you," were laced with a pampering affection in his deep, sensual voice, enough to make one's heart flutter.

The girl's clear, bright eyes blinked, voicing no objection, though inside she was overjoyed. Mu Tingye was really quite adept at flirting now; she couldn't resist him at all. Besides, compared to Cheng Yanzhan, Mu Tingye was certainly more attractive to her—especially when this overbearing CEO was willing to forgo a multimillion contract just to accompany her. It greatly satisfied her vanity.

And so, the girl didn't return to school until her period ended, and on her third day back, she received an invitation to Mu Tian's birthday party—addressed solely to her. The meaning behind it was obvious.

Mu Tian's resentment toward her had only grown deeper; it would be a dream come true for her if she never had to see her again. Now, she was unexpectedly invited to the birthday party—surely Mu Tian was plotting some petty scheme to set her up at the event. Her cruelty was limited to words, never crossing the line, unlike Lin Yuexin, who would resort to any malicious means for her own benefit.

This birthday party—she would attend! After all, what would a dramatic scene be without the "green tea" present?

Since everyone had classes the next day, the party was held at a five-star hotel just opposite the school. The decor was minimalist and stylish, exuding a sense of taste. The facilities were complete—dining, lodging, fitness, cards, karaoke—everything one could wish for. It was a truly high-end venue.

By the time she arrived, the party was already in full swing. Small groups clustered together, laughing and drinking, the air filled with merriment.

She deliberately made a circuit around the room, searching for Cheng Yanzhan.

Mu Tian adored him—how could she not invite him to her birthday?

Yet, after scanning the room, she didn’t see him anywhere...

[System, where’s Cheng Yanzhan?]

Suddenly it occurred to her—she had a system. Why was she searching herself? She shouldn't waste resources.

[...Your logic is sound,] the system replied, [but it’s not exactly pleasant to hear.]

Whatever—she was just a system, after all. [Mu Tian called him out to the back garden. He should be back soon.]

Standing at the dessert section, she nibbled at some treats when three girls—who were always orbiting Mu Tian—approached, their posture as if ready to surround and gang up on her.

"So this is the campus belle. Sweetie especially invited you to her birthday party, and you show up in that outfit? Your taste is so tacky." One girl, caked in heavy makeup, spoke with biting sarcasm. Her once-pretty face was now twisted with jealousy.

How pitiful, she thought.

[Hug, Jiujou. Their faces are so ugly. Fight back, Jiujou!]

Patting her adorable system, she replied, [Don’t rush. Wait for a good moment.]

She glanced down at her attire—soft blue dress, gentle hues exuding refinement, adorned with light gauze like a fairy descended to earth. The belt, tied in a butterfly knot, accentuated her waist. Her two slender, fair legs were exposed, and a pair of delicate heels elongated her figure. The overall impression was pure and charming.

What was wrong with that? Some mortals simply can't stand a fairy, she grumbled inwardly.

Out loud, she stammered, "I…I didn't mean any disrespect to Sweetie. I dressed up properly."

"Heh, dressed up just to steal Sweetie's thunder? Such a schemer." Another girl rolled her eyes, feigning a loud, exaggerated tone, dripping with ridicule.

Well, ugly is a problem, but so is being pretty. Clearly, they were here just to find fault.

The sudden outburst drew the attention of nearby guests. These were Mu Tian’s close friends, so the crowd fell silent, not daring to stare openly, but pricking up their ears to listen.

She knew they were picking a fight, but she was outnumbered and tongue-tied, anxiety and grievance welling up. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, making her look all the more pitiable.

"I didn't mean that," she said, her voice soft but resolute—a defense of herself, though no one cared to listen.

Cheng Yanzhan finally managed to get away from Mu Tian. As he entered, he heard that kitten-like voice—hurt, yet defiant—and turned to see several girls from Mu Tian's circle surrounding Jiujou, their intent anything but kind. His feet moved before his brain could stop him, and he quickly strode over, blocking the hostile stares with his own presence.

"What are you doing?" His voice was still magnetic, but now carried an unmistakable chill.

"Senior..." The girl gazed at him in a daze, gratitude and tenderness shining in her dewy eyes.

Whenever someone bullied her at school, her senior would always appear like a savior, rescuing her from misery.

Sensing her burning gaze, Cheng Yanzhan glanced at her, saying nothing.

He didn’t really understand why he always stood in front of her. It had nothing to do with him, and he was never one for warmth or enthusiasm, yet when it came to her, his feet always moved before his mind, leaving his thoughts a mess.

The girls blocking the path stared in disbelief at the boy radiating coldness. Hadn’t Mu Tian called him away? Why was he back so soon?

Clearly, his gaze only grew icier. The girls exchanged looks, not daring to continue. They gave a half-hearted explanation, "We weren't doing anything, just joking with her."

"Did they say anything wrong? She’s nothing but a manipulative, fake person," a sharp voice suddenly cut in, catching everyone off guard.

All eyes turned to the newcomer. She wore a dark, vintage-style skirt with a blouse tucked in; the high waist made her legs look endless. On her feet were small black leather shoes, blending artful elegance with girlishness—an eye-catching look, if one ignored the twisted expression on her face.

Her outfit was flawless, if not for the malice beneath.

Mu Tian strode in on her sky-high heels, her words growing more venomous with every step, "The Mu family took you in out of kindness for over ten years, and now you think you’re one of us? You actually dare to compare yourself to me, the real Mu family daughter? Have you looked in a mirror?"

On her birthday, she had confessed to Cheng Yanzhan and been rejected yet again. Already in a foul mood, she entered the hall to find him protecting Wei Jiujou—her fury erupted uncontrollably.

Exposed for her origins, the girl’s body swayed, her face turning deathly pale, tears brimming in her eyes, looking heartbreakingly aggrieved yet stubborn. "I know I was adopted, and I’m not worthy to compare with you. But I never wanted to. I’m grateful to the Mu family and never used their name for anything. You can bully me in private, but you shouldn’t say such things in front of everyone. It’s too much."

As soon as she finished, the tears she’d been holding back spilled over, making her look so pitiful that everyone present glanced at her with sympathy. Seeing she didn’t want to cry in public, she lifted her skirt and ran out the door.