Despite the intense awkwardness, Xi Luting still followed Pan Ge home.

She couldn't clearly articulate her reasons for doing so, but subconsciously felt that today might be the best opportunity for a deep conversation with Pan Ge.

Seeing the two girls stroll lazily into the living room, Zhao Anni's eyes clearly conveyed surprise.

But her demeanor was, as always, warm.

"Ting Ting, have you eaten?"

"Auntie Zhao, yes, we've eaten."

Xi Luting felt incredibly uncomfortable, even having the urge to flee.

In contrast, Pan Ge was as calm as if nothing was wrong, waving her hand dismissively as she pulled Xi Luting upstairs.

"Mom, we soaked in a private hot spring all afternoon; we're so tired... You should go rest. We'll clean up and sleep soon."

"Oh! Then go ahead."

Zhao Anni believed them and no longer found their slouchy, listless behavior unusual.

If it had been only Pan Ge acting this way, she would have suspected something.

But both of them...? Impossible!

Once back in Pan Ge's bedroom, Xi Luting finally reacted, "Did you insist on dragging me home just to deceive your mom?"

"Partially, yes." Pan Ge shrugged, admitting it lightly.

Xi Luting's feelings grew more complex. She truly couldn't outplay this woman.

Indeed, only a monster like Han Lie could battle her without losing ground...

"Honestly," Xi Luting said, "I've always looked down on rich kids, but you and Han Lie have really opened my eyes."

Pan Ge gave a strange smile and comforted her gently, "Many children from families like ours have sensitive personalities. It's actually not a good thing. Sensitivity, coupled with emptiness, can easily lead to arrogant and erratic behavior. It's quite pitiful."

Xi Luting silently rolled her eyes. She didn't believe a word of it.

Oh, wait, the term "sensitive personality"—those words were somewhat credible. But what did that imply? Xi Luting felt like she understood, yet she didn't quite grasp it.

After a long silence, she struggled to ask, "What are we now?"

"Good sisters, of course!" Pan Ge's reply was natural and sincere, as if it were a given.

Xi Luting nearly believed her nonsense.

"Look," Pan Ge continued, "that bastard is just so perfectly what I want. It's so much fun to spar with him, and I don't want to give up. But that bastard is really hard to handle. He's fickle and promiscuous, and I'm not confident I can manage him on my own. So you have to help me. That bastard won't treat you badly, and neither will I. There's no downside for you, is there?"

Sisters, my ass! Xi Luting seethed internally, seeing Pan Ge's intentions with perfect clarity. You just want to use me as a tool, don't you?! The more benefits I receive, the harder it will be to escape your control...

Xi Luting was acutely aware of all this, but she despaired to find her mental defenses crumbling, growing weaker and weaker.

This kind of temptation was too hard to resist.

If Han Lie alone could offer her limited benefits, then adding Pan Ge, from a wealthy local family, could genuinely propel her into a higher social class.

It wasn't about receiving gifts or experiencing luxury in the short term, but truly entering another level.

Xi Luting was still clear-headed now, but she seriously doubted how much longer she could hold on.

On one hand, there was her impoverished and tedious campus life: major courses she couldn't master no matter how hard she studied, daily harassment from annoying pests, and a future where, despite all her struggles, she saw no hope.

On the other hand, there were endless pleasures and the effortless, worry-free reality show of high society... How could I possibly hold on?

To escape Pan Ge's clutches and face Han Lie as an equal, perhaps there was only one way—to become a great author like Big God Little Cucumber!

Xi Luting subconsciously remembered the outstanding success of "The Goddess CEO," her master Ham who was willing to teach her, and the future he had described, one where copyrights for popular works were a hot commodity.

If I could reach the top on this path, couldn't I just slap that damn man across the face whenever I wanted? Dare to make me angry, and I'd tie you up and beat you senseless! So what if you're rich?! I won't spend your money! If you don't want to treat me right, I'll just find another pretty boy! There are plenty of men more handsome than you; you're not even the best-looking in our class...

Imagining such delightful scenarios, Xi Luting squinted, pursed her lips, and chuckled foolishly.

Pan Ge's mouth curled up at the corners; she sensed the deal was practically sealed.

She, too, had a grand plan: to mold that damn man exactly how this princess wanted him! No matter how high you fly, the leash will always be in my hand. You can fool around all you want, but I will always be your master! It was bound to be a lengthy project, but fortunately, Pan Ge had time in abundance. Quite interesting, isn't it?

...

Alone in his dormitory, Han Lie knew nothing and wasn't thinking about anything.

He didn't even send any more messages to Pan Ge or Xi Luting.

The fact that Pan Ge hadn't flipped out immediately meant she wouldn't flip out at all.

Although Han Lie couldn't fathom her true thoughts, based on his understanding of the scheming Pan Ge, he knew she would bide her time and resort to underhanded tactics rather than having an outright meltdown.

As for Xi Luting... he just needed to find an opportunity to take some compromising photos and 'deal with' her a few more times. Her words belied her heart; those in the know understood. Those who didn't understand would worship her as a goddess, simping for a lifetime without getting anywhere. For someone like Han Lie, however, this was precisely the right approach.

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