526. NEW BELLE IN QING UNIVERSITY
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It was time-consuming to prepare Japanese dishes. Seeing that they were a large group, the boss served them some tea first.
Qiao Chen picked up her cup and took a sip elegantly.
It tasted alright. Just one sip was enough for her to tell that the tea leaves were of inferior quality.
She had tasted high-quality tea in the Shen family home. Having tastes tea that cost thousands of Yuan for a few hundred grand of leaves, she became pickier. She put her cup down after just a sip and never touched it again. In fact, she despised the Class B students for picking such a low-class place.
But she had always been adept at keeping her thoughts to herself. While u happy that her classmates picked such a place to celebrate her achievements, she did not show it.
Meanwhile, Xu Xu, who saw that she was just smiling quietly and no longer sipping her tea, asked, ''Chen Chen, have you confirmed your place in Qing University's Music Faculty? Ah, I envy you. I saw that all the other schools have posted their scores, but not Qing University. I was going to show it off to my mom and dad that you made it into Qing University, but I couldn't find any news of it.''
The moment she mentioned Qiao Chen's admission into Qing University, the rest diverted their gazes to Qiao Chen.
That was nothing unusual.
Somebody in class had made it to the top institution. Anyone would be envious!
It was just that some of them showed it while others did not.
Qiao Chen felt everyone's attention on her. Even the store manager was looking her way now. She smiled reservedly and feigned humility. ''Mm, it's confirmed. Professor Cheng Wu told me about it. He said I've been selected by the Music Faculty. I just have to wait till the college entrance examination are over to transfer my file.''
''Wow!" Xu Xu was envious. She rested her chin on her palms and asked excitedly, ''Is this Professor Cheng Wu the Finance Department's Professor Cheng Wu?"
Qiao Chen found her question a mockery. How could there possibly be two Professor Cheng Wu's in Qing University? But she kept her composure and feigned patience, replying tenderly, ''Mm, it's that Professor Cheng Wu indeed. He's Brother Fu's mentor, and we have met once before. I was lucky to have had a chance to have a meal with him, so I added him on WeChat. When the results were out, he messaged me on WeChat to tell me about it.''
She made it sound like it was not a big deal, while still emphasizing the important parts.
As she expected, Class B students looked even more envious now.
Cai Yan was a rich second-generation heiress just like her, but her results weren't as good. Upon hearing this, she was envious and jealous at the same time. She said a little bitterly, ''So in the future, Senior Fu Ge and you could be such an honorable couple in University. You guys will be focal point of your own. Tsk, how nice.''
Nobody in Class B said anything in response, but they were undoubtedly feeling the same.
It was no surprise. She was pretty and had good results, and her boyfriend was an outstanding lad no less. They compared her to themselves, who still had to work hard for the next few months before the college entrance examination. The difference was stark....
The atmosphere got a little heavy.
Qiao Chen tried to ease the tension and picked the cup up to conceal her smile. She appeared embarrassed as she said, ''You guys have to stop making fun of me.''
Ever since Zhao Jingwei had been sentenced, Xu Xu had become her top lackey. She supported whatever Qiao Chen said. She added, ''Even without Senior Fu Ge, Qiao Chen would still be a beautiful focal point on her own in Qing University. I bet there will be a new belle in Qing University once the next semester starts.''
It was obvious which belle she was referring to.
Upon mentioning of the school belle, someone in Class B recalled. ''Oh right. I heard that Qiao Nian from Class A sat for the examinations as well... we haven't heard anything from Class A's side.''
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527. HAPPENED TO HEAR HER NAME
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The atmosphere became a little strange the moment he mentioned Qiao Nian's name.
Qiao Chen despised the tea here and was unwilling to drink it.
But now that she had raised her cup again, she had to take a sip. She brushed her hair aside and tucked it behind her ear, looking calm and composed. It was as if that name meant nothing to her.
Xu Xu's reaction was the quickest. She snapped out of it quickly and frowned at the person who brought it up. ''Wang Heng, why did you have to mention her? Suchba downer. Everyone's happily celebrating Chen Chen's admission today, but you have to bring up this name that upsets her. Look, now everyone's unhappy.''
Wang Heng was also a student of Class B. He was a cheeky, playful student whose results were average. He had wooed Qiao Chen earlier on and had always bootlicked her. Even now, he still liked her.
He leaned back in his seat nonchalantly and propped his arm up, ''I'm not trying to do anything. It just came to mind.''
He scanned the table and eventually landed his gaze on a girl with thick glasses. He asked mockingly, ''Wu Jie, aren't you from Class A? Tell us about it, how did Qiao Nian do? She especially took leave just to go to Qing University for the examinations, did she make it?"
It was a Class B gathering today, but Qiao Chen invited Wu Jie over.
She said it was just for a meal.
Wu Jie came without knowing that the other Class B students would be there. She thought that Qiao Chen had asked her out individually. By the time she realized and wanted to leave, Qiao Chen had already seen her and called out to her.
Now that everyone was looking at her and waiting for her response, she furrowed her brows and pushed her glasses upwards slightly. She answered hurriedly, ''Uh... I heard she didn't make it.''
Her voice was as soft as a mosquitoes buzzing. One had to pay attention to hear her.
Her quiet voice went, ''We didn't see her when Chen Chen and I were in je classroom waiting for the interview. Most people who didn't make it past the written segment would not be allowed for the second round, so...''
Just as Qiao Nian set foot into the restaurant with Jiang Tingting, she heard someone saying her name.
''Ah, you don't have to be so tactful and long-winded about it. Essentially, Qiao Nian didn't make it!"
Her jawline was cold as usual as she pulled her cap downwards slightly and looked up.
Eh?
Didn't make it to what?
Wu Jie didn't say it explicitly. She tried to be indirect about it, but her point was obvious enough. ''I think so. If she made it, our class wouldn't be so quiet about it. I think it's likely that she did not make it. It's tough to get into Qing University, everyone there is the cream of the crop. I think Chen Chen is the only one in Rao City who made it this year. I was eliminated in the second round, too.''
Her results for the examination were just alright at 500 marks. She managed to get through the first round and was offered an interview for her choice department, the Physics Department. However, she was unable to answer quite a number of questions asked by the professor. So, it was clear why she did not make it.
She wasn't surprised by this outcome. She don't think she would make it either, but she wanted to give it a shot.
Though she hadn't passed the interview round, she hadn't rushed off immediately. She stayed in the classroom for a while more and heard later on that Qiao Chen made it. She even heard a candidate mentiond tjsy Professor Cheng Wu of Finance Department had a good impression of her and personally invited her to consider the Finance Department as her minor.
Wu Jie couldn't express her emotions. She was simply in envy. Of course, there was some admiration and respect too; Qiao Chen was, after all, the person who every girl wished to be.
She was pretty, had a good family background, scored good grades, and was such a kind and gentle person...
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528. WHO ARE YOU SAYING THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT?
********
As she thought about that, she pouted, not noticing the person who had just arrived at the door. She sounded indignant for Qiao Chen. ''Chen Chen's results are so good, she shouldn't have transferred out of First High School back then. If she hadn't left, the glory would surely be First High School's. Now Fifth High School has it too easy. She was jealous of Chen Chen and wanted to chase her away, but now she didn't even make it to Qing University herself. I really wonder what she's thinking sometimes...''
She didn't speak loudly, but the restaurant was only that large.
Liang Bowen and the rest happened to hear this part and immediately got angry. ''Wu Jie, who are you talking about! Who didn't make it, who's jealous of Qiao Chen? Make yourself clear!"
Damn, who the hell said that Sister Nian didn't make it? He would teach them a lesson!
Wu Jie and the Class B students didn't notice the group who had just entered. Who was the person leading Class A if not Qiao Nian?
They were caught in the act of gossiping behind someone's back. Everyone's expressions immediately turned awkward.
Wu Jie shrank back as her face went pale. She looked in shock at the people who had just entered, realizing that besides her, practically the whole of Class A was here.
Including Qiao Nian!
The girl standing in front of the rest had a cap on and revealed only half her face. Just her beautiful jawline and her posture were enough to scream her presence.
Such a wild and charismatic figure!
Recalling what she had just said about Qiao Nian, her hands clenched into fists in a moment of nervousness as dozens of pairs of eyes were fixated on her. She opened her mouth and thought to stand up, but she felt as if her feet were nailed to the ground. Unable to move, her face went pale right away. She stammered, ''I-I didn't mean it that way.''
''Then, what did you mean? Make yourself clear. Let us all hear you out.'' Liang Bowen's handsome face went slightly cold as he folded his arms across his chest, not saving her any face.
He was actually a rather gentlemanly guy and hardly raised his voice at girls, but Wu Jie had really said such terrible things. He couldn't listen on!
''Who were you referring to when you said that she didn't make it and was jealous of Qiao Chen? Who was it? Don't tell me you weren't talking about anyone. You said so much about it, it can't be nobody!"
Qiao Nian wasn't petty, especially not with a girl like this who want worth her time. It wasn't as if she did something overboard, so Qiao Nian couldn't be bothered by her. She pulled the furious guy back and said, ''Liang Bowen, forget it.''
''Sisted Nian!" Liang Bowen couldn't take this lying down.
Many other Class A students were angry as well. They were mad at the girl from their class who had gone to join Class B for a meal. How could Wu Jie join outsiders to talk bad about their own classmate?
Wu Jie felt as if evey gaze directed at her was a needle in her skin. She bit her lips and said out of the blue, ''I'm talking about her. Am I not speaking the facts? She didn't make it into Qing University, and Chen Chen did transfer schools because of her. If it wasn't for her, there would be one more student from First High School making it into Qing University. Because of her, our school lost this glorious opportunity. Can't I say a word or two?"
What was she saying?
The Class A student's were fuming.
Especially Shen Qingqing. Previously, she was stopping Liang Bowen from going on as well. But now, she couldn't hold back any longer.
''What do you mean? Tell me, what have you said that's right? Did Sister Nian offend you in any way? Or dig up your ancestors' grave? Did you have to be so mean!"
Wu Jie actually straightened up and retorted, ''I was just speaking some facts, what does it have to do with whether someone offended me? Moreover, what have I done? Did I tell her off? How am I mean?"
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529. HER FACE WOULD BE BEATEN UP BADLY
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None of the Class B students expected her to be so defensive.
She even argued with her own classmates.
When they regained their senses, they also started mocking Qiao Nian.
''That's right. Wu Jie didn't say anything wrong. It's too overbearing to prevent others from speaking the truth.''
''What do you even know about this? Class A is the best class in the school. It's only natural that they don't allow others to speak badly of them. She's the star student. She must he extraordinary!"
''Wow, the star student didn't make it into Qing University? She went to Beijing only to fail the examination?"
''It must be painful to hear the truth, so watch what you are saying. Everyone from Class A is here. What if they hear us and get angry? I'm so afraid of them.''
...
Qiao Chen heard her classmates mocking Class A, and the corners of her mouth raised mockingly.
She didn't understand why Qiao Nian wasn't arrested for beating Wei Qi. However, she felt so good at the moment that she didn't bother to find out the reason.
This matter could have been resolved quickly if she bothered to speak up. She could persuade both sides to stop quarreling, but she didn't say anything. She sat in her seat leisurely. Her expression was calm, and she held on to the cup proudly as though she was appreciating the tea.
Shen Qingqing felt disguted upon seeing her relaxed look.
Just as she was about to reply, Qiao Nian held her back.
''Sister Nian?" She turned her head and looked at Qiao Nian. She was puzzled and didn't understand what Qiao Nian wanted to do.
Qiao Nian took her hand out of her pocket and walked leisurely over to the take where the students of Class B were sitting.
Although she was slim, she had a strong aura. Not everyone could imitate her strong spirit!
It was too arrogant!
Many students from Class B were gathered there, but no one dared to speak. Although it seemed like there were many of them, when faced with Qiao Nian alone, they no longer dared to show off.
''What... what do you want?'' Xu Xu was a timid person. She was seated beside Qiao Chen, but she felt uneasy. She looked at Qiao Nian with worry and vigilance and then said, ''Qiao Nian, are you thinking of beating someone? You better not mess around. We're very close to the school, we can sue you anytime.''
Qiao Nian tutted. Her reply was a casual mockery of what Xu Xu said.
Qiao Nian had a cool expression of her face as she glanced at her and said, ''Have I ever said that I wanted to beat you?"
Xu Xu was speechless.
You never said that, but your lksture suggested otherwise.
Xu Xu didn't dare to say anything.
Qiao Nian raised her head slightly slightly revealed a stunning face. She narrowed her eyes slightly, looked at Wu Jie at the side, and asked her a question.
''How many marks did Qiao Chen score?"
Her voice was slightly hoarse.
It sounded like she had just woken up.
However, it still sounded very good.
It was very provocative.
Wu Jie was stunned by her question and subconsciously looked at Qiao Chen sitting beside her.
Qiao Chen's heart was pounding. She turned her gaze away from her teacup towards Qiao Nian. Her eyes moved restlessly and her face was pale. Her fingers pinched the teacup as she pursed her lips and said, ''They were just joking, they didn't mean what they said. You can't be so petty as to hold it against them, right?"
Now, it seemed as though Qiao Nian and her classmates were the ones talking behind someone else's back.
Liang Bowen's face sank, and he couldn't help but resent her. He said, ''You act so magnanimous now, asking us to forgive you guys for making a joke. But what were you doing earlier? When your classmates were bad-mouthing Sister Nian just now, why did you not stop them? Now, if we want to argue with you, we're the ones being petty? Qiao Chen, I would advise you to not treat people with double standards!"
His words were cruel and direct, causing Qiao Chen's face to turn dull and pale.
Qiao Nian didn't bother paying attention to her... she narrowed her eyes slightly, looked at Wu Jie, and said again, ''You spoke so much just now, but you still haven't told me how much Qiao Chen scored in the examination.''
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530. WHAT DID QIAO NIAN MEAN BY THIS? WAS SHE DELIBERATELY HUMILIATING HER?
********
Qiao Chen did not speak. She clenched her hands tightly, and her heartbeat accelerated.
Some people from Class B had yet to figure out the situation and continued to make rude remarks.
As Qiao Chen's lackey, Xu Xu spoke the most viciously.
''Does it matter to you how much Chen Chen scored? What can you do about it? It's not like you can score as high as her!"
Also having a good relationship with Qiao Chen, Cai Yan raised her chin slightly. Her smile was sarcastic, and she spoke with a tone of disdain. ''Before you ask how much Chen Chen scored, what about you? Did you even score 500 points?"
Hehe!
Can you believe Sister Nian scored more than 600 points?
Liang Bowen was surprisingly not angry when he heard this. He crossed his arms across his chest and looked at the Class B students coldly. They looked like clowns that were too proud of themselves. He asked Wu Jie coldly, ''Why are you not speaking? How many points did Qiao Chen get in the examination? Did she score so well that it gave you the courage to gather here and slander other people behind their backs?"
His words represented the feelings of everyone in Class A.
They were untied. Although Wu Jie was usually introverted and did not like to speak up in class, she was never excluded by them.
She was always included in her class activities.
Sister Nian had also invited her to dinner a few times before.
But this time, she was sitting on Qiao Chen's side and slandering Qiao Nian behind her back. This kind of backstabbing behavior was disgusting. Everyone here was a hot-blooded teenager. A two-faced person was looked down on by everyone.
Wu Jie could sense the disdain from her classmates. She grew pale and fidgeted uneasily.
However, things had already turned out this way. She was caught between a rock and a hard place and could no longer turn back.
No matter how much Liang Bowen and the rest praised Qiao Nian, she didn't get into Qing University!
She calmed down when she thought of this. She grabbed her skirt under the table, pursed her lips, raised her head. A pair of jealous eyes were hidden behind her glasses. She then provocatively asked Qiao Nian a question, ''Do you really want to know?"
''Hmmm," Qiao Nian replied casually and tilted her head back slightly. Her face was exquisite and beautiful. It was also relaxed and had a wild aura. It wasn't as gentle as Qiao Chen's aura.
''I don't particularly want to know her score.''
Her answer surprised the people around her.
Wu Jie was holding her breath and preparing to shock Qiao Nian with the news. However, her reply was anticlimactic.
In the next second, the girl standing in front of her put her hand in her pocket and lowered her head. Her eyelashes dropped and she looked at Wu Jie again. She then casually said, ''But looking at your reaction, my interest is piqued.''
She was aware that Qiao Chen had participated in the independent enrollment examination for Qing University. However, she never had the intention of comparing their results, let alone compete with her to see who was better.
Since Qiao Chen was no match to her, she didn't bother to pay any attention to Qiao Chen's achievements.
She only looked for her own score when she was checking the examination results. She didn't check the scores of other people. However, seeing Wu Jie and the students from Class B discuss her score so excitedly and seeing Qiao Chen sitting so arrogantly, she was curious as to how much she had scored in the examination. Looking at Qiao Chen, she estimated that she had scored at least 600.
''620?" She squinted and glanced at the girl sitting in the middle of the crowd. She spoke very casually and was very calm.
Qiao Chen felt as though she was slapped in the face. She pinched her palm, and tears gathered in her eyes. Her eyes were filled with anger and shame.