Chapter 29 Ruined by You

Lu Hankai had turned the situation into a farce, leaving those who had testified for him utterly unprepared.

Lorina stepped forward calmly to defuse the tension. “The one who strikes first is always in the wrong. Even if Xianyu was harsher later, it’s understandable.”

Bai Liyao’s lips twitched. Her words sounded as though she sided with Xianyu, but in fact, she acknowledged that Xianyu had acted.

Indeed, Lorina’s next words were, “Xianyu, no matter what, as members of the Student Council, even if we are misunderstood, we must never lay hands on other students. Since both sides are at fault, let’s have you apologize to each other. As for their complaints about you, the president will consider them and then…”

“A Student Council member must be expelled from the council immediately upon making a mistake. That’s the rule, always has been!” A delicate voice interrupted Lorina’s speech from the doorway.

Everyone turned to look. Those who recognized her were surprised—it was the second Miss Xiao!

Xiao Zhiyun was also an officer in the Student Council, but due to her poor health, she rarely appeared, her position little more than ceremonial. Why had she suddenly shown up today?

After hearing her words, everyone sensed that something interesting was about to unfold. It was well known that the second Miss Xiao was the apple of Ao’s eye, yet here she was, demanding Xianyu’s expulsion from the council. There was no way they wouldn’t become enemies now.

But Xianyu was not angry; instead, she nodded in agreement. “That’s right. Student Council members who err should never be shielded or condoned.”

Xiao Zhiyun then turned and added, “But if someone falsely accuses a Student Council member, it must not be dismissed lightly either. The punishment should be even more severe to uphold the council’s reputation. Am I right, Senior Lorina?”

Lorina was speechless.

What Xiao Zhiyun said was indeed part of the Student Council’s regulations, established long ago by the school to strengthen the council’s authority.

Now, everyone realized Xiao Zhiyun was not targeting Xianyu but rather defending her.

After a moment, Lorina awkwardly replied, “Zhiyun, you’ve just come in. You didn’t hear the whole story…”

Xiao Zhiyun smiled, her voice gentle. “Didn’t you just explain it, Senior Lorina? This male student acted out of misunderstanding, and Xianyu stopped him. So, it’s clear who was at fault!”

Lorina was left without a retort.

Bai Liyao felt reassured. Finally, someone sensible had arrived in the Student Council.

Lorina and her group looked pale, especially Lu Hankai, who had wasted his effort on a pitiful act.

“Senior Lorina, I think it’s best to let the president handle this matter. Don’t you agree?”

---

Xiao Zhiyun sounded as though she was seeking advice, but in reality, there was no other way. Lorina’s sister was involved, and she certainly shouldn’t be the one to intervene.

Although Lorina resented Xiao Zhiyun’s interference, she had no choice but to swallow her anger, since Xiao Zhiyun was Ao’s favorite and the second master of the Nangong family was a board member at Liyang Academy.

“Yes, Zhiyun is thoughtful. I’ll report it to the president and let him decide." Lorina’s smile was forced.

She knew that Mo Haoyuan always favored Xiao Zhiyun’s opinion. She already had a clear idea of how this matter would be handled.

“In that case, let’s disperse. Afternoon classes are about to begin.”

Xiao Zhiyun’s words offered everyone an opportunity to step back.

Lu Hankai shot Xianyu a resentful glance and left the Student Council with Lorina and the others.

Not far from the office, Lorina snapped at Lu Hankai, “Look at you! You ruined a perfectly good opportunity!”

Lu Hankai protested, “Didn’t you say, with your sister there, as long as that brat entered the Student Council, she’d be kicked out for sure?”

Lorina was angry. “Don’t mention it. My sister will definitely scold me for this tonight!”

She knew her sister well, proud as always, and now she’d been overshadowed by Xiao Zhiyun; she’d be furious.

Today’s scheme had been hatched in private, without warning her sister in advance. She expected the blame to fall on her.

“It’s all your fault!” Lorina spat at Lu Hankai and stormed back to the classroom.

The other students dared not say anything and quietly dispersed, leaving Lu Hankai alone to brood.

---

Xianyu and Bai Liyao followed Xiao Zhiyun out of the Student Council through another door.

“Thank you!” Xianyu thanked Xiao Zhiyun sincerely.

It was clear today that Lorina had wanted to support her sister. If Xiao Zhiyun hadn’t intervened, Xianyu might truly have been expelled from the Student Council.

The council’s rule was strict: once expelled, you could never return. Even if Mo Haoyuan had brought her in, he couldn’t bend the rules for her.

Lorina had surely calculated this, which was why she’d orchestrated the scene with Lu Hankai and the others.

Xiao Zhiyun had been in the council for three years and was long familiar with its intricate politics. Previously, she’d kept her distance, preferring not to meddle.

But today she’d encountered Xianyu, and she felt compelled to step in. After all, Xianyu was a distant cousin of Ao, the young master.

---

It was rumored she had been brought into the Nangong family by Lady Nangong herself. Xiao Zhiyun felt that lending a hand might help Lady Nangong see her in a new light.

There was another reason. They had met before at a birthday banquet, and Xiao Zhiyun had a good impression of Xianyu.

She was courteous without being meek, discreet yet daring to challenge authority. In short, Xiao Zhiyun liked her.

“You’re Ziyu’s sister, which makes you somewhat my own sister.” Xiao Zhiyun was a little embarrassed. “Perhaps it’s rather presumptuous of me to say so, but I hope you won’t laugh.”

After all, Lady Nangong had never acknowledged her.

“I’m grateful you stood up for me, Sister Xiao. Why would I laugh at you?”

Xianyu wasn’t clear about the details, but from the rumors, Ao seemed to care quite a bit for the second Miss Xiao. She helped out of goodwill, and Xianyu understood that.

Xiao Zhiyun was pleased that Xianyu accepted her and offered a word of caution. “The Lorina sisters are known to hold grudges. You’ll face many obstacles in the future. Be careful.”

“All right,” Xianyu nodded.

It seemed that even as a council officer, she couldn’t afford to relax. She would indeed need to be more cautious.

After her warning, Xiao Zhiyun returned to her department.

At this point, Bai Liyao asked Xianyu, “Did you offend them before?”

Xianyu admitted, “Yes, there’s some history.”

“Are you planning to tell Ao?”

“I can handle it myself. No need to trouble your sister.”

Hearing this, Bai Liyao knew not to mention it in front of his sister.

“Don’t worry, I’m not one to gossip,” he said. “But, could you teach me how to ride a horse?”

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