Chapter 30: The Fox’s Gambit

YuXi quickly calmed herself, realizing she couldn’t truly be angry.

This blonde fox was a master of provocation.

It seemed her words were largely intended to enrage YuXi, hoping to make her lose her composure.

But YuXi was far too shrewd to fall into her rhythm.

Appearing utterly unconcerned, she calmly rose, as if to exit the activity room.

“Say what you will, Miss Tang,” YuXi began, “but angering me serves no purpose for you. You just offered me advice, so allow me to return the favor. Instead of provoking me here, perhaps you should pay more attention to Mo Sishi. After all…”

“After all, YuYang chose her in the last life, didn’t he?”

Tang Qihuang’s quick interjection made YuXi pause. When she turned back, no emotion flickered in her eyes.

“Regarding my brother’s choice in his previous life, I believe we no longer need to discuss it.”

“Precisely.” Tang Qihuang agreed. “Since we’ve been given a second chance, everything should be reset, shouldn’t it? Heh-heh. Of course, even in the previous life, I would have made YuYang change his mind.”

YuXi turned her head, glancing back with her peripheral vision.

This was precisely why she had sought out Tang Qihuang today. Indeed, this vixen was arguably the foremost ‘fox’ circling her brother.

The title of Tang Family’s Eldest Daughter was not given lightly. When she so easily uttered the words, ‘reset everything,’ it signified that she had already solidified such a resolve.

Especially during high school, Tang Qihuang would undoubtedly find a way to approach her brother again. YuXi had to be wary of her.

“I’m leaving now.”

Without a hint of politeness, YuXi resumed her steps, intending to depart after contemplating these matters.

Yet, before she had taken two steps, she heard Tang Qihuang speak from behind her, her tone laced with hesitation.

“YuXi, wait a moment. I need your help with something. I wonder if you would consider it.”

YuXi released her left hand from the doorknob, not turning back. “But you should know, I have no obligation to help you, and the same goes for you.”

“Well… that’s true. But it’s not too late to decide after you’ve heard me out…”

This request was crucial to Tang Qihuang. She tried her best to lower her posture, shed her arrogance, and speak in the most diplomatic tone possible.

“YuXi… I want to ask you to help me persuade YuYang to join the student council, okay? This is the first time in years I’ve asked you for anything, and I promise it will be the last.”

‘This demeanor is truly rare.’

YuXi turned back in surprise, only to see Tang Qihuang bowing slightly towards her from the desk, her golden hair cascading down and spreading across the desktop.

This was perhaps the first time in years YuXi had seen the esteemed young lady adopt such an attitude. She had always been so haughty.

Perhaps YuXi needed to slightly revise her perspective.

She had always assumed that as the Tang Family’s Eldest Daughter, Tang Qihuang could do as she pleased. However, the current reality indicated that she, too, felt helpless.

It wasn’t just her; YuXi herself, Sister QingYu, and the other girls had all been consumed by a deep sense of helplessness and despair upon learning of her brother’s decision in the previous life.

Even someone as formidable as Tang Qihuang was, at times, at a loss.

If YuYang steadfastly refused to join the student council, what could Tang Qihuang do? If she wasn’t even given an initial opportunity, how much could the vast wealth and influence of the Tang family truly accomplish?

Thus, at this moment, she felt profoundly powerless, and could only pin her hopes on YuXi, whose persuasion YuYang would surely heed.

As long as YuYang joined the student council, everything would take a turn for the better.

‘But why should YuXi agree?’

‘Is my own situation so optimistic right now? Do I have the spare capacity to help an enemy?’

‘Happiness must be earned. If I help you, what about me?’

‘Kindness without boundaries is hypocrisy, utterly without reason.’

Therefore, YuXi’s answer was unequivocal: “It’s useless to beg me. I’ve said before that I won’t join the student council in this life. As for the reason, it’s because my brother won’t join either. He has his own judgment, and I won’t influence his will.”

“Is that so?”

Just when YuXi thought she had given up the idea, Tang Qihuang slowly raised her head, a confident smile once again gracing her face.

Tsk, YuXi knew it. This fox definitely had a trick up her sleeve.

Sure enough, Tang Qihuang mused, “If I recall correctly, at this stage, isn’t YuYang working part-time to earn money? Since Uncle and Aunt are often away, you two siblings aren’t exactly wealthy, right?”

It was actually alright, but compared to the Tang family, ‘not wealthy’ was an understatement—they were practically impoverished.

“So what?”

To YuXi’s question, Tang Qihuang replied with a smile, “Actually, I just coincidentally learned something. Wouldn’t you say it’s quite a coincidence that the restaurant where YuYang is currently working is actually an establishment under my Tang family’s banner?”

And they say money can’t buy everything! It’s already starting!

YuXi clicked her tongue, a premonition of ill omen washing over her.

Tang Qihuang continued, “YuXi, do you feel quite guilty about YuYang working? Hmm… I heard YuYang mention it, so I have a suggestion. I wonder if you’d like to hear it.”

“Just say it directly.”

“Alright.” Tang Qihuang smiled. “Then I’ll be direct. YuYang works hard for his money, doesn’t he? He doesn’t know this is my family’s business, so I can secretly increase his salary and also take care of his shifts, allowing YuYang to earn the most money with the least effort.”

She paused, then continued, “But this isn’t without conditions. The condition is that you need to help me say a few words about YuYang joining the student council.”

Tang Qihuang concluded, “Just a simple few words of persuasion can significantly reduce YuYang’s work pressure. How about it? Isn’t this deal incredibly worthwhile?”

Worthwhile, my foot!

Tang Qihuang, oh Tang Qihuang, you truly are a fox!

‘Calculating and cunning’ describes you perfectly!

She must have prepared this long ago, otherwise, she wouldn’t have investigated whether that restaurant belonged to her family.

Knowing that YuYang’s part-time work was YuXi’s biggest concern, she attacked from that angle, a truly ruthless tactic.

However, YuXi also knew that Tang Qihuang herself couldn’t bear to see her brother toil. So, even if YuXi didn’t agree, Tang Qihuang would eventually raise her brother’s salary, and might even directly give him money.

But that was for later. In the short term, Tang Qihuang certainly wouldn’t take any action, as she was still concealing the fact of her reincarnation and couldn’t let her brother suspect anything.

In summary, if YuXi didn’t agree to this condition now, then YuYang would certainly have a tougher time recently.

“How about it, YuXi? I don’t think this should be difficult.”

“Sigh.” YuXi sighed. “Alright, let me think about it. I’ll tell you after I’ve considered it.”

“Good, then think carefully. I also have no other choice… because YuYang joining the student council is truly important to me.”

“I’m leaving.”

YuXi ignored her. She turned and said nothing, walking directly out of the activity room.

She didn’t even close the door for her. This fox, if she wanted the door closed, she could close it herself!

The activity room was left with only Tang Qihuang.

In the absolute silence, she picked up a student registration file that had been on the table, bearing a photo of YuYang.

Lightly caressing the face in the photograph, Tang Qihuang’s eyes welled with boundless tenderness.

“YuYang…”