"Ye Wan, your performance is later on, so you don't need to rush. I'll let you know when it's almost time to prepare," Zhao Na walked over and winked at her with a smile.
Most people were friendly to Ye Wan, but some looked at her unfavorably. Zhao Na whispered, "Those are from the design department. Our English department has always been suppressed by them. Since Ye Wan is performing today and they have no chance of winning, they're unhappy."
"Are they still in elementary school, resorting to comparison?" Jiang Yan scoffed and shot them an impolite glare back. She hadn't intentionally lowered her voice, so those nearby could hear.
Zheng Zier was the belle of the design department. She was beautiful, came from a good family, and had won countless awards in dance and musical instrument competitions. She was also a sophomore, starting university the same year as Ye Wan. From kindergarten to high school, she had been the campus belle. She thought she would definitely retain that title in university, but unexpectedly, a penniless student had become the universally acknowledged campus belle solely on her looks.
She had always resented Ye Wan's title of campus belle, believing her to be a mere vase with nothing but a pretty face, not even worthy of carrying her shoes!
"Oh, isn't this the eldest daughter of the Jiang family? My sister's wedding dress was bought at your family's bridal shop! But... I heard your family went bankrupt, didn't you? Such nouveau riche can't withstand the storms, collapsing at the slightest trouble."
"I heard about her family's affairs. Over a dozen people were burned to death. My brother is a lawyer, and he said her father will definitely be sentenced to life imprisonment."
"Over a dozen lives! How dare she still come to school? Shouldn't she be kneeling to the victims' families to beg for forgiveness?"
A few people started discussing Jiang Yan's family matters. Jiang Yan's expression turned very ugly, and she clenched her fists tightly. Ye Wan frowned, then took Jiang Yan's hand and turned to say, "Jiang Yan's family did have an accident, but they have paid the price they should have. Not a single bit of the compensation owed has been withheld. As for what price Uncle has to pay, that will be decided by the law. We are all students of Jingda University; we shouldn't be gossiping like uncouth blabbermouths!"
Ye Wan's words instantly shut up the faces of those deliberately provoking girls. Their faces turned red. They hadn't expected the campus belle, who usually seemed quiet, to be so sharp-tongued when insulting others.
After speaking, Ye Wan, pulling Jiang Yan, prepared to leave first, as she didn't want Jiang Yan to be upset because of her.
"Wait," Zheng Zier suddenly called out, stopping Ye Wan.
Everyone backstage watched the two groups. It was clear that the design department's belle and the campus belle were at odds. The air crackled with palpable tension.
"Is there something else?" Ye Wan turned to look at the girl who spoke. She was sitting amidst the group that had just insulted Jiang Yan, like a moon surrounded by stars.
"I am Zheng Zier from the design department. Ye Wan, do you think you are suitable for the position of campus belle?"
Zheng Zier looked at Ye Wan with arrogance. In the past, Ye Wan never participated in school activities; all events were Zheng Zier's domain. She had only felt disdain for Ye Wan, feeling it was beneath her to even glance at her.
But now, Ye Wan had suddenly encroached upon her territory, which made Zheng Zier very displeased.
"I don't think I'm suitable, so if you want it, take it. I don't care for it!" Ye Wan said with a half-smile, then pulled Jiang Yan and left.
Zheng Zier was so angered that her face turned green. She furiously threw something in her hand to the ground, startling her companions. Others suppressed their laughter and turned back.
Ye Wan appeared soft and docile like a little lamb, but everyone now realized that she was no little lamb at all. Her words could be infuriating enough to kill someone.