Preparing

"Exactly, I came here early in the morning to set up the venue, without even having breakfast, and I still get scolded. Who does he think he is?"

"We're all people here. Why should we be treated like slaves and take orders from him? If he spoke nicely, we'd listen, but he keeps yelling at us as if we don't have any tempers."

"You're right. I've wanted to punch him for a long time. If I hadn't just started at this school and wanted to avoid trouble, I would have beaten him so badly his mom wouldn't recognize him."

Everyone chimed in, and one hot-tempered person even threw down what they were holding, glaring angrily at Liu Tao.

Liu Tao was taken aback, panicking as he saw the crowd's anger.

He waved his hands frantically, trying to explain:

"I didn't mean it, everyone calm down, don't listen to his nonsense. I just wanted to set up the venue as best as possible, maybe my words were a bit harsh. I apologize."

Seeing that his explanation was having no effect, Liu Tao glared viciously at Su Mu, shouting angrily:

"Su Mu, what nonsense are you spouting? I never meant that. You're deliberately trying to stir up trouble among classmates. Do you want me to report you to the school administration?"

"Hah, that's a pretty big accusation. Whether I'm stirring up trouble or not, everyone knows what you're really like. No need to say more," Su Mu retorted fearlessly.

"Shut up! Who are you to judge me? Get out of here! This is work for those of us handling the freshman welcome party. You have no business here," Liu Tao yelled, trying to appear tough but clearly shaken.

"Liu Tao, please watch your mouth. Su Mu is as much a part of this freshman welcome event as you are, so he has every right to be here," Lin Feier stepped in.

She could see the animosity between Su Mu and Liu Tao and naturally sided with Su Mu, especially since she disapproved of Liu Tao's behavior.

Liu Tao was taken aback, confused, "Su Mu is participating too? What's he doing?"

"He's singing. Su Mu is replacing Xu Yuyu and will be performing on stage," Lin Feier explained.

"Singing?" Liu Tao was stunned, then burst into laughter. "Are you kidding me? Su Mu singing? That's hilarious, Feier. You must be joking."

They had competed for three years, and singing was the one thing Liu Tao knew he was better at.

He had always held this over Su Mu. Now hearing that Su Mu would sing on stage was the funniest thing to him, making him laugh until he almost cried.

The crowd's disgust grew as they watched Liu Tao.

"Liu Tao, watch your behavior. Is it really so amusing to mock a fellow student?" Lin Feier said with disdain.

Seeing the crowd's reaction, Liu Tao quickly toned it down, coughing awkwardly before saying:

"Feier, as the main organizer of this event, I urge you to reconsider. Don't make a joke out of it."

"Who will be the joke will be clear tonight, Liu Tao. Keep your eyes open," Su Mu said calmly.

Finished with the argument, he moved to help the others. "Alright everyone, what still needs to be done? I'll help."

"Yes, let me help too. There's water over there; it's hot, so everyone should take a break and have some water," Lin Feier added, rushing to get drinks.

"Thanks, senior."

"Thank you, senior. I can get it."

The group responded gratefully, their dislike for Liu Tao growing in contrast.

Seeing everyone enjoying themselves and ignoring him, Liu Tao was seething with anger.

He scoffed, "We'll see how embarrassed you'll be later." With that, he turned and left.

The others paid him no mind and continued working.

They quickly finished the remaining tasks, and soon it was evening.

The auditorium began to buzz with activity, the campus broadcast announcing the start of the event as familiar faces filled the hall.

Li Mingyu, Yang Wei, Wu Rui, and others greeted Su Mu. Even Qin Shuman arrived, standing alone with a space around her.

Liu Tao entered hand-in-hand with a girl, laughing and chatting, clearly a couple.

The girl was stunning, around 18 or 19, likely a new freshman. Tall with a tight T-shirt accentuating her curves, a small waist revealing a cute belly button, a denim mini-skirt showing off long, pale legs, and a high ponytail with pink sneakers, she radiated youthful energy.

She tiptoed and pouted, her curious, lively eyes attracting many glances.

"Damn, that bastard Liu Tao hooked another perfect freshman," Su Mu cursed internally.

Over the years, Liu Tao had several girlfriends, leveraging his good looks and musical talent to attract girls.

However, he was a certified jerk, once causing a big scene when a girl had an abortion for him, only for him to dump her, resulting in a public confrontation.

Su Mu had the charm to attract girls too, but he spent the last three years focused entirely on Chen Qianqian, missing many opportunities.

Speaking of Chen Qianqian, she also arrived, walking with Wang Hao. It seemed they had reconciled after a fight.

It made sense—Chen Qianqian wouldn't give up until she got money from Wang Hao.

Wang Hao didn't care either; he was only after Chen Qianqian's body.

He thought he had lost his chance after their argument but was surprised when she reconciled and clung to him.

Both noticed Su Mu. Wang Hao's expression darkened, while Chen Qianqian averted her gaze, letting go of Wang Hao's hand briefly.

Then, as if recalling something, she coldly huffed and re-grabbed Wang Hao's arm.

She was still angry about Su Mu blocking her, hoping to provoke him.

However, Su Mu just glanced at her indifferently before ignoring her, treating her like a stranger, driving Chen Qianqian mad.

"Ladies and gentlemen , welcome. The welcome party is about to start. I'm your host, Lin Feier. Please take your seats, and performers, head backstage to prepare," Lin Feier announced.

Dressed in a red gown with her hair elegantly draped over her shoulder, she exuded maturity and poise, contrasting her usual self with a unique charm.

Holding the microphone, she smiled warmly, instantly quieting the auditorium and demonstrating excellent control over the crowd.

Su Mu went backstage to adjust his outfit, donning the new clothes Wang Ruonan had bought him.

The saying "Clothes make the man" proved true as his simple white shirt and brown jeans elevated his already handsome appearance, giving him a carefree yet striking demeanor.

Even Lin Feier couldn't help but take a few more glances, surprised by his transformation.

Liu Tao, also scheduled to perform, arrived backstage with his beautiful girlfriend.

As they got closer, Su Mu's system activated with a Ding.