Chapter 17: Xia Yangyang's Confrontation

After school, Xia Yangyang went directly to the performing arts department. She checked the class schedule online, knowing Kim Fei’er had a morning class in Boya Building's stepped classroom. Xia Yangyang waited outside the classroom until the class ended.

As the dismissal bell rang, students poured out. Their curious and puzzled gazes fell upon her. Xia Yangyang overheard whispers of "black lotus" and "green tea bitch."

Kim Fei’er emerged. Crossing her arms, she scoffed, "Isn't this our recent superstar? What brings you to the performing arts department? Finished filming a movie and now you're changing majors?"

Xia Yangyang cut to the chase: "Did you post that thread on the school forum?"

Kim Fei’er feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about. Why come to me when you made a fool of yourself?"

Xia Yangyang responded coldly, "Cut the act. I've traced the forum ID to your student account. Are you still going to deny it?"

Kim Fei’er's expression showed not guilt, but smug satisfaction. "So what if I did? I didn't say anything untrue. Aren't you using 'Prince Charming' to climb up to Gu Qichen? Aren't you the Cinderella lead because of your father? I just exposed the truth."

Xia Yangyang retorted, "What do you know about the truth? Your 'truth' is just an excuse to condemn me. Your real motive is to defame me, get me off the school festival's popularity voting list, and take my role in the drama competition. The real 'black lotus' is you."

Many students had gathered outside the classroom. Seeing the confrontation between the two prominent students, they stopped to watch, some even recording the event on their phones.

Kim Fei’er was furious. "Xia Yangyang, don't make baseless accusations! I was already leading in the popularity vote. Why would I need to compete with you for a role that's already mine?"

Xia Yangyang replied, "If it rightfully belongs to you, I'm not convinced. You think the whole school is blind to your obvious vote rigging? Kim Fei’er, I'm not interested in this role, but since you've messed with me, I've set my sights on it. Let's see how it goes."

Xia Yangyang turned and walked away. A collective gasp followed.

"My gosh, Xia Yangyang is so aggressive!"

"But she's not wrong. Why did that post appear at this time? And Kim Fei’er's votes increased dramatically; it's obviously rigged."

"Could Xia Yangyang's accusations be true? That Kim Fei’er framed her…"

"Shut up!" Kim Fei’er's enraged shout echoed from a distance.

Xia Yangyang's words had been fueled by anger. She hadn't decided whether to participate in the school festival competition, but now it seemed she had no choice. She had no regrets, however. Showing weakness would only invite more bullying. She'd avoided trouble before, not out of fear, but to avoid hassle. But now that trouble had found her, tolerating it would be a disgrace.