Chapter 54: The Little Follower at the Aristocratic School (Part 3)

Because of Shen Ke’s words, Qi Yuan kept a straight face and took the quickest shower possible.

She casually wiped herself with a towel, then threw on her clothes and pants.

“I’m done. We can go,” Qi Yuan said.

Shen Ke turned around and glanced at Qi Yuan. Seeing that Qi Yuan’s hair was still dripping wet, she immediately grimaced in disgust. “You haven’t dried your hair.”

Qi Yuan was silent for a moment, then reached past Shen Ke and opened the stall door. “It’s just a little water. No problem.”

“Go out first.”

Before Shen Ke could say anything, she felt a push from behind. Qi Yuan’s hand pressed against her back and shoved her out.

Shen Ke turned and yelled fiercely at Qi Yuan, “What are you doing? I can walk by myself!”

Qi Yuan selectively ignored Shen Ke’s words. She draped the towel over her shoulder, then squatted down in front of Shen Ke. Turning her head slightly, she said calmly, “Get on. I’ll carry you back.” If Shen Ke lay on her back, it would cover her front perfectly. As for the toiletries, they could come back for them later.

Shen Ke’s long lashes trembled slightly as she grumbled, “Your hair isn’t dry yet. It’ll get on me later.”

Qi Yuan took a deep breath and stayed in her squat. “Hurry up, or those two might come back soon.”

Hearing this, Shen Ke bit her lower lip reluctantly and climbed onto Qi Yuan’s back.

Qi Yuan supported Shen Ke’s legs with both hands and stood up steadily. Out of habit, she bounced once to adjust. Only after did she remember she was carrying a person, not firewood.

Shen Ke patted Qi Yuan’s shoulder in warning. “Qi Yuan, be careful. Don’t let me fall.”

Qi Yuan continued to selectively ignore Shen Ke’s words. She asked, “What floor?”

Shen Ke thumped Qi Yuan’s shoulder. “Fifth floor, Room 502.”

Qi Yuan hummed in acknowledgment, then strode toward the fifth floor.

Shen Ke looked at the dripping hair right in front of her face and wrinkled her nose in disgust. She grabbed the towel from Qi Yuan’s shoulder, spread it out, and covered Qi Yuan’s head, rubbing vigorously.

“You’re lucky. I don’t wipe hair for just anyone.” The dripping water would wet her collar and shoulders otherwise, making it hard for her to hold on.

Qi Yuan hadn’t expected someone like Shen Ke to wipe her hair for her. Though the motions weren’t gentle, Qi Yuan’s hands on Shen Ke’s thighs tightened slightly. Her heart began to beat irregularly again.

After delivering Shen Ke to Room 502, Qi Yuan slowly set her down. She pursed her lips, positioned herself to block Shen Ke, and looked down at the swirl of hair on Shen Ke’s crown.

“You go in.”

Shen Ke shot Qi Yuan a look that said she knew what was good for her, swiped her keycard to unlock the door, went inside, and slammed it shut with a bang.

Qi Yuan lowered her dark, straight lashes, casting a shadow under her eyes. Her expression turned cold as she murmured lowly, “So rude.”

Everyone at this school, whether commoner or rich, carried an air of superiority.

Click-clack-click-clack. The small leather shoes made a crisp yet somewhat muffled sound on the floor.

Si Qing didn’t need to guess to know whose footsteps they were. A pair of long legs clad in black thigh-high socks appeared right in front of her.

Si Qing closed her book and lifted her head slightly. Her pale eyes held a chilling coolness.

Shen Ke smiled ingratiatingly. “Miss, why did you call me here?”

Si Qing’s throat itched. She covered her mouth and coughed dryly several times uncontrollably.

Once the coughing stopped, a bit of color returned to Si Qing’s pale face, but it wasn’t healthy—instead, it carried a damp, sickly air.

Si Qing’s features were clear and cold, her facial features exquisite. Not only were her pupils a pale color, but her hair was too. She looked like a delicate glass doll in a display case, fragile and refined.

“Come out with me tonight,” Si Qing said flatly.

Shen Ke’s eyes lit up. She nodded eagerly. She had no reason to refuse, nor would she. After all, her ability to strut around the school now was all thanks to borrowing Si Qing’s influence.

Shen Ke wished she could stick to Si Qing every day to close the distance between them, but Si Qing had always been cold toward her. Even though she acted so obedient in front of Si Qing.

Si Qing stood up. Her frame was slim and frail, but she was quite a bit taller than Shen Ke. Looking down at her, Si Qing said, “Stay away from Leigh from now on.” The words sounded more like a warning than reassurance.

Shen Ke tilted her head. “But Miss, you’re always with her. I can’t avoid her.”

Si Qing’s brows furrowed slightly. “Are you blaming me?”

Shen Ke lifted her face, her red lips pouting like a wronged little cat. “How would I dare blame Miss?”

“It’s true. I only care about you, Miss. I don’t want to show up in front of anyone else. Besides, Miss Leigh doesn’t like me, and I’m not close to her.” As she spoke, she held out her palm. There were faint marks on the soft white skin, especially eye-catching.

“Yesterday, she made me carry so many things. My palms hurt so much.”

Shen Ke’s words sounded like a confession, but Si Qing had been hearing things like this from her since she was twelve. She knew most of what Shen Ke said was fake.

Si Qing’s gaze fell on those pretty hands. She noticed not only marks on the palms but also on the wrists—faint ones, like from being gripped.

Si Qing frowned. “How did you get those marks on your wrists?”

Shen Ke was always pampered. Even as an ordinary kid, her skin was softer than Si Qing the sickly weed.

Shen Ke nearly rolled her eyes. Wasn’t her complaint obvious? She ignored what she said but noticed the wrist marks.

Shen Ke puffed her cheeks, a bit annoyed but not daring to show it in front of Si Qing. She hid her hands behind her back and kicked at her shoe tip. “I don’t know.”

Si Qing used to be so good to her, but ever since high school started, she’d grown colder and colder, not caring about her at all. Gradually, Shen Ke didn’t dare throw tantrums anymore.

Si Qing’s expression chilled. She didn’t understand how talking about Leigh had veered off-topic like always with Shen Ke.

Si Qing thought for a moment, then pulled out her phone and called Leigh.

The phone rang for a while before it connected. Leigh’s lively, cheerful voice came through. “Qingqing, what made you think of calling me?”

Si Qing got straight to the point. “Where are you?”

Leigh’s laughter was clear and pleasant. “In the West District Woods. Want to come? I’m doing something really fun~” Her tone rose, as if she was genuinely enjoying herself.

Si Qing hung up and said to Shen Ke, “Follow me.”

Meanwhile, Leigh pulled off the cloth blindfolding her eyes and looked at her unscathed palm. Her smile was brilliant. “Wow, my skills are pretty good.”

Leigh lifted the small knife in her hand and slid the tip along the face of the person in front of her. “Didn’t you say you’d do anything for me?”

“If you want a brooch representing my status, you have to perform well.”

“You investigated my movements but didn’t bother looking into my personality.”

Wan Su was scared out of her wits. She regretted it—regretted giving in to that momentary delusion and approaching Leigh.

But her body was pinned down, her mouth gagged. She was fish on the chopping block, at Leigh’s mercy.

Tears streamed nonstop from Wan Su’s eyes. Leigh squatted down, looking at her crying face, and suddenly thought of Shen Ke. She chuckled lowly. “So ugly.”

“There’ll be guests soon. You have to perform well~”

Leigh patted Wan Su’s cheek with the flat of the blade. Her emerald eyes looked unusually affectionate. “Darling, don’t move your hand randomly, okay?”

Gazed at by those eyes, Wan Su’s heart skipped a beat despite the situation. Leigh’s appearance was truly beautiful, like an angel.

And her background was deep enough. If—if she could become Leigh’s person, she could be as arrogant as that Shen Ke.

They were both special admission students, but because Shen Ke became an affiliate of a black brooch holder, she lorded over everyone.

Looking down on anyone below purple gem brooch rank.

Leigh gently closed one eye. Her curled lashes cast long shadows, her thin lips curving up—holy and beautiful.

Leigh chuckled lightly. “Don’t cover her mouth anymore.”

“But don’t scream too loud. You’ll disturb me.” The last part was clearly directed at Wan Su.

Wan Su gasped for air, her forehead covered in cold sweat.

She watched helplessly as the knife slipped between her fingers again and again. Each time, the icy blade grazed her skin, bringing bone-chilling cold.

Wan Su had overestimated her endurance. She broke down sobbing. “I was wrong! Please let me go!”

Shen Ke followed Si Qing into the Cypress Woods. The tall cypress trees blocked some sunlight, and Shen Ke felt much cooler the moment they entered.

Gradually, she heard muffled sobs and pleas for mercy.

Shen Ke’s eyes darted around. She tugged Si Qing’s clothes and whispered, “Miss, it sounds like someone’s doing that thing here.” That’s what Wang Manyu called it.

Si Qing turned her head. “What thing?”

Shen Ke blushed, hesitant to say it. “You know, that… that thing people do.”

Si Qing fell silent, irritation surging inside her. She blurted out, “You seem to know a lot about it.”

“Have you done it? With who? Guy or girl?”

“You—cough cough—”

Shen Ke didn’t know why Si Qing was so urgent. She rolled her eyes where Si Qing couldn’t see but spoke softly and sweetly. “Not yet. I haven’t even kissed anyone.”

“I just… just heard about it.”

Si Qing clenched her fingers, inexplicably relieved. “Mm. Don’t do that kind of thing. It’s dirty.” That sort of thing happened a lot at school, so it was normal for Shen Ke to hear about it occasionally.

Si Qing led Shen Ke onward.

The crying and voices grew louder.

Until several figures appeared ahead. The most striking was Leigh with her golden curly long hair. She had her eyes closed, seemingly savoring the pleas, lips curved in a smile.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, sparsely illuminating Leigh and outlining her three-dimensional side profile.

Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the area.

Shen Ke saw the pinned student—her palm suddenly pierced by Leigh’s knife. Blood gushed out frantically, flowing down the back of her hand into the gaps between her fingers.

The sight stunned Shen Ke. Her face paled repeatedly as she hid behind Si Qing.

Real blood—so red, so terrifying.

Leigh slowly opened her eyes and pulled out the knife. She sighed faintly. “Sorry, looks like I need more practice.”

“Next time, try it with Si Qing~ She’s the nicest. Cry a little, act cute, and she might give you a black brooch.”

Leigh stood up, flicked the blood off the knife, and reached out her hand. Her lackeys promptly handed over a white cloth.

Leigh wiped it gently, then turned around and lifted her gaze. “Right, Qingqing?”

Leigh didn’t notice Shen Ke at first, since Shen Ke was shorter and smaller-framed, completely hidden behind Si Qing.

Si Qing’s face showed no expression. “Leigh, this is the fun game you mentioned?”

Leigh laughed. “Of course. Hearing someone beg is pretty entertaining, isn’t it?”

Si Qing said flatly, “Twisted tastes.”

Leigh’s smile widened. She stepped closer and spotted the dark head behind Si Qing.

Sensing Leigh’s gaze, Shen Ke peeked out slightly, her round eyes filled with obvious fear.

Leigh’s smile faltered. Her gaze shifted to Si Qing’s face, eyes narrowing slightly. “Qingqing seems so pure and cold, but you’re pretty scheming.”

Si Qing frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Leigh didn’t answer. Instead, she waved and turned. “I’m off, Qingqing.”

“Don’t bring the little cat next time.”

Leigh left with her people, leaving Wan Su behind, clutching her hand, face ashen white.

Seeing Si Qing still there, Wan Su’s eyes lit up. She shakily stood and staggered toward her. “Miss Si, I—I can—”

“Scram.” The clear, flat word blanked Wan Su’s mind. She clearly saw the emotion in Si Qing’s eyes—distant, indifferent superiority.

Si Qing turned back to Shen Ke. “If you piss off Leigh, I won’t help you.”

Shen Ke stared blankly at Si Qing.

Si Qing’s eyes darkened slightly. Shen Ke looked scared silly.

It made sense. Shen Ke bullied others under her name with minor antics, so Si Qing tolerated it.

But Leigh was not one for small-time mischief. This noble from M Country had a twisted personality.

Shen Ke waited until Si Qing had left before she suddenly snapped back to her senses. She took a deep breath and stared at the girl who was hanging her head in front of her.

Shen Ke furrowed her brows in hesitation. She glanced around and, seeing no one nearby, cleared her throat twice before stepping closer. “How about this? You can be my subordinate. Following me would be the same as following Si Qing.”

Shen Ke’s gaze repeatedly fell on the hand that was bleeding nonstop. It looked very painful, and she pursed her lips. “I’m not someone who lets just anyone become my subordinate. I am—”

Before Shen Ke could finish her words, a sudden push struck her shoulder, sending her crashing to the ground.

A burning pain shot through her palm as it scraped against the floor. Shen Ke’s eyes reddened; she was very afraid of pain.

A mocking laugh came from above her head. “Are you pitying me?”

“Disgusting! You think you can show off in front of me just because you have a pretty face and caught Si Qing’s eye?” Wan Su stared jealously at the black brooch pinned to Shen Ke’s chest. She clenched her fists tightly and turned to run away.

This left Shen Ke sitting dazed on the ground.

Now she was alone here. Shen Ke slowly stood up from the ground, lifted her hand, and stared at the scraped skin on her palm. She couldn’t stop her tears. “It hurts so much. I hate it!”

“Shen Ke, why haven’t you left? What are you doing just sitting here?” Si Qing’s clear, cold voice came from behind her.

Shen Ke’s tears flowed even more fiercely upon hearing this. Si Qing was so mean too.

She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, lowered her head, turned around, and walked up to Si Qing. “Miss.”

Shen Ke’s voice was thick with sobs the moment she spoke, making her sound utterly aggrieved.

Si Qing furrowed her brows slightly. “Why are you crying? Did Leigh scare you?”

Si Qing’s tone grew heavier, and Shen Ke’s impulse to tattle immediately faded. Anyway, Si Qing probably wouldn’t help her; there was no point in saying anything.

Shen Ke replied listlessly, “It’s nothing.”

Si Qing did not press further. After all, Shen Ke was the type to get upset or cry over the smallest things.

“Follow me.”

“Okay.”

Noah Academy’s dismissal time was three o’clock. After three, it was free time when students could study various arts and culture or engage in sports. The school featured a horse ranch, an artificial ski slope, and various basic sports facilities.

Si Qing’s body was very frail and could only handle brief periods of activity.

Si Qing returned to her exclusive lounge. As she stepped through the doorway, she refused Shen Ke’s entry. “You should leave. I need an absolutely safe environment to rest.”

“I’ll call you when I wake up.”

“But if you’re tired, I can—” let you come in to rest for a while.

But she did not finish the second half of her sentence before Shen Ke cut her off.

Shen Ke said softly, “Miss, then I’ll head out first.”

Si Qing lowered her gaze, and with a bang, she shut the door.