CHAPTER 73: CHAPTER 73: BACKFIRE

Li Du spoke carelessly, revealing that Shen Chen’s grandfather was Shen Wan, a housekeeper at the Ye Mansion, and that Shen Chen served as Ye Zhi’s attendant student there.

So, he was just a household servant after all.

This realization also allowed Liu Qingxi to distinguish boundaries more clearly in the future, avoiding conversations with just anyone, which would lower her own status, since her father was a Third Grade official—respectable, though not prominent.

Ye Zhi seemed a bit flustered; the suggestion had been hers, yet the person just left, making the female lead lose face, so she came up with a clumsy excuse for Shen Chen.

"Forget what he just said about being in a hurry; he probably couldn’t wait and went to take care of business. Qingxi, you know men, always concerned about pride and won’t speak of things, so don’t mind."

To make her words more convincing, she emphasized it again.

"You see, he left without looking back; he’s definitely in a hurry, yes, that’s right." Ye Zhi’s cheeks appeared cute yet sophisticated, her head nodding slightly after she spoke.

Just like a little grown-up.

Tan Huanhuan frowned slightly, then had a bright idea and quickly said, "Shen Chen drank a lot of water, no wonder he was trying to find a secluded place in the back mountain to solve it." Her delicate face was full of seriousness.

To further make people believe the truth of the matter.

So, "Yes." Ji Changzhou agreed from the side.

Tan Huanhuan and Ji Changzhou were indeed like divine supporters.

At this moment, no need for eye contact, they knew the next step instinctively.

Thumbs up.

At this moment, Liu Qingxi must not misunderstand that they intended to disgrace her.

Unexpectedly, Liu Qingxi smiled slightly, kind and gentle: "No need for explanations, everyone."

"I originally planned to complete this alone and didn’t intend to rely on others. Mr. Shen leaving is his freedom, unrelated to me—rather, I must thank Miss Ye, for being considerate of me. You and your friends are remarkable; you’ve gathered all the prey. Here I wish you smooth admission, and hope I can excel and join you as new classmates. Please take care of me then."

Such gentle and considerate words.

Little did anyone know, Liu Qingxi also became slightly wary this time, just waiting to see which straw would break the camel’s back.

When the time comes, she won’t hold back.

Ye Zhi, still gliding high from her words, thought she really didn’t mind, "That’s good."

Her small hand rested on Liu Qingxi’s jade-like arm, nodding with sparkling eyes, "Let’s become new classmates together."

They exchanged a few more words, reminding each other to do well in the exams, encouraging each other.

Ye Zhi, on the excuse of being hungry, took her two friends out of the back mountain, leaving Liu Qingxi to strive alone.

She did not introduce Tan Huanhuan and Ji Changzhou to the female lead.

Because getting close to the female lead would result in either death or injury, typically serving as a stepping stone.

Exiting the back mountain, the three obtained the success stamp, then walked together for lunch outside the academy; there were two more rounds to pass in the afternoon, having passed three of five rounds, treating the remaining two as practice for a good score.

This little life, is going quite well~

Oh, right~

As if recalling something, Ye Zhi abandoned her playful demeanor, adopting a solemn expression, warning the two to stay away from Liu Qingxi.

The small Tan Huanhuan was puzzled, "Ah Zhi, what’s wrong? Weren’t you getting along just fine? You even had Shen Chen help her catch prey, didn’t you? How did it change so quickly?"

Weren’t they just getting along fine...