Chapter 76: Moonlit Forest’s Enigmatic Connection

“What was wrong with that person just now?”

After leaving the campus, everyone had strong opinions about the minor character who had suddenly appeared.

“That was one of the factions vying for the student council,” Gu Song’en explained, “though, including my sister, who was elected last year and has been involved for years, there are only two factions in total.”

“You mean *that* kind of person can get elected to the student council?”

“There’s… nothing to be done about it. After all, they all come from prominent families, and even the school’s upper echelons can’t interfere at will.”

Unlike Gu Yunzhi’s faction, the opposing side was almost entirely composed of children from powerful families, boasting extremely solid backing. Even Aixi University, a highly reputable institution, couldn’t afford to antagonize so many families simultaneously without a compelling reason.

At least for now, those individuals typically only hurled insults at other ordinary students; otherwise, no evidence of extreme misconduct could be found.

“Currently, my sister is working tirelessly to win over neutral students and new recruits, all while managing her other responsibilities. She barely gets to sleep until the early hours of the morning.”

“No wonder she was the one to greet us when we first arrived at school. Judging by her demeanor, she doesn’t seem like the type to flatter others for personal gain.”

Lin Xi recalled how Gu Yunzhi had personally welcomed them upon their arrival at Aixi University the day before classes began. Based on her initial impression and their subsequent interactions, it was clear that Gu Yunzhi was a leader who strictly separated personal and public matters and possessed a strong sense of justice.

For such a person to still personally guide Lin Xi and Bai Li indicated that matters were not entirely smooth, suggesting she could no longer maintain her previous approach.

Reflecting on this, it became clear why Gu Song’en was so eager to grow stronger: it was purely to assist her elder sister.

“It’ll be alright,” Teresa reassured, patting Gu Song’en’s shoulder. “As the saying goes, ‘when the boat reaches the dock, it will straighten itself out.’ With their methods, nobody will support them anyway.”

“Thank you… but actually, it’s ‘when the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten itself out.’”

“Doesn’t matter,” Teresa shrugged. “The meaning gets across.”

As Teresa was half-Western, her slightly imprecise Chinese was understandable.

“Given the circumstances, I believe we could handle this by…” Teresa began, offering her suggestion.

Not only Teresa, but Bai Li also voiced her opinion.

While Bai Li wasn’t particularly concerned with student council affairs, judging by the fellow they had just encountered, his faction likely harbored ill intentions. It would be far better to choose Gu Yunzhi’s faction, which presented a much more favorable impression.

Furthermore, if the opposing faction genuinely took office, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t implement policies that would disrupt their daily lives.

Soon, their conversation led them to Yegong City’s industrial district.

“Is this the place?”

Gu Ling gazed at the building’s exterior, her anticipation visibly overflowing from her eyes.

“This… from the outside, it just looks like an ordinary building, doesn’t it?”

“That’s perfectly normal,” Gu Song’en interjected. “Important areas for companies like this are never too conspicuous. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be like openly broadcasting that major secrets are kept here? But never mind that, let’s hurry!”

Just as Gu Ling took a step, preparing to enter the building, a figure emerged from within.

“I’ve been expecting you,” the figure announced. “Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Jasmine, and I am the Human Resources Manager for Moonlit Forest.”

Jasmine had changed into a formal outfit, no longer sporting her usual bunny-girl attire. Her bunny ears and tail, however, remained, as they were still part of her physical form.

Among Ability Users, peculiar traits were commonplace, and many possessed beast-like characteristics, so no one found her appearance unusual.

“Moonlit Forest!?” Gu Ling gasped. “Could it be the legendary…”

“Indeed,” Jasmine affirmed with a slight smile. “The very one you’re thinking of.”

Moonlit Forest’s reputation had already soared; even those who weren’t manufacturing-type Ability Users had heard of the name, and many Ability items now originated from their workshops.

This rapid ascent had occurred in less than three months since Moonlit Forest first appeared in the public eye, a truly astonishing speed.

“While I expected a special workshop, I never imagined it would be the now renowned Moonlit Forest,” Gu Ling exclaimed, her voice laced with awe.

Upon learning that this was one of Moonlit Forest’s workshops, everyone except Bai Li and Lin Xi displayed expressions of profound surprise.

“How did you manage to connect with Moonlit Forest?” Gu Song’en pressed, her curiosity piqued. “You know, it’s one of the most enigmatic corporations, with even large-scale Ability User organizations, powerful families, and major enterprises unable to fully grasp its inner workings.”

“Heh heh,” Jasmine chuckled softly. “Strictly speaking, it wasn’t about *us* connecting with *them*; rather, we were fortunate enough to encounter Miss Bai Li. Without Miss Bai Li, we wouldn’t have been able to grow to this extent.”

Although Jasmine’s expression remained composed as she spoke, anyone with keen observation skills could discern a hint of excitement in her demeanor—not the intellectual curiosity Gu Ling displayed for new knowledge, but rather the fervent adoration of a devoted fan.

However, upon hearing this, the others found themselves unable to remain… still.

“You mean Bai Li?” Gu Song’en exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. “So Moonlit Forest’s entire existence is owed to Bai Li?”

“Is this really not just polite talk…?” Teresa murmured, a hint of skepticism in her voice.

As much as they wanted to believe it was mere flattery, Jasmine’s genuine expression made it impossible to doubt, leaving them no choice but to accept her words.

“So, to be able to assist such a massive enterprise, is Bai Li some kind of young lady from a powerful family? Or does she possess a special identity?”

“You know, speaking purely of her aura, Bai Li far surpasses typical young ladies, and among all the noblewomen I’ve encountered, she stands out as the most exceptional.”

“Indeed… wait, you said ‘encountered’?”

Gu Song’en, catching a critical keyword in Teresa’s statement, cast a suspicious glance her way.

“Uh… it’s nothing,” Teresa quickly clarified. “I simply used to live on another continent, in an area with many nobles. Besides, aren’t there similar students at our school? A comparison would quickly reveal that Bai Li is far from ordinary, wouldn’t it?”

“No, Xiao Bai isn’t a noble,” Lin Xi interjected abruptly.

“Xiao Bai relies on no one; everything she has achieved is solely through her own diligent efforts.”

For some reason, Lin Xi seemed slightly angered, as if she felt it was an injustice for Bai Li to be mistaken for someone who needed special backing to succeed.

“…Xi Xi is right,” Bai Li murmured, her gaze softening. “There’s nothing remarkable about my background. If I had to say I relied on anyone, it would only be Xi Xi, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s right… huh?”

“Hm?”

The moment both realized what they had said, they predictably flushed crimson, too shy to meet each other’s eyes.

As for the others, who had unwittingly been fed a mouthful of ‘dog food’ (TL Note: A Chinese internet slang term referring to public displays of affection, often between couples, that can make singles feel envious or awkward.), they merely watched in silence, then discreetly followed Jasmine, making their tactful exit.