School Flower and School Tyrant - Chapter 12

“Ah, heading back again?” Bai Yuxuan sighed, sitting in the luxurious extended limousine. 

As per her father’s orders, Bai Yuxuan was required to return to the Bai family home every weekend to report on her academic progress and assist with matters concerning the family’s businesses. 

Each time she returned, her mood would plummet. She detested the cold, unwelcoming Bai household and despised her stern-faced father. 

“Tsk.” She clicked her tongue in annoyance. Today, she felt even more irritable than usual. The reason? The small score gap with the second-ranking student, Ouyang Qianxue. Bai Yuxuan dreaded her father’s potential reaction. 

When she entered the family villa, her father was engrossed in company paperwork. Upon seeing her, the first thing he said was: 

“How did you do on your monthly exams?” 

(As expected, that’s all he cares about—my grades.) 

“I came in first again,” Bai Yuxuan replied. 

“By how many points over the second-place student?” her father asked, finally looking up after signing off on a document. 

“Tw… two points.” 

“Two points?” He set his pen down with a sharp click. 

“Bai Yuxuan, what have I taught you?” His face darkened, resembling storm clouds gathering before a downpour. 

“As the Bai family’s heir, you must always stay one step ahead of others.” 

“And yet? You’re only two points ahead! Is that what staying ahead means? You’re practically letting others catch up!” he shouted, slamming the desk. 

“But Father, I scored 885 points. It’s just that her score was ridiculously high, I didn’t expect her to get 883!” 

“Stop making excuses! Hand me the report card!” He demanded the class’s full score sheet, which the school meticulously prepared for every exam. 

“Hmph. Sure, your science scores are perfect, but the second-place student outperformed you in geography and history! Didn’t I tell you to be first in all subjects? If your geography and history were on par with hers, you’d have been ten points ahead. Wait a second, Ouyang Qianxue?” He paused, scrutinizing the report card. 

“Ouyang Qianxue… that name sounds familiar. Oh, I remember now. When I met the mayor today, he mentioned his child also studies at Sakura Academy. He specifically brought up this Ouyang Qianxue, saying she’s overtaken you to become the most influential student there.” 

“Not only are your grades being surpassed, but your influence as well. The heir of the Bai family, outshined in every way. What a disgrace! How dare you show your face here!” 

“What a useless child. If I had had a son instead, he’d certainly be better than you!” 

Hearing these words, Bai Yuxuan clenched her fists tightly. It was the one thing she dreaded most, her father’s cruel remark. It pierced her heart like a dagger. 

Back in her room, Bai Yuxuan couldn’t calm down. She had strived so hard for perfection, just to avoid hearing those words from her father. For as long as she could remember, she had worked tirelessly and rarely faced criticism. 

“Damn it. It’s all because of Ouyang Qianxue!” Initially, Bai Yuxuan harbored no animosity toward Ouyang Qianxue. But things had changed. Her father’s scolding made her realize that if Ouyang’s influence continued to grow, Bai Yuxuan’s reputation at Sakura Academy would diminish. Even her family might begin to doubt her abilities. 

“This can’t go on. I have to act!” Bai Yuxuan picked up her phone and dialed a number. 

“Young master, what can I do for you?” a female voice answered. 

“Xiao Liu, I need you to investigate someone, nOuyang Qianxue.” 

“Understood!” The woman hung up. Thirty minutes later, she called back. 

“I’m sorry, young master. The only information we could find on Ouyang Qianxue is that she’s a student at Sakura Academy, like you. All we have are her academic records.” 

“Her identity is deliberately concealed, isn’t it?” 

“It appears so. To hide information from us requires significant resources. Whoever is backing Ouyang Qianxue is no small force. You must be cautious, young master.” 

“I understand. Just read me her academic records.” 

“Yes. Ouyang Qianxue, born August 26, 2005.” 

“She’s more than a year younger than me? That means she’s not even 15 yet? What else?” 

“That’s all we have.” 

“What? Someone with such minimal records managed to get into Sakura Academy? Clearly, her backers have influence there!” Bai Yuxuan hung up the phone. Frustrated by the lack of critical information, she left the villa. After wandering through several alleys, she arrived at a secluded café. 

This was her go-to spot when feeling upset. The café was quiet, elegant, and sparsely populated. 

She ordered a black coffee and sat in a dimly lit corner. 

“Ouyang Qianxue… who are you, really?” Bai Yuxuan murmured, sipping her coffee. Suddenly, a flash of gold caught her eye. 

“Wh-what?!” She nearly cried out. Passing by was none other than Ouyang Qianxue, the person occupying her thoughts. 

From her dimly lit seat, partially hidden by decorative bookshelves, Bai Yuxuan watched as Ouyang Qianxue placed her order and entered a private room. Moments later, a black-haired girl entered the café, walked directly to Ouyang’s door, and knocked. 

What happened next surprised Bai Yuxuan. The black-haired girl hugged Ouyang tightly upon seeing her, and the two disappeared into the private room. 

Scanning her surroundings, Bai Yuxuan approached a man in a hooded sweatshirt. 

“10,000 yuan. I want the clothes you’re wearing,” she said, throwing a wad of cash onto the table. 

An hour later, the black-haired girl and Ouyang Qianxue exited the room. As they parted, the black-haired girl glanced back at Ouyang one last time. 

Afterward, Ouyang went to settle her bill. She suddenly felt a pair of eyes fixed on her and turned toward the source. In a shadowy corner sat someone in a hooded sweatshirt, their face obscured. 

“What a strange person, wearing a hood indoors.” Ouyang dismissed the thought, paid, and left the café. 

Once Ouyang was gone, Bai Yuxuan removed the hood and stared at her phone, where a photo of the black-haired girl was displayed. 

“Tell me, Ouyang Qianxue, how should I deal with you?” Bai Yuxuan muttered, a sinister smile spreading across her face.