Chapter 111: Chapter 111

A voice tinged with both curiosity and hostility rang out.

"Damn, boss, so your full name is Shen You’an."

Zhao Heng had just jumped up excitedly from his chair, but the other party abruptly ended the call with a quick "We’ll chat later."

Shen You’an put away her phone and looked up at the girl who just walked into the elevator.

She was also dressed in the Lanya High School uniform. Though her figure was not as tall and striking as Shen You’an’s, she still exuded youthful charm.

Right now, she was frowning and staring at Shen You’an.

This person was none other than the deputy class monitor and Qin Xiangge’s loyal follower, Lii Yinyin.

Shen You’an’s expression remained calm: "What a coincidence."

Lii Yinyin hadn’t expected to run into Shen You’an here: "You live here?"

Lii Yinyin’s frown deepened.

Back then, the Lanya Group had offered Shen You’an one million in scholarship funds to retain her, along with the annual Yaguang Scholarship. To ordinary people like them, it was indeed an enormous sum.

But it still wouldn’t be enough to buy a river-view apartment in the Spring Academy residential area, especially not on the higher floors where the prices soared. How could she possibly afford this...

Shen You’an’s background had been thoroughly scrutinized on the school forums; she was definitely not someone from a wealthy family.

The elevator reached its destination, and Shen You’an walked away without looking back.

By the time Lii Yinyin chased her to the community entrance, Shen You’an was already out of sight.

Her own parents were both doctors, which made them middle class, but they still couldn’t compare to her classmates who got picked up in luxury cars or spent their holidays traveling around the globe.

As an only child, her parents pinned all their hopes on her, sparing no expense to provide her with the best material and educational resources. They even sold their downtown apartment to buy one in Spring Academy, sacrificing an extra hour of commute time for themselves so she could save time on her way to school.

Lii Yinyin was indeed a hard worker and had maintained her spot in Class A.

But even in Class A, surrounded by classmates from affluent and noble families, the sensitive and self-conscious Lii Yinyin couldn’t help but feel inferior.

Adding to that were her parents’ busy schedules, their frequent absence at home, and the lack of guidance from elders. The combined weight of academic pressures further exacerbated her anxiety and insecurities.

Qin Xiangge, with her impeccable family background, talent, and looks, was also the universally admired school flower. By becoming friends with Qin Xiangge, Lii Yinyin managed to secure her footing in Class A and even at Lanya High School.

But who does Shen You’an think she is?

Lii Yinyin would never stoop to taking the subway, as mingling with the riffraff would leave her with strange smells on her clothes.

Last night, she caught a ride with Qin Xiangge, but this morning, Qin Xiangge obviously wouldn’t wait for her. She had no choice but to take a taxi to school.

Lii Yinyin timed her arrival perfectly and, as expected, ran into Qin Xiangge stepping out of the car at the school gate.

"Xiangge, good morning," Lii Yinyin greeted her with a smile.

Qin Xiangge, carrying her backpack, flashed a polite smile and nodded.

"Xiangge." Lii Yinyin affectionately looped her arm around Qin Xiangge’s, and the two walked into the campus side by side.

"Today is the start-of-semester test, Xiangge. I’m a bit anxious. What if I don’t do well? Then I won’t be able to stay in the same class as you."

Qin Xiangge reassured her in a soft, comforting tone: "It’s just a small test. The more you stress about it, the tenser you’ll feel. Relax, it’ll be fine."

This was exactly the quality Lii Yinyin envied most in Qin Xiangge—her unwavering confidence and grace.

"Oh, by the way, Xiangge, guess who I bumped into in the elevator this morning?"

Qin Xiangge showed little interest.

Lii Yinyin couldn’t wait any longer and blurted out, "Shen You’an! I didn’t expect her to live in the same building as me. You know, my building is the royal one—if you don’t have two or three million, you wouldn’t be able to afford it. Shen You’an’s uncle is just a low-ranking bank clerk. Ha! Who knows how much he embezzled."

Qin Xiangge squinted slightly and replied indifferently, "Doesn’t seem probable, though."

"What’s the alternative then? Winning the lottery? That’s impossible."

Qin Xiangge shook her head and sighed, "I trust that Shen wouldn’t be that kind of person. Let’s not spread unsubstantiated rumors; if word gets around, her reputation could be seriously harmed."

Lii Yinyin scoffed, "Xiangge, you’re always too kind. But you know what they say—man will die for wealth, and birds for food."

However, inspired by Qin Xiangge’s earlier remark, Lii Yinyin suddenly had an idea.

Once everyone was inside the classroom, there was no chit-chat; they instinctively focused on studying.

At precisely 8:00 AM, the bell rang.

Meng Junzhu entered the room carrying a sealed brown envelope, her calm yet stern gaze sweeping across the students.

"The start-of-semester test will take place over the next two days. I hope everyone gives it their best effort. The results will determine the upcoming class assignments and seating arrangements."