Chapter 61: Yan Yan Faces Difficulties

Saying that, the crowd's murmurs eased somewhat; Su Xiwei felt secretly pleased, and she even put on a solemn, earnest expression as she said:

"Yan Yan, have you ever considered that, as an outsider, saying this now is stirring up internal conflict within the school."

"Once you finish speaking and leave, what kind of consequences will you leave for those hot-headed students?"

"Yan Yan, I can understand your jealousy and resentment for never having attended college, but that cannot be your reason for maliciously sowing discord!"

Su Xiwei's words, spoken with a sincere expression, instantly reversed Su Xiyan's image in the crowd's mind.

However, before the crowd could glare angrily at Su Xiyan, they heard Principal Zhou Zhengguo's rebuke,

"Fellow student, though your words appear sincere, not a single sentence fails to guide and incite public anger and maliciously speculate and slander!"

"Before you speak of others, have you not considered whether your words might become a weapon that hurts people?"

Su Xiwei, who had just been personally rebuked by Principal Zhou, wore a look of astonishment; she had not expected that, despite having already turned public opinion in her favor, Principal Zhou would still say such things,

Su Xiwei looked aggrieved, "Principal Zhou, you..."

Principal Zhou Zhengguo frowned and interrupted, "Fellow student, whether the grievance you show on your face is feigned or genuine,"

"this is Capital University, a place where the average IQ is above 140; please do not treat all these geniuses as fools."

"Perhaps some hot-headed youths might indeed be swayed by your words for a moment, but in China's highest institution of learning, please put away your tricks."

Principal Zhou's words were weighty; to be publicly rebuked by such a venerable scholar almost amounts to having already ruined Su Xiwei's future prospects for advancement in her studies.

She felt utterly humiliated, and resentfully blamed the whole matter on Su Xiyan,

Feng Yan would not stand by and let Su Xiwei be bullied like that; he stepped forward with a cold smile, glancing at the entrepreneurs beside Principal Zhou who were preparing to donate,

Feng Yan said ominously, "I never expected that a principal of such stature would embarrass a little girl; judging by this scene, Capital University seems to be seeking donations."

"Apologize to Weiwei, drive this woman away; otherwise, Capital University will never receive any donations again!"

"I, Feng Yan, keep my word."

But unexpectedly, as soon as his words left his mouth, Principal Zhou Zhengguo furrowed his brows tightly and spoke with a look of disgust,

"Sir, judging by your age and attire, you don't seem to be a student of our school."

Feng Yan lifted his eyes arrogantly, "Hmph, naturally, I am the CEO of the Feng clan, Feng Yan."

"I graduated years ago from a top overseas institution; in my eyes, Capital University is nothing more than a third-rate college."

Feng Yan's identity caused quite a stir among the crowd, which made him even more pleased.

However, Principal Zhou Zhengguo merely kept a stern face and nodded, "If that's the case, then Capital University has no need to keep you any longer."

Feng Yan instantly frowned, "What do you mean!"

Principal Zhou Zhengguo chuckled, "Capital University is a small temple; it cannot accommodate a great Buddha like you. I presume Mr. Feng, as a CEO, would also dislike being unceremoniously kicked out."

Unexpectedly, Feng Yan also suffered a setback; Su Xiwei wore an expression of utter disbelief,

"Principal! How could you treat Feng Yan this way!"

"And if you're going to expel Feng Yan, why keep this outsider Su Xiyan!"

Su Xiwei's words drew everyone's gaze onto Su Xiyan.

Faced with Su Xiwei's repeated provocations, Su Xiyan simply stood there, like a proud plum blossom, cold and exquisite.

Principal Zhou Zhengguo spoke solemnly:

"Because she has never been an outsider; she is an important alumnus of our Capital University! She is the lifelong honorary seated professor of Capital University!"

"Moreover, she once led Capital University to defeat elite competitors from various nations on the International Olympiad stage!"

"She joined our Capital University's youth program at age twelve, and eight years ago, when our academia lagged behind the West and could not catch up, it was she who led our many students toward glory!"

Principal Zhou's words undoubtedly added a mysterious aura to Su Xiyan's identity; not only did Leng Yi's gaze toward Su Xiyan become fervent and obsessive, but even Feng Yan could not help but be captivated by such a genius girl.

Yet how could Su Xiwei be willing to let Su Xiyan steal all the spotlight!

She exclaimed in shock, "Impossible! Yan Yan has always been in the countryside, attending school in the village!"

Looking at Su Xiwei, who was like a jumping clown, Su Xiyan gave a cold smile:

"Su Xiwei, has anyone from your Su family ever come to see me even once, from childhood to adulthood?"

"And who has ever inquired about my studies and recent situation?"

"On what basis do you deem it impossible?.."

"Or must I live a life worse than swine and dog just to contrast your years of arrogance as the Su family's eldest daughter, in order for you to feel satisfied?"

Hearing that both are daughters, yet the Su family treats them so differently, the crowd cast various strange glances at Su Xiwei.

Even Feng Yan suddenly understood why Su Xiyan harbors such resentment toward the Su family.

Anyone who is ignored like this could not possibly remain free of resentment.

Furthermore, as Feng Yan looked at Su Xiyan, he felt she was extremely familiar, as if she were the very person who once saved him when he was on his deathbed!

In an instant, various gazes felt like needles on her back, making Su Xiwei feel as if she were sitting on pins and needles.

She had never felt so embarrassed and wretched before; it was all because of Su Xiyan!

Now even Feng Yan has genuinely begun to take an interest in her—no! Absolutely not!

Su Xiwei gritted her teeth, a flash of malice crossing her eyes, she looked at Su Xiyan with a pleading expression,

"Yan Yan, I beg you, please stop speaking."

"I know, all of this is my fault; I am wrong, and as your older sister I have not cared enough for you."

"But... but... this is also because you are the Su family's illegitimate daughter."

"Yan Yan, I really do like you, but Mother truly cannot accept it; no woman can tolerate the daughter of a mistress, so if you must hate someone, hate me instead."

"Do not continue to slander the Su family in front of so many people!"

Su Xiyan is actually an illegitimate child!

Su Xiwei's words caused an uproar among the crowd.

The very identity of an illegitimate child is a trampling of moral bottom line; even though these people had just completely turned toward Su Xiyan, the fact of her being an illegitimate child, together with her mother being a mistress, still instinctively evoked disgust in the crowd toward Su Xiyan.

Yang Huahua was even joining in the chorus of schadenfreude,

"It turns out she's the mistress's daughter; no matter how smart a genius girl an illegitimate child may be, she can't change her birth!"

"The mistress's daughter doesn't deserve to live in this world! She doesn't deserve to stand in our sacred academy!"

"Get her out! Get her out!"

A sudden clamor almost lifted Capital University's library.

But then, a resolute voice, as steadfast as a pine and cypress, rang out.

"Ha, she just spoke up for you low-born nobles, and now you, relying on your status, are blaming her."

"You can't decide your own birth—how could she decide hers?"

"This world is just ridiculous: the mistress's illegitimate daughter only knows how to blame women; why does no one criticize men?"

The mocking tone and cold sneer, together with that mighty aura as if it could make heaven and earth lose color, left everyone shocked on the spot.