Chapter 785: Quarrel....
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
As Murong Yumeng and her companions approached, the first person to catch their attention was the charming Ye Leng’an.
Among the crowd, only Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an stood out. Even amidst the bustling atmosphere, their striking appearances and unique demeanor were enough to captivate attention.
Even Zi Zhijie, deeply infatuated with Murong Yumeng, momentarily lost focus upon seeing Ye Leng’an’s smiling face.
“Meeting again, it seems fate has its own plans,” Xiao Lingling spoke up, her face filled with resentment. “If we had known, we wouldn’t have come.”
Her words snapped everyone back to reality, their earlier distraction now remembered with a tinge of complexity.
“Since we’ve encountered each other, let’s greet them,” Murong Yumeng suggested warmly. “It’s only polite since we know each other. Ignoring them would be rude.”
“Empty courtesy,” Xiao Xueqing retorted sharply upon hearing Murong Yumeng’s suggestion. “Let’s not forget the unpleasant encounter we just had. Going over now would only make both parties uncomfortable, wouldn’t it?”
Murong Yumeng’s smile faded at Xiao Xueqing’s words, her demeanor turning anxious and somewhat sad. “I didn’t mean that. I just wanted to ease the tension. Besides, we haven’t soured our relationship irreparably!”
Seeing Murong Yumeng’s distress, Zi Zhijie’s displeasure surfaced. He stepped forward, blocking her path, and addressed Xiao Xueqing with hostility. “Xueqing, why are you targeting Yumeng? She’s just trying to be kind. There’s no need for harsh words!”
Xiao Xueqing felt deeply wronged by Zi Zhijie’s accusation. “What did I say wrong? Wasn’t our recent encounter unpleasant? Are we now supposed to eagerly seek out more discomfort?”
“Yumeng simply wants to avoid conflict. What’s wrong with that?” Zi Zhijie’s tone remained stern. “Why do you always assume the worst about others, Xueqing? You’re being unreasonable.”
Zi Zhijie’s accusation, like a knife, stabbed at her heart. Yet, she didn’t blame him. Instead, she directed her resentment toward Murong Yumeng, believing her actions provoked Zi Zhijie’s reproach.
Glaring at Murong Yumeng, she snapped, “Happy now?”
“I didn’t mean to…” Murong Yumeng’s expression turned pained. She turned to Zi Zhijie, pleading, “Your words were too harsh, Zhijie. Xueqing didn’t intend any harm. She was just worried I’d face rejection if I approached. You shouldn’t blame her.”
Zi Zhijie frowned. “Yumeng, you’re too soft.”
Xiao Xueqing was livid.
“Enough, let’s stop arguing.” Gu Lerong intervened, attempting to diffuse the tension. “Both Yumeng and Xueqing have valid points. We just want to resolve the issue. Why rush it? Besides, aren’t we here to have fun?”
“Exactly!” Cong Haodong chimed in. “No need to ruin our own mood over outsiders!”
Murong Yumeng remained silent, but Xiao Xueqing seemed ungrateful for the sentiment.
She stomped her foot, glaring fiercely at Murong Yumeng. “Fine, if you want to embarrass yourself, go ahead. But don’t expect us to cover for you.”
With that, Xiao Xueqing found a seat, her demeanor indicating she had no intention of further communication.
“Shall we…” Zhong Hanyun suggested, glancing around. “Sit down first? We haven’t eaten anything yet.”
Though she found Xiao Xueqing’s attitude distasteful, Zhong Hanyun acknowledged the validity of her point. They were all from prominent families in the capital and saw no need to curry favor with anyone.
Of course, she didn’t fault Murong Yumeng’s actions. Given her kind and easygoing nature, it was understandable that she sought to mend relations after the recent incident.
The others shared similar sentiments as Zhong Hanyun.
In the end, only Murong Yumeng, Zi Zhijie, and Xiao Lingling remained standing. The rest had taken their seats.
While Murong Yumeng’s expression remained unchanged, a shadow flickered in her eyes as she glanced at Xiao Xueqing, devoid of warmth.
Turning to Zi Zhijie, she smiled. “Zhijie, please, take a seat. I’ll go say hello and be right back.”
“I’ll go with you!” Zi Zhijie frowned. “I’m worried they’ll be hostile.”
Having experienced the sharp tongue of the girl at the homestay, he doubted Murong Yumeng’s solo approach would end well.
“No need.” Murong Yumeng declined with a smile. “Lingling will come with me. We’re both students from Capital University. She won’t embarrass me. Besides, I’m only going to greet them, not start a fight.”
Though Zi Zhijie remained unconvinced, he couldn’t dissuade Murong Yumeng. He could only ask Xiao Lingling to keep watch. If the other party failed to appreciate their kindness, she would pull Murong Yumeng back.
Meanwhile, Ye Leng’an, still eating, observed Murong Yumeng’s approach with interest. With her poised demeanor and wealthy aura, it was inevitable she’d attract attention.
She hadn’t expected Murong Yumeng to approach them.