Chapter 36: A Storm is Brewing

Amid their playful teasing, over ten minutes had passed. Huang Caixing glanced at the time and said, “Let’s go, YuYu. We should head to the school gate now. Big Brother Lin should be arriving soon.”

“Alright.”

The two left the classroom and walked toward the school gate.

At the entrance of Guanglai High School, Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing hadn’t waited long before a red Ferrari pulled up. The moment the sleek sports car came into view, the cheer on Huang Caixing’s face vanished, replaced by a sudden sternness.

“Let’s leave quickly, YuYu.”

Yuan Yu was a bit confused, but she still followed Huang Caixing’s lead.

However, their path was soon blocked by a stunning woman around thirty, radiant with a mature allure.

“My baby, why are you avoiding mommy? Mommy’s back. Come here, let mommy give you a big hug.”

The beautiful woman greatly resembled Huang Caixing, especially their brows and eyes. It was as if they were carved from the same mold. However, unlike Huang Caixing’s youthful vibrance, this woman exuded an air of mature sophistication.

Huang Caixing looked defiantly at the woman. “Who’s your baby? Stop calling me that.”

“Alright, alright. I won’t call you that. Don’t be angry,” the woman said.

Huang Caixing didn’t respond but just stared back, her eyes filled with a sense of injustice.

Seeing this, Yuan Yu gently tugged at Huang Caixing’s sleeve and said, “Don’t be angry. Your mother came back after so long; try not to hold a grudge.”

“I don’t want to see her,” retorted Huang Caixing. “She’s never home. She often vanishes and leaves me alone. What kind of mother does that?”

The woman looked at the defiant Huang Caixing, clasped her hands pleadingly. “Baby, don’t be upset. I have to travel for work; otherwise, how could I afford to buy you snacks and fun things?”

“What’s the use of earning so much money?” Huang Caixing rolled her eyes, but her tone softened. “I haven’t seen you for nearly a month. You better not do this again, or I’ll run away from home.”

“Yes, yes, I won’t do it again,” the woman assured her in a low voice. “My darling, don’t bear a grudge against me. I was the one who was naughty and ran away from home. But you’re such a good girl, you wouldn’t do that.”

Huang Caixing couldn’t help but break into laughter.

It was undeniable, they were mother and daughter. They didn’t just share physical similarities, but their personalities were also strikingly alike. Despite her age, Huang Caixing’s mother had retained a lively, whimsical demeanor.

Observing the interaction between Huang Caixing and her mother, Yuan Yu found her thoughts wandering to her own mother.

At that moment, Huang Caixing introduced her friend, “Mom, this is my best friend, Yuan Yu.”

“Hello, Auntie,” Yuan Yu courteously bowed to Huang Caixing’s mother.

“What a beautiful girl,” the elegant woman said as she studied Yuan Yu, astonishment lacing her voice. “Would you like to join us for dinner? My treat.”

Despite her own and her daughter’s striking beauty, Yuan Yu still managed to leave her somewhat awestruck, especially given that she was Huang Caixing’s closest friend. Moreover, she had witnessed how effectively Yuan Yu had advised her daughter, which left a positive impression.

“Thank you, Auntie, but I must decline. I’m waiting for someone,” Yuan Yu declined courteously.

“Oh, that’s a pity. Do visit us next time.” The woman appeared slightly disappointed, then turned to Huang Caixing, “Darling, I’ve made a reservation at your favorite restaurant. We should leave soon.”

Huang Caixing hesitated. Yuan Yu leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You should go. Your mother doesn’t return often, and you don’t need to stick around for me. Big Brother Lin will be here soon.”

“Fine, but I wasn’t coming because of you. I just wanted to see Big Brother Lin. You are just along the way,” Huang Caixing whispered, shooting a sidelong glance at Yuan Yu.

Despite her usual gentle demeanor, Yuan Yu rolled her eyes at Huang Caixing’s remark, teasing in return, “You should hurry, ‘baby.’ We wouldn’t want the seventeen-year-old ‘baby’ to starve.”

“Ah… You’ll pay for that, YuYu.”

After a brief round of teasing, Huang Caixing departed with her mother.

Watching Huang Caixing’s retreating figure, Yuan Yu was left alone, somewhat bored, at the school gate, waiting for Lin Xiao.

About ten minutes later, Lin Xiao arrived at the school’s entrance.

He let out a sigh of relief, seeing only Yuan Yu without Huang Caixing. Huang Caixing’s piercing gaze had a way of making him feel slightly uneasy.

Slightly out of breath, Lin Xiao apologized to Yuan Yu, “I’m sorry for the delay, little Yu.”

“It’s alright, Big Brother Lin,” Yuan Yu responded, a bright smile illuminating her face upon his arrival.

“By the way, wasn’t Huang Caixing with you?”

“Her mother came to pick her up early, so she’s already left,” Yuan Yu said, nodding. “Let’s go see my mother at the hospital, Brother Lin. She must feel so lonely there.”

“Alright, let’s go now.”

“Okay.”

After their exchange, the two set off for the Jinghai First Hospital to visit Yuan Yu’s mother.

As Lin Xiao and Yuan Yu left, not too far away, a window of a red Ferrari slowly opened, revealing a young student with a resentful and menacing stare fixated on the departing figures.

This young student was the same one who had seen Lin Xiao drop off Yuan Yu at school in the morning and subsequently flew into a rage in his car. But perhaps because he’d vented enough earlier, his face was devoid of any noticeable emotion as he watched their retreating figures. He picked up his phone and made a call.

The call connected quickly, and a voice laced with flattery came through.

“Hello, Young Master Song.”

“It’s Li Li, right? I know you have a grudge against Yuan Yu. How about I give you a chance for revenge?”

“Really?” On the other end of the line, a pretty-faced girl heavily laden with makeup replied, her voice tinged with surprise.

After hearing Young Master Song’s plan, however, she hesitated. “Young Master Song, this seems like a huge risk for me.”

“Don’t worry, just follow my instructions. I’ll handle the rest.”

Considering Young Master Song’s influential background and the memory of Yuan Yu’s cold yet desirable demeanor, as well as her humiliating incident at the clothing store, Li Li gritted her teeth and declared, “Alright, I’m in.”

As she hung up, she burst into triumphant laughter. “Ha, Yuan Yu, let’s see how you fare now. Just wait for your world to crumble.”

Young Master Song was a powerful figure, one of Yuan Yu’s former suitors. This was why Li Li had always refrained from crossing paths with Yuan Yu at school. Now, with Young Master Song plotting against Yuan Yu, Li Li knew her rival was in trouble, even if she didn’t fully understand the reason behind his plan.

After ending the call, Young Master Song dialed another number. “Hello, Counselor Li? This is Song Tianxing. I need a favor.”

After explaining his request, Song Tianxing hung up, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face.

“Yuan Yu, you’ve brought this on yourself. Don’t blame me for not showing mercy. Tomorrow, you will beg for mercy at my feet!”

His heart swelled with anticipation. Song Tianxing couldn’t contain his excitement and burst into laughter.