Not everyone had seen what happened at that parent-teacher conference before the winter break.
But it had definitely spread through private channels.
It just hadn’t reached Wei Tianxi’s ears yet, so he’d pretended not to know.
He was perfectly capable of burying his head in the sand like that.
But now, these people were saying it right to his face—equivalent to slapping him hard across the cheek!
He did have some connection to Jian Yi.
But who didn’t know they’d already burned that bridge?!
Ever since Jian Zhan Guo learned how outstanding his son was—and how he’d connected with the Guan Family and even the Pei Family—he’d repeatedly taken subtle jabs at Jian Yi at home. Not content with that, he’d even egged on Wei Tianxi’s mom to have another son with her! It was disgusting and laughable. Did Jian Zhan Guo really think Jian Yi’s excellence came purely from his bloodline?!
Wei Tianxi wasn’t clueless. Jian Zhan Guo had secretly gone to see Jian Yi several times. After Wei Tianxi told his mom, Jian Zhan Guo had justified it under the guise of wanting to rebuild their father-son bond, so Jian Yi could look out for him more at school!
If Jian Yi hadn’t completely ignored Jian Zhan Guo—not even giving him the cold shoulder out of politeness—who knew if Jian Zhan Guo might have turned around and acknowledged him as his son?
It made Wei Tianxi sick!
And now these people were spouting this nonsense right in front of him—how could his expression look anything but awful?!
Then there was Shen Ju…
Yeah, Shen Ju too.
The recent quiz results had come out, and Shen Ju had actually caught up to him!
Without Pei Yan tutoring him, how could he have made such huge progress?!
Jealousy, resentment, indignation, and dark thoughts swirled in Wei Tianxi’s heart. Shen Ju really rode the Guan Family’s coattails, he thought. Otherwise, how could he hook up with Pei Yan and sit with Pei Haochuan and the others?! And Guan Mulin—he should’ve been on Jian Yi’s level from the start, but damn his luck! The Guan Family raised him for over a decade!
These people… they were just coasting on better family backgrounds! What was there to brag about?!
Shen Ju had been robbed of his identity for over a decade, while Guan Mulin went from young master of the Guan Family to this awkward in-between status overnight. How could those two possibly get along for real?
If it were him, he probably couldn’t coexist peacefully either.
That’s what Wei Tianxi thought—and that’s what he said.
He turned to the one who’d dragged him into the conversation. “If you’re so envious, go find them yourself. I’m not fighting you for the chance—after all, you seem to need tutoring more than I do.”
They were all in the Elite Class; no one was bombing that badly.
But in this crowd, it was all about family background or grades. Mentioning scores was guaranteed to hit a sore spot.
The guy’s face darkened instantly.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Someone hurried to smooth things over. “Alright, alright. As for Guan Shen Ju and Guan Mulin, it’s all for show. How could they really be close? You probably haven’t seen them interact closely. I overheard them talking that day—they traded barbs with each other. Does that scream ‘good relationship’? Nah, they’re just putting on an act in front of the Guan Family.”
“I think it’s fake too.”
Someone chimed in, then added suddenly, “If those two ever tear into each other, that’ll be a show worth watching.”
“Haha, yeah. Their little clique would shatter completely. Even Jian Yi wouldn’t please either side then.”
“Who says otherwise.”
Wei Tianxi listened, his heart suddenly racing.
Yeah, who says otherwise.
If something sparked a blowout between Guan Shen Ju and Guan Mulin, their little group would splinter for sure. No way it’d hold together on surface-level vibes like now.
And forget the rest—whichever side Jian Yi picked, he’d be screwed with both.
Guan Mulin was his cousin by blood, while Guan Shen Ju had over a decade of history with him. If those two clashed, Jian Yi would be in a tough spot. Who could he latch onto then?
Plus, if Guan Shen Ju and Guan Mulin truly fell out, the Guan Family would have to openly side with one.
Wei Tianxi figured they’d lean toward Guan Mulin.
After all, aside from not being blood-related, Guan Mulin outshone Guan Shen Ju in every way!
Guan Shen Ju would be the pitiful one then.
The more he thought, the more thrilling it felt.
His heart pounded harder.
If I can just stir things up between Guan Shen Ju and Guan Mulin, make them really turn on each other…
Wei Tianxi nearly grinned at the thought of the chaos.
But the question was, how to make Guan Shen Ju and Guan Mulin tear into each other for real?
He pursed his lips.
Then it hit him—they were heading to the bar that evening…
A bar.
Drunk antics? Yeah, that could explain a lot.
After lunch, Jian Yi headed back.
There was time before the afternoon session for free time—or they could head straight to the bar.
Han Chengfeng had booked a full entertainment complex: bar downstairs, club upstairs, tons to do. But what anyone chose was their business.
It also had rooms.
Han Chengfeng booked five, one per person—no fighting over them.
“Heh heh, pretty generous of me, right?”
Han Chengfeng slung an arm around Ke Sheng’s shoulders. “So you all have to party with me till the end! Crash in the rooms I booked after.”
Ke Sheng chuckled back. “So you forgot to book one for Pei-ge.”
Han Chengfeng: “…”
Who wanted to “party late” with the teacher?!
In their group, maybe only Shen Ju would?
He wouldn’t dare suggest it to Pei Yan anyway.
Han Chengfeng turned to Shen Ju. “If Pei-ge sticks around tonight, why not share your room? Y’know, save a buck or two—I’ve got my eye on something else with the savings.”
It wasn’t really about the money.
He’d pinched every penny, leaving just enough for a limited-edition figure. Any more would break him!
Unlike the ski trip, Pei-ge might not wanna stay late anyway.
But just in case, there was Shen Ju.
Han Chengfeng clasped his hands toward Shen Ju pleadingly.
Shen Ju pursed his lips. “I can give up my room later.”
“Huh? What about you?”
Guan Mulin: “Shen Ju can room with me.”
“Mm.”
Han Chengfeng glanced around. “That works… but usually, wouldn’t it be Shen Ju with Pei-ge, or you with Pei Haochuan, then free up a room?”
Shen Ju, Guan Mulin, and Pei Haochuan: “…”
Shut up—no one’s mistaking you for mute!
Pei Haochuan shot Han Chengfeng a glance and sneered. “Why don’t you room with Ke Sheng and free up a room?”
Han Chengfeng and Ke Sheng exchanged looks, both shuddering. “Ew~ Nah, forget it!”
Lunch had been too filling. After seeing Jian Yi off, Shen Ju and Guan Mulin didn’t want to move. With rooms ready and the restaurant close to the bar, they decided to crash there till afternoon. A nap would perk them up—afternoon was just the opener; real fun ran into the night.
They’d promised a room for Pei Yan. Either Shen Ju or Guan Mulin would yield one, so why not now? Even if Pei Yan might not stay, using it for rest without asking felt off.
At the spot, Shen Ju and Guan Mulin headed straight to the same room.
Han Chengfeng had splurged on king suites—one massive two-meter-wide bed, plenty for two.
Shen Ju sighed and flopped onto the bed.
Guan Mulin sprawled beside him with a sigh.
Shen Ju propped his chin on his folded arms and tilted his head toward Guan Mulin. “Did you fight with Pei Haochuan?”
Guan Mulin’s gaze shifted from the ceiling to Shen Ju. “Did you fight with Pei-ge?”
Shen Ju: “…No.”
Guan Mulin: “Then why aren’t you rooming with him?”
Pei-ge has someone he likes, Shen Ju thought.
“It’s inconvenient,” he said aloud.
Guan Mulin: “Same for me…”
Shen Ju: “Why?”
Guan Mulin: “What about you?”
Shen Ju eyed him for a moment, then lunged, pinning him down and tickling mercilessly.
Guan Mulin laughed and squirmed, but damn, Shen Ju’s strong! Pinned, he couldn’t escape… so he fought back, tickling Shen Ju!
They tumbled across the king bed in a tangle.
Finally, they stopped, clothes askew, panting.
Now Shen Ju lay on his back, lips pursed. “Inconvenient ’cause Pei-ge likes someone. Can’t have that person getting the wrong idea.”
“What?!”
Guan Mulin propped himself on an elbow, staring at Shen Ju. “Pei-ge likes someone? Not… you?!”
“Not what?”
Shen Ju blinked, head cocked at Guan Mulin.
“Uh.”
Guan Mulin backpedaled. “Do you know who Pei-ge likes?”
Shen Ju shook his head. “No clue.”
“Pei-ge never told me…”
His voice dipped, glum.
Shen Ju recalled how stunned he’d been when Pei Yan said it—his gut reaction was to dodge, head down, too scared to ask.
Pei Yan hadn’t elaborated.
So yeah, he really had no idea who Pei-ge liked.
Of course, Shen Ju had his private guesses.
But none panned out.
Maybe someone I don’t know?
It bugged him more the longer he dwelled, till he wanted to smack his head and stop.
“What about you and Pei Haochuan?”
Guan Mulin’s arm gave out; he flopped back too. “Me and Pei Haochuan… honestly, it’s nothing, but… sigh, I don’t even know what’s up with us. Last time we went out alone for food, I couldn’t follow half of what he said, and boom—we’re arguing outta nowhere.”
“How’d it escalate?”
“He got petty again. I said I treat you guys all the same, but Pei Haochuan wasn’t happy. Said he doesn’t treat us the same—and I got mad too. Asked if he still had a grudge against you, and he got more pissed. Words flew, and we fought.”
Shen Ju: “…Could it be…”
“Hm?”
Shen Ju blinked, rolled over, elbow-propped, and poked Guan Mulin’s side with a finger. “Y’know… you’re fated or whatever.”
“You knew in advance you two might end up together, so consciously or not, you figured it’s a done deal—you’re rational, in control, no biggie. But Pei Haochuan doesn’t know. He won’t rein in his feelings, so they might’ve…”
“Turned into something more.”
Shen Ju whispered the last bit.
Guan Mulin’s face froze.
996 cackled, “Hohoho! Protagonist Gong and receiver are destined—why else would we get this mission!”
It eyed Guan Mulin’s face:
“No way, no way…”
“You heard my chats with the host before—nobody’s just now realizing Pei Haochuan might actually like you?!”
Guan Mulin: “…”
Shen Ju: …Brother 996, you’re asking for it.
But Shen Ju couldn’t help it either—his shoulders shook.
“Pfft.”
He buried his face in his arm, peeking out with round eyes. “You seriously didn’t clock that Pei Haochuan might like you?”
Or were you dodging the thought?
Knowing your “fate” made you resist?
Shen Ju’s curiosity peaked; he lifted his head a bit. “So, what do you feel for Pei Haochuan?”
“Don’t let me or Brother 996 sway you—just think about you two.”
“Cough, anyway, I think he’s biased toward you. Used to gripe about me all the time.”
Shen Ju propped his chin up with one hand and tilted his head. “So actually, I’m in favor of you giving him the cold shoulder a bit longer, hehe.”
996 chimed in too: “Hehehe.”
“No worries, I support it too. Anyway, the Task Energy Bar keeps filling up! It’s at 78% now!”
Guan Mulin: “…”
He glanced at Shen Ju, then suddenly said, “So what about you? What do you feel for Pei-ge?”
Shen Ju: “…”
“Huh?”
“What do you mean, huh?”
Guan Mulin rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow. He raised an eyebrow at Shen Ju. “Haven’t you ever thought about what Pei-ge means to you? Don’t tell me you just see him as a big brother. You’re not like that with Big Bro or me. Sure, there’s that role-playing task between us, but you and Pei-ge have tasks too.”
“Shen Chirp, sometimes you stick to Pei-ge even more than you do with your own family.”
Shen Ju replied a bit guiltily, “No, I don’t.”
“How not? Count it up yourself—when do you even get back from those evening tutoring sessions? And now you eat dinner at Pei-ge’s place every night.”
Guan Mulin went, Tsk tsk. “Whenever something comes up, isn’t Pei-ge always the first person you think of?”
“And Han Chengfeng didn’t even hesitate before saying you and Pei-ge should share a room.”
Shen Ju shot back, “Well, Han Chengfeng didn’t hesitate to say that if not you, then it’d be you and Pei Haochuan sharing one.”
Guan Mulin: “…”
The two locked eyes, then shut their mouths at the same time.
They flopped back onto the bed in unison and both sighed.
Whatever. Better just sleep first.
The pair slept straight from noon until afternoon.
They were really out like lights.
If Han Chengfeng hadn’t pinged the group chat, they could’ve kept sleeping.
Han Chengfeng: [Hurry up and come down! Pei-ge’s here!]
Han Chengfeng: [Hahaha! Pei-ge’s giving me way too much face! Came straight after work!]
Shen Ju gripped his phone and pursed his lips.
At noon, he’d been drowsy. He’d chatted with Guan Mulin, but he hadn’t dwelled on those later words.
Maybe it was subconscious guilt.
Or maybe his subconscious had already picked up on something.
Either way, he’d just “dodged” it.
But now, after sleeping the whole afternoon, his mind was crystal clear. Seeing Han Chengfeng mention Pei Yan’s arrival made Shen Ju inexplicably tense.
Amid the tension, there was also a twinge of sadness.
Pei-ge has someone he likes, though.
He didn’t know who it was, but… it couldn’t possibly be him, right? Just like that?
Shen Ju had never pinned much hope on his own luck.
With that thought, he felt dejected.
Still, once he followed Guan Mulin to the bar, he instinctively scanned for Pei Yan’s figure.
What does it feel like to like someone?
That was the question Pei Yan had asked him before. Shen Ju had answered like he knew all about it, even offering advice, but he hadn’t even recognized his own heart.
He’d thought his feelings for Pei Yan were dependence, respect and fondness for an “elder,” that Pei Yan was reliable, great, like a big brother. He could go to him with anything, get help solving problems, and even when bullied, Pei Yan was the first person who came to mind—without fear of rejection or embarrassment.
He trusted Pei Yan, relied on him, but he’d never dug deeper. He’d never realized this feeling was different from others, special.
He’d even chalked some of it up to tasks.
But… who else did he feel this way about?
No one.
So…
Shen Ju’s heart started racing, one thought growing clearer and clearer.
So, he likes Pei-ge…
Yes, he liked him.
Liked him a lot.
The kind of like that made him want to smile instinctively just thinking about it.
Shen Ju blinked. The next second, the smile tugging at his lips faded.
He looked ahead.
That was…
Pei-ge and Tang Yuexin, the class president?
Why is Pei-ge with the class president?
Shen Ju froze in place.
He watched Pei Yan leaning down, saying something to Tang Yuexin. They stood in a corner, unnoticed by most.
It didn’t look like polite small talk.
They were really conversing about something.
Pei-ge and the class president…
He recalled how the class president had gone to a Pei Family banquet before. Had they met then? Was that when Pei-ge…
The person Pei-ge likes…
Shen Ju told himself not to overthink it.
But Pei Yan and Tang Yuexin had barely interacted before. Why were they talking now? What could they even have to discuss?
If neither had made an effort, would they have ended up chatting like this?
![The Sickly Beauty Forced to Be a Villain [Quick Transmigration]](https://i3.wp.com/dobynovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/vill.jpg?resize=151,215 "The Sickly Beauty Forced to Be a Villain [Quick Transmigration]")
