Yao Tang had not misspoken at all.

  The problem was that she had intentionally called her that name in front of everyone. Yao Ran’s mind went blank. She didn’t even notice that she had already handed her tray toYao Tang.

  When Yu Shusaw this, her face turned green. “What are you doing? Why are you giving it to her?”


  After all that trouble, this girl was actually going to yield just like that? What was the point of buying all those dishes if she was going to give her share to Yao Tang, anyway?

  Yu Shu narrowed her eyes. ‘Is this girl playing a trick on me?’


  Yao Ran snapped back to her senses to findYu Shufrowning at her in displeasure. She pressed her lips together, not daring to challengeYao Tangany further. Otherwise, she would risk having their real identities exposed.

  Yao Ran lowered her head and said nothing.

  This naturally angered Yu Shu.

  Realizing that she was trapped, Yao Ranimmediately teared up. “Stop arguing, all of you,” she pleaded, looking weak and pitiful. “Everything is my fault, so please, just stop.”


  Another buzz went around the bystanders. They sympathized with Yao Ran, the girl who blamed herself even though she did nothing wrong.

  Or at least, that was how it appeared to them. They had all witnessed Yao Tangtaking her food tray, after all.

  “I’m not blaming you! It’s their fault, not yours!”


  Yu Shu glared atYao Tangand her friends, her eyes filled with hatred.

  Yao Ran only shook her head and insisted that she was fine. Her relief was short-lived, though, becauseMeng Yangsuddenly appeared with his posse.

  He had been eating with Xiao Pangon the second floor of the cafeteria when he heard someone talking aboutYao Tang. The student was come from upstairs, and the boys promptly accosted him to ask what had happened. They rushed over as soon as they knew what was going on.

  Meng Yang was ill-tempered by nature. They had arrived just in time to catch this strange girl tellingYao Tangthat she wouldn’t be eating any braised pork ribs. He was instantly filled with rage.

  “And what kind of bastard are you?” he roared at Yu Shuas soon as he came close. “Which hole did you crawl out from? You dare keepYao Tangfrom eating what she wants? How about I just have the cook fired directly? So you’re brave enough to bully her, huh? Do you think you can handle going against me?”


  A hush came over the floor. While everyone knew of Meng Yang’s loyalty toYao Tang, they had never expected to see him defend her so vehemently.

  “Who exactly are you?” Yu Shucountered defiantly. It took her a second to realize thatMeng Yangwas wearing branded clothes.

  Her tone instantly changed. “I am from the Yu family in the capital city. You seem like an important person. Don’t be fooled by this wench.”


  “Ha!” Qin Jing rolled her eyes and took a step towards Yu Shu.

  “What Yu family? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it.”


  Yao Ran chose that moment to interfere, her eyes red with unshed tears. “I apologize,Meng Yang. This girl has no idea thatYao Tangis a close friend of yours. I promise, none of this was done on purpose. Please, for my sake, just let it go.”


  Then she turned to Yao Tang. “I already gave you my food tray. You shouldn’t be angry anymore, right?”


  With this, not only had she put in a good word for Yu Shu, but she had also implied thatYao Tanghad bullied her into giving up her lunch.

  As expected, Yao Ranwon everyone’s favor with her self-righteous act.

  Yu Shu glanced at her, pleased.

  Unfortunately for them, Yao Ran’s empty words meant nothing toMeng Yang. “I’m sorry,” he said in a sarcastic tone, “but what do you mean, for your sake? What do you even count for? Did you honestly think I care about you?”


  Yao Ran froze on the spot. Her eyes grew wide, and she looked like a deer caught in headlights.

  Meng Yang turned his attention to the food trayYao Tangwas carrying. He was visibly displeased.

  It wasn’t difficult to piece two and two together, so he knew where the tray had come from.

  He clicked his tongue and grabbed the tray from her hands. “You’re not eating something that came from that witch, are you?” he muttered, sounding like a fussy old aunt.

  His words finally pulled Yao Ranout of her daze.

  “It’s okay,” she said in an aggrieved voice. “Sister Tang can have it if she wants. I don’t mind giving it to her.”