Ling Chuxi looked at the teacher-in-charge of registration with a smile that didn’t much resemble one as she spoke in a light tone, “Our academy’s teachers are truly so fair and just. They should be role models for all teachers.”
The teacher-in-charge of registration’s expression turned awkward. He really wanted to go looking for even a block of bean curd and knock it against himself till his death right then. That’s right. Of course, the person who was accepted by Mu Liufeng as his disciple wouldn’t be easy to deal with. Now he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He could not afford to offend Lan Xinyu, nor could he offend Ling Chuxi. But no matter which way his judgement swung, something was bound to happen.
“There is no such thing as a tie. Even if the items we found have the same value then we should compete in the fighting ring and directly exchange pointers,” said Ling Chuxi suddenly after a moment of silence. “As is customary, we will compete in the fighting ring set up at the academy’s competition venue and decide on which group will take first place.”
Lan Xinyu had been bearing her inner turmoil until she had split the skin on her lips from biting down on it. When she heard Ling Chuxi suddenly say such things, she whipped her head up to look at her in the eye, but she only could see the back of Ling Chuxi’s head as she was already enlisting Ling Yichen in making preparations to leave.
“Xinyu, it’s great that things have turned out like this,” whispered Shu Yuanfeng into Lan Xinyu’s ear.
“Ling Chuxi!” muttered Lan Xinyu viciously through gritted teeth as she glared at Ling Chuxi’s retreating back.
“Indeed, Xinyu. This outcome is just too good. You will definitely defeat her. The one who would have to kneel down and kowtow before you will be her!” said Pei Qianqian as she stepped forward.
“Get lost!” barked Lan Xinyu, suddenly letting all her pent out fury out. After she shouted at Pei Qianqian, she stalked off without looking back.
At this, Pei Qianqian’s face changed. She quickly turned her head away so nobody would be able to see the evil and scary expression that crept across her face.
“Don’t say that anymore, Qianqian. Everyone watching could tell that Ling Chuxi was letting Xinyu off the hook. If Xinyu were to make Ling Chuxi kowtow to her, it would appear to be too much,” explained Shu Yuanfeng lightly.
Pei Qianqian lowered her head without saying anything and focused on looking at the fallen leaves by her foot. Wordlessly, she shifted her foot to step on them, ruthlessly grinding them into the ground. There was a deep look in her eyes. Her thoughts at this moment were unknowable.
…
“Master, why are you so easy to negotiate with? You should have just let Lan Xinyu thoroughly lose her reputation,” said the fifth princess in dissatisfaction with pursed lips.
“Fu Huayi.” Ling Chuxi stopped walking and addressed the fifth princess sternly. This was the first time she had so formally called out the fifth princess’ full name.
“Yes? What is it, master? I’m all ears!” The fifth princess shuddered and immediately stood to attention, looking straight at Ling Chuxi.
“You are a princess of the royal family. So, you should understand better how to maximize a matter’s benefits.” Ling Chuxi reached out a hand to pat the fifth princess’ shoulder gently.
“What does that mean, master?” asked the fifth princess. She was feeling a little lost.
“Let me ask you this, how did you feel when you saw Lan Xinyu’s face turn pig-liver red just now? When her expression went from being insufferably smug to bitter and pitiful as though the sky had fallen on her, were you satisfied and happy?” asked Ling Chuxi.
“Yes, of course!” replied the fifth princess joyously without a second thought. “It was so satisfying to see her fall off her own pedestal after she was so proudly showing off. Seeing it play out like that made me so happy.”
“Then, that’s enough. We’ve already gotten our share of happiness and satisfaction. So now, we must obtain the biggest benefits from this matter. I let off Lan Xinyu today. Tell me, what would the Lan family do when they hear about it?” The corners of Ling Chuxi’s lips curled into a naughty smile.
“Of course, they would then repay your kindness with goodness of their own!” said the fifth princess with certainty as she nodded vigorously. Once the words left her lips, the fifth princess seemed to have understood something.