Yan Wei’s lips curled into a derisive smirk. “Only the eighth in the entire grade? Judging by how haughty she acts, I would have thought she was the top student in the whole school!”

Yao Ran’s panic bloomed anew. Her lies might get out of hand if she didn’t manage them well. “The thing is, my cousin came from the countryside, where she didn’t really have a lot of options in terms of education. Based on her background, being among the top ten would already be considered a great achievement, and everyone praised her for that. I would be admiring her, too, if not for all the trouble she caused during her first month here at school…”

Yao Ran drifted off intentionally, though she pretended to look surprised and worried, as if she had just said something she shouldn’t have.

“Anyway,” she added, “that’s the reason behind my cousin’s so-called popularity.”

Yan Wei took the bait and followed its trail. She leaned forward and narrowed her eyes atYao Ran.

“She came from the countryside? And did you say she caused a lot of trouble when she first transferred to this school?”

Yao Ran averted her eyes and took a sip of her drink. She donned a guilty expression and refrained from saying anything.

Of course, her actions only served to fuel Yan Wei’s presumptions.

Yan Wei sat back and smiled, not caring thatYao Ranrefused to answer her. She had all the information she needed.

Li Ruo stirred her iced coffee and tilted her head towardYao Ran. “So she’s your cousin,Ranran? It must have been so hard on you, having such an unruly relative in the same school.”

“Oh, not at all. My cousin… She’s actually a nice person…” Yao Ranoffered a tight smile, as if she was forcing herself.

Once again, Yan Weilatched on to this tiny detail.

For Yao Ranto make an effort not to badmouth her cousin even though the latter deserved it…Yan Weithought she was rather generous.

“You’ve been working pretty hard,” she said to Yao Ranin a sympathetic tone.

The other girl appeared confused by the remark, but she said nothing and began eating her food.

The subject was dropped altogether, and the group chatted about mundane things as they finished their lunch.

Later, Yang Nianwas queuing up to surrender his food tray whenYao Ransidled up next to him.

“Yang Nian.”

“What is it?”

Yao Ran blushed before saying, “We treated you poorly the last time you came over to my house. My Dad heard that you were in town and wanted to make up for our shortcomings. Do you have time tonight? We were hoping to invite you to dinner.”

True enough, something crucial had occurred the last time Yang Nianhad paid them a visit, and they had to send him home early.

And so, when Yao Yuan caught wind that Yang Nian was back, he didn’t waste any time and instructed Yao Ran to invite the boy over.

It shouldn’t be a big deal, since the Yao familywere good friends with the Yang family.

Yang Nian’s grandfather moved the entire family to Beijing at some point, but Yang Nian’s father had always kept in contact withYao Yuan. They even often shared a meal during the New Year celebrations.

Naturally, Yao RanandYang Nianalso often met when they were younger.

Yang Nian’s face remained blank as he nodded at Yao Ran. “All right.”

Yao Ran’s smile widened.

“Then, I will wait for you at the school gates once the classes are over!”

In truth, Yao Ranhad purposely waited for them by the staircase just to get a chance to inviteYang Nianto dinner.

Now that he had accepted the invitation, things were finally looking up.

Yang Nian gave her a small smile. “See you then.” He was about to turn away and leave whenYao Ranstopped him.

“Oh, right! My elders will be part of the dinner party as well. I would love to invite Yan WeiandLi Ruo, but I’m afraid it wouldn’t be appropriate to do so. What I mean is, if it’s okay with you…”

Yao Ran paused and frowned, her eyes clouded.

“I understand,” Yang Nianobliged her. “I won’t be telling anyone about the dinner.”

Yan Wei andLi Ruowalked over just then.

“What are you guys talking about?” Yan Weiasked.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Let’s get back to the teaching building.” Yao Ran.

“Hmm.” Yang Nian disposed of his tray and headed out of the cafeteria.

Despite her curiosity, Yan Weihad no choice but to nod along and walk with them back to their classroom.

As soon as Yao Ranseparated from the group, she took out her phone and sent a message toQin Man. “Mom,Yang Nianis coming over tonight. Make sure you prepare something special for tonight’s gathering.”