Chapter 46: The Predetermined Winner and a Vengeful Past

Seeing Bai Mengze’s dazzling appearance, Li Zhongyi couldn’t help but let out a cold snort.

Although Bai Mengze had always been passable, she was still a far cry from being considered a true beauty.

Yet, observing her face now, it was utterly transformed!

Hadn’t there been an incident involving Bai Mengze’s parents?

How could she still appear so vibrant?

She had even secretly undergone plastic surgery to compete in the campus beauty pageant.

It was likely that her previous leave of absence had been a ruse to allow the post-surgery swelling to dissipate.

Hmph, even with such elaborate schemes, Bai Mengze would never win.

First place in First High’s Campus Beauty Pageant would undeniably belong to Li Zhongyi!

After all, her father had already had a word with the principal. Seizing this chance, she could become a major star, much like the previous winner who was now making a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

That girl wasn’t even as attractive as Li Zhongyi; she had merely gotten lucky.

“It really is you! Hmph, I thought you wouldn’t dare to compete. What are you doing here?”

“Does my participation have anything to do with you? If you’re afraid to lose, then leave now, lest you make a fool of yourself later.”

“Bai Mengze, you’re still as sharp-tongued as ever! Hmph, I’d love to see how someone with nothing like you plans to win this competition. Don’t be so naive as to believe everything is fair; first place in this contest has already been decided!”

After exchanging only a few words with Bai Mengze, Li Zhongyi departed with her head held high, making her way to her exclusive dressing room to wash off her makeup and reapply it.

Upon seeing Bai Mengze’s makeup, Li Zhongyi had to concede, however reluctantly, that whoever had applied it was undoubtedly a master artist!

Even the internationally renowned makeup artist she had hired couldn’t compare to the skill displayed on Bai Mengze’s face.

Bai Mengze’s luck was simply outrageous!

Nevertheless, it hardly mattered, as the ultimate outcome was already predetermined.

First place was hers!

****

“Bai Mengze, who was that woman grunting like a pig?”

“She’s an old classmate from freshman year, before classes were divided, named Li Zhongyi. She’s been bothering me ever since the student council president, Xuan Li, started pursuing me. I was relieved when we were finally in different classes, only to encounter her again in this competition.”

“Ah, jealous that a man likes you?”

“Something like that! However, I don’t like Xuan Li, and I never agreed to his advances. I rejected him outright.”

As they spoke, Ji Wenyan and Bai Mengze found two vacant seats.

For some reason, Bai Mengze didn’t want Ji Wenyan to misunderstand the situation.

While Xuan Li had indeed been pursuing her, she had never agreed to his advances, nor did she ever intend to lead him on; she had rejected him directly and unequivocally.

After all, if the feelings weren’t there, they simply weren’t there, and Bai Mengze refused to force herself into anything.

Yet, despite her clear rejection, Li Zhongyi continued to view her as a constant irritant, perpetually seeking opportunities to cause trouble.

During that time, Bai Mengze grew utterly fed up with Li Zhongyi’s relentless provocations.

Eventually, one day, Bai Mengze took advantage of the deserted school grounds after dismissal and secretly ambushed Li Zhongyi from behind, pulling a sack over her head.

After giving her a thorough lesson, Li Zhongyi finally ceased her incessant troublemaking.

Although Li Zhongyi suspected Bai Mengze’s involvement afterward, without concrete proof, she could only silently endure her loss.

Reflecting on those past events, which hadn’t occurred that long ago, Bai Mengze still felt as though they belonged to a distant past.

A faint trace of bitterness tinged the smile on her lips.

Back then, she had lived a truly carefree and joyful existence, unburdened by complex thoughts, simply content to enjoy each passing day.

Now, however, she had become acquainted with a myriad of darkness she had never before encountered.

“Principal, it’s me again, Ji Wenyan! I’ve heard that this year’s campus beauty pageant already has a pre-selected winner? Someone named Li Zhongyi, I believe… though I’m not entirely certain. After all, competitions should be fair, just, and transparent. If there’s truly something underhanded going on, then word of First High’s campus bullying incidents might just ‘accidentally’ slip from my lips. You know, Principal, my father has certain connections, and matters like these can become quite troublesome.”

Though she had been immersed in a wave of melancholy moments before, upon hearing Ji Wenyan’s somewhat roguish words, Bai Mengze suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to laugh.

‘It truly was wonderful to have met Ji Wenyan!’