Chapter 19 - 19: 019 Melodrama
Monday morning pop quiz, only covering three main courses.
In Class 8, a poor academic atmosphere prevails, taking tests is a habitual exercise for them, even scoring zero is a talent of its own.
During the quiz, some were sleeping, some were reading extracurricular books, some were daydreaming. The proctor, principal Huang Liang, turned a blind eye, expecting nothing good from these young louts, not making a fuss was already a big deal.
The only exceptions were Hu Tian and Ming Jing who sat upright, diligently writing, standing out as pure streams amid the muddy flow.
Tao Xingxing yawned, glanced at the focused classmate sitting next to him, and then lay heavily on the desk.
On their way to the cafeteria, Tao Xingxing held Ming Jing’s arm, “That night, when you fell into the water, I was scared to death. Why did you save Zhu Xiangxiang? The sea was so deep. What if something happened to you? Could Zhu Xiangxiang compensate for it?”
“Besides, she has so many fans. Why didn’t those people save her, why did we have to?” He rambled all the way to the cafeteria.
Both Tao Xingxing and Ming Jing picked up the meal combo they usually ordered, just as they were about to find a seat, Zhu Xiangxiang raised her hand in the crowd, “Ming Jing, over here.”
Zhu Xiangxiang, the school belle, was always the center of attention. Even when she was simply having a meal in the cafeteria, there were always countless eyes on her.
That girl again? What qualities does she possess to gain the favor of the school belle?
The seat opposite to Zhu Xiangxiang was empty. Ming Jing went over to sit, and Tao Xingxing squeezed next to him.
“Hello, I’m Zhu Xiangxiang, and I’m Mingjing’s…,” Zhu Xiangxiang glanced at Ming Jing.
“Good friend. ”
Tao Xingxing raised his brows in surprise at her words, but maintained his composure, “I’m Ming Jing’s desk mate, my name is Tao Xingxing. By the way, how did you get to know Ming Jing?”
So Ming Jing’s valiant rescue of Zhu Xiangxiang that night wasn’t simply an act of kindness, they knew each other from before.
Zhu Xiangxiang chuckled, “It’s a long story.”
“Wow, what’s all the fuss about?” An annoying voice sounded, and then a figure sat down next to Zhu Xiangxiang.
It was the pesky Li Jiaojiao.
“You two sisters are quite interesting, good friends? Zhu Xiangxiang, your face is thicker than a city wall.” Li Jiaojiao mocked.
Tao Xingxing almost choked, his vigorous coughing broke out, “What…What? Sisters?”
He glanced at Zhu Xiangxiang, then at Ming Jing, they didn’t look alike at all…
Suddenly, he remembered the widespread rumors that Zhu Xiangxiang was a mistakenly reported false heiress, which was why many people were laughing at her behind her back.
Could it be… Could it be Ming Jing was the real heiress from the rumors?
Oh god… What kind of magical plot is this? He always thought this type of rich family dispute was something from a melodramatic TV show, far away from him. But now, it was happening right in front of him.
Ming Jing had suffered so much but still risked her life to save Zhu Xiangxiang. What kind of generous spirit did that involve?
Many people, their ears perked up, turned their attention to the conversation.
They naturally heard what Li Jiaojiao said and immediately began to speculate along the same lines as Tao Xingxing.
The discussion spread around the whole school, and the school’s gossip forum was on the brink of exploding.
Zhu Xiangxiang’s face remained unchanged, as gentle and elegant as ever, “Ming Jing likes a quiet life, I don’t want my identity revealed to cause her any trouble.”
Li Jiaojiao added fuel to the fire, “Zhu Xiangxiang, you speak so nicely. Little master Ming Jing, don’t be deceived by this woman. If it wasn’t for her, you would have been the only heiress of the Zhus, enjoying a luxurious life with an advantageous upbringing. The Jiangzhou’s number one socialite should have been you. However, this woman took everything away from you and made you suffer all this hardship from a young age. Do you really think she cares about you?”
Zhu Xiangxiang glared at Li Jiaojiao, angrily, “I will make up for what I owe
Ming Jing, it’s not your place to interfere.”
Li Jiaojiao shot back, “I’m the one talking nonsense? Fine then, now that the real heiress is back, shouldn’t the fake heiress return to where she came from? Having enjoyed these benefits for 16 years, and you still want to continue exploiting them?”
Ming Jing, the focus of the argument, was as calm as if she hadn’t heard a word, and quietly continued eating.
She ate slowly, her movements tranquil and full of an indescribable elegance. Although slow, in no time at all, her plate was empty. She took out a napkin, wiped her mouth, got up and left without glancing at the two who had been arguing across from her.
Li Jiaojiao was stunned and yelled, “Zhu Mingjing, stop! I’m standing up for you. What kind of attitude is this?”
Ming Jing paused, didn’t turn back, and her cold voice echoed, “Firstly, my surname is not Zhu. Secondly, if you want to pick a fight with Zhu Xiangxiang, don’t involve me. Thirdly, when the mistake was made, Zhu Xiangxiang was just a baby. What fault does she bear?” With that, she walked away without looking back.o
But her cold and firm voice lingered in the cafeteria, like an echo resounding around the beams.
Zhu Xiangxiang watched Ming Jing’s retreating figure, her fist clenched tightly. Was Ming Jing standing up for her?
Li Jiaojiao snorted coldly, “It’s your loss. Your crying days are ahead.”
“Li Jiaojiao, I don’t know what I did to offend you that much, making you stick to me like a dog?”
Li Jiaojiao hit the table, “You’re the dog, your whole family is filled with dogs, you clearly know where you’ve hurt me.”
Zhu Xiangxiang had no interest in arguing with her, she got up with her tray and left.
The moment the two left, the cafeteria exploded with chatter.
“Oh my gosh, that new transfer student from class 8 is the real heiress of the Zhus, unbelievable.”
“Of course, she’s from the countryside, how can she compare to Zhu Xiangxiang in terms of looks and temperament…”
“Clearly Zhu Xiangxiang took everything away from her, isn’t it a bit too mean to belittle her like this?”
“Anyway, I think the real heiress has a good figure, good temperament and she’s exceptionally kind, you didn’t hear her defending Zhu Xiangxiang?”
“If I were the real heiress, I wouldn’t be able to stand the sight of the fake heiress and lose my appetite every day. Li Jiaojiao is right, now that the true heiress is back, why should the fake keep up the act and enjoy the luxury?
“Are you kidding me? If I were the fake heiress, I would never leave.”
“Poor real heiress….”