Chapter 118: Yet The Mountain Rain Came Pouring Down

Translator: Larbre Studio  Editor: Larbre Studio

“That’s right.” Lin Xuemei nodded wistfully. “At that time, the Ying family were considered to have close ties with the Mu family. Mu Yunfan, Ying Shuiling, Xu Junxi and Ning Qing grew up together and hence had closely intertwined ties. After Mu Yunfan and Ying Shuiling got engaged to one another, Xu Junxi and Ning Qing silently started to grow feelings for one another. Everyone watching on the side-lines were immensely jealous of them, until only…”

“Until only what?” the other girl curiously asked upon seeing Lin Xuemei suddenly quiet down and not continue speaking.

“… Until only until 3 years ago. Mu Yunfan and Ning Qing had a falling out which directly caused these four families’ relationship to be broken. After that the Ying family crumbled down due to multiple deaths, Ying Shuiling decided to move overseas.”

“Xue Mei, what exactly happened back then? Let me know please, the suspense is killing me!”

“I am also not clear with what happened back then, after all it was Ning Qing’s personal matter. It would be better if we do not speculate further. Let’s go home now.”

Ning Qing left for school in the morning, Her last lecture in the afternoon was a course on political science held in the large lecture theatre. It was held with multiple classes of students.

Ning Qing arrived slightly late, and all the seats had been taken by the time she had arrived at the lecture hall. Upon seeing her arrival, many female and male students excitedly volunteered to give up their seats for her. “Ning Qing, come sit here…”

Ning Qing nodded her head in thanks, but at this moment, a girl called out to her, “Ning Qing.”

Ning Qing lifted her gaze and saw Xu Junxi’s cousin, Xu Lin waving to get her attention with an empty seat next to her.

Ning Qing did not have good feelings about Xu Lin, although they had past interactions. Xu Lin had a penchant for befriending the rich and was materialistic in her needs, just like the mother of Xu Junxi.

However when Ning Qing scanned her surroundings, there were no extra empty seats available and hence she hastened her steps towards that direction.

“Sister Ning Qing, we have not seen each other for three years. I have yet to have the chance to congratulate you on your ‘Best Actress’ accolade.” Xu Lin congratulated her sweetly.

Ning Qing opened her book and placed it on the desk. Her lips curled up into a stiff smile and politely said, “Thanks…”

Xu Lin saw Ning Qing lowering her gaze and not engaging in conversation with her. Her eyes glimmered with a cryptic light and she let out a satisfied smile.

Deeply immersed in her book, Ning Qing heard the sound of footsteps coming in her direction. Lifting her head, she saw Ying Shuiling, together with another female classmate, coming towards her.

The duo stopped in front of her, the female classmate looked at Ning Qing and said with a frown,” Xu Lin, I thought I asked you to reserve a seat for Shui Ling; where is the seat now?”

Xu Lin was put on the spot and said,” I did reserve one for Shui Ling but when Ning Qing arrived, she said she wanted the seat for herself. I even told her this seat was reserved for Shui Ning but she still sat down nonetheless. I could not chase her away for no reason right?”

Once Ning Qing heard the first words from Xu Lin’s mouth, she immediately understood what was going on. Xu Lin was trying to frame her!

This empty seat was clearly given to her by Xu Lin but now she turned the tables on her by claiming that she had snatched the seat. Ning Qing did not have any idea that this seat was reserved for Shui Ying!

The female classmate snorted haughtily while looking at Ning Qing, “People nowadays are just too arrogant. Just because of the title of ‘Best Actress’, she thinks she has a pass to not put others into consideration. Some people just like to snatch their friend’s belongings, just like three years ago. Now it has gotten out of hand. The snatching has gotten even more brazen. I can’t bear to watch any longer.”

Ning Qing’s face was a little pale but she stood up graciously and looked directly at Ying Shuiling who stood silently at the side. “Shuiling, I do not care if you believe me or not. I never intended to snatch anything from you. This seat was given to me by Xu Lin who called me over. The classmates here can be my witnesses. I did not know that seat belonged to anyone beforehand.”

“Hmph, you can romanticize your words now. We’ve all been clear on who you are for the past 3 years!” the female classmate said bluntly.

“It is okay,” Ying Shuiling said, interrupting her classmate. “It is merely a seat.”

“Shuiling, how you could defend her now? Was the harm she brought upon you 3 years ago not enough?”

Ying Shuiling gazed at Xu Lin with her naturally crimson lips curled up slightly, she’d always been a cold person. Her slanted eyes pointed upwards and she proclaimed naturally with an air of arrogance, “The seat that the ‘Best Actress’ wants… I am confident that 90% of those present now would all give up their seat for her naturally. But why would she want this particular seat out of all seats? Let’s not let others make use of us!”

“What?” that female classmate looked at Xu Lin with a puzzled expression.

Xu Lin was shell-shocked, she had no idea that even with all that had happened 3 years ago, Ying Shuiling’s level-headedness has not wavered at all.

Ying Shuiling raised her eyebrows and glanced at Xu Lin before leaving to ascend the steps towards the last row of the theatre.

The female classmate followed closely.

Xu Lin’s fists were balled up tightly, she was childhood friends with Ning Qing and Ying Shuiling and had always trailed behind them. In the past, when the Ying family still held prestige, she could accept Ying Shuiling’s underestimation and scorn. But now even with the sorry state of the Ying family, how she could still dare to give her that attitude with the look of distance in her eyes? What privilege did she have?

Ning Qing gave Xu Lin a brief glance and also moved towards the last row of the hall.

Ning Qing exchanged her seat with the classmate seated beside Yin Shuiling and positioned herself next to Shui Ling.

Yin Shuiling was sketching with her pencil and Ning Qing said, “Shui Ling, thank you for your trust in me just now.”

Ying Shuiling paused in her actions and her curled eyelashes fluttered, casting a silhouette on her beautiful face. “I did not believe in you; I purely trusted my own intelligence to make a judgement. I, Ying Shuiling, am not that foolish to be used by others as a tool.”

“Yes.” Ning Qing curled her lips up and playfully said, “Shuiling, how could you know that I was awarded the ‘Best Actress’ accolade. You haven’t been keeping tabs on me, right?”

Ying Shuiling burst out in laughter. “Such thick skin!””

A smile blossomed on Ning Qing’s delicate face. “You have not changed all these years. Your bark is worse than your bite.”

Ying Shuiling did not reply to what she said, and instead her palm sized face softened as past memories that brought immense joy came flooding back to her all at once.

“Shui Ling, the school is organizing a New Year’s Gala today. Will you be in attendance? Could we have a meal together then?” Ning Qing asked with hesitation.

Ying Shuiling shook her head and said,” I will not be attending. I have a part time job at night to earn a living.

Ning Qing was not surprised at Shui Ling’s rejection. They had a wedge between them. Ning Qing could not cross over, and Shui Ling could not come to her either.

She needed a job to earn her keep?

Ning Qing wanted to help her but she knew that Shui Ling would not accept her help. Ying Shuiling was the most proud and haughty girl she’d ever met.

Neither of them had anything else to say. They each bore their own troubles.

After leaving the lecture hall, Ning Qing called out to stop Xu Lin.” Xu Lin, we’ve never had any grudges between us. Why would you want to frame me in front of Shuiling today?”

Xu Lin innocently replied, “Ning Qing, I don’t understand what you are talking about. How did I frame you?”

Ning Qing gave a snort and said, “The things that you’ve done on your own accord… You are clearly aware of these things.” She then turned and left.

“Hmph. Ning Qing, after tonight, let me see how much longer you can stay like this,” Xu Lin said with her eyes full of hatred. She then walked off with a sway to her hips.

After a mere two steps, her heels slipped onto colorful marbles that appeared out of nowhere. With a slip, she screamed, “Ah!” She collapsed completely onto the floor and it left her totally embarrassed.

Because it was previously raining, the floor was muddy. Her face fell into a hole, leaving her face full of dirt.

“Ha, haha, who would this be? This is so embarrassing! Hahaa…” The students that were leaving the lecture theatre surrounded her and made their vile comments. Then they started bursting out into laughter.

After getting mocked by the crowd, Xu Lin’s face burned hotly. Ignoring the immense pain on her thigh, she hurriedly got up and ran away.

After running to a secluded spot, she opened her palm to reveal some colorful marbles. If she was not mistaken, these beads came from the bracelet on Ning Qing’s wrist.

No wonder Ning Qing had stopped her in her tracks; she was silently plotting to break the beads to see her end up in such a sorry state.

How dare Ning Qing!

She wiped the mud on her face and fished out her phone from her pocket. “Hello, Yaoyao.The things that you asked me to accomplish, I have completed them. However, the relationship between Ying Shuiling and Ning Qing was deeper than we previously thought. Ying Shuiling is very bright; it is impossible for her to be tricked.”

“Okay, I understand. This time I am merely testing her. Do not pay attention to Ying Shuiling for now, and do not give the game away yet. I have plans of my own. Lingling, are you prepared for tonight’s New Year’s gala?”

“Of course I am ready. The New Year’s gala board sent invitations to all parents and I persuaded my aunt to attend. At that time we could then reveal the dirty matters that occurred 3 years ago that made Ning Qing fall from heaven and land in the mud below.”

“Hoho, we’ve given Ning Qing too much freedom all this while. With tonight’s sudden attack, we have to render her helpless and make her concede defeat. Falling from heaven into the Earth is the lightest possible outcome. This time, let’s make sure no other man would want her. Would Young Master Lu want her after this? Haha, let us just wait to see a good show occur tonight.”

“Yao Yao, this piece of dirty news has yet to see the light of the day. This is her achilles’ heel. You will definitely succeed with your plan.”

“Um, Lingling, I know that you recently had your eye on a branded bag. I have already transferred 100,000 to your bank account. Please purchase whatever you favor.”

“Really? Thank you sister in law! I hope that you bear a son soon and enter the doors of the Xu family!”

“That is a must! Okay, Junxi is back. I am ending this conversation now. Bye-bye.”

Ning Yao ended the call and the doors of the villa opened at that moment, with Xu Junxi walking in.

Ning Yao hurriedly came forward to greet him, taking his briefcase from him. She stood on her tiptoes to remove his coat for him with a gentle smile adorning her face. “You are back? Are you exhausted from work today? I prepared dinner for you with all your favorite dishes and even boiled soup!”

Xu Junxi entered the living room and saw the dining table brimming with steaming hot dishes that looked appetizing. Ning Yao was in the kitchen with bowls and chopsticks and was dishing out the rice.

Xu Junxi lifted his gaze towards Ning Yao, she was dressed in a white jumper with a pink cashmere coat. She was bare faced. Her pure petite face was adorned by a satisfied smile. She gave off an adorable homey vibe.

Ever since Li Meiling had gone to jail, Ning Yao continued to stay in the villa that he purchased for her. The conditions were just like her time in America. Sweet, polite, and with a flair of elegance. She never questioned his after work social events, and whenever he returned home, she was always ready with a smile and a piping hot meal.

Bit by bit, he fell in the habit of coming here after work.

He’d always wanted a woman like this, giving him warmth and a comfortable home.

Xu Junxi walked over to her and embraced her from the back. He nested his head into her neck. There was no longer perfume but just a faint hint of her natural scent. He relaxed and was instantly delighted.

“It has been hard on you, Yao Yao.”

“It has not been hard for me, speaking of hard work, it has been hard on you instead. You have worked restlessly hard to earn money for both me and our child.” She used his large palms to slowly cup her belly.” Junxi, I am showing a little now. I have a belly now. Today I went for the pregnancy checkup and the doctor said that in a month’s time, I will be able to feel its movements.”

Xu Junxi kissed her face and asked, “You went for a pregnancy appointment today? Why didn’t you ask me along? Did you go alone?”

“Yeah I did.” Ning Yao innocently nodded her head. “I can attend these pregnancy appointments alone. Jun Xi you are busy enough with your own workload. I know I’ve made many mistakes in the past. Mother has many misconceptions about me. You are under much stress. I don’t want you to be troubled by this. I am very satisfied now. I have you and the baby in my stomach. I am the luckiest woman in the world.”

Xu Junxi felt embarrassed yet touched. His heartstrings ached immensely. Using his palms to caress her small bump, his tender love for her multiplied significantly at this moment. He said, ‘Yao Yao, it has been hard on you. after the baby is born, I will give you both official status in the family.”

“Okay, Junxi. I am not in a hurry to do so; I just do not want our baby to be wronged,” Ning Yao said, while nodding her head.

Xu Junxi kissed Ning Yao’s face with a hurried breath. embracing her into his arms, he asked, “Yao Yao, how long have you been pregnant for? We haven’t been together for too long.”

Ning Yao looked at him with flushed cheeks and lowered her gaze. Kissing him on the lips, she replied, “It has been three months now.”

Xu Junxi was delighted and swept her up into his arms and ushered her into the room.

“Ay, Junxii, have your meal first.” Ning Yao used her hands to push him away.

Her rejection but yet welcome expression made Xu Junxi feel even worse. He kicked open the room door, and placed her on the bed. “I will eat later,” he responded.

“The baby…”

“Don’t worry, I will be gentle.”

A smile appeared on Ning Yao’s lips, it seems like what mother said before going to jail was absolutely right. Just quietly and gently stay by Xu Junxi’s side. This course of action could enable her to eliminate Ning Qing and lead her to become the greater winner after all.

Hmph.

At the New Year’s Gala

Ning Qing attended the gala with Lin Xuemei. The moment she stepped foot in] the hall, the sound of streamers and bubbles filled the air. “Pa!” A man carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers walked towards Ning Qing and knelt down on one knee and said, “Ning Qing, from the moment I first saw you, I have been deeply attracted to you. I like you, would you agree to be my girlfriend?”

Ning Qing was dumbfounded, she’d only entered the school days ago. Someone already pined for her?

Ning Qing had an impression of the bubbly boy in front of her. He was the president of the student council and also renowned as the school hunk.

“Ning Qing, hurry up and accept his request! Date! Date!” The students attending the gala surrounded them with cheers and applause.

Ning Qing broke out into laughter. What would Lu Shaoming think if he knew that his wife was being courted by others?

“I am sorry that I cannot accept your proposal. I am dating someone else already,” Ning Qing said as she rejected him.

Taking a step back, the boy proclaimed, “Ning Qing, it is alright that you have a boyfriend. I only want to be your friend and accompany you silently.”

“I…”

“Of course she would reject you, can’t you see the men that the newly crowned ‘Best Actress’ is surrounded by? They are either wealthy or possess mighty backgrounds. Also, at the recent White Flower Awards, Ning Qing announced that she was in a relationship with Young Master Lu of Emperor Entertainment Group. You are merely a broke student. Why would she have any interest in you?”

Xu Lin’s sharp voice permeated the air.

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