Chapter 72: Such a Miserable Downfall

She had truly gambled and lost this time.

It had taken her great effort to be admitted to Qingming. Her family was ordinary, but she’d loved writing since childhood. Back in middle school, she’d even published several comic novels and earned the reputation of a gifted young woman. With her innocent looks, she was adored by both classmates and teachers; naturally, she thought highly of herself.

After arriving at Qingming, she discovered a far larger and more dazzling stage.

She fell hopelessly for the prince atop the four school heartthrobs—Zhan Su.

The spring breeze of a literary youth, once stirred, could not be restrained. “Fervent” barely described her feelings. She’d summoned all her courage to scheme and orchestrate this series of events...

Only to fail so miserably in the end.

Two bodyguards confiscated her razor blades and dragged her out through the back gate of Qingming School.

An assistant had already brought her backpack and other personal belongings to the gate, along with a newly stamped expulsion notice from the principal, which was flung in her face.

Lin Jiao was plunged into utter despair and collapse.

Why didn’t the prince like her? Why? If he didn’t, why had he come to Class Sixteen yesterday?

She pondered for a while but couldn’t make sense of it.

Tomorrow, she would ask her parents to beg the principal once more, and beg Prince Zhan as well, to see if there was any way she could return to school.

It was still early. She took out her phone and dialed a number.

“Sister Yin? I got out of school early today. When will you send someone to pick me up?”

This was a comic studio she’d met online. She had drawn several illustrations for them before—each earning her a few hundred yuan, which she’d received in full.

The woman had invited her to work part-time at the studio. She had planned to visit after school today to check out the place.

Now that she’d been expelled ahead of time, she might as well go earlier.

Someday, when she became a famous manga artist, she would return and astonish everyone. Even Prince Zhan would fall for her!

A syrupy female voice came through the phone. “Oh, you finished so early today? Where are you? I’ll send someone to pick you up right away. Last time, when you sent me your video portfolio, I knew I wanted you here. With your looks and talent, our clients will definitely love you...”

Lin Jiao gave her address.

Before long, a black van pulled up in front of her. Several tattooed men got out and, alternating between cajoling and dragging, bundled her into the vehicle.

***

Shi Qingqing soon found the calligraphy club.

As expected, there weren’t many members; the classroom was mostly empty, with only about twenty people present.

Unlike other clubs, which boasted hundreds.

The walls were lined with calligraphic masterpieces from various renowned artists.

When Shi Qingqing entered the room, a bespectacled upperclassman was teaching everyone how to write with a brush.

“... The Yan style is the most particular about strength and spirit. Each dot must be pressed firmly...”

Shi Qingqing knocked on the door. “Excuse me, sorry to interrupt—I’m a new member.”

The bespectacled senior looked up, stunned for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his eyes.

“You’re Shi Qingqing from Grade Eleven, Class Seventeen?”

Shi Qingqing paused, then smiled. “Oh, so you know me, senior?”

She supposed she had Prince Zhan Su to thank for that! All they’d done was chat briefly in the hallway yesterday. If anyone found out she’d become Zhan Su’s maid, her personal safety would be in jeopardy.

Thank goodness she’d slipped away today. The moment Zhan Su appeared, she fled. Otherwise, if Zhan the heartthrob started talking to her again, she’d have to come to school tomorrow wearing a helmet.

The other girls in the classroom, upon hearing the name Shi Qingqing, instantly wore looks of disdain.

The boys, on the other hand, didn’t react much—perhaps a little curiosity, but soon lost interest.

The bespectacled senior hesitated, as if wanting to say something, but refrained.

He pointed to a desk at the back. “You can sit there.”