Chapter 42: A Missed Slap

Gu Yining followed the direction of the voice and found herself facing Yang Qin, one of her former roommates and the rumored romantic interest of An Yang, the male lead in the scandal that had marred her reputation. Their relationship was characterized by a flirtation that straddled the line between friendship and something more serious, yet they remained uncommitted.

Because of the scandal involving An Yang, Gu Yining had been painted as part of the problem, effectively severing any chance she had of being with him. Her animosity toward Yang Qin was well-founded; the incident had not only affected her but had also tarnished the reputation of Ling City University, leading to An Yang's expulsion on the same day. Now that she had returned, but he had not, her frustration only deepened.

Yang Qin approached her, her high heels clicking angrily against the pavement, a fierce look in her eyes that suggested she was prepared to confront Gu Yining with force. 

Gu Yining stood her ground, arms crossed, casting a calm and indifferent gaze toward her former friend. In the past, she might have let Yang Qin vent her frustrations, tolerating whatever insults were thrown her way just to keep the peace. But things were different now. She was a victim in this scenario; she owed no one an apology.

Without warning, Yang Qin raised her hand to strike Gu Yining across the face. 

But the anticipated sound of a slap never came.

Yang Qin's hand sliced through the air, falling short as she unexpectedly hit nothing but empty space. 

Believing it to be an accident, she attempted to swing her hand back for another strike. 

This time, however, Gu Yining didn't flinch. She firmly grasped Yang Qin's wrist, holding her hand aloft. "Are you asking for my permission to hit me?" Gu Yining asked, her voice steady, her expression proud despite the harshness of her features.

Though Gu Yining was often labeled unattractive, there was an undeniable aura of defiance radiating from her that demanded attention and respect. 

Yang Qin frowned, struggling to free her wrist from Gu Yining's grip. Why did this version of Gu Yining seem so different from the one she remembered? The old Gu Yining would have never dared to speak to her in this way.

"You're acting so high and mighty, but a girl like you deserves a slap across the face! I wouldn't feel guilty at all!" Yang Qin growled, ready to make another move.

But instead of recoiling, Gu Yining leaned in closer, whispering conspiratorially into Yang Qin's ear, "Do you really think you know what's going on? I have all the chat logs where you flirted with An Yang, including the videos and those exchanged photos. If you want to become a star on the school forum, I can make that happen for you." 

Her voice was deceptively calm, but the weight of her words hung heavily in the air, sending a shiver down Yang Qin's spine. 

How did Gu Yining get access to such private information?

Oh, it clicked for Yang Qin. Gu Yining was studying computer science, and she had some knowledge of hacking. It was likely that her computer had been breached, allowing Gu Yining to seize this damaging evidence. 

Yang Qin had never imagined that her own records would become a weapon used against her.

After hearing Gu Yining's words, Yang Qin felt her cheeks flush with anger, but she could no longer find the strength to confront her. 

In less than a week, Gu Yining had transformed into someone she could not afford to cross. 

Curiosity gnawed at Yang Qin; she wanted to know what had changed during Gu Yining's absence. 

Reluctantly, Yang Qin stepped aside, allowing Gu Yining to pass. "Since you've chosen to come back, your life won't be easy. I might let you off the hook, but there are others who absolutely won't." 

Gu Yining paused, her back straightening in defiance, and she let out a disdainful laugh. "Even if Ling City University feels like hell, I will graduate from here without fail. Anyone who wants to make my life difficult should feel free to try." 

The reckless confidence radiating from her made Yang Qin feel a twinge of fear. 

Why was she afraid? What did Gu Yining have that warranted fear? She was just the disgraced third miss of the Gu family, an unwanted outcast. There was no need for Yang Qin to feel threatened by her at all. 

Yet, as Gu Yining walked away, her head held high, something deep inside Yang Qin stirred. Perhaps it was the realization that Gu Yining was no longer the weak, compliant girl she once knew.