Inside the conference room of Jianghai University, the atmosphere was incredibly tense.
"Ladies and gentlemen, teachers, and class presidents, let me take you through the reasons as to why Xiao Yang from our class is applying for the hardship student grant," a delightfully appealing female student rose to speak, her voice clear yet firm.
The girl was extraordinarily beautiful and instantly drew the attention of everyone in the room. Her figure, neatly wrapped in a beige dress, was slender and curvy, her exposed arms soft and delicate, almost to a point where they looked like they would ooze water if squeezed. Her lustrous black hair cascading over her shoulders added to her already graceful demeanor.
She wore a pair of white shoes, exuding an overall youthful charm and vitality.
Liu Hanrou surveyed the surroundings and took a deep breath, silently empowering herself. This was the single hardship studentship available in the whole institute and, as the class president, she was obliged to fight tooth and nail to secure this for Xiao Yang!
Casually glancing at Xiao Yang who sat sequestered in a corner, she was hit with a pang of sorrow upon seeing his exceedingly plain and poor clothes.
"Firstly," Liu Hanrou cleared her throat, "Xiao Yang grew up in an orphanage. Now that he's reached adulthood, the orphanage has stopped funding for him. Apart from school loans, the only thing he currently has to maintain his life is a part-time job. This scholarship is a timely help for him.
"Secondly, he was hospitalized recently due to overwork and malnutrition...”
However, before Liu Hanrou could continue, the faculty member interrupted, "Li Chunhui, you convey the situation of Li Xia from your class."
"Alright, Director Hu." Li Chunhui rose, full of confidence, "I feel that Li Xia's situation is more special than Xiao Yang's, this opportunity is bound to be her's."
"Firstly, Li Xia's house has unfortunately faced a calamity causing a downfall. And she's a girl, after all. She can't work part-time jobs like Xiao Yang, can she?"
"Secondly, according to her roommate's feedback, Li Xia is the epitome of frugality..."
Before the sentence was finished, Willow Han Ruo couldn't help but interject.
"Hold on, I don't agree with that. I heard Li Xia has a few designer handbags, and she uses the latest model iPhone. Could this be considered as 'being frugal'?"
At this, the other class leaders were unhappy.
"Hey, it's not nice to interrupt people, you know?"
"Yeah, furthermore, Li Chun Hui mentioned that her family suddenly encountered some problems, all those things might have been bought way before that."
At this point, Li Xia who was sitting in the back row, quickly stuffed her mobile phone into her LV bag, not forgetting to shuffle aside a bit, as if fearing that the whiff of her Chanel perfume might contaminate the aura of poverty emanating from Xiao Yang.
...
After a heated discussion, the counselor announced the result: "After a vote, the scholarship will go to Li Xia."
What?!
Xiao Yang's eyes widened in disbelief. Before he could say anything, Willow Han Ruo slapped the table and stood up, "Why? This is so unfair! "
"Han Ruo, " the counselor tried to pacify, "this is a unanimous voting result, you see, only one vote was given to Xiao Yang."
Willow Han Ruo frowned, thinking: Am I the only one who voted for Xiao Yang?
She looked at the counselor desperately, like clutching at straws, "Counselor Hu, do you think this is fair? You know very well about Xiao Yang’s situation."
The counselor gave a little laugh, "Han Ruo, this is the decision of all, I regret it too."
"Alright, I understand."
Liu Hanrou gritted her teeth and said, "I will report this to the academy and even the school!"
After saying this, she glared fiercely at the other class leaders and stormed off.
"Alright, let's end the meeting." The counselor also left, and the classroom became much more relaxed.
Everyone left in twos and threes.
Li Chunhui put his arm around Li Xia's waist and laughed at several class leaders, "Brothers, I'm getting the drinks tonight, shall we have a meal together?"
But Li Xia spoke up first, her eyes sparkling with gratitude: "All the lords, thanks to your help, I was able to get this quota. I must treat you tonight and I will not accept any rebuttals!"
"If that's the case, then we are obliged to comply!"
"Let's get going, no going home until we are drunk!"
One of the class leaders suddenly frowned and sighed: "But have you seen Liu Hanrou's grinding teeth? I feel she won't let it go so easily."
Li Chunhui pulled a face and said dismissively, "Afraid of her? What kind of waves can she make?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he squinted and thought for a moment: "Don't worry, I'll go talk to Xiao Yang tomorrow. As long as he doesn't apply, it won't matter even if the heavenly father comes for Liu Hanrou."
"Good point."
The others nodded in agreement.
...
On the other side, when Xiao Yang left the meeting room, his expression was calm.
He unintentionally saw Li Xia carrying a bunch of bags to the counselor's office earlier, and also heard that all other underprivileged students of different grades had given gifts to the counselor.
He didn't give anything. Did he intend to get a scholarship by votes?
He couldn't even count on a talent show.
While walking, his stomach inconveniently made a sound, and he immediately headed to the cafeteria.
There wasn't much money left on his card. After buying a bowl of rice for fifty cents, he pondered for a long time, ultimately he still couldn't make up his mind to buy some dishes. Holding the bowl, he walked to the most inconspicuous corner.
"Xiao Yang, you're here? Can I sit?"
Liu Hanrou, with a tray in her hands, sat across him. Seeing the only bowl of white rice in his hands, she laughed and said, "I accidentally swiped too much money when I was getting food, and now I can't finish all of these dishes. Can you do me a favor and help me finish some of them? Thanks."
Saying this, she began to dump her dishes into Xiao Yang's bowl, leaving herself with very little.
Xiao Yang was at a loss, both moved and grateful.
Indeed, Liu Hanrou had taken way more dishes than she could consume, but it was all intentional, just so that he could "help" her.
Such a scene happened quite frequently.
"Thank you," Xiao Yang said gratefully.
"Actually, I should be the one apologizing to you."
Liu Hanrou’s face was filled with remorse, then she became very determined: "But don't worry, I will definitely help you get the scholarship."
"Thank you for your help."
Xiao Yang quietly tucked away the favor, vowing to return it generously in the future.
The two were eating and chatting, creating a lighthearted and pleasant atmosphere.
After dinner, Xiao Yang went off to work, and by the time he returned to school, it was already dark.
As soon as he reached the school gate, several figures blocked his way.
"Li Chunhui?" Xiao Yang frowned.
"Well, well, Xiao the Workaholic, just finished work?" Li Chunhui said mockingly, handing out a red banknote. "Here, my friend, this hundred and eighty is to make up for not getting the special hardship student status. Take it."
Xiao Yang didn't even glance at the hundred dollars, his gaze frosty. "While I am poor, I am not a beggar, and I won't allow you to take what's mine away from me. I will report your actions to the school, seeking justice for myself."
"Heh, justice? I am the justice here!"
Li Chunhui waved the banknote in his hand, reeking of alcohol. "Take it, and all will be well. But if not, don't blame me for not being polite!"
"Get lost!"
Xiao Yang shoved Li Chunhui off but was then grabbed by the collar from behind.
Thud!
Xiao Yang threw a punch backward, hitting Li Chunhui right in the face.
Seeing this, the other companions swarmed in.
