Chapter 29: Hidden Storm

Seeing the stunned expressions on the faces of those around her, Anran couldn't help but ask, "Ning, why is everyone looking at them with such curiosity and envy?"

"Anran, since you've just joined the school, it's normal that you wouldn't know," Zhang Ning whispered in response. "Have you noticed that everyone eating in the cafeteria is wearing blue uniforms? Those in purple uniforms never eat here."

Anran looked around, recalling her experience in the cafeteria yesterday, and realized it was true.

By now, Jason and Aixue had taken a seat at a table—a spot someone had willingly vacated for them. Jason's purple uniform stood out starkly in the otherwise blue-filled room.

"Wow, I didn't expect Aixue to actually be with Jason." 

"How envious!" 

"Aside from the Morris family, isn't the Byron family the most powerful in town?" 

"Of course. I've heard that the Morris family's stewards have always come from the Byron family."

The surrounding whispers were filled with a mix of jealousy and admiration.

At that moment, Aixue's demeanor appeared particularly charming, her smile radiant and captivating.

Suddenly, Jason wrapped an arm around her shoulders. The two were already sitting close, and Aixue let out a soft gasp, leaning into his embrace. Anyone with eyes could see the infatuation and joy on her face.

Seeing this, Anran's brows furrowed slightly. Perhaps her gaze was too direct, because in the next moment, Jason's piercing eyes locked onto hers!

Anran could clearly see that Jason's eyes were a deep brown, unlike the crimson she had seen that evening. His expression was filled with anger, and as soon as he recognized Anran, his entire demeanor shifted, his body radiating hostility. Aixue, sensing the change in his mood, stiffened in his arms. Following his gaze, she saw Anran's clear, unyielding eyes.

Aixue's face suddenly turned grim. Before Jason could take any further action, she leaned in and whispered something into his ear. Jason's expression flickered with surprise, and when he looked back at Anran, his face became inscrutable.

Though Anran didn't know what Aixue had said to him, she had a feeling it was about her. Since Jason didn't come over to cause trouble, she naturally stopped paying attention to the pair. Besides, with them drawing everyone's curious gazes, she could enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.

So, Anran lowered her head and continued eating her lunch. In that moment, she missed the storm brewing in Jason's eyes.

---

The afternoon passed without Richard Morris making an appearance. The seat beside Anran returned to its usual empty state.

Thinking back to Richard's vastly different attitudes, Anran felt perplexed. Yesterday, he had acted so familiar, but today, he was cold and distant. Perhaps this icy demeanor suited his princely image better.

Still, compared to that Jason guy, Richard didn't seem as annoying. Unconsciously, Anran's curiosity about the mysterious Morris family grew. Her mind wandered throughout the entire afternoon, and she barely paid attention to the lessons.

After school, Anran stayed in the classroom, waiting for Zhang Ning, who had gone to the restroom. After a while, the other students had already left, but Zhang Ning still hadn't returned.

A strange feeling settled in Anran's heart. Just as she was about to go look for Zhang Ning, a girl in a blue uniform rushed into the classroom.

"Are… are you Anran?" the girl panted.

Anran glanced at the newcomer. The girl looked pale and unwell, and Anran didn't recall ever seeing her before.

But the girl's expression was clearly panicked, so Anran replied, "Yes, I'm Anran. What's the matter?"

The girl's eyes lit up. "Then… is Zhang Ning your friend? She was just taken away by some upperclassmen."