Ming Xiaowei finally understood the situation. Back then, Ji Cheng's mother likely had Zhao Qinghan out of wedlock, then was forced to marry someone else and gave birth to Ji Cheng. Later, she coincidentally ran into Zhao Qinghan's father taking Zhao Qinghan out on the streets.
Her emotions were complicated, and in the end, she decided to divorce Ji Cheng's father and reunite with her first love.
What... a melodramatic plot.
But it did seem like a classic trope in female-oriented novels—though Ji Cheng wasn’t the female lead; that role belonged to Zhao Qinghan.
"Ming Xiaowei." Ji Cheng's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Huh?" Ming Xiaowei blinked blankly at Ji Cheng.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Ji Cheng asked coldly.
"I did."
Ji Cheng's expression softened slightly.
"But I forgot. Could you repeat it?"
Ming Xiaowei genuinely couldn’t recall—something about Ji Cheng not wanting to ruin her reputation.
"Oh, right! I remember now! You said you wouldn’t tarnish my reputation anymore. Class Rep, you’re truly the best!" Ming Xiaowei clapped her hands together, flashing a sly grin.
Si could swear this little brat was doing it on purpose.
Ji Cheng felt like she’d suffered internal injuries. If not for the circumstances, she might’ve coughed up the blood clogging her chest.
There was just no communicating with someone this spoiled.
Giving up, Ji Cheng coldly moved to the other side of the classroom, pulled out her homework, and began writing diligently while gazing at the drizzling autumn rain outside.
Watching her focused demeanor, Ming Xiaowei felt a pang of guilt.
"I didn’t mean it—I was just joking. I won’t say stuff like that again. How about I treat you to a meal sometime? Okay, Little Chengzi?" Ming Xiaowei tilted her head, eyes crinkling sweetly.
Ji Cheng didn’t even glance at her.
Just a flat "Oh."
Was that a yes or a no?
Ming Xiaowei was utterly baffled.
Oh well. A woman’s heart was as deep as the ocean. She might as well think about how to sprawl on her bed later.
Her bed—huge, by the way!
Just thinking about it made her drowsy. Soon, she was slumped over her desk, fast asleep.
Before dozing off, she hugged her iPad and her Fruit Brand 13 Pro Max (1TB edition)—don’t ask why she always made a point to mention it. It was purely for bragging rights.
Outside, the rain grew heavier, blurring the windowpanes with condensation. Ji Cheng felt a chill on her shoulders and rummaged through her bag for a jacket. Much better.
She was used to studying alone in the classroom during afternoons.
Now, there was someone else.
Well, an extra someone drooling in the study hall.
Ji Cheng watched Ming Xiaowei mumble about chicken wings and claws in her sleep. A rich girl like her, obsessing over fried food—didn’t she worry about turning into a balloon?
But...
Wearing such a thin dress in this weather would surely lead to a cold.
Ji Cheng’s gaze drifted sideways as her hand slipped into her bag.
There was another jacket inside. She’d seen the forecast that morning and rushed to the rooftop to retrieve both jackets she’d hung out to dry. In her hurry to get to her part-time job, she hadn’t returned them to the dorm.
After a moment’s hesitation, Ji Cheng decided to take responsibility for tomorrow morning’s attendance. She pulled out the spare jacket and walked over to Ming Xiaowei.
"Wings... claws..." Ming Xiaowei was still lost in her food dilemma.
In a flash, her hand shot out and grabbed Ji Cheng’s. Before Ji Cheng could react, the girl chomped down.
Ming Xiaowei jolted awake.
No wings. No claws. Just a fresh "orange" in front of her.
Her teeth ached from the bite. She quickly released Ji Cheng’s hand—now marked with faint pink teeth impressions and a bit of drool.
Ming Xiaowei: "..."
In her past life, she’d starved. Dreaming about food in this life was only natural. But how did a piece of meat turn into fruit the second she opened her eyes?
She felt inexplicably guilty.
"I didn’t mean to. Believe me?" Ming Xiaowei pouted.
How was she supposed to know Ji Cheng was right in front of her?
Ji Cheng glanced at her hand, frowned, and without a word, returned to her seat, gathered her things, and left the classroom.
Confused, Ming Xiaowei hurried after her.
She watched as Ji Cheng stopped at the bathroom sinks, turned on the faucet, rinsed her hands, disinfected them with alcohol, and scrubbed thoroughly with soap.
Five minutes. Just to wash her hands.
"You have OCD?" Ming Xiaowei tilted her head as Ji Cheng shut off the water.
That’s a condition. It needs treatment.
Ji Cheng gave her a flat look.
"Yeah."
Whoa.
How do you even treat OCD?
Before Ming Xiaowei could brainstorm, Ji Cheng had already brushed past her and returned to the classroom.
She’d slept long enough—study hall was about to start.
Meanwhile, Zhao Qinghan was fuming during her live show.
During the break, the streaming platform had called, demanding she refund the top donor who’d bailed overnight.
Zhao Qinghan was stunned.
Who’d have thought a "top fan fleeing after splurging" scandal would happen to her?
She was gorgeous! These mortals had no appreciation for a general’s charm.
Her eyes flashed with disdain.
"Now, let’s welcome our dear Qinghan! We’ve got so many fans here today—clearly, everyone loves your candid personality. Give her a round of applause!" The host beamed, turning to Zhao Qinghan, who approached with a smile.
"Qinghan, any words for your fans?" The host handed her the mic.
Zhao Qinghan’s face instantly darkened.
"Not really. But I do have a question for you, host. Are we close? Calling me 'dear'? That fake smile of yours is nauseating. Why not just be real?"
Host: "..."
For a split second, the host wanted to curse. She knew Zhao Qinghan was difficult, but the girl was the current ratings goldmine—beloved by fans, hated by antis.
Right now, the host really wanted tips from that infamous Zhao Qinghan anti-fan on Weibo, "OrangeNotCold," on how to subtly roast someone.
"Ahem! Seems Qinghan’s in a mood—maybe the catering didn’t sit well. Don’t mind it, folks! Next, we’ll randomly select a few fans to come up and—"
[Site undergoing major upgrades—more books added, chapters updated promptly.]