Chapter 203: Chapter 203: Found Out Chapter 203: Chapter 203: Found Out Mengxuan’s incident had now passed, and the main house of the Zhong family did not fully grasp what happened. However, they were suspicious about Mengxuan suddenly falling ill and needing bed rest. Still, due to Old Sir’s authority, they dared not inquire casually.

However, Niangyao felt that Jing Hao might have guessed something faintly. Recently, every time Jing Hao looked at her, there was an indefinable meaning in his gaze.

Of course, she didn’t care much about it, as it wasn’t significantly related to her.

The Zhong family had also temporarily returned to peace.

In the blink of an eye, two days passed, and the school’s general assembly had arrived as scheduled.

Usually, many students would take leave during these assemblies. After all, few wanted to return to school for a meaningless meeting, and the school wasn’t strict about this.

However, this time the assembly saw a large turnout. It was a stark contrast to previous years. Clearly, everyone was there to witness the fulfillment of the bet between Niangyao, Chen Lianlian, and Shen Yixue.

Niangyao was as relaxed as ever, walking leisurely on the school’s pathway, showing no sign of triumph, as if it were just an ordinary day.

Many were surprised at Niangyao’s demeanor, yet upon reflection, it seemed reasonable; after all, Niangyao was the victor, so she bore no psychological burden.

As planned, the assembly took place. In front of everyone, Chen Lianlian and Shen Yixue knelt down to Niangyao.

This act lost them much face, yet they dared not renege.

The bet was known throughout the school, and it was even registered with the student council. If they reneged, no one could force them to comply, but their situation at school would become even more difficult than fulfilling the bet.

After all, who would want to trust or be associated with someone who lacks credibility?

After stepping down from the stage, Chen Lianlian and Shen Yixue immediately left the assembly. They could no longer face staying there, enduring the laughter of others.

As for Niangyao, she showed neither the victor’s pride nor any scorn towards Chen Lianlian and Shen Yixue. Her face maintained a serene expression, as if everything was mere routine.

Watching the untroubled Niangyao, the audience felt slightly bewildered for a moment. They even doubted whether this was the Niangyao they knew. How could a person change so much?

Previously, Niangyao was just a foolish, wealthy girl who only followed Li Jingming, dull despite her beauty. But now, not only did Niangyao win first place at the national painting competition and attract the attention of the Painting and Calligraphy Association’s president wanting to take her as a disciple, but she also achieved excellent results in this term’s exams. The current Niangyao, merely standing there, drew everyone’s attention.

This time, no one suspected Niangyao of cheating, for Tenglong Academy’s exam supervision was as strict as the national college entrance exam. If Niangyao had managed to cheat, it might be considered a feat of strength.

In stark contrast to Niangyao’s current glory, Yixue had already run away, but she still felt as if everyone around was mocking her.

Walking distraught along a path, she felt like a rat in a sewer, shunned by the light.

She didn’t know why she had ended up this way, but she knew that Niangyao was the root cause of everything.

Previously, Niangyao was a pitiable figure manipulated by her, but now the tables had turned. Why hadn’t Niangyao drowned when she fell into the water back then! If that had happened, none of this would have occurred.

Thinking of this, Yixue couldn’t suppress her intense hatred.

“Xiao Xue!”

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted Yixue’s thoughts. She turned around and saw none other than Li Jingming.

Remembering today’s events, Yixue felt a surge of grievance. She quickly stepped forward and threw herself into Li Jingming’s arms, her voice tinged with tears, “Jingming, what should I do now? After what’s happened today, how can I hold my place at the academy?”

Li Jingming did not comfort Yixue as he usually would. He looked at her, his expression complex. After hesitating, his hand did not pat Yixue’s back.

Yixue, still crying, quickly sensed something was wrong. She stepped back, catching a glimpse of the complexity in Li Jingming’s expression, which gave rise to an ominous premonition.

Yet, despite this, her expression remained unchanged, a mix of grievance and stubbornness in her tone with a hint of crying, “Jingming, what’s wrong with you?”

Seeing Yixue’s demeanor, a trace of pity flashed in Li Jingming’s eyes, yet he remained silent. Whether it was because he was contemplating how to begin, or for some other reason was unclear.

Yixue grew increasingly anxious, not knowing what was going on with Li Jingming. Yet, she could feel that whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

“Xiao Xue, I–” Li Jingming finally began to speak, but just after starting, he seemed unsure how to continue, appearing hesitant.

“Jingming, what has happened?” Yixue set aside her grievance, switching to concern, “Is there anything we can’t discuss between us?”

Li Jingming looked at Yixue, took a deep breath, and then said, “Xiao Xue, does my mother know about us?”

At this, Yixue’s eyes widened slightly, her pupils contracted with nervousness. She immediately stretched out her hand and tightly grasped Li Jingming’s hand, “Jingming… What do you mean?”

During this time, all her tuition and a portion of her living expenses had been covered by Li Jingming. Although she had also started working, the money she earned was hardly enough to sustain her expenses. All this had been kept a secret from Chen Sisi.