Chapter 34: Return to the Right Path

Shen Yixue's sense of superiority stemmed from having Li Jingming by her side.

Although Zhong Niangyao might come from a prestigious family and be beautiful, what good does that do! Li Jingming isn't interested in her, but instead has a fondness for her.

Because of this, she felt much stronger than Zhong Niangyao.

Moreover, what does Zhong Niangyao have! Without her family's support, she wouldn't even be able to enter Tenglong Academy.

But she was different, she didn't rely on any family background but entered the school on her own merits.

Most importantly, she had attracted Li Jingming's attention. This made her always feel victorious when facing Zhong Niangyao.

However, looking at Zhong Niangyao now, Shen Yixue always felt a vague sense of unease, as if something was beyond her control.

Since Zhong Niangyao woke up from jumping into the river, she hadn't bothered Li Jingming anymore. Even her appearances in front of Li Jingming had become fewer.

Facing this situation, she couldn't feel happy at all. Her greatest advantage over Zhong Niangyao was Li Jingming's fondness. If she lost this sense of superiority, what advantage would she have over Zhong Niangyao?

Even before, to get information about Li Jingming, Zhong Niangyao had repeatedly tried to please her. But now, she wouldn't even greet her.

Most importantly —

Shen Yixue turned her head and saw Li Jingming looking lost beside her, which made her panic.

She involuntarily reached out and grabbed Li Jingming's arm, "Jingming!"

Instantly, Li Jingming snapped out of his thoughts, turned his head, and looked at Shen Yixue, showing a gentle smile, "What's wrong?"

Shen Yixue forced down the panic in her heart and managed a smile, "Nothing, just saw you spacing out, so I wanted to call out to you. By the way, what were you just thinking about?"

"Nothing," Li Jingming shook his head, "I was just thinking whether I should remind Xuan Lang. That Zhong Niangyao, she's not suitable for him."

Hearing Li Jingming's words, Shen Yixue's smile became forced, "Jingming, isn't it better this way! If Xuan Lang really likes Nianyao, it's a good thing, right? If the two of them got together, Zhong Niangyao wouldn't bother you anymore."

"Yixue, how can you think that way?" Li Jingming frowned, his tone containing a hint of reprimand, "We are friends with Xuan Lang, how can we just watch him fall into a trap?"

"Is that so?" Shen Yixue shook her head, "Jingming, Xuan Lang is smitten now, why upset him? I'm afraid you might not even remain friends in the end."

Li Jingming knew Shen Yixue meant well, so he didn't say anything more. However, he resolved in his heart to find an opportunity to make Zhao Xuanglang see the truth.

Zhong Niangyao had no idea that these two were speaking ill of her behind her back. After leaving the academy, she first called Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong to tell them she would have dinner with friends and return late.

Afterward, she headed to Tongtian Bridge again.

She could feel that her soul was still very unstable. Though she had interpreted fortunes a few times before, only the time she helped Zhao Xuanglang did she receive more Merit. As for the others, it was too little.

She had just sat down when Old Man Yang approached, "Little Master Zhong, you haven't been here for a few days, and many people have been looking for you!"

Now, Old Man Yang's attitude toward Zhong Niangyao had changed from casual to respectful. He could tell that despite her young age, her skills far surpassed those of old folks like them. Especially the fortunes she told a few days ago, which truly demonstrated her capabilities.

He had even more confidence now that he could reunite with his son.

At the same time, he felt a subtle pride that the very first fortune Little Master Zhong told was for him.

Facing Old Man Yang's respectful demeanor, Zhong Niangyao felt no discomfort, "I was busy these last few days, so I didn't come."

When she was in Lai Country as the State Preceptor, even the Emperor treated her with utmost respect. Thus, she was well-adapted to such attitudes.

Old Man Yang was about to say more, but his words were cut off by an excited voice.

"Master, you finally came!"

As an excited voice rang out, Aunt Wu, who had once sought Zhong Niangyao for fortune-telling, approached looking very happy.

Zhong Niangyao's expression remained unchanged as she looked up at Aunt Wu, "You came today to settle the bill, right?"