Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Li Ru’s expression turned cold. “Zhou En, do you really think you’re so great? You’re just fond of acting high and mighty.

“When you were in school, Senior Lin Hong pursued you on a whim. Do you really think you were very popular?”

Li Ru had never thought of herself as inferior to Zhou En. She was very beautiful, and in terms of family background, they were deeply rooted in the capital, a place where not everyone could enter.

The only difference was that she didn’t carry herself as haughtily as Zhou En.

Zhou En always had an air of aloofness, making it easier for men to feel the desire to conquer her. Li Ru believed that Senior Liu Hong was under Zhou En’s spell.

Zhou En’s expression remained indifferent. “I’ve never thought of myself as particularly popular, so could you please keep your distance? I don’t want your presence to affect our appetite.”

Only then did Li Ru notice Xia Wan beside her.

She raised her chin and looked at Xia Wan disdainfully. “You and Zhou En are from the same village, right? Both of you are from the countryside, aren’t you?

“Don’t tell me you also aspire to attend Imperial University?

“I suggest you give up on that idea. Not everyone can get into Imperial University.”

Zhou En looked at Xia Wan apologetically and whispered, “I’m sorry, Wanwan.

I didn’t expect to encounter her here. I’m sorry for involving you.”

Xia Wan shook her head. “It’s okay.”

She looked up at Li Ru. “You’re disturbing our meal. If you have nothing else to say, please leave.”

Li Ru was surprised. She didn’t expect Xia Wan to be so composed.

“Didn’t you hear what I said earlier?” she asked with a frown.

Xia Wan gazed at her calmly. “I heard you. What comes after that?”

Li Ru pointed at Zhou En. “She’s not a decent person. You won’t learn anything good from her.”

Zhou En looked ashamed and angry, but she couldn’t muster a response. She had once had a good reputation in school, but after leaving, her life had taken a different turn.

She had been a promising student, but now she couldn’t even find a stable job.

“Who said she’s worthless?” Xia Wan said. “Don’t worry. Her future achievements will definitely surpass yours.”

Li Ru sneered. “Keep boasting

Typically, those who returned to their hometowns after leaving for the big city didn’t fare well.

Zhou En held Xia Wan’s hand. “Let’s forget about this. Let’s go somewhere else to eat.”

It didn’t matter if she embarrassed herself, but she didn’t want to drag Xia Wan into it. Besides, Xia Wan had come to the capital for business, and she didn’t want to hinder her.

Xia Wan gave her a reassuring look, then said to Li Ru with a bit of provocation, “Since you look down on Zhou En, why don’t you compete in front of the students of Imperial University?”

Li Ru frowned slightly and did not immediately agree.

Xia Wan prodded further. “Why? Are you afraid?”

Li Ru was provoked and straightened her neck. “Why wouldn’t I dare? If you want to compete, let’s do it.”

Even though she said that, she still lacked confidence.

Although Zhou En had not been in the capital for the past year, she had won many awards during her university days. If Li Ru didn’t win against Zhou En, it would be embarrassing.

Li Ru’s sister lowered her voice and said to her, “Li Ru, don’t be nervous. We all believe in you. Didn’t you study abroad this holiday? You must be better than her.’

Li Ru forced a smile.

She had claimed to be going abroad to study, but in fact, she had only attended a few art exhibitions and spent most of her time having fun.

But now, she was provoked by a young girl. If she didn’t agree, she would lose face.

As they argued, many people in the shop came over to watch. Now that a competition was in the works, the news quickly spread, and everyone wanted to see it unfold.

Their meal was interrupted.

Xia Wan followed Zhou En to Imperial University.

This was the first time in Xia Wan’s two lifetimes that she had set foot there.

In her previous life, her high school grades were average, and she ended up attending a very ordinary undergraduate school.

Even though she achieved great things in medicine later on, not attending a prestigious university had always been a regret for her..