Chapter 26: True or False, My Business is Mine to Decide

Xu Yueyao raised her voice and said, “They gave it to me voluntarily.” The classroom fell silent, leaving only her voice echoing.

“That day, I really did fall down the stairs because of them. Some classmates were there at the time. Am I right, Gao Yuyan?” Xu Yueyao asked, knowing full well that it was Gao Yuyan who had deliberately tripped her.

Gao Yuyan’s expression turned unnatural. She knew the truth—Xu Yueyao had fallen because of her.

Xu Yueyao continued, “After being sent to the hospital, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, my head was wrapped in bandages. No matter how much I explained to President Shen and President Fu that my injuries weren’t severe and that Shen Yi and Fu Xiaosi weren’t the ones who pushed me, it was useless.

Everyone knows that the Shen family of the Imperial Capital is a century-old prestigious family. At that time, President Shen Yan said that as one of the heirs of the Shen family, Shen Yi had caused harm to a weak girl, which was unbecoming of a gentleman and against the Shen family’s teachings. As a punishment, Shen Yi had to compensate me with his favorite hotel. It was meant as both a reprimand for Shen Yi and as comfort for me. I refused at first, but President Shen insisted I take it. Even Shen Yi apologized and urged me to accept it. Classmates, I really had no choice but to accept it.”

The classroom was dead silent. No one spoke. It was true that prestigious families had their own traditions and rules, but in modern times, most of these had become mere formalities. No one expected the Shen family to uphold such strict standards. No wonder the Shen family had remained one of the top families in the Imperial Capital for over a century. Thinking about how Shen Yi, though usually quiet, was always humble and polite, the students’ impression of the Shen family improved significantly.

“What about the Fu family?” someone asked.

“At the time, I was lying in the hospital. When Young Master Zhan saw me, he felt deeply sorry for me. Knowing that I love money, he transferred 100 million yuan to me as pocket money to cheer me up. President Fu knew that I was Young Master Zhan’s favorite, so he transferred 10% of Fu Corporation’s shares to me.”

As soon as Xu Yueyao finished speaking, the classroom erupted into chaos. The smart ones immediately saw through Fu Zheng’s intentions, but most of the students were too shocked by the 100 million yuan pocket money and the fact that she was “Young Master Zhan’s favorite.” The female students, in particular, blushed and squealed—was this something innocent students like them should be hearing? What kind of wild romance was this? They couldn’t help but get excited.

One girl, her eyes shining with admiration, shyly asked, “What is Young Master Zhan like in private?”

“Does he call you things like ‘baby’?”

“Have you two… um… you know…” Before Xu Yueyao could answer, the girls covered their faces and screamed.

Xu Yueyao pretended to be flustered, covering her face in mock embarrassment. “Ah! You’re all so annoying! I’m going home!” She ran off, leaving the others to indulge in their own fantasies.

An Zhiyi listened to the chatter, her face dark with jealousy. She clenched her fists as resentment grew in her heart.

As Xu Yueyao ran out of the classroom, she happened to bump into Shen Yi, who was waiting outside. The two of them walked to the school’s sports field. Shen Yi recalled what she had said in class and smirked, “You sure know how to spin a story.”

“But isn’t everyone happy with the result?” Xu Yueyao replied lightly. Whether something was true or false didn’t matter—people only believed what they wanted to believe.

“Where are you going?” Shen Yi asked.

“Home,” she answered. She had etiquette lessons in the afternoon and had also scheduled a full-body spa—her schedule was packed.

She handed her phone to Shen Yi. “Add me on WeChat. If anything comes up with Fu Xiaosi, let me know.” She naturally treated Shen Yi as an ally.

Shen Yi took out his phone and added her. After that, Xu Yueyao left the school, and Shen Yi watched her go before turning away himself.

The Next Day

Early in the morning, Xu Yueyao received a WeChat message from Shen Yi, telling her that Fu Xiaosi would be coming to school today.

After breakfast, she hurried to school. She had already come up with several plans the night before—today, she had to settle things with Fu Xiaosi. With an upcoming banquet to attend, she didn’t have the energy to deal with him any longer. She had to turn him from an enemy into an ally.

As soon as she arrived in class, she looked for Fu Xiaosi. He was sitting there, surrounded by Shen Yi, Wu Haolin, and Xiao Beichen. He looked thinner than before, dressed entirely in black. The scar on his browbone gave him a sharp edge, while his upturned eyes carried a cool, detached smile. He lifted his gaze lazily, his deep eyes scrutinizing her.

Xu Yueyao swallowed nervously. She suddenly felt a lack of confidence. His gaze made her hesitant and timid. She fidgeted uncomfortably through the morning classes, aware of the burning stare fixed on her back.

On the Rooftop

Fu Xiaosi leaned against the wall, a cigarette between his fingers. “You were looking for me?” he asked casually.

“I can return that 10% of the shares to you,” Xu Yueyao said.

As soon as she finished speaking, Fu Xiaosi took a swift step forward, grabbing her by the throat and pinning her against the wall.

Xu Yueyao struggled to pry his fingers off, but he only loosened his grip slightly, still holding her in place.

“Xiaosi, don’t!” Shen Yi stepped forward to stop him.

“Get out,” Fu Xiaosi ordered coldly.

Shen Yi hesitated, looking at Xu Yueyao with concern. She nodded slightly, signaling that she was fine. Reluctantly, Shen Yi turned and left.

“Xu Yueyao, life is meaningless. Let’s die together,” Fu Xiaosi murmured as he leaned in closer, the smell of tobacco filling her senses.

Xu Yueyao frowned. Did he live on cigarettes alone?

“Fu Xiaosi, calm down. I know what’s troubling you, and I can help,” she said, gripping his wrist, trying to free herself.

“Oh? Is that so?” He finally released her throat, tapping her face lightly. “Tell me, then—what am I troubled about?”

“I know your mother wasn’t the mistress. The real adulterer back then was Fu Zheng’s mother.”

Xu Yueyao observed his reaction. To her surprise, he wasn’t as shocked as she had expected—just momentarily stunned, followed by a surge of anger.

“Xu Yueyao, do you really think I won’t kill you?” Fu Xiaosi seethed as he grabbed her throat again.

“This is a Fu family matter. It’s not for you to speculate on,” he growled. This scandal, no matter how one looked at it, was an embarrassment to the Fu family. His anger was inevitable.

“Fu Xiaosi, wasn’t your mother’s greatest wish to gain the recognition of the Fu matriarch and become the official Fu family lady? If the matriarch knew the truth, wouldn’t she change her opinion of your mother?” Xu Yueyao challenged. She refused to believe he wouldn’t be tempted by this information.

“What proof do you have?” Fu Xiaosi narrowed his eyes at her.

“Fu Zheng’s mother had a child with her lover—a daughter. That girl is a year older than you. You can verify this yourself.”

She didn’t miss the flicker of shock on his face.

Gotcha, she thought. Interested now, aren’t you?