Old rivals meet again

"What?!"

The girls who had previously introduced themselves to Lihua were now perceiving her under a different light. The shift in perspective was evident as they reevaluated their initial impressions of her.

"No way, Xia Lihua wouldn't be that cruel."

"She tore Xia Mengrui's dress? Is she jealous of her?

"Why would one do such a vile thing? Xia Mengrui is really pitiful."

"No wonder she is dressed like that. The poor girl had to randomly pick a dress at the last moment."

Xia Mengrui had many dresses to choose from, but she decided to wear a peculiar and unconventional one on purpose. Her motive behind this deliberate selection was to invite comments and scrutiny from others, setting the stage for her to deflect the blame onto her cousin, strategically manipulating the perceptions of those around her.

By orchestrating such a situation, Mengrui aimed to tarnish Lihua's image within the social sphere without without Lihua knowing the real reason behind it. Lihua's actions had led to inevitable consequences, and it was only fair for her to face the fallout, but Mengrui didn't expect Lihua to be at the same banquet and witness her plan!

'You had this coming cousin sister, don't blame me.'

Deep inside, Xia Mengrui felt a surge of delight but she adopted a horrified expression, mimicking the response one would have upon hearing something truly terrifying. "No, please don't blame my little sister. She didn't mean to do it, it must have been an accident."

The bystanders were emotionally stirred by the situation. "You don't have to vouch for your cousin!"

"it might not have been an accident!"

"If she did it deliberately then she is actually jealous of you! You should keep your distance from such a snake."

Ling Feiyi's body trembled with intensity upon hearing such remarks and erupted in a vehement response. "That's enough!", she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration. "This is nothing short of defamation. None of you truly understand the situation."

Xia Lihua gently patted her secretary's back and whispered, "Don't worry, I got this."

Lihua's face was overcast and watching her expression Mengrui was elated on the inside. "Sis, don't take those words to heart. I know you didn't mean any harm to me and you are not jealous of me."

Xia Lihua's laughter burst forth uncontrollably. "Why on earth would I be jealous of you?"

Her words dripped with a mix of incredulity and genuine amusement, implying that the idea of envy towards Mengrui was simply preposterous.

Mengrui covered her mouth with her hand and her eyes looked sad as if she would tear up at any moment. "I know you aren't jealous, but people are saying...we used to be rivals. I know you wanted to study at National Classical Music Conservatory and I'm sorry for taking your place..."

Before Xia Mengrui could even finish speaking, the onlookers erupted into a cacophony of discussions once more.

"So it's like that.", Tang Susu said. "Old rivals meet again!"

"If Xia Lihua couldn't get into The National Music & Arts University then it's her fault for not having enough skills, why would she hold a grudge on her cousin-", someone else piped.

"The air is filled with envy, I can tell."

"So don't be angry with me anymore. As cousins we should get along." Xia Mengrui concluded her statement, emphasising on the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship as cousins, urging them to let go of any lingering resentment.

Xia Lihua, once again, erupted into laughter, a carefree and playful sound that filled the air. With a comical wave of her hands, Lihua said, "Oh, I'm not at all angry with you. In fact, I find the situation quite amusing. You see, others have labeled us as old rivals, and it's only natural for rivals not to get along, right?"

Everyone in the audience felt a shiver run down their spine. They exchanged glances and their backbones stiffened.

"There is nothing wrong with maintaining a good relationship! We might have been rivals but it's in the past, we don't have to be so hostile." Xia Mengrui's words created a momentary respite, temporarily diffusing the tension.

"So, you claim to desire a good relationship, yet you deliberately sought out trouble with me?" Lihua blinked her eyes innocently. With a touch of sarcasm, she pointed out the contradiction in Mengrui's intentions. "You purposefully approached me and publicly accused me of tearing your dress. We could have resolved this matter in private, but instead, you chose to make a big scene."