“I apologize. I underestimated the other examinees and hadn’t antic.i.p.ated that Lu Xinyi will pa.s.s the exams. Rest a.s.sured, I will do my best for the incoming practical exams.” Meng Jiao lowered her head in shame. Had she not played it safe and paid little attention to the questions, she probably wouldn’t have to face Sun Feiyan like this.
“You should.” Sun Feiyan lifted her head, the corner of her lips twitching into a smile. She didn’t look fazed by the results of the last examinations. “After all, the money I’m spending on you wasn’t so cheap.”
“I understand.” Meng Jiao gave her a slight nod, her fists clenching hard on her side.
“Why so serious, Miss Meng?” Sun Feiyan stood up from her seat, her hands gently supporting herself using the edge of the table. “You’ve done your best, and it was just the start. There’s no need to rush for we are not in a race,” she said with a bemused tone as if mocking the woman in front of her.
Meng Jiao’s dark brown eyes flickered with annoyance. She was half-tempted to get away from the deal she made with Sun Feiyan, but it was already too late for her. The rice had been cooked, and there was no way in h.e.l.l she could go back to the previous life that she abandoned.
“But I still bear your family’s pride. It was improper for me to play safe at the early rounds of the compet.i.tion,” she replied, her disgust barely hidden from within.
She knew perfectly well that Sun Feiyan was using her;the Young Miss did not even try to hide her intent from Meng Jiao. After all, the woman only sought her out to keep an eye on Lu Xinyi. She would never understand Sun Feiyan’s interest towards her former best friend, but Meng Jiao pushed those thoughts aside for she needed to focus at the matters at hand.
Sun Feiyan’s laugh sounded like tinkling bells to Meng Jiao’s ears. The difference between her and Sun Feiyan in terms of wealth and status was apparent from the way they dressed. Meg Jiao’s lips set in a hard line as she waited for Sun Feiyan to discuss her next plans.
“You still have three remaining days to prepare yourself for the final exam. I already set an appointment with someone to teach you the basics of culinary arts. Make sure that you will not forget why I took you under my wing.” Sun Feiyan took in the sight of the woman carrying the Sun family’s reputation within the Silver Leaf. She thought that Meng Jiao was still several steps ahead from the outcast princess of the Sun family, Lu Xinyi.
—
Sun Feiyan watched as Meng Jiao drove away from the Sun Estate using the car she had given to the latter as a part of their deal. Tong Yan, who was waiting for her to acknowledge her presence, broke into a sweat when she saw the young miss’ lips curving into a devilish smile.
“Miss Sun…” she started, but the way Sun Feiyan threw a look on her, Tong Yan instantly shut her mouth, not wanting to offend her mistress. She had prepared her plans ahead so she wouldn’t make a mistake next time.
Still, she had no idea what this Lu Xinyi did to earn Miss Sun’s grudge, aside from the rumors that Lu Xinyi was once part of the Sun family had been outcasted by the chairman. What could be Sun Feiyan thinking for going after Lu Xinyi? It seemed there was something more between the two than meets the eye.
“Miss Sun, the panelist for the practical exams has been finalized. Do you want me to seek their help, too?” Tong Yan asked hesitantly. Even before the preliminary exams, she knew out that Lu Xinyi was the representative of the Shen family.
How was she able to plot against that woman if she had someone backing her up?! What’s more, it was none other than the infamous President Shen of the Shen Group of Companies.
Just who was this Lu Xinyi that was able to take the interests of the two big families of the capital? Tong Yan could swear that she had never heard Lu Xinyi’s name and reputation before. It wasn’t like she was losing her touch in her circle of friends and acquaintances. She believed that she was still updated with the current rumors within the industry.
How did Lu Xinyi know President Shen in the first place? Was she a lover he was keeping on the public?
There were rumors that President Shen had been spotted several times with a woman in his arms. The rows of fas.h.i.+on boutiques at the City H had also been buzzing with rumors that President Shen had recently tied a knot with his pregnant lover, but most people believed that these were baseless rumors to clean up his s.e.xuality issues.
“Are you worried?” Sun Feiyan slipped her a curious glance before making her way back to her desk to pick up her wine gla.s.s. She slowly swirled the aromatic drink on her gla.s.s.
“Of course not.” Tong Yan shook her head and forced a smile. “I’m just thinking why you still hired Miss Meng to enter Silver Leaf.” She was the one who took the initiative to manipulate Lu Xinyi’s examinations result. With her failed attempt, she knew that she had to be extra careful during the practical exams. She was confident that Lu Xinyi didn’t have what it takes to be the next superstar of the Silver Leaf Academy.
The young miss of the Sun family smirked and smiled at Tong Yan’s curiosity.
“Ah, I need her there to make sure Lu Xinyi wouldn’t drag the Sun family’s name with her. Perhaps if everything goes well according to my plans, I wouldn’t have to worry about Lu Xinyi in the future.”