Chapter 78 — Lessons, Leashes & A Toad Reaching for Swan Meat
Bai Xia walked through the school gate with Su Yin and Li Guyan on either side of her, the three forming a natural formation that made people instinctively step out of the way.
Ahead, Shang Shan stood waiting.
The moment she saw the trio, her smile froze—then drained entirely when her eyes landed on Su Yin and Li Guyan.
Her heart thumped painfully.
Why… why are they with Bai Xia? When did that happen?!
Shang Shan's face paled. Not because she feared Bai Xia—no. In her mind, Bai Xia was soft-hearted, easy to manipulate, and easily fooled with a few fake tears.
But Su Yin and Li Guyan?
Those two could ruin her life.
Literally.
Li Guyan's eyes drifted lazily over her, sharp and amused, catching every fear that flickered across Shang Shan's expression. Even if Bai Xia hadn't told her a thing, she still hated this kind of pretentious, social-climbing parasite.
Li Guyan let out a little laugh, sweet and high-pitched.
"Xia Xia, why did you invite her? Can she even afford anything from the store later? I don't want to be embarrassed on your behalf."
Shang Shan choked.
Su Yin folded her arms, her voice dripping with disdain. "Isn't she the one who turned the entire B class against you before? Why are you still hanging around a scheming snake like her?"
Shang Shan's fists tightened at her side, but she didn't dare respond.
Su Yin could destroy her social life.
Li Guyan could destroy her actual life.
And Bai Xia… well, Bai Xia was the only one here who at least pretended to have mercy.
Desperate, Shang Shan looked at Bai Xia.
Please help me…
She wanted the girl she used to bully to defend her. How ironic.
Bai Xia caught her gaze and lifted her chin with a calm, unreadable smile.
"Su Yin, Li Guyan… Shang Shan already apologized for everything she did before. She even asked me to show her the ropes. So—let's show her the ropes together. It doesn't matter if she's poor or not."
Shang Shan brightened instantly.
Bai Xia still has a conscience. I knew it.
But Su Yin and Li Guyan exchanged a look. A dangerous one.
They understood exactly what Bai Xia meant.
"Xia Xia, you're such a kind girl," Li Guyan said, looping her arm through Bai Xia's. "Of course we'll show her the ropes. Thoroughly."
"That's right," Su Yin added with a cold smile. "What's your name again?"
"Sh-Shang Shan," she stuttered.
"Hmph." Su Yin's eyes swept her from head to toe. "Shang Shan, you better listen properly and do everything we say."
Shang Shan nodded like a rattle drum.
"Yes, yes, of course."
In her mind, she was already dreaming of the benefits she would squeeze out of these people later.
Then—
A sleek black Lincoln rolled to a stop before the gate.
Stella stepped out.
Su Yin and Li Guyan's eyes lit up.
Their families owned cars like this, yes—but they were usually reserved for their parents, not for them. They certainly weren't allowed to use one as a personal ride to school.
But Bai Xia?
Bai Xia used hers casually.
Like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Su Yin's doubts grew.
Was Bai Xia actually poor before?
Or is her family hiding their wealth?
Maybe… her father really is some rich heir or prince…
Before Su Yin or Li Guyan could enter—
Shang Shan darted forward and slipped into the back seat first.
The audacity.
Li Guyan's expression instantly darkened.
"Shang Shan," she said, voice icy, "what are you doing in the back seat? That's where me, Bai Xia, and Su Yin are sitting."
Su Yin scoffed loudly. "A toad trying to eat swan meat. You're even more shameless than I thought."
Shang Shan felt her face heat with humiliation.
In her mind, she should be sitting beside Bai Xia.
She was Bai Xia's "best friend."
She should be the one flaunting this luxury car to the school.
Not these girls.
Her eyes darted desperately to Bai Xia.
"Bai Xia…?"
But Bai Xia only tilted her head slightly, lips curling into a soft smile that hid a razor-sharp blade underneath.
"Shang Shan, Su Yin and Li Guyan were the ones I invited. You said you wanted to come along, so…"
Her voice trailed off with deliberate innocence.
Shang Shan's face twisted.
"But Bai Xia—I'm your best friend! Didn't we promise to always take care of each other?"
Bai Xia almost laughed.
She had never made such a promise. Not in this life. Not in the last.
Li Guyan's patience snapped.
She stepped into the car, grabbed Shang Shan by the wrist, and yanked her out with zero hesitation.
Shang Shan hit the ground with a painful thud.
Li Guyan dusted her hands elegantly.
"Shang Shan, I refuse to sit in a car with someone so poor and pretentious. Take a taxi and meet us there."
Su Yin, without missing a beat, pulled out a 5-yuan note and tossed it at Shang Shan's feet.
Perfect synchronicity.
Almost theatrical.
Bai Xia had to look away to hide her smirk.
She, Li Guyan, and Su Yin entered the car.
Stella shut the door.
The Lincoln pulled away smoothly.
Behind them, Shang Shan slowly rose to her feet, trembling with rage and humiliation. A few students passing by whispered, pointing at her.
Her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.
"Bai Xia… you bitch…" she hissed under her breath.
Her face twisted into a deranged smile.
She hailed a taxi with jerky movements.
She had to go.
If she didn't, the plan she made with Bai Gin would never work.
And as she thought of that plan—
that delicious, twisted plan—
a creepy smile spread across her lips.
One that did not belong to a sane person.