Chapter 768 - Chapter 768: School Belle Selection
Chapter 768: School Belle Selection
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The curtains fell on a farcical spectacle, yet within this drama display, no one emerged as the victor.
However, among the returning guests, speculation about the triangular relationship between Huangfu Ruixiang, Zhong Yating, and Li Yiran had multiplied.
Naturally, such gossip found its way into circulation. Although the attendees at the wedding banquet were predominantly from the Huangfu family, with many mouths present, concealing the truth was implausible. Members of other prominent families secretly rejoiced, thankful they hadn’t pursued matrimonial ties with Huangfu Ruixiang, lest they face the current embarrassment.
In the ensuing days, whether due to Huangfu Ruiling’s orders or a sense of guilt, Huangfu Ruixiang noticeably improved his treatment of Zhong Yating.
Nevertheless, he still made time each day to visit Li Yiran and the child.
Ye Leng’an remained oblivious to this, unconcerned. Following the conclusion of the wedding banquet, she resumed her role as a regular student, tackling daily military training.
After a week of military training, university courses commenced.
Inside the dormitory.
“I can finally shed this camouflage uniform.” Zhu Bixuan sprawled lazily on her bed, though a hint of excitement tinged her languid tone. “The military training is finally over. If it had gone on any longer, I’d have gotten sunburned.”
Surveying her skin, now darker by more than a shade, she couldn’t help but feel disheartened.
She wasn’t alone. Zhou Cui’an and Ling Weiwei also cast glances at their skin, sharing in the collective dismay.
In truth, most freshmen had darkened considerably after enduring a week under the sun. After all, prolonged exposure to sunlight was bound to leave its mark.
“Stop complaining. We got off easy.” Ye Leng’an smiled, addressing their concerns. “Military training used to last a month. We’re only doing it for a week because of the centennial celebration of the school’s founding.”
“True.” Zhu Bixuan sighed in relief. Then, noticing Ye Leng’an’s unchanged complexion, she exclaimed, “Leng’an, why do you still look so pale? What brand of sunscreen are you using?”
After days of sun exposure, she couldn’t help but marvel at Ye Leng’an’s continued fairness.
Ling Weiwei, usually at odds with the others, also turned her gaze towards Ye Leng’an, seeking answers.
Observing Ye Leng’an’s fair complexion contrasted with her own, darker skin, Zhou Cui’an couldn’t help but feel a twinge of insecurity.
With no sunscreen to shield her, Zhou Cui’an had become markedly darker than her peers, exacerbating her feelings of inadequacy.
Head bowed, she was lost in thought.
“Don’t you see?” Ye Leng’an tossed her sunscreen towards Zhu Bixuan, dispelling any doubts. “I’ve been using this all along!”
In truth, she hadn’t used any sunscreen; her resistance to tanning was innate. Unable to admit this, she opted for the sunscreen as a convenient excuse.
Catching the sunscreen, Zhu Bixuan inspected it. “I’ve used this brand before. Why didn’t it work as well for me?” she wondered aloud.
Ye Leng’an smiled but remained silent.
Convinced that Ye Leng’an was hiding something, Ling Weiwei muttered under her breath, “Pretentious.”
Though barely audible, Ye Leng’an, as a cultivator, caught wind of it. Unfazed, she chose not to engage, ignoring Ling Weiwei’s comment.
Moreover, since Ling Weiwei didn’t voice her accusation outright, Ye Leng’an pretended not to notice.
“Oh, did you hear? The school belle contest has begun!” Zhu Bixuan suddenly exclaimed, recalling something. “The most popular candidate is Murong Yumeng, a senior from the Chinese department. She’s apparently from the Murong family, one of the four major families.”
“Wow, she’s got it all – beauty, wealth, and status!” Zhou Cui’an couldn’t hide her envy. “I’d love to see what Senior Murong looks like.”
Such elite figures from prestigious families seemed worlds away from their own lives. Thus, envy, rather than jealousy, was her prevailing sentiment.
Though envious of Murong Yumeng, Ling Weiwei refrained from disparaging remarks.
“It’s on the school forum!” Zhu Bixuan whipped out her phone. “Let me check!”
“Ah!”
Startled by something on the forum, Zhu Bixuan’s sudden scream captured everyone’s attention.
“What’s wrong?” Zhou Cui’an asked anxiously. “Did something happen?”
Though dissatisfied with Zhu Bixuan, Ling Weiwei refrained from rebuke. Despite their strained relationship, time had tempered their initial animosity.
“Leng’an, it’s you!” Zhu Bixuan’s excitement was palpable. “Check out the forum. You’ve been nominated for this year’s school belle, and you’re ranked alongside Murong Yumeng.”
As she spoke, she displayed her phone screen for all to see.
Judging from the appearance of the photo, it was likely taken surreptitiously. In the picture, Ye Leng’an was clad in camouflage attire, devoid of makeup on her face, with even her hair slightly disheveled, and her gaze entirely averted from the camera
Yet, despite these factors, the person in the photo was stunningly beautiful, or else she wouldn’t have been closely followed by Murong Yumeng.
Ling Weiwei and Zhou Cui’an, too, took out their phones to browse the forum.
“Leng’an, you’re amazing!” Zhou Cui’an praised with a smile. “Among all the freshmen, you’re the only one to make it into the top ten of the school belle selection.
Though visibly envious, Ling Weiwei held her tongue.
Unperturbed, Ye Leng’an continued her task, indifferent to the accolades. “Is that so? I hadn’t noticed.”
In truth, she harbored no interest in such matters.