Xiaomei looked at me nervously. "I… I don't really know, madam."
I blinked. Why the hell doesn't she even know the names of the subjects she's studying?
"It's not very impressive to not remember your own subjects," I said bluntly. "Clearly, you're not focused on your studies."
Her eyes widened in surprise, but before she could defend herself, a sharp voice cut through the room.
"So… you've really become dumb? I thought people were just gossiping about you."
I looked at her, completely uninterested. "And who the hell are you?"
Honestly, she screamed "daily soap villain" the moment I saw her—one of those characters my mom watches obsessively.
She smirked. "So now you've even forgotten me… or are you just pretending to escape our bet?"
I glanced at Xiaomei. She leaned closer and whispered, "She's the eldest daughter of the Liang family. Her name is Yueran. You… don't like her."
Ah, finally—something in common. Between the original lady and me, we both didn't like this idiot.
Before I could respond, a fierce-looking woman strode into the room. Definitely a teacher. Everyone scrambled to their seats. I nudged Xiaomei. "Let's sit at the back." She hesitated, unsure.
Yueran, venom dripping from her words, added, "She can't enter the class. This academy is only for the elite. I doubt she can even afford it… worthless idiot."
My jaw tightened.
"Hey, watch your mouth," I said, voice steady and serious. "You have no freaking right to talk to her like that. Apologize."
Yueran laughed, loud and obnoxious. "Are you serious?"
I really wanted to slap her, but Xiaomei grabbed my arm—teacher was watching us. She whispered that she'd wait outside. I nodded and headed to the back of the class.
Ten minutes later, the front seat—still empty—was suddenly claimed.
The girl who walked in carried an aura I couldn't ignore. Arrogant, confident… like someone who believed ordinary people didn't deserve to breathe the same air as her. And, of course, she was ridiculously beautiful. One look and you forgot every misdeed she ever committed.
I was so busy judging her that I didn't notice everyone had stood up for her.
*Yep.*
I was the only one still sitting.
Yueran's voice rang out, loud and smug.
"So, Xueyi… now you don't even respect our princess?"
I swear I saw her smile.
The princess turned to glare at me. Her expression darkened the second she saw me sitting. The ten girls in the room suddenly felt tiny. Some looked at me with pity, like I'd already been sentenced. Others smiled, like I definitely deserved whatever was coming.
And I hadn't even said a word yet.
The princess walked straight towards me. And yes… I was still sitting.
Why the hell would I stand up for her?
Rule #1: If you want respect… earn it.
She stopped in front of me, disbelief painted across her face.
"Are you disrespecting me?"
I met her gaze calmly. "I didn't say a word. How exactly am I disrespecting you? And for the record—I don't even know you."
Her face flushed deep red.
"Kneel in front of me."
I laughed. "Why the hell would I do anything just because you said so?"
The teacher stepped in, trying to calm the situation, but the bratty princess wasn't listening. With a snap of her fingers, five maids of different heights stormed into the room.
My eyes went wide.
I can literally see my death right now.
This "no respect given" rule of mine? Yeah… it was about to shatter.
After seeing her squad, the princess turned sharply toward the teacher.
"Miss," she began, voice dripping with exaggerated authority, "as this is a mannerisms class, and clearly our friend Xueyi here didn't have enough manners… it's my royal duty to—" She paused, eyes snapping to me. "Correct her."
Then, without missing a beat, her attention swung to her maids.
"Take her outside," she ordered, with all the drama of someone delivering a royal decree. "And make her kneel… until she learns how to behave properly next time."
I just stared at her, leaning back in my chair. "Kneel? Honey, I don't even know what planet you're on."
Xiaomei's hand gripped mine. "Madam… they're actually coming for you."
Think… Jiya, just think what you're going to do in this situation.
Oh, before someone asks—who is Jiya and where the hell did she come from?
Let me tell you… she was here all along. Because that's the "real me".
But honestly? Forget that. I can't do this. I can't fight "five maids". Am I out of my mind?
Then… I saw "someone". And my eyes literally sparked.
"Jin Wei."
Ohhh, heaven is on my side today.
Without thinking twice, I dashed toward him. He looked at me like "why the hell is this crazy woman running toward me?" Trust me, sir, I'm also wondering the same.
I don't even know how I look right now. Wildlife documentary? Probably.
But I must run fast—because "my life freaking depends on it."
I don't know why I think he'll help me… but some part of me wants to try.
See, I'm the type who "never fights her own battles". I prefer delegating. In the real world? I'd run straight to my brother. "Why waste energy when my brother can beat them up for me?" Right?
And here… I think Jin Wei can handle this bratty princess. I mean, he is her brother. Isn't he?
Now the real question is…
"Will he take my side?"
"Fingers crossed."