Chapter 936: Drastic Changes
“Truth be told, I’m not sure what’s going on either.” Murong Yumeng looked at Zhou Cui’an, her expression troubled. “But Shaohua has made it clear that he can’t assist you anymore. You’re on your own now.”
These words struck Zhou Cui’an like a thunderbolt, plunging her into deep despair. She hadn’t expected that after wholeheartedly relying on Huangfu Shaohua, this would be the outcome.
This matter was crucial to her future. Huangfu Shaohua’s dismissal of it had shattered her hopes.
“Senior Sister Murong, could you try calling Shaohua again?” Zhou Cui’an’s face was filled with anxiety, but she hadn’t lost all reason. Clinging to Murong Yumeng’s sleeve, she pleaded, “I need to speak with Shaohua. I refuse to believe he’s truly heartless.”
“In light of our acquaintance, I’ll offer you some advice.” Murong Yumeng frowned. “Since Shaohua has washed his hands of this matter, he won’t change his mind. If you still wish to remain with him, then stop pursuing this issue with him.”
Upon hearing Murong Yumeng’s words, Zhou Cui’an felt all vitality drain from her. Her spirit visibly waned.
Murong Yumeng harbored no sympathy for Zhou Cui’an.
Though she orchestrated this behind the scenes, had Zhou Cui’an not been jealous of Ye Leng’an, she wouldn’t have posted on the forum. As for subsequent events, she merely capitalized on the situation.
Thus, even if Zhou Cui’an were sued by Ye Leng’an, Murong Yumeng wouldn’t feel an ounce of guilt or sympathy.
Without hesitation, Murong Yumeng withdrew her sleeve from Zhou Cui’an’s grasp, a look of disdain flickering in her eyes as she glanced at it as if it were contaminated.
Observing Murong Yumeng’s reaction, Zhou Cui’an’s face turned ashen. But suddenly, as if struck by a revelation, she looked up at Murong Yumeng, eyes brimming with hope. “Senior Sister, you’re my only hope now. I beg you, please help me this once! Help me resolve this matter! If I lose to Ye Leng’an, I won’t have a future at school.”
In the past, Murong Yumeng had always come to her aid whenever she faced difficulties. With no other options or allies left, she had no choice but to turn to Murong Yumeng. And she believed that Murong Yumeng, with her kind heart, would help her, just as she had before.
Murong Yumeng nearly laughed aloud at Zhou Cui’an’s expression. Without emotion, she stated, “Zhou Cui’an, I truly can’t help you this time. I suggest you find a lawyer soon.”
She hadn’t expected Zhou Cui’an to be so brazen. Each time Zhou Cui’an found herself in trouble, she came to seek her help, always claiming it was the last time. But there was always a next time.
In the past, Murong Yumeng might have considered Zhou Cui’an’s usefulness and lent assistance if the situation wasn’t too complicated. But now, circumstances had changed. Even Huangfu Shaohua had warned her against involvement. Why should she wade into this mess now?
Moreover, she had no significant ties with Zhou Cui’an, no reason to risk anything for her.
Zhou Cui’an failed to perceive Murong Yumeng’s displeasure. Kneeling before her, she beseeched, “Senior Sister, you’re my only hope now. Shaohua won’t help me anymore, and I have nowhere else to turn. If you help me this time, I’ll remember your kindness. I’ll do anything for you in the future, without complaint.”
In her mind, Murong Yumeng was kind and compassionate. A few more entreaties, and she’d surely acquiesce.
Murong Yumeng regarded the kneeling figure coldly, her tone icy. “Zhou Cui’an, get up. Are you kneeling here to force me into helping you?”
“I…I’m not.” Zhou Cui’an raised her head, shaking it vigorously. “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just desperate. You know me, I’m not like that.”
“I can’t say for sure what kind of person you are.” Murong Yumeng shook her head, sneering. “But even if you kneel here till you drop dead, I won’t help you.”
Previously, Murong Yumeng might have considered Zhou Cui’an useful, attending the meeting out of respect for Huangfu Shaohua. But now, Zhou Cui’an was of no use to her, having been forsaken by Huangfu Shaohua. There was no need for pretense.
Hearing such callous words, Zhou Cui’an couldn’t believe her ears. She stared blankly, eyes filled with disbelief. “How can you say such things? You…”
“What? Am I just a pawn in your eyes?” Murong Yumeng’s lips curled in disdain. “Zhou Cui’an, I’ve helped you many times! But you can’t just keep coming back to me! Every time you seek my help, you claim it’s the last time. I’m tired of it.”
Gazing at the drastically changed Murong Yumeng, Zhou Cui’an’s face reflected incredulity. “Senior Sister, how did you become like this? You weren’t like this before. You’ve always been kind!”
She’d always seen Murong Yumeng as gentle and compassionate, despite her affluent background. But now, though still beautiful, Murong Yumeng’s face lacked its former warmth, replaced by cold indifference and mockery.
Before Murong Yumeng, she felt suddenly small and insignificant. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing and hearing, nor that a person could change so drastically.