Chapter 476: The Secretary Wants Revenge

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Xia Wans retort had the immediate effect of silencing the onlookers, though it also simmered a deeper resentment within them towards her.

Despite quelling the immediate chatter, her words did little more than stoke the silent flames of disdain. It was an uneasy victory.

Jiang Lu, with a light whistle and a certain smugness adorning his features, prompted an almost visceral reaction from Xia Wan, who had to fight the impulse to hurl her book at his grinning face.

If not for his meddling, Xia Wan mused, her breath would have been spared.

Under the weight of all eyes upon her, she approached Jiang Lu, her mood far from light. What do you want? she inquired, her voice a mixture of irritation and curiosity.

Jiang Lu, with an arched eyebrow, cast a knowing look toward the lingering onlookers and playfully prodded, You sure you want this conversation aired publicly?

Though impatient, Xia Wan sensed the need for discretion and, nudging Jiang Lu, hastened their departure from the cla.s.sroom.

Their tandem exit left the others with little opportunity for pursuit or eavesdropping, a fact that wasnt lost on either of them.

Youre doing this deliberately, Xia Wan accused, not bothering to mask her accusation with a glance his way.

Jiang Lus response was a chuckle, more a statement than a denial. And yet, here you are, having followed me out.

Back to the matter at hand, I know youve been searching for someone, and I can tell you where they are.

Xia Wans face remained unreadable. Im not sure what you mean. Im not searching for anyone, she stated, turning to leave.

But Jiang Lu was quick to intercept, Arent you the least bit curious about the whereabouts of the one who consigned your grandmother to the mental inst.i.tution?

This caught Xia Wans attention, halting her in her tracks. What are you implying?

A smug smile played on Jiang Lus lips. Your concern is safe with me. I wont breathe a word to anyone.

Xia Wan stood silent, waiting for him to continue.

I can reveal where the doc.u.ments went, but in return, I ask a small favor of you.

Im not interested, Xia Wan countered, attempting to walk away, but Jiang Lus grasp was firm.

Hold on! he insisted. The secretary, the one youre avoiding, hes bad news. Arent you afraid he might seek revenge on you and your family?

This was the very fear gnawing at Xia Wans thoughts.

Yet, she was determined not to reveal any weakness to Jiang Lu, who seemed all the more dubious now.

Why would he target us? she asked, her voice steady. Weve done nothing to him.

Jiang Lu cut her off, Youve yet to act against him, is that it?

Dont pretend ignorance about the hospitals dealings, he continued, a taunt in his laugh. Youve disrupted his affairs!

Hes avoided the worst for now, but hes made enemies in the process.

Rumor has it his wife has caught wind of his indiscretions and has demanded he settle matters before returning home.

Jiang Lus nonchalant att.i.tude only raised Xia Wans guard. She decided not to probe further.

If youre unwilling to share, so be it, Xia Wan said, pulling away from his grip.

Ill take care of the matter myself. Thanks for the heads-up.

Jiang Lu watched her depart with a deeper grin, murmuring, One day, youll come to me for help.

Confident in his prediction, Jiang Lu was oblivious to the irony that his own words would one day come back to haunt him.

Upon her return, Liu Hua, already by the cla.s.sroom door, intercepted Xia Wan. What did Jiang Lu want?

Its nothing, Xia Wan deflected, not wis.h.i.+ng to delve into details. Liu Hua, unsatisfied, pressed on with an urgency.

Theyve been talking about you since you left, Liu Hua reported, lips pursed in displeasure. I avoided them. I cant stand to look at them now!

Amused, Xia Wan struggled to contain her laughter, choosing instead to bite her lip and stay with the rising mirth.

Liu Hua, spotting her barely contained amus.e.m.e.nt, huffed, I should take a leaf out of your book. Then well see who dares to malign you in my presence!

With a gentle poke at Liu Huas indignant face, Xia Wan felt an unexpected warmth in her heart.

Once they had pacified Liu Huas feelings, the two returned to cla.s.s to find their form teacher, Jiang Rong, already commanding the podium..