Chapter 134: Chapter 134

The young girl picked up the pen, her strokes swift and graceful, completing it in one fluid motion.

The salesperson packed Shen You’an’s old clothes and handed them back to her with both hands.

Watching the girl and her companion walk out of the store, the two quickly glanced at the receipt.

It contained a beautiful cursive English name.

"I never expected you to really have money, but let’s make it clear upfront: I’ll cover everything from here on out."

Gao Yuyue thought to herself that this dress must have emptied Shen You’an’s wallet.

It seemed she’d have to cover Shen You’an’s meals for an entire year.

Then Gao Yuyue dragged Shen You’an straight to a hair salon, the one her mother often frequented, where she was a VIP client.

The manager already knew Gao Yuyue and greeted her warmly: "Miss Gao, it’s been days since I last saw you. Oh, you’ve brought a friend as well. Your friend’s temperament is truly remarkable, not losing in the slightest to those international supermodels."

The manager, a somewhat "flamboyant" man named David, spoke with dramatic inflection and eloquent flair.

"This is my friend. Give her a gorgeous makeover."

Shen You’an took a deep breath. "Gao Yuyue, don’t waste my time."

"How can this be called wasting time? Dressing up beautifully is a form of respect for life."

Gao Yuyue pushed Shen You’an into a chair and unceremoniously removed her glasses, making her face the mirror directly.

"Do you remember your speech on the day of the opening ceremony?"

Shen You’an looked at the person in the reflection.

Without the glasses, it was like removing a seal—her exquisite eyes were revealed without reservation.

With the light shimmering in them, they were captivating enough to steal one’s breath away.

"You said youth should be lived without regrets, that one shouldn’t always look ahead or back, but should live in the moment."

"I don’t know about others, but I took that to heart. But now I realize you’ve been pulling my leg."

"Why would you let such an inherently vibrant youth be presented in such a dull and dreary way?"

Shen You’an was momentarily stunned and curled her lips into a smile—one that nearly caused Gao Yuyue to lose her focus.

"As the Gao family’s young lady, you’d naturally have the confidence to say such things."

Gao Yuyue picked up a strand of Shen You’an’s hair. "I’ve known for a long time that your low-profile demeanor is just an act. You’re clever, but perhaps a bit too clever for your own good, making you boring."

"Life, after all, is far more entertaining when it’s colorful, wouldn’t you agree?"

Gao Yuyue smiled and patted Shen You’an’s shoulder lightly. "I like making friends with smart people, especially someone as smart as you."

What kind of person, you ask?

Someone who always hides behind indifference, but secretly has a softer heart than anyone else.

Someone who thinks they’re exceptionally clever, but in reality, is just a big fool.

A pearl covered in dust is so lackluster; only when it shines brightly does it dazzle and mesmerize.

When you try to hide, I’m determined to go against your wishes.

It’s all about rebellion.

"Gao Yuyue, are you aware of the consequences?" Shen You’an sneered.

"Don’t tell me you’re chickening out—because then I’d lose all respect for you. Besides, isn’t the Lanya Group supporting you? What are you afraid of?"

Shen You’an raised an eyebrow. "If there’s trouble, you’ll handle it."

Gao Yuyue smiled faintly. "No problem."

By four in the afternoon, classmates began arriving one after another.

A barbecue station had already been set up in the courtyard, with drinks, alcohol, cake, and desserts—all sorted and available.

"Ren Chong, could you stop being so annoying? It’s rare enough to get a weekend to relax, and here you are discussing math problems. If you’re so hardworking, do it at home," Zhu Ci grumbled as she took a bite of cake.

Everyone quickly chimed in to echo her sentiments.

Hao Yun chuckled. "Zhu Ci, don’t blame Ren Chong. His test performance has slipped lately; if he doesn’t put in extra effort, he’s bound to fall out of Class A."

The atmosphere instantly froze.

Realizing her slip, Hao Yun instinctively glanced toward Song Xiaojing.

Song Xiaojing’s regression was even more significant this time, making her the most at risk. Hao Yun’s comment indirectly included her in the assessment.

Fortunately, Song Xiaojing didn’t seem offended. She smiled warmly and said, "That’s why I’ve invited Shen You’an here today. Everyone can learn a thing or two from her."

Ren Chong immediately perked up.

Hao Yun scoffed. "With her here, won’t the party turn into a study session?"

Song Xiaojing laughed. "It won’t."

Suddenly, Hao Yun leaned closer to Song Xiaojing and whispered, "Xiao Jing, why did you invite her? She’s so boring. Don’t let her show up wearing a school uniform—it’d be such a buzzkill."

"Besides, this is your birthday party. Everyone brought gifts, but if she shows up empty-handed, wouldn’t that be inappropriate?"

"You’re overthinking it. I invited everyone to have fun, and I’ve already told them there’s no need to bring gifts."