Meanwhile, in the principal’s office, Yun Mingyue and Ning Moxin had wrapped up their official discussion.

They sized each other up—two accomplished women in their fields, both stunning beauties with prominent reputations in Hangcheng’s elite circles.

Yun Mingyue broke eye contact first. She held a tidbit of intel likely to surface soon… perfect for teasing this woman who shared her fame.

“Do you know what a certain boy calls me?”

“Hm?” Ning Moxin blinked, puzzled.

A barely noticeable smile flickered in Yun Mingyue’s eyes. “He likes to call me ‘Sister Hua.’ Because in a rich-lady roleplay group, my username is ‘Flourishing Blossoms.’”

Ning Moxin: “???”

Yun Mingyue’s bluntness left no room for misunderstanding. Ning Moxin’s thoughts mirrored hers exactly: *Even if “Flourishing Blossoms” is wealthy… how could she be Yun Mingyue of Yun Group? President Yun, you’ve got too much free time. With that energy, you could close deals worth a lifetime.*

“I always thought you were an ice queen, President Yun. Never imagined…” Ning Moxin masked her surprise smoothly, countering without missing a beat.

Yun Mingyue never shared details about Zhou You in the group. But from her past comments, Ning Moxin already knew: cool exterior, fiery heart.

“And you joined the group yet play the prude?” Ning Moxin had always acted proper there. But a truly rigid woman wouldn’t join—and enjoy—such roleplay.

“Hehe.” *2

Their ambiguous chuckles sent a shiver down Ning Mengmeng’s spine. Busy copying lines as punishment nearby, she found it deeply creepy.

Yun Mingyue glanced at the desk clock. Time to go. She gathered the signed documents and stood.

“Let’s chat properly next time.” Her tone held genuine warmth. Teasing aside, such banter signaled solid rapport.

“I’ll see you out.” Ning Moxin rose.

Arm in arm, they walked like twin lotus blossoms. Left behind, Ning Mengmeng frowned. *They were mocking each other seconds ago… now so cozy?*

*Adults are impossible to understand.*

She shook her head, eyes dropping to the densely scribbled paper. *Less than a hundred copies done…*

“Time to run,” she muttered, rubbing sore fingers. She tiptoed to the door—

*Ring ring!* The office landline cut her off.

“Hello? Who’s this? Principal Ning isn’t here.”

“Mengmeng, I’m coming for dinner tonight. And checking your copying.”

“Huh?”

Ning Mengmeng’s eyes widened. The receiver slipped, thudding onto the desk—and her heart.

“I’m reporting you to the Education Bureau for corporal punishment of a minor, Auntie!”

“I know Hangcheng’s Education Bureau director,” Ning Moxin replied, utterly calm.

“Waaah~~”

Her little face scrunched in sorrow. She slumped back, burying herself in copying again.

*Someone please take my aunt. Let her raise her own kid. Stop torturing poor me.*

…

Ning Moxin set the phone down, smiled at Yun Mingyue, and linked arms as they stepped out. She chatted animatedly about campus landmarks—the teaching building, the small lake, the inscribed stele—sharing anecdotes with ease. Passersby turned heads at the pair’s elegance; some nearly bumped into trees.

“Once, a girl confessed here… got so flustered she fell into the lake. Her crush’s roommate rescued her. Sparks flew.”

Yun Mingyue smiled faintly at the vivid retelling. *Graceful on the surface… who knows beneath? No wonder she’s still single. Probably, like my old self, no one’s caught her eye.*

Relief settled in. Zhou You was hers alone. Nothing would develop with Ning Moxin.

Near the gate, a figure stood out—delicate as a willow in the breeze.

“Daidai?”

“Mother. Auntie Ning.” Yun Daidai cast a sidelong glance at Ning Moxin before greeting them softly, the picture of polite obedience.

Yun Mingyue’s expression stayed neutral. She knew her daughter best. Only she—and Daidai’s ex—saw past the flawless facade.

“Daidai, you look unwell?” A thoughtful glint crossed Ning Moxin’s eyes. *Came to see her ex… meeting failed?*

“I’m just feeling under the weather,” Yun Daidai murmured, pressing a hand to her pale forehead. Convincing.

Yun Mingyue released Ning Moxin’s arm and stepped forward to support her.

“I’ll take you to a doctor.” Her tone held little maternal warmth.

“Mm. Thank you for your trouble, Mother.”

Yun Mingyue’s eyes flickered with complex emotion—but she said nothing. After bidding Ning Moxin farewell, she helped Yun Daidai into the car.

Hair veiling her face, Yun Daidai sat slumped—a portrait of dejection.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, Yun Mingyue asked calmly, “Home or hospital?”

Yun Daidai lifted her head, holding her mother’s gaze.

“Just drop me roadside. You’re off to see your sweetheart next, right?”

Yun Mingyue shot her a look but drove to the hospital instead. To Yun Daidai’s surprise, she handled registration, the consultation, medicine—then drove her home.

“Take your medicine. If anything happens to you… it would complicate things for me.”

Yun Daidai trudged upstairs step by step, vanishing into the stairwell. Yun Mingyue rolled up the window and drove off.

Long after, headlights swept across the window between the first and second floors. Behind the glass, Yun Daidai stood silent, lips pressed tight, watching the road. Flickering light played across her face.

She lifted her phone to her ear.

“Hello? Young Miss?”

“The investigation I requested… cancel it.”

*Beep beep beep~~*

She hung up.

“I can no longer ask anyone from Yun Group for help.”