Chapter 27: This Is Personal Revenge!

“Because we’re not blood-related…”

Ling Yuan’s voice trailed off, barely audible.

“Meow~”

Xinxin Meow poked its head out from Yixin Xue’s arms, excited to see Ling Yuan, mewing nonstop.

“Wow, you’re full of energy.”

To survive, one must master distraction.

Ling Yuan took the kitten, stroking its head. Xinxin Meow blinked its crystal-blue eyes, staring at Yan Xi’s hostile expression.

Yan Xi narrowed her eyes.

[Is this the cat Brother keeps talking about? Its fur’s exactly like Yixin Xue’s hair. Did she really steal him?]

Her gaze shifted to Yixin Xue.

[No way she’d fall for him, right? She’s so perfect—why would she like a slacker like him?]

The air grew awkward. Ling Yuan forced a laugh, petting the cat.

“Eating well, huh? Your tummy’s round.”

Yixin Xue softened her wary gaze. She wasn’t sure of their relationship.

If they were a couple, Yan Xi wouldn’t call him “Brother,” right? But he said they weren’t blood-related…

“It eats a lot,” she said flatly.

“Well, it hadn’t eaten in days, so of course it’s hungry.”

“Right, Brother, time to eat.”

Yan Xi grabbed his hand.

“Let’s go.”

“Wait, wait! Class President, want to join us?”

He stopped Yan Xi.

If she dragged him off, Yixin Xue would never let it slide. Her “punishments” would only get worse—more perverse…

He couldn’t imagine the consequences.

“Of course. What’re you eating?”

Yixin Xue agreed readily.

“Think you can handle it?”

Yan Xi raised an eyebrow, visibly annoyed.

He pursed his lips.

“We can get a split pot…”

“That’s soulless.”

“Hotpot?”

Yixin Xue tilted her head.

“Yeah, but we want full red pot. Can you handle that?”

Yan Xi’s tone was smug, like a challenge.

Both were in the Discipline Committee—Yan Xi the deputy, Yixin Xue the head. At past gatherings, Yan Xi noticed Yixin Xue never touched spicy food.

She was sure Yixin Xue couldn’t handle it.

“If you can’t, too bad. You’ll miss out~”

Yan Xi shook her head, sighing dramatically.

“Such a pity.”

How could the competitive Yixin Xue back down? Ling Yuan was being “stolen”—she couldn’t lose at eating too.

“I can handle spicy. No need to change plans for me!”

“Huh?”

Ling Yuan’s eyes widened, glancing between them, at a loss.

“You sure, Class President?”

“Don’t stop me.”

[Oh no… Does she know Yan Xi and I always get full red pot, extra spicy, plus more chili?]

“Let’s go. Fourth floor.”

It was the weekend, and the mall was packed. Luckily, the hotpot place had one table left.

“I’ll order full red pot, extra spicy.”

Yan Xi checked the menu without hesitation.

“Miss, our base is very spicy. You sure?”

The waitress smiled.

Yan Xi nodded firmly.

“And add extra chili! We love spicy!”

[Hey! You’re trying to kill Yixin Xue!]

Ling Yuan covered his face, half-laughing, half-crying. He wanted to stop her, but it was too late.

[Chili… extra spicy… more chili…]

Yixin Xue bit her lip, hands nervously clutching her skirt.

Noticing her subtle reaction, he tested Yan Xi.

“Maybe some yogurt drinks?”

“Who drinks yogurt with hotpot?”

She glared, as if saying, [Shut up.]

“Emm, fair point…”

He shut his mouth, casting Yixin Xue a sympathetic glance.

The pot arrived, covered in peppercorns and dried chilies, a terrifying sight for spice-averse people.

“Help…”

Her whisper was drowned by the noisy restaurant.

Sitting closest, Ling Yuan heard it and gave a helpless smile.

“Class President… maybe give up? This is tough for non-spicy eaters… and it gets spicier as it cooks.”

“I… I can handle it…”

Her voice trembled, but her pride refused defeat, especially in front of him.

Yan Xi returned from the condiment station, placing a bowl in front of Yixin Xue.

“Hm, red pot with dry dip is the best way to eat! If you love spicy, you’ll love this!”

[Dry dip for Yixin Xue!?]

Ling Yuan stared, stunned. Yan Xi sat back innocently, oblivious to Yixin Xue’s distress.

[This isn’t accidental! This is personal revenge!]

“Ugh… someone save me…”

Her murmur stirred guilt in him, but no matter how he tried, both girls ignored him.

The pot brimmed with peppercorns, melted butter, and boiling red oil—a chaotic mix. The steam alone brought tears to Yixin Xue’s eyes.

But she held on. Losing meant admitting she couldn’t compete for Ling Yuan.

Even if this was way beyond her limits.

“Xue, try the fried dough sticks soaked in the broth. Totally different from breakfast ones. Give it a go.”

Yan Xi placed a dough stick in Yixin Xue’s bowl.

Ling Yuan’s eyes nearly popped out. It was just dipped briefly, but it was soaked in spicy broth. This was definitely on purpose.

Who eats dough sticks first at hotpot?

He covered his eyes, unable to watch.

“Uh… thanks.”

Yixin Xue bit her lip, shakily picking up the chopsticks. Under Yan Xi’s gentle gaze, she blew on the dough stick and put it in her mouth.

[It’s… not that spicy?]

Oddly, it wasn’t as bad as expected—just very salty.

“Tasty?”

“Pretty good.”

She regretted it instantly. Her lips, mouth, throat, and esophagus burned fiercely.

[So… so spicy…]

“Ugh… no… Mom, save me…”