C11 The Abandoned Daughter of a Rich Family(11)

After weighing the pros and cons, Yiyi decided to admit her mistake: "I'm sorry, I didn't ask clearly and said the wrong thing. They weren't bullying anyone."

"Sis, even though I'm Mom and Dad's biological daughter and you're just the adopted one, I've already moved out to live on my own. I'm not a threat to you. You can treat me however you want, just don't drag innocent people into it."

Lingling, seeing her goal achieved, didn't want to stay any longer and ran out. The others left in the office looked at Yiyi with disdain.

Yiyi wanted to explain, but since the person involved had already left, what more could she say? The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she felt, and she ran out crying.

The office buzzed with gossip.

"If she hadn't spoken, I wouldn't have recognized her as the biological daughter of the Yuan family. She doesn't look that bad now."

"I always thought Yiyi was dignified and proper, but who knew she was so scheming."

"Exactly, she even tried to manipulate us. Poor biological kid."

...

After Yiyi ran out, she slowed down and overheard some of the comments, deepening her resentment towards Lingling. Knowing these socialite women were notorious gossips, Yiyi realized her actions would soon be public knowledge, and she wished she could just get rid of Lingling.

As expected, those women eagerly spread rumors about Yiyi. They wouldn't openly oppose the Yuan family, but gossip was harmless, and even if the source was known, it couldn't stop the rumor mill.

Yiyi had thrived on the affection and reputation she had built, but now Mo Tingchen was full of misunderstandings about her; her backup plans were disappointed, even resentful; and as for her reputation, those socialites would be more than happy to "promote" it.

Now, all she could rely on was the Yuan family and her own abilities...

Lingling walked out of the office building with a smile, just in time to bump into Wu Xin, who was rushing over.

"Hey... are you okay?"

"Do I look like I'm not?"

Wu Xin glanced at the girl, scratching his head. She really didn't seem troubled.

Yuan Lingling looked at the big guy with bleached hair and a skull-patterned shirt, who was awkwardly scratching his head with a shy expression.

Is this kid a little slow?

The group hiding by the flower bed exchanged confused looks: Is this really our leader?

Wu Xin might have realized how silly he looked and quickly tried to compose himself. "Yuan, would you like to be my buddy?"

Yuan Lingling was bewildered and didn't answer.

"If you don't want to be buddies... you could be my leader instead." Wu Xin's round face turned red.

Yuan Lingling patted his shoulder and said earnestly, "Wu Xin, my focus is on studying. Only those who study hard are my true friends. So, Wu, hit the books."

With that, she handed him a pen from her bag.

After Yuan Lingling left, Wu Xin was still in a daze. The leader truly speaks with wisdom.

He turned to his group with determination. "Guys, from now on, your brother Wu is going to study hard. Don't bother me unless it's important! I'm gearing up for the college entrance exams."

One of the younger guys trembled, "But Wu, the exams are in two days."

"What? Is the world against me?" Wu Xin stomped his foot, then, clutching the pen, he was filled with resolve again. "Looks like I'll have to wait until next year to be a buddy!"

With that, he strutted away with a newfound purpose.

Yuan Lingling stepped out from behind a tree, shaking her head. Lin Meixin knew Yuan Yiyi's nature, and she hoped to help Wu Xin see it too.

In the past, Wu Xin also liked Yuan Yiyi, treating her like a sister and wanting to protect her. When they were kids, she was the only one who didn't tease him for being chubby and occasionally played with him.