Gao Yun was now filled with disgust for this man. What nonsense was he spouting about Shi Li liking him?
How dare he even think he's worthy?
Originally, they could have parted ways amicably, leaving each other with a somewhat positive impression.
Of course, the impression of the lipstick sample might stay with him for life now.
But he just had to make things so awkward.
"You claim I have a secret crush on you? If you're going to spread rumors, at least do it when I'm not around. That way, there's no one to refute your lies. But here I am, right in front of you, and you're still being this brazen?"
According to Qiao Shan's original plan, he was supposed to say these divisive things when he was alone with Gao Yun. But since Gao Yun wasn't following his script, he had no choice but to say these things in front of everyone.
However, Qiao Shan believed that doing this in front of the entire class would be more effective in tarnishing Shi Li's reputation.
It would let all of Shi Li's classmates see her true colors and make it impossible for her to stay in this class.
Shi Li had never offended Qiao Shan, but he harbored a deep-seated hatred for girls like her who came from good families and had pretty faces.
Not only did Shi Li come from a well-off background and have good looks, but she also excelled academically.
Why should one girl have it all? It just didn't sit right with him. If he had been born into a family like hers, he could have achieved so much more than Shi Li.
But he didn't have that privilege.
He wanted to drag this golden girl down from her pedestal.
If today's events could cause Shi Li to be ostracized by her classmates, it would all be worth it.
"I'm fearless because everything I'm saying is the absolute truth."
"Truth, my ass!" Shi Li retorted. "You say I'm into you? What could I possibly see in you? Your monthly allowance wouldn't even cover one of my meals. Or is it because your grades are worse than mine? You're inferior to me in every way, so how could I possibly be interested in you? If I wanted to help the poor, I'd rather sponsor a few girls who can't afford to go to school."
Everyone knew from her inner thoughts that Shi Li wasn't as aloof as she appeared, but they were still shocked by her sudden outburst.
Wei Yi, true to form as her venomous sidekick, chimed in, "Come on, don't be angry. Some people are just ugly and delusional."
The students in Class 1 burst into laughter, thoroughly wounding Qiao Shan's oversized ego.
His face turned beet red. He couldn't understand why things weren't going according to his plan.
Realizing that all the students in Class 1 were siding with Shi Li, he felt the urge to flee.
But Shi Li didn't give him the chance to escape. In her previous life, she had endured so much grief because of this man. His on-again, off-again relationship with Gao Yun had left her caught in the middle, feeling like a fool.
[Finally, I've caught this opportunity. Your bad luck.]
The rest of Class 1 thought: We light a candle for you in advance.
"I don't understand what gives you the confidence to think I would ever like you.
Don't normal people usually look for partners who are better off? Even for a girl in my position, it's hard to find a boy who meets my standards. At the very least, I'd want someone who matches my conditions. As for you, I'm sorry, but there's not a single thing about you that catches my eye."
The rest of Class 1 thought: So you're saying even Feng Yunhe isn't good enough for you.
Half a second later, Shi Li corrected herself, "Actually, there are some areas where you surpass me. For instance, your skill at manipulation, your thick skin and shamelessness, and your ambition to climb the social ladder."
Everyone else: You city folks sure know how to play. Is this really a compliment?
"I'm surrounded by so many excellent people, why would I like you? Our class monitor is handsome, reliable, patient, and manages the entire class efficiently. He has the makings of a great leader."
The class monitor smiled shyly: Thanks for the praise. I didn't realize I was that good.
"Our study representative is hardworking, ambitious, has an incredible ability to learn, and is always willing to help classmates with their studies."
The study representative, who had been admitted to the school based on his excellent grades, was surprised by Shi Li's praise. He felt a sense of pride and even straightened his shoulders a bit.
"And these are just the average students in our class. Everyone else could easily outshine you."
Class monitor: Suddenly, I don't feel so proud anymore. What should I do?
Study representative: That's right, if someone like me is just average in our class, then everyone here can crush you!
The girls who shipped the Li-Xing CP chimed in, "Don't forget about Fu Huixing in our class. It's insulting to even compare him to you!"
Shi Li shook her head, "Don't you have a mirror at home? If not, at least you must have some urine. Go take a look at yourself in a puddle of your own piss."
This line was the killing blow.
The onlookers all shared a single thought: We must never offend Shi Li in the future. Her tongue is far too sharp.
Qiao Shan was verbally destroyed. Thirty people were watching, but not a single one felt sorry for him or spoke up in his defense.
It was because he deserved it.
Carelessly spreading rumors about someone liking him.
"You say I have a secret crush on you. You certainly have a lot of confidence in yourself."
Seeing that Shi Li had vented her anger, the class monitor stepped in as a peacemaker, trying to speak on Qiao Shan's behalf.
"Come on, everyone, we're all classmates here. Maybe there's been some misunderstanding. As for saying our Shi Li has a secret crush on you, that's quite unrealistic and shouldn't be said again in the future. Shi Li, as the victim here, is understandably upset. You should be able to understand that."
"Love is a matter between two people. You can't force a relationship. Since Gao Yun clearly has no feelings for you anymore, I advise you to let go of your obsession. Besides, we're still students. Our studies should come first. Gao Yun is now fully focused on her studies, so I hope you won't bother her again in the future."
The class monitor patted Qiao Shan's shoulder and pushed him out, "Let's pretend this never happened. We're still friendly classmates. Your class probably has a lot of homework tonight, so you'd better hurry back and get started. You don't want to be scolded by the teacher for not finishing it."
With his silver tongue and superhuman charm, the class monitor managed to usher Qiao Shan away.
He walked Qiao Shan out, arm in arm, until they reached the school gates.
After the class monitor left, the class group chat was flooded with messages:
[Our class monitor is so noble, sacrificing himself for the greater good]
The students sitting by the window saw the two of them approaching the school gate and quickly called for everyone to pack up and go home.
Qiao Shan standing at the front of the classroom had not only blocked Gao Yun and Shi Li from leaving, but also prevented the other students from going home.
Although everyone had enjoyed the drama, encountering Qiao Shan just left them feeling exasperated.
It felt like having a toad jump onto one's foot - not biting, but deeply unsettling.
When the class monitor got home and saw the flood of messages, he was so angry he nearly burst a blood vessel. These people were too wicked - he wasn't even dead, so how could they use the phrase "sacrifice one's life for a righteous cause"?
Did everyone learn their idioms from the martial arts teacher?
Tomorrow he would report this to the Chinese language teacher - some students clearly weren't paying attention in class!
After returning home, Shi Li received many consoling text messages from her classmates, essentially telling her not to bother with trashy men and not to take it to heart.
Gao Yun expressed her apologies to Shi Li, saying it was all because of her poor judgment in people that Shi Li had to suffer this undeserved misfortune.
Shi Li was the type to settle scores immediately, never letting herself stew overnight. She was already over the incident.
As long as Gao Yun never got entangled with Qiao Shan again in this lifetime, that would be the best outcome for her.
It was a lesson in how pathetic one could become with a love-obsessed best friend.
What surprised Shi Li, however, was that she unexpectedly received a warning text message from Fu Huixing.
