Why should she cede this opportunity to Qiao Anchu? What in the world inherently belonged to Qiao Anchu? Did everything not come from personal efforts?
Shen Sichen and Ye Mohan certainly had undying loyalty to Qiao Anchu, especially Ye Mohan, who was using every trick to encourage her at this moment. As long as there was something Qiao Anchu desired, they would fulfill it without consideration of Xiaren's feelings.
It was understandable for Shen Sichen, after all, he had always been fond of Qiao Anchu. But Ye Mohan was currently Qiao Anchu's boyfriend, an identity he had not denied. Was it appropriate for him to take up another woman's cause?
Before, Xiaren didn't know that Ye Mohan had always desired Qiao Anchu.
On one hand, he could not bear to let go of Xiaren's heartfelt consideration for him and he enjoyed the sensation of being pursued and put on a pedestal, yet on the other hand, he vied for Qiao Anchu's favor and didn't mind letting Xiaren be wronged.
That was why Ye Mohan's attitude towards Xiaren was always ambiguous and he enjoyed everything Xiaren did for him as if he deserved it.
No wonder they had maliciously plotted against her for the sake of Qiao Anchu. Such selfish people were indeed a match made in heaven. They were destined to be together.
Perfect, just perfect!
"Kindness?" Mu Xiaren smiled faintly. "So, my kindness becomes the reason you manipulate at will and I should yield everything to my senior sister? Why should I? If such is kindness, I'd rather forsake it."
The moment Anchu saw the sneer on Xiaren's face, she felt a sudden burst of fear and unconsciously retreated a few steps. She reconsidered her thoughts, she's a useless person, why should she be afraid of Qiao Xiaren?
With these thoughts in mind, a malicious smile floated onto Anchu's face. She stealthily extended her foot towards Xiaren, attempting a trip. Yet, Xiaren reacted promptly and not only avoided the fall, but also stepped ruthlessly on Anchu's instep.
"Ah!" Qiao Anchu shouted horrendously. Her face started to perspire from the intense pain, glaring at Xiaren furiously. However, Xiaren looked back at her with an innocent expression.
"Ouch, senior sister, are your eyes unwell or are you consistently rolling your eyes at me?"
Shen Sichen and Ye Mohan didn't notice the Ladies' footwork, and agreed that Qiao Anchu was actually rolling her eyes. Shen Sichen sighed, his expression toward Qiao Anchu started to reflect a disapproval.
Even if he disliked Xiaren, there was no need to make it so obvious among the schoolmates.
Qiao Anchu remained silent, patiently waiting while Xiaren continued to step on her foot. She endured the pain and did not dare to make a sound.
"What's going on? I just want the older sister to remember. What can be provoked and what cannot, shouldn't be overconfident. Understand?"
Xiaren disregarded Anchu's pale face and walked past them, ignoring the ugly reactions of the people around.
Somewhere in the distance, Qiao Xiaren's detached voice could be heard. "The so-called 'like' from Brother Ye is an embarrassment, I don't need it."
Ye Mohan found it hard to believe that the Xiaren just now was the same person who was at his beck and call. Wasn't she supposed to humbly comply to every one of his requests?
Could she have just said... She disliked him? Impossible.
From the moment she left, Xiaren suddenly chuckled. Her laughter was alluring as silver bells, unrestrained and pleasurable.
Only today, while confronting these three individuals, did she truly express a sense of starting over in life, of rebirth.
Starting today, she would live a carefree life and alter her tragic past.
After following those four men up the mountain, Xiaren saw the green tents from a distance, their place of residence. Feeling the cool mountain breeze, she looked at the men training in the wilderness with an indifferent expression.
The men also found it odd. A girl, barely 17 years old, would normally be intimidated in such a grand scenario, right?
But Xiaren accompanied them all the way, her expression was serene and her steps were firm. She did not inquire about Mr. Si's affairs, which made her seem quite surprising.
In fact, although Xiaren seemed just seventeen years old, she was someone who encompassed a twenty-eight-year-old soul, naturally, she was unlike other young girls. She possessed an air of maturity and calmness that made her irreplaceable.