Chapter Twenty-Four: Grievance

Mu Chuan let out a sigh of relief; it seemed there was no need to worry about Yu Youchu. If anything, it was Wan Ninghe who...

Mu Chuan cast a look of pity toward Wan Ninghe.

She was in for bad luck.

The moment he heard someone mention that two interns in the design department were arguing, he knew instantly that something had happened to Yu Youchu. Her temper was truly something not to be trifled with.

Wan Ninghe, riding high on her excitement, naturally failed to notice the expression on Yu Youchu’s face. She curled her red lips and declared, "Then I want you to voluntarily withdraw from the internship competition and leave Huasheng."

A stir ran through the crowd at these words. Many of the permanent staff began whispering among themselves. Yu Youchu had only asked for an apology, yet this woman wanted to cost her a livelihood. It was truly ruthless, leaving absolutely no room for grace. Several people immediately cast strange looks in Wan Ninghe’s direction.

A glint of craftiness flashed in Yu Youchu’s eyes, carrying an alluring, almost seductive quality. It was a bullseye. She had been worried that Wan Ninghe wouldn’t dare to gamble for such high stakes, but it turned out the girl was full of confidence.

Seeing the mischievous look on Yu Youchu’s face, Mu Chuan shook his head helplessly. It seemed he didn't need to intervene; he could just stand by and enjoy the show.

"Well? Do you agree or not?" Wan Ninghe urged, as if terrified that Yu Youchu might change her mind.

"Fine."

The crowd erupted into further discussion. Unseen by the others, Bai Bingge stood at the very back of the group, slowly shaking her head. "Hot-blooded youth."

Cui Jing stood beside her, her beautiful eyes curved into crescents as she watched the drama.

Bai Bingge frowned. "Your personality is truly wretched."

Cui Jing shrugged indifferently. "Gossip is human nature; you’re the one who’s abnormal." At work, people assumed she and Bai Bingge were the same type of person, but in reality, she wasn't nearly as dull once she stepped away from her duties.

"Aren't you going in to stop this nonsense?" Bai Bingge gestured toward the room, reminding her.

Cui Jing thought of the project deadline she had set with Yu Youchu and chuckled softly. The little girl had a dark heart; she could set someone up without even blinking. But then again, wasn't Yu Youchu essentially writing her own death warrant? If she failed to complete the work by nine o'clock, it would all be for nothing anyway.

A flicker of interest crossed Cui Jing’s eyes. "Wait until the play is over."

Bai Bingge disagreed. "Are you being a bit biased toward the other intern?"

Cui Jing spread her hands helplessly. "I just don't want to insert myself into the personal grudges of employees."

With things put this way, it was clear what she meant.

"Keep an eye on them. Don't let it escalate to upper management."

Cui Jing tossed her short hair, the strands falling into a graceful arc. "Don't worry, you old stick-in-the-mud."

Yu Youchu ignored the surrounding whispers. "However, I need to change my conditions as well, otherwise I’ll be at too much of a disadvantage."

She furrowed her brows, her round eyes pressing into an adorable curve, and used her sweet voice to deliver the most vicious of words. "If the project moves forward smoothly, I want you to get out of Huasheng as well. That would be fair, wouldn't it?"

Wan Ninghe was caught up in the moment. Believing that Yu Youchu was just putting on a brave front, she answered without hesitation. "Fine! Yu Youchu, don't you dare go back on your word when the time comes!"

Seeing that the wager was sealed, Cui Jing finally made a show of pushing through the crowd. "Is the work all finished?! Why are you all piling up here?"

Yu Youchu scanned the scene. This old fox—her timing was impeccable, and she didn't even bother to mask her expression. Yu Youchu had originally thought she was a "white-hearted" person, but it turned out she was dark inside as well.

Seeing Cui Jing arrive, the crowd scattered like birds and beasts.

"You two! To my office!"

Cui Jing kept a straight face, crossing her arms with an air of severity, and led the way with the sharp *clack-clack* of her high heels, appearing deeply displeased. Only Yu Youchu knew how long Cui Jing had been standing in the back, watching the show.

Wan Ninghe felt even more delighted at the sight of Cui Jing’s anger. By offending Cui Jing, once the bet was settled tomorrow, Yu Youchu’s departure would be a certainty. If she then played the part of the well-behaved victim in front of everyone, none of the remaining interns—save for Mu Chuan—would be able to compete with her. Thinking of this, Wan Ninghe’s expression relaxed.

Cui Jing brought them into her office, though her intention was merely to silence the gossip. She spoke a few perfunctory words and let them leave.

As Yu Youchu stepped out, she found Mu Chuan blocking her path. Wan Ninghe didn't even spare him a glance, lifting her chin high as she departed.

Mu Chuan turned his body to face her. "Tell me, what was that about?"

Yu Youchu gave him the short version, explaining the entire incident.

"So, you simply beat her at her own game and trapped Wan Ninghe?" Mu Chuan flashed his trademark smile. "I thought you were a simple-hearted philanthropist. I guess I misjudged you. I was originally attracted to your honest and simple nature..."

Yu Youchu made an innocent face to interrupt him. "Enough, stop the sarcasm. I had no choice. 'One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black'—I’ve been influenced by you."

"When did I become dark-hearted? Shifting the blame onto me—I’m as wronged as Dou E."

Yu Youchu rolled her eyes. "Do you need me to remind you how I got onto this project?"

Mu Chuan wisely shut his mouth.

"But now you have to pull an all-nighter to write this proposal, don't you?"

"I was going to have to stay up late anyway. Isn't it more profitable to take someone down with me while I'm at it?"

"That’s true."

After this commotion, Yu Youchu had wasted quite a bit of time. To save some sleep for the night, she decided to splurge and take a taxi home. She opened her phone; aside from Mu Chuan asking why she hadn't come for lunch, it was completely empty.

A sudden sense of emptiness washed over her. The grievances she had bottled up all day reached a breaking point.

Her phone rang; it was her mother. She took a deep breath, composed her chaotic emotions, and answered.

"Hello, Mom. What’s up?"

Li Guifang’s voice came through the phone. "Nothing much, just asking how your work has been lately." She had likely just finished class and sent her students home; her voice was calm and gentle.

Yu Youchu felt a sting in her nose, her throat tightening as if blocked, and she couldn't speak for a moment. University life had been smooth sailing for her; even while working and studying, and despite having no friends around, she had lived a full and beautiful life. She had never had to hide her sorrows behind good news, and she always told her mother whatever was on her mind.

Ever since she broke up with Shen Wang, however, fate had suddenly snatched away her peaceful life. It had been a series of turbulent ups and downs.

Thinking of the aimless proposal waiting for her tonight, Yu Youchu nearly burst into tears. But remembering the graying hair her mother had grown in recent years and her father’s unimproved condition, she swallowed the urge to sob. Her mother was already exhausted from caring for her father; she couldn't let her worry about her, too.

Yu Youchu steadied her voice.