Chapter 362: Whispers in the Hallways

At the girls’ bathroom door, since Xiao Heqing and Lily were taking longer, Han Wenwen finished up and stepped out first.

“Xiao Qingqing, Lily, you two hurry up! I’m waiting outside for you.”

While washing her hands, Fang Meng appeared beside her, all serious:

“Han Wenwen, could I have a moment to talk with you alone? I just have a few questions for you to answer honestly. In return, you can ask me anything or have me do something within my power.”

When Fang Meng interviewed Heqing and Lily before, she always offered some reward, but not for Han Wenwen.

This woman—or rather, this little fox—was tough to handle because Han Wenwen seemed uninterested in anything except Lin Zheng Ran, and that photo trick had already been used.

Fang Meng didn’t know as much about Lin Zheng Ran as Han Wenwen did.

So, she couldn’t come up with a strong enough reward, which was why she couldn’t get Han Wenwen to talk smoothly.

As Han Wenwen washed her hands, her fox-like eyes sized up Fang Meng, studying her:

“You’re at it again? I told you I don’t want to answer any questions.” She smoothed her bangs in the mirror with her hand: “Though we’re high school classmates, I have to admit I’m pretty petty and have no desire to chat with a rival in love.”

Fang Meng looked at the beautiful and charming Han Wenwen, wanting to ask something but holding back.

Instead, Han Wenwen guessed her question: “I know what you’re thinking—why I’m so petty but still get along so well with Xiao Qingqing, Lily, and Jiang Jie. That doesn’t conflict with what I said, right? I can answer that.”

Han Wenwen turned and stared at Fang Meng:

“Our situation isn’t something I can explain in a few words, and Brother Zheng Ran’s will comes first. If my thoughts clash with his, I’d always go with his. Got it?”

Fang Meng nodded: “Compared to Heqing and Lily, your thoughts are way more complex. Honestly, based on what I know of your personality, it’s surprising you’d accept Lin Zheng Ran being so flirtatious.”

Han Wenwen smiled slyly: “I was surprised at first too, so you should just give up on talking to me. I won’t answer any questions.”

“Even if you say that, I won’t give up. Like I said, if you agree to my questions, I’ll fulfill any request. Please think it over.”

“Really?” Han Wenwen’s lips curved up: “What if I say I want you to never like my Brother Zheng Ran again, to never even think about him? Could you do that? If so, I’ll agree to the interview.”

Fang Meng’s eyes flickered. This little fox was indeed the trickiest of them all.

If Heqing and Lily figured out her feelings for Lin Zheng Ran because she slipped up, Han Wenwen had clearly noticed it from the start.

Just from those eyes of hers.

“I’m sorry, I can’t promise that. Liking someone isn’t something I can control.”

“I figured as much.” Han Wenwen pulled her gaze away, took a small pack of tissues from her pocket, pulled out a sheet, and wiped the water from her hands: “Then we’re done here.”

Soon, Lily and Heqing came out of the bathroom and greeted Fang Meng.

They washed their hands together and left as a group.

Fang Meng watched the three walk away, then suddenly called out: “Wait!”

The three turned back, and Han Wenwen looked at Fang Meng in surprise.

Fang Meng gathered her thoughts: “Han Wenwen, you’re the only one who knows the answer, right? You’ve probably guessed my interview’s purpose and what I’m after, so you’re avoiding talking to me in case I figure it out.”

Han Wenwen was startled but quickly smiled: “Maybe. Anyway, forget about getting any info on Brother Zheng Ran from me—it’s not happening.”

Heqing and Lily listened with blank expressions, clueless about what the two were discussing.

Fang Meng said seriously: “Looks like interviewing you is a lost cause, but I’ll find the answers eventually.”

Han Wenwen let out a light scoff: “Go ahead and try, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Even if you find it, it won’t matter because you’ve already lost by focusing on this.”

Those fox-like eyes held a deeper meaning.

It made Fang Meng furrow her brow even more, sparking her curiosity and resolve.

In the end, Fang Meng bowed to Han Wenwen and turned to leave.

After Fang Meng left, Han Wenwen frowned slightly: “This Fang Meng is tougher than I thought—on par with Jiang Qian.”

Xiao Heqing piped up: “Wenwen, what are you even talking about?”

Lily added: “Little Fox, what were you and Fang Meng just discussing? It looked so serious.”

Han Wenwen glanced at her close friends and clicked her tongue: “Xiao Qingqing, Lily, you two are way too trusting! You know Fang Meng likes Brother Zheng Ran now, right?”

The two nodded.

Han Wenwen linked arms with Xiao Heqing: “Then do you know why she’s interviewing you?”

They shook their heads.

Xiao Heqing raised her hand: “I know—it’s because Jiang Qian asked her to!”

Han Wenwen looked exasperated and held up a finger to explain:

“That’s not the point. The truth is, Fang Meng is looking for what we all have in common—the reason Lin Zheng Ran fell for us. If she finds it, he’s in trouble.”

The two girls were shocked: “Ah?! Is that what it’s about?”

Xiao Heqing said: “But… I don’t even know what makes Lin Zheng Ran fall for someone. Do you, Wenwen?”

Han Wenwen smiled knowingly: “Of course I do. It’s simple, really—something easy to overlook.”

Lily was about to ask what it was when she suddenly remembered asking Zheng Ran about it last week.

She raised her hand: “I think I get it! I asked Zheng Ran why he likes me last week, and his answer surprised me.”

Xiao Heqing panicked: “Ah? You both know? What is it? I really don’t.”

Lily leaned in and whispered something in Xiao Heqing’s ear.

Xiao Heqing blushed first, then sighed: “Oh, it’s that simple? But not every girl has it, right?”

Lily crossed her arms and shook her head:

“Not at all. I thought so too at first, but Zheng Ran said this trait is rare in girls. He’s met so many that it really stands out to him.

Thinking about it, it’s true—it’s not common in real life, but we all have it, so we assumed everyone does.”

Han Wenwen warned:

“So, you two just casually agreed to her interviews? What if she figures it out? We might hold off once or twice, but over time, could Zheng Ran resist? There are already two spots open.”

Xiao Heqing nodded vigorously:

“You’re right… Fang Meng has a childhood betrothal with Lin Zheng Ran. If she learns this, she’d wear him down over time. He’s so flirtatious, and she’s beautiful. Plus, she could visit his house anytime because of that betrothal.”

Lily suddenly tensed:

“I just realized—if that’s the case, Fang Meng and Jiang Qian have known Zheng Ran for years, like three years! And they both have that trait. Does that mean he’s already a little interested in them?”

A hint of jealousy crossed Han Wenwen’s face:

“Exactly. Otherwise, why would he respond to them out of all the girls in school? He brushes off other girls, but not them. I bet even he hasn’t fully noticed it.”

Xiao Heqing clenched her fists, her voice soft and anxious:

“We have to be more careful! We can’t let them get to him. Four is already a lot—if it becomes six, it’ll wear him out!”

Han Wenwen and Lily both blushed, understanding what Xiao Heqing meant.

They nodded.

But as soon as they returned to the classroom, Lin Zheng Ran announced he was going out for dinner with Jiang Qian that evening.