Chapter 37: Ji Wenyan’s Intervention

“Are there any other students participating?”

Ignoring the boisterous jeers from the boys in the classroom, the Student Council members pulled out their notebooks. They meticulously cross-referenced the list of participants.

After tallying the names, one was still missing.

This caused the Student Council members to frown, wondering if they had encountered another student refusing to participate.

Since its inception, the Campus Beauty Pageant had a strict rule: to ensure enthusiastic participation from all faculty and students, any girl voted to compete could not refuse.

Yet, there were always a few girls who simply weren’t interested in such competitions.

They would often try to find ways to opt out.

However, as the organizers of the event, the Student Council was resolute; they would not tolerate any disruptions.

They showed no mercy to those who refused to cooperate.

“Someone is still missing. Who could it be?”

“I know, it’s Bai Mengze.”

“Bai Mengze? The one whose family had that accident?”

“Yes, that’s her.”

After the Student Council members spoke and no one came forward, a few students immediately began to whisper amongst themselves, trying to identify the missing person.

One student, recognizing the name, immediately spoke up.

Upon hearing Bai Mengze’s name, the Student Council members exchanged helpless glances.

The news of Bai Mengze’s parents dying in a car accident had spread throughout the school. It was understandable that no one, let alone her, would be in the mood to participate in a pageant at a time like this.

“It doesn’t matter. She still has to participate! Last year’s Campus Beauty Pageant was a great success, so the school is putting even more effort into it this year, inviting many important guests. If any problems arise before the competition, the Student Council will take the blame.”

“Indeed. Bai Mengze must be called out.”

After a brief discussion, the Student Council members reached a consensus.

Bai Mengze had to be called out; they couldn’t let the Student Council take the fall because of one person.

Even if Bai Mengze’s parents had only just passed away, let alone it having been some time, she would still be expected to participate.

The authority of the Student Council was not to be defied by ordinary students.

“Bai Mengze, please step forward.”

As soon as the Student Council called out Bai Mengze’s name, the entire class collectively turned their gaze towards her.

Before this, some had speculated whether Bai Mengze would even participate in the Campus Beauty Pageant.

Now, it seemed, she had no choice but to join.

‘The Student Council is truly ruthless!’

Upon hearing her name, Bai Mengze immediately prepared to stand and explain. She already had Ji Wenyan as her makeup artist.

Though she didn’t know Ji Wenyan’s skill level, Bai Mengze had no intention of finding anyone else to do her makeup.

She trusted Ji Wenyan.

However, before Bai Mengze could even rise, Ji Wenyan, seated beside her, reached out and gently took her hand.

“Bai Mengze already has a makeup artist. Is she still to be forced into this?”

“Student, please do not interfere with the Student Council’s work, or else…”

“Shh, that’s Ji Wenyan. Don’t cross him.”

After Ji Wenyan’s casual remark, the Student Council members’ expressions immediately soured. As one of them prepared to reprimand Ji Wenyan, a colleague quickly pulled at their sleeve.

They then whispered Ji Wenyan’s identity to him.

That single sentence was enough to make him realize that this was someone not to be trifled with.

Originally, the Student Council had planned to make this announcement during the break.

However, they received a call from the Principal midway through.

The Principal demanded the immediate replacement of the Student Council President.

No amount of pleading would help.

Furthermore, the Principal had specifically informed the Student Council President that his removal was entirely due to his sister provoking Ji Wenyan, which had created an unhealthy atmosphere on campus that needed to be rectified!

Such a declaration immediately sent shockwaves through the Student Council members.

Privately, the news spread like wildfire across all their group chats.

The Student Council President had been ousted!

At the same time, Ji Wenyan’s name became etched in the Student Council members’ minds; they knew never to cross this powerful figure again.

“Ahem, Student Ji, we are merely running errands for the school… Since Bai Mengze is currently unavailable, it’s perfectly fine for her to approach us later.”

“Did I not make myself clear just now? Bai Mengze has already decided to hire me as her makeup artist, so no matter how skilled the makeup artists the school brings in, they won’t be needed.”

As Ji Wenyan spoke, his gaze drifted towards the doorway. The coldness in his eyes was palpable, almost as if he were silently screaming, ‘Now get lost!’

Even though the Student Council was acting on behalf of the school, Bai Mengze’s situation was unique. Their persistent harshness thoroughly displeased Ji Wenyan.

‘What makes the Student Council so special? Do they have privileges?’

‘Hmph. He would soon see who truly held the power.’