Chapter 301 The Background Fiancée in Campus Novel (4)

Chapter 301: The Background Fiancée (Side Character) in a Campus Story (4)

With two transfer students arriving at the same time, Tang Qing and Xin Ke stood at the podium, quickly drawing everyone’s attention.

"Hello everyone, I’m Tang Qing. I just returned to the country and am still adjusting to many local customs. I’ll likely need everyone’s help and care from now on."

As Tang Qing spoke, she wore a gentle smile, exuding the warmth of a ray of sunshine, instantly winning everyone’s favor.

As soon as she finished speaking, sporadic applause broke out in the classroom. It was clear the privileged students didn’t have a bad first impression of her.

In contrast to Tang Qing’s warm reception, when Xin Ke mentioned being a merit scholar, the privileged students’ gazes instantly turned mocking.

"Merit scholar? What’s so special about you? Don’t tell me it’s just because you’re poor?" A boy sitting in the back row spoke up. Tang Qing glanced over—among the refined privileged students, this one stood out for his ugliness, with weaselly features that made him look anything but kind.

According to the system’s introduction, [Refers to the novel’s narrative exposition] this person was called Cao Zhong, the primary bully in the original storyline who bullied Xin Ke relentlessly.

St. John's University had the country’s best academic resources. In the name of ostensible educational equity, the university reserved one or two merit scholar spots each year.

These merit scholars enjoyed a unique privilege: as long as they achieved straight A’s here, they would receive a generous stipend.

In the original storyline, this year’s scholarship spot belonged to Xin Ke’s older brother.

At the time, the whole family had gathered to celebrate the good news. Unfortunately…

But tragedy struck. The week after receiving the scholarship, Xin Ke’s brother was hit by a car. The crushing medical bills forced Xin Ke to take his place at St. John's.

"I thought the school wouldn’t admit scholarship kids from ordinary families like you this year. Looks like I was wrong," Cao Zhong scoffed. "What, here for the scholarship money?"

"Hey, how about this—drop out now, and I’ll just Venmo you the money."

Cao Zhong’s blunt words left Xin Ke stranded at the podium, burning with shame.

"WeChat or Alipay?"

Just as Xin Ke was at a loss, no one expected Tang Qing to speak up!

"Everyone here uses these two apps, right…?"

"Xin Ke, since someone’s feeling so generous, pull up your QR code."

Her words left everyone stunned!

No one had anticipated that the new transfer student would stand up for someone from a working-class background!

Every year, without exception, scholarship students were at the absolute lowest rung at St. John's.

Bullying them was something the privileged students considered their entitled pastime.

The students here came from wealthy families, and St. John's was more like a networking hub.

Friendships between people meant family connections, exchanging resources and benefits.

But merit scholars had no such resources or benefits to offer!

"You’re helping him?"

Cao Zhong’s gaze turned icy. "Let me remind you—he’s just a scholarship student…"

*"What’s wrong with that?"* Tang Qing spoke with a soft smile, her expression completely unruffled. "Once you’re here, we’re all classmates. Go on, moneybags—transfer the money."

"How much was the scholarship again?"

Cao Zhong was truly about to explode with rage!

A special admit showed up, and he thought it would be a bit of fun—but who could’ve guessed there’d also be some busybody butting in today?

Bringing up the money was just to talk big…

But now he actually had to fork it over.

Cao Zhong’s face instantly turned pale.

And just then, Tang Qing jumped in again, "Huh? I thought you were so generous. Can’t actually pay up?"

Patting Xin Ke’s shoulder, Tang Qing continued, "See this, Xin Ke? Even the rich kids at St. John's have their cheapskates."

Cao Zhong: "You—!"

Unable to produce the money and now publicly humiliated, the one left embarrassed was suddenly Cao Zhong.

"Hahaha, Cao Zhong, if you can’t back it up, put your money where your mouth is!"

"Cao Zhong’s definitely broke—his car’s in the shop getting tricked out. That ain’t cheap…"

"Serves him right, fronting like he’s rich."

...

Amid the laughter, Tang Qing led Xin Ke past the crowd with ease, finding a seat.

Sweet spot.

To the left was the main guy, Shen Shu, and behind them sat Cen Yinghuai.

The young master had long legs, both of which were draped over Tang Qing’s seat. Even as Tang Qing was about to sit down, Cen Yinghuai showed no sign of moving them.

Probably messing with her on purpose, Cen Yinghuai deliberately spoke up, "New classmate, my legs are long. Why don’t you find another seat?"

Their eyes met, Tang Qing still wearing that same easy, unfazed smile.

Sunlight hit half of Tang Qing’s face, and Cen Yinghuai suddenly noticed—the new roommate had a bit of baby fat, paired with the gentle morning light, making those cheeks look… kinda squeezable.

"Get ’em outta here."

Tang Qing said, "I can smell ’em from here."

The young master, who’d been waiting to mess with Tang Qing, went stiff instantly!

"Snort—"

Someone laughed!

The young master whipped his head around—right into Shen Shu’s face.

Usually expressionless, Shen Shu now had a hint of a smirk, like he was staring at a moron, and said, "Might wanna wash those feet."

"The hell you say! I shower every day!"

The guy scowled. The person he hated most in this world was this stuck-up asshole, Shen Shu!

Ever since he was a kid, besides that stone-cold expression, the most infuriating thing about this person was...

Shen Shu couldn't keep his mouth shut!

"Hey! What's your deal? You got a problem with me?" Cen Yinghuai had initially intended to mess with the new roommate, but now he'd been humiliated again by Shen Shu, which really got under his skin.

His gaze toward Tang Qing suddenly turned fierce!

Cen Yinghuai was tall, and his towering presence was overwhelming as he glared at Tang Qing!

Tang Qing wasn't the least bit intimidated.

Under Cen Yinghuai's devouring glare, Tang Qing simply uttered four words: "Strawberry cookies."

Those sissy little cookies?

Realizing what Tang Qing was referring to...

In an instant.

Cen Yinghuai slumped back into his seat...

"Whatever, have it your way."

The Young Master reluctantly spoke, scowling as he scooted his chair back slightly to make some room for Tang Qing.