C13 13
The buzz around the school was palpable as word spread about the new transfer student. The source of the excitement was none other than the sister of the school's reigning beauty, Tong Nianyu. It was common knowledge that Nianyu was the Tong family's only child, so the sudden emergence of a sister set imaginations running wild, conjuring up scenarios befitting a prime-time soap opera. "What sister?" scoffed Pei Na, Nianyu's best friend, from her seat, her expression one of scorn. "She's nothing but an illegitimate child, and yet everyone's making such a fuss over her." Beside her, Nianyu called out with a hint of exasperation, "Na." Her tone seemed to be a gentle attempt to curb any further slander about Tong Qing, but Pei Na's temper only flared more, her words sharp and unforgiving. "You're too soft-hearted, Nianyu. If you ask me, a child of dubious origin like her should stay hidden, out of sight for life. And yet she has the audacity to show up in front of you." Their conversation caught the attention of nearby students, who began to murmur among themselves. "The new girl isn't Nianyu's real sister?" "Real sister? She's an illegitimate child. They don't share the same mother. Why else would the Tong family have kept her a secret for over 20 years before acknowledging her?" "I've heard that the illegitimate child was born after her mother drugged the school beauty's father, all for money." "Can that be true?" "Don't believe it? Go ask the school beauty yourself." Curious glances were cast toward Nianyu, who sat serenely in her white dress, her demeanor pure and unassuming, naturally evoking a sense of protectiveness. It had to be true, the thought rippled through the crowd. With Nianyu's stunning looks, her mother must have been a beauty as well. After all, what man could resist such allure and seek affection elsewhere? "Let's have some quiet, please," the Mentor's voice cut through the chatter as she appeared and clapped her hands for attention. "We have a new transfer student joining us today. Let's extend a warm welcome and show her kindness."
Upon seeing her in person, someone let out a whistle: "Wow, what a beauty." Tong Qing truly was stunning. Her skin was porcelain and smooth, her eyes sparkled with life as if they could speak. She stood there with such an air of purity that it seemed almost sacrilegious to come too close. While Tong Nianyu had the innocent visage of a first love that inspired sympathy, Tong Qing was like a goddess, untouchable and revered, not to be sullied by mere mortals. The Mentor chuckled, not taking the earlier catcall to heart, and turned to Tong Qing with a gentle voice. "Tong Qing, please take a seat." Tong Qing nodded and casually chose a corner to sit down in. She acted as if she had not even noticed Tong Nianyu, showing no reaction whatsoever. The classmates exchanged knowing looks, their expressions laden with unspoken thoughts. It was clear that the sisters' relationship was as strained as the rumors suggested. The Mentor, oblivious to the tension in the room, offered some platitudes about mutual care and kindness among students. She only wrapped up her speech when she sensed their growing restlessness and left. The classroom, now steeped in quiet, was disrupted when someone remarked, "The new transfer student is even more beautiful than Tong Nianyu." That comment stirred the pot, setting off a wave of reactions. All eyes turned to Tong Nianyu, their expressions a mix of amusement, irritation, and anticipation for the drama to unfold. Tong Nianyu clenched her hands tightly, feigning indifference, though inside she seethed with resentment. This little wretch had managed to eclipse her on her very first day. To think she was deemed more beautiful than her, was Tong Qing, that upstart from the slums, even in the same league? "Hey, classmate." A boy with an ear piercing and a buzz cut, exuding a cool vibe, sat in front of Tong Qing and spoke with a roguish grin. "Let's get acquainted. I'm Su Cheng, 'Su' as in the city, 'Cheng' as in success." Just as Tong Qing was about to look up, her phone buzzed with a new message. Mr. Fu: Are you in the classroom? She pressed her lips together and responded: Yes. Su Cheng, sitting across from Tong Qing, scowled. He was the school's heartthrob, usually only engaging with Tong Nianyu.
Annoyed at being ignored, Su Cheng rapped his knuckles on the desk. "Hey! I'm talking to you!" At the sound, Tong Qing finally looked at him, her voice cool. "Do you need something?" Her clean, lovely face grew more animated as she furrowed her brow, and Su Cheng froze, momentarily at a loss for words. Seeing this, even if the others could remain seated, Tong Nianyu could not. She rose quickly and, under everyone’s gaze, walked straight toward Tong Qing. "Su Cheng," Tong Nianyu said in a soft, tender voice, "my little sister grew up in the slums and can be a bit withdrawn. If she upset you, please don’t take it to heart." Tong Qing nearly laughed at the words. Between the lines, Tong Nianyu was telling everyone that she was nothing more than an illegitimate child from the slums. Yet she still wore the mask of a kind-hearted person, soothing Su Cheng while pretending to defend her.
