Chapter 18: Xia Yangyang's Dilemma

Xia Yangyang entered the room and boldly declared, "What are you doing here? I'm here for the same reason." Approaching Gu Zhaohan, she continued, "I'd like to invite you to be the male lead in my play."

Kim Fei'er exploded. "Xia Yangyang, you're shameless! You're his aunt by marriage. Don't you know to avoid suspicion? Do you want the whole school to think the prince has an ambiguous relationship with his aunt, or are you just playing both sides?"

Xia Yangyang responded confidently, "Kim Fei'er, don't slander me. Whether or not we have an ambiguous relationship is clearest to him. I am upright and aboveboard. Director Yin asked us to form competing teams; it's not wrong for me to try to get a popular male lead. Those who are innocent will clear themselves. Over time, the truth will be revealed."

Kim Fei'er retorted, "Xia Yangyang, I can't stand your self-righteousness and aloof demeanor. You only think of yourself! Have you considered the prince?"

Gu Zhaohan interjected, "Alright, stop arguing."

Kim Fei'er pressed, "Are you really going to act in the play with her?"

Gu Zhaohan said, "I won't be acting. You both can leave."

Xia Yangyang left first, believing Gu Zhaohan's refusal was genuine. He always seemed indifferent and uninterested in such things.

The next day, news circulated that Gu Zhaohan was partnering with Kim Fei'er in the play. The school's notice board displayed the news, including the competition between Xia Yangyang and Kim Fei'er's teams, and their bet. It became the school's hottest topic.

Xia Yangyang stood before the notice board, frowning. Had Gu Zhaohan really agreed to co-star with Kim Fei'er?

At lunchtime, she confirmed the news with Wen Xiaochu, who interacted frequently with Gu Zhaohan, being in the same major and having the same mentor.

"I don't understand why Gu Zhaohan joined Kim Fei'er's team and refused you," Wen Xiaochu said. "Could he be using a roundabout tactic, planning to sabotage Kim Fei'er at the crucial moment?"

"Aren't you overthinking it? Do you think he's that kind of person?" Xia Yangyang asked.

Gu Zhaohan was not one for roundabout tactics; he either committed fully or not at all. Wen Xiaochu, his classmate for three years, knew this well. However, Xia Yangyang knew the truth: Gu Zhaohan simply detested her.

Wen Xiaochu sighed, "Our chances of winning are slim. With Gu Zhaohan on their side, Kim Fei'er's team is incredibly strong. Where will we find a male lead to compete with him?"

Xia Yangyang felt somber. She banged her head on the table. "Was I insane to bet with her? I'm doomed! Gu Zhaohan, you traitor!"

However, her self-pity lasted only through lunch. Afterward, she said, "No matter what, we have to try our best. Who's the second most popular guy in school?"

"Li Jiashu from the performance department," Wen Xiaochu replied.

Li Jiashu, a performing arts student, was known for his role in a campus promotional video with Lu Yao. He was handsome, sunny, humorous, humble, and well-liked, though less popular than Gu Zhaohan.

Xia Yangyang quickly found Li Jiashu, who readily agreed to participate.