Don't force me to start punishing you all on the very first day!

Qu Ying was furious to learn that Yun Ran was going on a study tour—and that she was leaving as soon as tomorrow. Despite feeling unwell, she was so angry she could barely catch her breath.

By now, she was certain: this daughter had truly grown distant, and was throwing a tantrum like this against her. Having always held Yun Ran firmly in her grasp, molding her as she pleased, she absolutely could not tolerate the one person she controlled slipping through her fingers.

Immediately, she called Secretary Zhang, demanding that Yun Ran be removed from the study tour list.

In the past, Secretary Zhang would have obeyed without hesitation, but he still remembered the sly, barely concealed smile that Miss Yun had given him—a clear warning that if he betrayed her or displeased her, she would make his life miserable.

A chill ran down his spine as he replied professionally, “Madam, this study tour is a public welfare program. Once registered, participants cannot withdraw at will, or it will damage the Yun family’s reputation.”

No matter how many reasons Qu Ying had to stop Yun Ran from leaving, once it endangered the family’s standing, she dared not make a move.

Yun Ran, anticipating Qu Ying’s interference, had already packed her bags and quietly left the Yun residence.

Over the years, the original owner’s reputation had become so tarnished that the Yun family no longer paid much attention to her affairs. Even if she left with her luggage, the household staff wouldn’t pry.

The next day, Yun Ran eagerly went to check in for the study tour.

Having grown up in Qingfeng Temple, she had never attended such a prestigious school, nor experienced a study tour like this before. She was bubbling with excitement.

But her smile quickly faded when she realized the tour was a public welfare program—in other words, a budget trip where everything depended on oneself.

Looking around, all the other students were well-prepared, while she carried only a single suitcase. Moreover, the group of fifteen wasn’t even full.

No wonder they were still accepting late registrations on the eve of departure—this trip was clearly meant to be tough.

Beside Yun Ran sat a chubby boy, his face lined with misery as he sighed repeatedly.

Polite, Yun Ran greeted him, “Were you also sent here by your parents to tough it out?”

She observed the chubby boy’s features—he looked well-born, destined for a life of comfort.

He sighed again. “My mom thinks I’m too fat. She sent me here to lose weight. What about you?”

If she had known it was a hardship trip, she wouldn’t have come.

“I just wanted to see the world,” Yun Ran replied.

She wouldn’t reveal that she had miscalculated the situation and now needed to save face.

The chubby boy, unaware, admired her courage. Since he couldn’t endure hardship himself, he greatly respected those who willingly embraced it.

“I’m Zhu Shijia. What’s your name?”

After returning to Haicheng, Yun Ran had caught up on the local rich lists and happened to find the Zhu family there—they were in the catering business.

Judging by Zhu Shijia’s size, she thought he had inherited about half of the Zhu family’s legacy.

“I’m Yun Ran.”

After a brief silence:

“Ah! You’re Yun Ran, the third young lady of the Yun family!”

Zhu Shijia’s voice was loud, drawing the attention of everyone in the vehicle. Those previously engaged in conversation all turned to look.

Though Yun Ran had a thick skin, the heavy gaze felt like needles pricking her back.

Her reputation was well-known among these second- and third-generation wealthy youths.

Whispers immediately spread, though loud enough for all to hear:

“Wow, that’s Yun Ran? Why’s she here? Is she trying to redeem herself?”

“I’ve seen her before. My sister says she’s creepy—best to avoid her.”

“This trip’s supposed to be tough enough, and now I have to spend a month with a weirdo. So annoying!”

“If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come, even if it cost me six months’ allowance.”

“I heard she’s really jealous. She even attacked Yun Wan before. How dare a stepdaughter behave like that?”

Yun Ran knew her reputation was poor, but hearing so many people gossip as if chewing her up alive was truly disheartening.

[Host, these people’s tongues are too vicious. They need to be taught a lesson!]

Zhu Shijia felt awkward—he hadn’t meant to reveal her identity; he’d just been too surprised.

Still, he was wary of Yun Ran’s reputation. Among these rich kids, gossip was rampant.

He’d heard of her many exploits and feared his chubby frame might be torn apart by her.

“Um… sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he said nervously, standing up and awkwardly shifting his plump body to find another seat.

If she let this slide, it would only embolden others.

Yun Ran glanced at him coolly. “Sit down.”

Zhu Shijia froze. His round, baby-faced cheeks trembled slightly, and his eyes grew moist.

“I…”

“Don’t make me say it again. Sit down!”

He had no choice but to sit, slumping with a hint of resignation as his chubby flesh bounced up and down.

Yun Ran nearly laughed.

The others fell silent upon witnessing her domineering side.

These spoiled kids, barely fifteen or sixteen, were fearless. Normally, they would have ganged up immediately.

But Yun Ran was different. She had single-handedly stirred unrest even within the Yun family—a much wilder force than they were. They dared not provoke her.

Feeling intimidated and embarrassed, some tried to save face with a huff. “Hmph, we’re just choosing not to stoop to her level. Does she really think she’s so great…”

Yun Ran stood, leaning back in her seat and scanning everyone in the vehicle.

She brushed off imaginary dust from her clothes and smiled, “Don’t make me start throwing punches on the very first day.”

With that, she punched the empty seat beside her. Everyone watched in shock as her fist tore clean through the thick seatback.

Her lips parted, revealing perfect teeth in a terrifying grin. “Behave yourselves, or I’ll knock one out each—it’ll be just like playing.”