Chapter 962.3: Beautiful Girl (9)

During class, Tang Guo listened attentively. After class, she diligently flipped through her books and completed her assignments, maintaining almost exactly the same study routine as the original host. Because of the warning she had given that morning, the number of people openly discussing her in class had decreased considerably.

At noon, she went to the cafeteria for lunch.

Her appearance was indeed eye-catching. Tall and slender, she naturally attracted attention among people her age. The moment she stepped into the cafeteria, countless eyes turned toward her. There were plenty of pictures of her on the school forums, so almost everyone recognized her.

Compared to before, the looks directed at her were filled with even more disdain. Heads bent together as whispers spread, all discussing the rumors that she was being kept by someone.

Tang Guo merely glanced at them before heading to the serving window. Unexpectedly, the cafeteria worker ignored her completely and served the person behind her first.

Patiently, she stood there and waited. Only after everyone behind her had been served did the female employee finally prepare her meal. Even then, the woman was clearly in a foul mood. She casually tossed the tray toward Tang Guo, causing some of the food to spill.

Tang Guo looked down. There was pitifully little food on the tray. The serving woman wore a smug and contemptuous smile, and Tang Guo smiled right back.

Carrying her tray, she found a seat and took out her phone. Turning on the camera, she casually tapped a few times and uploaded the incident to the largest social media platform.

This meal had cost fifteen yuan, yet the rice portion was only half the size of a fist, and the dishes were laughably sparse.

Weren't these people so fond of using public opinion and rumors?

She wanted to see for herself what kind of consequences this method could bring.

Along with the video, she added a caption:

“An employee at XX High School’s cafeteria is using personal grudges to retaliate against students purchasing meals. Everyone, take a look—does this tray of food really look worth fifteen yuan?”

The post had only been up for a moment before it attracted a great deal of attention. Posts related to schools were always especially eye-catching.

After uploading it, Tang Guo put away her phone and began eating.

There wasn't much food, but she naturally ate little anyway. She couldn't just skip lunch. Whatever needed to be dealt with could wait until after she finished eating.

“I’ll treat you instead.”

A voice suddenly sounded above her. Tang Guo raised her head and saw Zuo Ran and Wei Liang standing there, each holding a tray of food which they set down in front of her. Zuo Ran gave her a friendly smile.

“I believe you wouldn't do the things people are saying. Besides, I personally saw you riding your bike home yesterday afternoon.”

Tang Guo smiled inwardly, though outwardly her expression softened slightly.

“Thank you.”

“Eat with us,” Wei Liang said kindly. “You’re eating so little. There’s still a long afternoon ahead—you won’t last.”

As he spoke, he pushed his plentiful meal toward her.

Tang Guo shook her head. “No need. I already eat very little. Besides, I'm trying to lose weight.”

“Malnutrition is bad for your health,” Zuo Ran continued. “I know you're worried that accepting our food will just give people more gossip to talk about. We may have failed to pursue you, but can't we still be friends?”

“Exactly.” Wei Liang nodded. “Both Zuo Ran and I really admire your courage. Even after being talked about like this, you can still focus on your studies. It really feels like the innocent have nothing to fear.”

Zuo Ran agreed. “Actually, we just want to be friends with you. And I heard your grades are pretty good. Maybe we can study together sometime. That sounds nice too.”

“Oh? Alright then. Let’s eat together.”

Tang Guo smiled at them.

It had to be said, that face of hers was truly beautiful. Even people like Zuo Ran and Wei Liang, who were used to seeing pretty girls, couldn't help but feel their hearts stir when they saw her smile.