C29 Something Was Wrong

After exiting the restaurant, Shi Qian turned to Wen Ke'er and suggested, "How about we find a quiet spot to play some games? I can help you level up."

Wen Ke'er's eyes sparkled with excitement as she replied, "Sure, let's head to the bench by the botanical garden."

"Sounds good."

They had only taken a few steps when Wen Ke'er suddenly halted, turning to Shi Qian, "Qian, you go on ahead. I need to grab another phone from my dorm; this one isn't working well."

Clearly, Wen Ke'er was so passionate about the game that she had a second phone just for playing.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Shi Qian offered.

"No, I'll be quick," Wen Ke'er said before dashing off toward the dormitory, leaving Shi Qian to continue to the botanical garden alone.

Wen Ke'er raced back to her dorm, grabbed the other phone from her bag, and hurried back out.

In the corridor, she encountered Wen Yiran, standing there by herself.

After a brief hesitation, Wen Ke'er greeted her, "Cousin," intending to pass by her.

But Wen Yiran intentionally blocked her way.

Wen Ke'er looked at her and asked, "Cousin, could you please move aside?"

Wen Yiran, with an air of superiority, sneered down at her, "Wen Ke'er, you've become quite bold."

Wen Ke'er bit her lip, choosing to remain silent.

Wen Yiran grew more infuriated by her silence. She jabbed her finger into Wen Ke'er's shoulder and said coldly, "You know full well that I despise that little wretch Shi Qian, and yet you're still palling around with her! What's your angle? Trying to cozy up to Young Master Sheng and Young Master Lu through her? Don't kid yourself. With your pathetic ways, do you think you stand a chance?"

Wen Ke'er winced at the jab but was more upset by Wen Yiran's foul language aimed at Shi Qian.

She met Wen Yiran's gaze and responded calmly and firmly, "Cousin, since you're aware of Young Master Sheng's fondness for Shi Qian, you might want to watch your words unless you're looking for trouble."

Hearing this, Wen Yiran's anger only intensified.

She raised her hand and delivered a fierce slap across Wen Ke'er's face.

Holding her cheek, Wen Ke'er's eyes reddened as she demanded, "Why did you hit me?!"

Wen Yiran replied with icy disdain, "I hit you because I feel like it. Haven't you been hit by me enough? You'd better start behaving, Wen Ke'er, and stop provoking me. Otherwise, you and your parents can pack up and leave the Wen family!"

With that, Wen Yiran shoved her aside and stormed off.

Wen Ke'er stumbled back, clutching her reddened cheek, fighting back tears with all her might.

The Wen family, including the Wen Corporation, was under the control of Wen Yiran's father, who had raised Wen Yiran to be arrogant and overbearing.

Wen Ke'er's father held no real authority in either the family or the corporation, which meant she was overlooked and frequently subjected to Wen Yiran's outbursts.

After a moment to collect herself,

Wen Ke'er composed her emotions and dialed Shi Qian's number, "Qian, I'm so sorry. Can we hang out another time? Something's come up unexpectedly."

Her voice betrayed nothing but apology.

Shi Qian, detecting no hint of distress, responded, "Oh, no problem. You take care of what you need to."

"God, I'm sorry."

Shi Qian chuckled, "Don't worry about it. By the way, what are you up to? Do you need any help?"

Worried that Shi Qian might come and see her current state, Wen Ke'er quickly assured, "No, no, it's okay. I can handle it myself."

This time, Shi Qian sensed an off note in her tone.

Wen Ke'er seemed unusually anxious about Shi Qian coming to find her.

With a nonchalant air, Shi Qian said, "Alright then, take care of your business."

Ending the call,

Shi Qian couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

The dormitory lacked surveillance.

Borrowing a classmate's computer, Shi Qian swiftly hacked into the school's database and located Wen Ke'er's dorm number.

After erasing her web activity, she returned the laptop to her classmate.

Then, she made her way to the women's dormitory.