Qin Churou, the Lotus Blossom

The lunch lady, upon hearing this, paused her hand reaching for the food and glanced at Huang Xiaoyan before understanding. 

She nodded and served Huang Xiaoyan's meal with heaping spoonfuls, ensuring each dish was generously ladled without hesitation, filling her plate to the brim.

"Thank you, Auntie," Huang Xiaoyan said with a sweet smile, her eyes crinkling with gratitude.

"No need to thank me," the lunch lady replied warmly, waving her hand dismissively. Huang Xiaoyan's sweetness and charm made her a favorite among the cafeteria staff, who always served her portions more generously compared to others.

Qin Sheng was accustomed to Huang Xiaoyan's hearty appetite and was not surprised. 

It was the group surrounding Qin Churou who were mocking her. "Eat, eat, eat—she'll be fat if she keeps this up."

Huang Xiaoyan had a metabolism that prevented her from gaining weight, a fact that only heightened their envy. They struggled to control their intake to maintain their figures, often refraining from indulging in many dishes.

They were all from Class One, while students from Classes Two and Three often tried to curry favor with them. Only Class Four was different, holding them in disdain, with Huang Xiaoyan leading the charge. This engendered extreme aversion towards her.

Thus, whenever they encountered Huang Xiaoyan, they never missed an opportunity to ridicule her.

As they spoke, others chimed in, "She's not fat now, but who knows what will happen in the future?"

"Her grades aren't impressive; the only thing she excels at is eating. Perhaps she'll have to rely on that skill to make a living someday."

"And she hangs around with Qin Sheng. Aren't they just the same kind?"

The conversation soon shifted its focus to Qin Sheng. 

"What do you think? Qin Sheng is from the countryside; what could her life have been like there?"

"She must have lived on sweet potatoes, in a mud house, wearing patched clothes no one wanted. It's only after being kept by an old man that she gets to wear nice clothes. Otherwise, she'd probably still be tilling fields in the countryside."

A burst of laughter followed this remark. 

Qin Churou's lips curled into a slight, satisfied smile.

Huang Xiaoyan, fuming with indignation, was about to confront them but was stopped by Qin Sheng. 

They chose a seat by the window, somewhat secluded with no other tables occupied nearby. 

Huang Xiaoyan glanced in Qin Churou's direction, lowering her voice, "Sheng Sheng, don't bother with Qin Churou. She's really awful."

It was the first time Qin Sheng had heard someone speak poorly of Qin Churou, and she was intrigued. "Isn't she supposed to be outstanding? It seems like everyone likes her."

"That's just an act. She thrives on flattery, living in her own high pedestal with her nose in the air, while people think she's kind and approachable."

Huang Xiaoyan surveyed their surroundings, ensuring no one was paying attention, and continued bitterly, "Sheng Sheng, did you know? From what I've heard, anyone who has crossed Qin Churou—if their family conditions are worse than hers—either ends up in trouble or leaves the school. I'm certain it's connected to Qin Churou. I'd love to expose her true nature, but I have no proof."

"Qin Churou is like a lotus blossom. The girls around her might not genuinely like her, but the boys are certainly drawn to her delicate, demure persona."

As she finished speaking, a voice intruded, "Hey, hey, not all the boys feel that way."

Lin Feng, with a plate piled even higher than Huang Xiaoyan's, sat down beside her. He had hoped to sit with Qin Sheng but lacked the courage.

(End of Chapter)