Chapter 121: Chapter 121

Until the dismissal bell rang, Lii Yinyin still hadn’t returned.

Song Xiaojing walked up to the podium, faced everyone, and smiled faintly: "This weekend is my birthday party. I hope all of you can join."

Most of the students’ families had business dealings with one another. Occasionally, when accompanying their parents to banquets or parties, they’d inevitably run into each other.

Attending birthday parties was the best way for these second-generation kids to expand their networks and resources, so they were particularly enthusiastic about hosting all sorts of parties.

Song Xiaojing usually maintained decent relationships and had in-law connections with Yongrui Fund, so everyone was happy to give her face.

Song Xiaojing looked towards the corner of the room at Shen You’an: "Shen, you must come too."

Everyone instinctively turned to look at Shen You’an.

She never participated in these party-related activities.

Firstly, she was low-key and left immediately after school.

Secondly, most people knew enough about her background; they weren’t in the same circle and didn’t interact. To be blunt, they looked down on her deep down.

Song Xiaojing usually had no contact with Shen You’an. Why would she suddenly invite her?

Shen You’an picked up her backpack and walked straight out through the back door of the classroom without a backward glance.

Song Xiaojing narrowed her eyes; this wouldn’t do.

"Xiao Jing, it’s just that she doesn’t appreciate the opportunity. Forget about her; the rest of us will come to support you," Hao Yun said.

Song Xiaojing sighed: "I sincerely want to be friends with Shen, but unfortunately, she misunderstands me..."

Song Xiaojing walked over to Gao Yuyue and left the classroom with her.

Before stepping out, Gao Yuyue subconsciously glanced back at Lii Yinyin’s seat.

Her backpack and stationery were still there, but she hadn’t returned the entire time.

"Yu’e, what do you think I should do to convince Shen to attend my birthday party?"

Gao Yuyue furrowed her brows and gave her a scrutinizing look: "What are you plotting? Since when do you care about Shen You’an so much?"

Song Xiaojing smiled awkwardly: "I didn’t do well on this exam, almost dropping out of Class A, while Shen You’an managed to outshine Gu Bichen. I really underestimated her, so I’m thinking if I can use this chance to befriend her, maybe I could learn some effective study methods from her. It might help improve my grades."

"You’ve managed to make using others sound so dignified. I’ve truly underestimated you," Gao Yuyue retorted sarcastically.

"Yu’e." Song Xiaojing shook her arm dramatically, her expression filled with distress.

"I did so poorly this time that my mom yelled at me and even cut off my allowance. I’m desperate now. Please help me, okay? I know you’re close with Shen You’an; if you try persuading her, she’ll definitely give you face."

Gao Yuyue huffed: "Close with her?"

"Yu’e, I know you’ll come up with something."

Gao Yuyue replied irritably: "You’re so annoying. Fine, fine, I’ll try, but if she’s set on not coming, there’s nothing I can do."

Song Xiaojing’s face lit up with a sweet smile, like a little girl satisfied after getting her wish.

"Thank you, Yu’e. Oh, by the way, you like Rainbow Band, don’t you? They’re having a concert in November at Qingzhou Stadium. The tickets are super hard to get, but I had my aunt pull some strings, and I managed to get two tickets. Let’s go together."

Gao Yuyue raised an eyebrow: "Appreciate it."

"Between us, there’s no need for ’thanks.’ You’re being way too formal."

The classroom gradually emptied as Qin Xiangge closed her exercise book, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and headed out of the room, walking east along the corridor.

The teaching building had four classrooms per floor, with octagonal circular structures at both ends serving as offices for the teachers.

Mr. Meng’s office was located at the far east end of the corridor, separated by an equipment room from Class A.

Qin Xiangge was walking over when hurried footsteps sounded behind her. Reflexively, she turned around and saw a middle-aged woman rushing over, her face full of anxiety.

"Aunt Tao? Why are you here?"

Qin Xiangge asked, surprised. The woman was Lii Yinyin’s mother, Tao Mi.

Tao Mi spotted Qin Xiangge and quickly stepped forward, grabbing her hands: "Xiangge, Mr. Meng just called me, saying something happened to Yinyin at school. He told me to come immediately. What happened to her? Is she all right now?"

"Aunt Tao, don’t worry. For now, you should talk to Mr. Meng for a clearer understanding of the situation."

Qin Xiangge calmed Tao Mi down and walked into the office with her.