C3 Does It Hurt?

Without realizing it, Huo Mengmeng turned her head and caught sight of Soong Zicheng, who had unexpectedly appeared behind her. What business did the dutiful Student Union President have with this commotion?

She shot Soong Zicheng a look of dissatisfaction, her dark eyes brimming with clear annoyance, silently questioning, "Why are you blocking me? Let go already, won't you?"

But Soong Zicheng didn't release her hand. Instead, he protectively pulled her behind him as if she were a fragile chick.

His gaze on Xiao Anan was deceptively gentle, but his voice carried a stern edge. "Ms Xiao Anan, I insist you apologize to Ms Huo Mengmeng right now!"

Xiao Anan was incredulous. "Why should I apologize to her?"

Jealousy surged within her as she watched Soong Zicheng defend Huo Mengmeng publicly. She couldn't resist voicing her complaint, "Senior Brother Zicheng, had you not intervened just now, her slap would have hit me squarely. Don't let her facade deceive you!"

Deceive? She had known Soong Zicheng for over a decade; there was no need for pretense.

Huo Mengmeng curled her lips in scorn, too indifferent to elaborate further. She shoved the obstructive Soong Zicheng aside and swung her hand toward Xiao Anan's face.

"Smack!"

The sound of the sharp slap echoed, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.

Xiao Anan was dazed by the unexpected blow, momentarily at a loss for how to react.

Huo Mengmeng watched Xiao Anan's bewildered face and let out a cold laugh. "I struck. What are you going to do about it?"

The mere spectacle was enough to petrify her. What grounds did she have to challenge Huo Mengmeng?

If they witnessed her enraged, they'd surely be knocked senseless.

It took a few seconds for Xiao Anan to regain her composure. Clutching her stinging cheek, she was so livid she nearly let out a scream. But with her idol present, she forced down the fury bubbling inside her and turned to Soong Zicheng with eyes brimming with hurt.

"Senior Brother Zicheng, did you see what she did to me..."

Xiao Anan's voice broke off, her words trailing into silence.

Soong Zicheng had no interest in engaging with her. Instead, he turned and took Huo Mengmeng's hand.

He examined her reddened palm, his brow furrowed with concern. "Does it hurt?" he asked.

"Not at all," Huo Mengmeng briskly brushed away Soong Zicheng's hand.

Yet, to Xiao Anan, their exchange seemed incredibly intimate, fueling her jealousy.

Ignoring the presence of her crush, Xiao Anan snatched up her phone and called the Dean of Students. "Chair Su, Ms Huo Mengmeng has broken the school rules by hitting someone. You need to address this immediately, or my father will come to the school to see you personally."

The Dean of Students was close by and hurried over, berating Huo Mengmeng, "Ms Huo Mengmeng, look at you! Daring to hit someone? Have your parent come to the Dean's Office. If they're not here by lunchtime, you'll face the consequences!"

Soong Zicheng attempted to intercede on her behalf but was cut off by the Dean of Students. "Zicheng, what are you doing here? The principal is looking for you. Go now."

With no other option, Soong Zicheng reluctantly departed.

Xiao Anan gloated, taunting, "Huo Mengmeng, you might as well prepare to be expelled!"

At that moment, Huo Mengmeng was too preoccupied to pay Xiao Anan any mind.

She was deeply troubled, trying to figure out how to explain the situation so that he wouldn't be upset.

The mere thought of his deathly stern gaze when angry sent shivers down her spine, causing her to involuntarily shrink her neck.

But with the Dean of Students laying down the law, Huo Mengmeng felt helpless and resigned herself to making the necessary phone call.