Chapter 24

Rongrong was furious at Yi Zhen’s words—how dare he call her an ignorant person? She was a top student in the Accelerated Class; how could she possibly be called ignorant? This was outright defamation. And it was the first time she’d ever heard someone insult without using profanity—she wanted to retort, but her mind was blank, no words forming, only glaring helplessly. Since that was the case, changing the subject and seizing control of the conversation was the way forward. Once she had the upper hand, how she mocked him back was entirely her business.

Hmph! You call me ignorant and say I’m hard to communicate with? I think it’s you who can’t speak properly and has no manners, which is why you’re so bold. Frankly, I look down on you.

It definitely wasn’t her fault just now. How could a little fairy be wrong? It was this man running around aimlessly in the classroom building, with zero decorum. And that stench—where did it even come from? If she were to walk away, she wouldn’t walk past him—this smell was simply unbearable.

Though she couldn’t pinpoint its origin, it was definitely tied to the man in front of her. Since he spoke to her rudely anyway, she had no reason to be polite either.

If someone respects me a foot, I respect them a yard. Since you’re pushing your luck, I won’t mind crushing you. Hmph! It’s all your fault, you stinking man—just wait and see!

“Oh? Are you that impressive?”

Yi Zhen asked casually, his hands never pausing—he picked up the mat lying nearby and rolled it up again in mere seconds.

The wall it stained was now contaminated. Yi Zhen could only think of hiring someone to repaint it—no other option. So this too had to be put on hold; he’d have to report it to the homeroom teacher later, so he wouldn’t get caught and punished for it.

Besides, he was a struggling student—privileges were unlikely. This trouble might be hard to escape. He should’ve just stayed put. After all, this girl clearly wanted to get reincarnated early—why not grant her wish?

“Of course, I’m… hmm? What? From your tone, you want to test me?”

At first, she hadn’t thought much about Yi Zhen’s reply, but now that she replayed his tone, something felt off. Then it hit her—damn, he was mocking her. So she decided not to mention which class she was from—no point giving him more fuel to call her arrogant.

That would only make her angrier. So, did he really want to challenge her? Fine—she didn’t mind. It’d knock some arrogance off him. How dare he speak to her like that? Not crushing his confidence would betray her identity as a top student.

“No challenge. I’m busy.”

Yi Zhen had wanted to lash out with a sharp retort, but she was a girl. Though he hated her, and given his limited experience with females, he figured it was better to avoid interaction. This one clearly wasn’t harmless—he’d ignore her, refuse any demands, walk away, and find another chance to retaliate later. Then they’d be even.

“Then just apologize to me directly. I’ll forgive you this time and let it go.”

Yi Zhen’s silence didn’t mean Rongrong would drop it. The grudge was already formed. If she didn’t settle this fast, she’d be driven mad. Worse, she suspected this boy was trying to attract her attention—then court her. Though such weirdos were rare, they weren’t unheard of. Didn’t every drama have this exact plot?

So if that was the case, resolving it now would prevent future trouble. That was her true thought. She quickly typed a message on her phone and sent it. She was also a little worried—just as Xiao Ting had warned—so she’d call for backup. At least then she’d feel safer.

Rongrong: “Xiao Ting, come to the second floor, left side, near the small gate by the school entrance. Bring pepper spray and a bottle of perfume. Otherwise…”

Her message was deliberately misleading, heightening the sense of urgency. Otherwise, Xiao Ting might just bring those two things—and that wouldn’t be enough.

Xiao Ting: “Rongrong, what happened?”

Xiao Ting: “Rongrong?”

Xiao Ting: “Okay, I’m coming right now!”

Seeing Rongrong send another urgent message, Xiao Ting wanted to understand exactly what was going on.

Unfortunately, her messages went unanswered. With no choice, she grabbed her full arsenal and sprinted toward the elevator. Just as Rongrong suspected, she took these situations seriously—she never felt safe without proper preparation.

Luckily, she’d already prepped her gear. Adding one bottle of perfume was enough. She slung it over her shoulder regardless of weight—as long as it worked.

…

Yi Zhen heard her words, glanced up briefly, then looked away again. Apologize? That would never come from him. Maybe she’d been spoiled rotten—why bother engaging?

“Hey, I’m talking to you. Answer me. Just apologize. That’s all.”

Rongrong had never cared about Yi Zhen’s feelings. In her mind, whose feelings mattered most? Hers, of course. She was her own master. Outsiders were outsiders—no need to care, except for Xiao Ting. A brief exchange was respect enough. Did he expect her to coo and pout? What a fantasy.

The initial urgency she’d felt? Temporary. It faded naturally. After all, she hadn’t been hurt. She’d even considered showing him concern. Now he responded like this? Pfft. Men. None of them are good.

“Your dad must adore you. Then why not get a paternity test? He should look in a mirror—his hair’s turned green. Only then could he have produced such a wonderful child. Well, I’m done. Your Highness, please help yourself.”

Yi Zhen spoke slowly, deliberately indirect. He’d packed up enough to leave. He had no desire to keep talking to this woman—every exchange stirred a violent urge to punch her, but he forced himself to hold back. Do you know the feeling of clenching your fists again and again, then relaxing your whole body each time? He felt it. She was pure, unadulterated shrew—she deserved an award as the most torturous figure in history. He wholeheartedly agreed. No objections.

“Of course, my dad adores me… WHAT THE HELL, YOU STINKING MAN! Do you love playing mind games? Don’t you dare walk away—STOP!”

At first, hearing praise made Rongrong happy. But he loved wordplay—this second twist caught her off guard. When she realized it, she snapped, raised her fist, and lunged to punch him—but the stench drove her back. All she could do was shout, hoping to stop him. Then she’d wait for Xiao Ting’s spray attack. Perfect… absolutely perfect.

Unfortunately, Yi Zhen had no interest in listening to this woman’s nonsense. He grabbed his things and took a detour. Sigh. Legs, I’m not trying to make you walk more—I’m just following fate. It’s hard, but maybe my original plan wasn’t wrong. Maybe I just got better guidance. It felt like approval. Brilliant.

He calmed his mood and set out again on his own journey. Unknown troubles might lie ahead, but people must look forward. Finish what’s right in front of you first. Whether there’s trouble or not—your own matters are the biggest and most important.

“Bye now. You can’t even handle this smell? You’re ridiculously delicate. I look down on you.”

As he left, Yi Zhen couldn’t resist one last jab. He’d noticed several times how ridiculously dramatic this girl was—unlike Mingyang, who changed moods unpredictably. This one was the real, genuine, textbook princess syndrome patient. You don’t coddle such people—you provoke and taunt them. Then they can’t do a thing to you. It’s so damn fun.

Fine, he’d mixed in personal feelings. So what? Any problem? No problem! This girl really was messed up—why should he coddle her? That’s just kissing a cold butt and getting slapped with stink. Disgusting.