C17 Disgusting!

Upon witnessing Shi Qian's demeanor, Shi Yaorong's expression turned stern. He questioned her, "When did you arrive from the countryside? What are you up to in the Imperial Capital?"

Hearing this, Shi Qian let out a cold laugh.

Could Shi Yaorong really be asking her when she had come from the countryside?

He was oblivious to the fact that she had never even been there.

With an indifferent glance at both of them, she turned on her heel and left without uttering another word.

"Stop right there!" Shi Yaorong bellowed, about to pursue her.

Shi Muxue quickly took hold of his arm, her voice laced with regret. "Dad, I'm sorry. I should not have kept this from you."

Shi Yaorong turned to face Shi Muxue. "Muxue, what are you talking about?"

"I'm sorry, Dad. I've known that Sister was in the capital since the start of the school year. She's a freshman at Imperial College, just like me. I should have told you."

Shi Yaorong, taken aback, exclaimed, "What? Shi Qian is at Imperial University too?"

"Yes," Shi Muxue nodded, then added, "Dad, I didn't intend to deceive you. I wanted to convince her to sever ties with certain people before urging her to come home."

"Which people? What are you implying?" Shi Yaorong asked, his brow furrowed.

Shi Muxue hesitated, appearing as though she had misspoken.

Quickly, she added, "It's nothing. Dad, please don't worry. Now that Sister is here in the Imperial Capital, I'll make sure to persuade her to return home. We're family, after all."

"Muxue!" Shi Yaorong's voice was grave. "What do you know? Tell me the truth!"

"Dad, there really isn't anything to tell. Please, let it be."

"Speak!"

In a troubled tone, Shi Muxue spoke softly, "I don't know all the details. Just last week, a thug caused a scene at the school, claiming in front of many students that Sister and he..."

She paused deliberately, seeming too ashamed to continue, then went on, "Sister apparently used that thug's money. I've been trying to persuade her to stop associating with those people, to cut ties and come home quickly. But Sister won't listen. She even says it has nothing to do with us."

Shi Yaorong furrowed his brow. "Causing a scene at school?"

"Yeah, lots of students witnessed it."

Shi Yaorong's face turned a shade of iron, his teeth clenched in anger. "This disgraceful behavior! Your mother sends her money every month, and yet she engages in such shameless acts!"

"Dad, please don't be too hard on my sister. She must have just had a lapse in judgment. I'll talk to her."

"Talk to her?!" Shi Yaorong's expression grew stern, a glint of severity in his gaze. "Xue'er, you mustn't speak of your connection to Shi Qian to anyone. As far as the Shi family is concerned, such a person doesn't exist!"

The Shi family was still establishing themselves in the capital, their footing not yet secure.

Especially since Yaorong was eyeing a partnership with the Su family. If successful, it might even lead to an alliance with the even more influential Huo family behind them.

The Su family was a name of repute.

Driven by ambition, Shi Yaorong would not tolerate a scandal tarnishing the Shi family's name at such a critical juncture, potentially alerting the Su family to the existence of a daughter who brought them shame.

Shi Qian being out of the picture was for the best!

A smug smile flickered in Shi Muxue's eyes.

With Shi Qian's return to the Shi family, her chances were surely dashed.

Shi Qian entered the classroom and settled into a quiet corner seat.

She pulled out her phone and began tapping the screen.

Before long, Sheng Xu entered the computer science classroom and politely asked the girl sitting next to Shi Qian to move, taking the seat beside her.

Resting his chin in his hand, he watched Shi Qian from the side.

A wave of surprised murmurs rippled through the room.

"Holy smokes! What's happening here? Is Young Master Sheng here for Shi Qian?"

"He's got to be, he's sitting right next to her! It's over, guys. I think Young Master Sheng is about to be off the market."

Meanwhile, Shi Qian was propping up her chin, lost in thought with her phone, completely oblivious to the change in her company.