Chapter 5: I Provide the Resources, You Give Me the Photos

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Shen Yusheng felt even more guilty and was about to apologize again when a commotion arose at the entrance of the auditorium.

Wen Ling lifted her eyes and glanced over, a faint smile curling on her lips.

Ruan Miaomiao was truly surrounded by admirers.

Dressed in a princess gown, her expression confident and aloof, she was a world apart from the girl who had once worn a faded, yellowed dress when she had come to her grandfather’s house.

Seeing the two people behind Ruan Miaomiao, Wen Ling’s eyes flickered.

They were Ji Wanruo and Li Wanzhen.

Wen Ling had long known that after she left, these two had befriended Ruan Miaomiao. She trusted Ruan’s words and even helped spread rumors at school and around Forty-Nine City—that Wen Ling’s bright and kind demeanor was just a facade, and in reality, she was a spoiled, arrogant heiress who bullied others.

Wen Ling lowered her gaze with a lonely expression, which to Shen Yusheng looked like a girl saddened by seeing her close friends getting along with others. In truth, Wen Ling was just afraid her eyes would betray the disdain and contempt she felt, and that would shatter the new image she was trying to build.

“Wen Ling, don’t be upset. I know those rumors were all misunderstandings. As long as you explain to them, everything will be fine,” Shen Yusheng comforted.

Wen Ling struggled to contain the revulsion creeping into her voice and said softly, “It’s okay, senior. They have new friends now; I don’t need to make myself look foolish by forcing my way in.” She raised her eyes, her eyes slightly moist. “As for misunderstandings, I don’t want to explain anymore. Once people have fixed ideas, what’s the use of explanations? The innocent will remain innocent—I believe someone will believe me.”

Shen Yusheng pressed his lips together and solemnly said, “Wen Ling, I believe you!”

“Thank you, senior,” Wen Ling said gratefully, glancing sideways at the three before sighing. “I’m going out for a while. I’ll come back when the evening event starts.”

Shen Yusheng thought she just needed to clear her mind.

Wen Ling smiled at him and turned to leave. Passing by the three, her steps faltered, and she glanced sideways at them.

Ruan Miaomiao sensed the hostile gaze and looked up in confusion, just meeting Wen Ling’s eyes. She widened her eyes in shock, and Ji Wanruo and Li Wanzhen followed her gaze, equally incredulous.

Wen Ling gave them a slight, knowing smile before turning away. The expression sent a chill down Ji Wanruo and Li Wanzhen’s spines in the early autumn air.

Ruan Miaomiao was Wen Ling’s cousin. Even though Wen Ling knew these two supported Ruan Miaomiao behind her back, she still tried to spare some dignity for the Qin and Ruan families. But these two were different.

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Ruan Miaomiao bit her lip, deeply unwilling to accept defeat.

She had tried many times to get close to Zhou Yinhe and his circle. Her cousin Qin Yuanzheng had even brought her to their gatherings, but she had hardly spoken a word to Zhou Yinhe.

Only once, when Zhou Yinhe was drunk, he stared at her for a long time. She thought he was finally interested in her and smiled shyly, only to hear him hoarsely say, “You’re Wen Ling’s cousin, right? Do you have any photos of her? Your cousin doesn’t.”

She was stunned, staring at him in disbelief, then heard Zhou Yinhe continue, “I heard from your cousin that you’re now an actress. I’ll give you resources if you give me photos.”

Ruan Miaomiao wanted to refuse, but she had just entered the entertainment industry. Since the Qin family was unwilling to support her, even though she was a cousin of the Qin family, she had to climb step by step like everyone else. If Zhou Yinhe gave her resources, she might soar overnight.

So Ruan Miaomiao agreed, added Zhou Yinhe on WeChat, and sent him a photo of herself with Wen Ling.

More than wanting Zhou Yinhe’s resources, she hoped he would see the two somewhat similar faces in the photo and transfer his affection for Wen Ling onto her.

But...

A few days later, Ruan Miaomiao found an excuse to follow her cousin to a club they often went to. When Zhou Yinhe took out his wallet to tip a waiter, she saw the photo tucked inside.

He had cropped her out, leaving only Wen Ling’s photo!

Ruan Miaomiao’s resentment grew. She told Ji Wanruo and Li Wanzhen she was going to see a former teacher and set off alone.

Ji Wanruo and Li Wanzhen exchanged glances, both understanding what Ruan Miaomiao intended.

Wen Ling stood by the campus lake, watching the koi swim gracefully. Hearing hurried footsteps behind her, she suddenly smiled.

“Wen Ling! Why are you back? Are you trying to compete with me again for grandfather and senior Yinhe?” Ruan Miaomiao’s gentle, innocent front disappeared, replaced by a sharp, jealous voice that grated on the ears.

Wen Ling stood and turned to her, innocence written all over her face. “Cousin, how can you say that? Grandfather belongs to both of us, and Zhou Yinhe is my ex-boyfriend. I haven’t heard that you and Zhou Yinhe are together.”

Ruan Miaomiao bit her lip tightly, her gaze burning with anger. Wen Ling’s slender, fair fingers brushed a strand of hair falling over her collarbone, revealing a vivid red mark that invited all kinds of speculation.

Ruan Miaomiao stepped forward abruptly and grabbed Wen Ling’s wrist, staring at the red mark on her neck.

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“What’s this? Have you been pestering senior Yinhe again? How shameless! Don’t you know you’ve already broken up with him?” Ruan Miaomiao shouted fiercely.

Wen Ling gasped in pain, drawing the attention of nearby onlookers. Only then did Ruan Miaomiao realize they were outside. Just as she was about to release her grip, Wen Ling suddenly grabbed her hand back and pulled her a few steps backward. Before Ruan Miaomiao could react, Wen Ling had fallen into the lake.

“Help! I—I can’t swim! Help!” Wen Ling struggled in the water, coughing violently as she choked on the lake water. People nearby rushed over, some calling for help, others diving in.

After much effort, Wen Ling was pulled out, someone draping a coat over her shoulders.

She sat on the ground, coughing incessantly, her eyes red and moist, wet strands of hair clinging to her face, making her appear even more fragile.

“Cousin, even if you don’t like me, you can’t hurt me. You know I’m afraid of water,” Wen Ling said, her voice pitiful and wronged as she looked up, hands folded before her.

Upon hearing this, whispers rippled through the crowd. Ruan Miaomiao stepped back, shaking her head frantically, desperately explaining, “I didn’t push her! She fell by herself. She’s trying to frame me! Please believe me!”

More than half the bystanders immediately believed Ruan Miaomiao, even bringing up past rumors about Wen Ling.

Wen Ling sighed inwardly, marveling at the appeal of being a beloved heroine.

“What’s going on here?”

The crowd turned to see who had spoken, parting to make way.

Wen Ling looked up and was surprised to see Zhou Yinhe and two others approaching.

Upon seeing Wen Ling in such a state, Zhou Yinhe’s pupils suddenly contracted sharply.