Chapter 111 – Flower Protector (护花使者)
Now that the wool was no longer pulled over their eyes, the two realized that Qiao Hongye wasn’t who she’d portrayed herself to be. Subsequently, their feelings toward Jing Yunzhao grew somewhat complicated.
Previously, they had regarded Jing Yunzhao as a bad person and felt no shame when bad-mouthing her. Now, however, they couldn’t help but feel guilty.
Two or three more female students also happened to discover Qiao Hongye’s pictures, though compared to Zhang Hao and Dong Yi, they felt more deceived and betrayed rather than dejected.
As girls, they had liked Qiao Hongye because she appeared kind and pure. However, today, several people witnessed her true nature; she was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. This caused complicated feelings to arise in all of their hearts. Now, not only did they decide to completely sever their so-called friendships with her, but they also began to harbor some disgust, as well.
Moreover, under Qiao Hongye’s influence, these girls had developed the bad habit of bad-mouthing others, so in their anger, they broadcasted the entire matter immediately after reaching the school.
This gossipy trait of theirs was precisely the reason why Jing Yunzhao had sought them out. She had made her move, and even if Qiao Hongye’s ‘flower protectors’ jumped in to clear up the situation, it would prove difficult for Qiao Hongye to continue to freely spread rumors about her.
Qiao Hongye attended school as usual, dressed in a pure and refreshing outfit, with her straight hair draped over a shawl; the epitome of an obedient girl.
She never liked arriving at school early because she preferred to be the center of attention as she walked to her spot, and today, it was no different. Unfortunately, due to her tardiness, how could she have known that by then everyone in her class had learned of her glorious affair?
As soon as she sat down, she subconsciously reached into her desk to pull out something from inside, but her hand was only met with emptiness. She fell into a state of slight confusion. Every morning, Zhang Hao and Dong Yi would put a carton of milk inside her desk. Why wasn’t there one today? Did they forget?
Qiao Hongye was a bit disappointed, but concealed her emotions as she turned to her deskmate, “Xin Xin, later, help me tell Zhang Hao and Dong Yi that they don’t have to deliver milk every day, one bottle is already quite expensive…”
At the side, Xin Xin shot her a contemptuous look. How come she couldn’t see through Qiao Hongye’s two-faced antics before?! Sure enough, those in love were blind, and those immersed in friendship were similarly blind!
“Hongye, before you got here, Zhang Hao and the rest told me they had already drunk the milk themselves. If you want to drink milk, then go buy some yourself,” she responded impassively. Having said that, she shoved her things to one side to prevent Qiao Hongye from touching them.
Just imagining this seemingly innocent Qiao Hongye on the streets, boldly fooling around with guys, made her feel nauseous. She used to walk hand-in-hand with Qiao Hongye; who knows if she might find a rash breaking out there?
Qiao Hongye felt shocked in her heart and was somewhat at a loss. “Xin Xin, what are you saying? Did I accidentally do something to make you mad?”
Before her deskmate could even open her mouth, Qiao Hongye suddenly spoke as if enlightened, “I know, did your parents get into another quarrel? Don’t feel sad anymore, the matters of adults aren’t things we can control. They’re very complicated anyways. Even if your parents start arguing and decide to divorce later, they will always love you. Right now, you just need to focus on being a carefree student!”
Although Qiao Hongye was dissatisfied, she still spoke in accordance with her usual mannerism.
“Qiao Hongye!” Her deskmate slammed her hand against the table and said, “What does my parents’ relationship have anything to do with you? They’re just quarreling, is there a need for you to give them a talking-to? You’ve even brought up divorce! You just don’t feel comfortable seeing others happy, do you?!”
