Drama Queen Reborn as a Top Student!-Chapter 694 - 296

The leader of the black-clad men was named Shi Lei. A former special forces soldier and champion fighter with countless honors to his name, he had been hired by Old Sir Leng at great expense to protect Leng Xingshuang.

However, no one usually dared to offend Leng Xingshuang, making Shi Lei’s presence somewhat overqualified. He mostly served as her errand boy.

Today, the young man whom Miss Leng wanted to punish, though tall, had a thin and frail frame. Shi Lei could take him down with a single punch.

As such, Shi Lei didn’t plan to act personally. He waved his hand for his subordinates to handle it.

The other black-clad men cleared out the bar, and soon, the large venue was empty.

Two of his subordinates stepped forward eagerly. Despite the situation, the young man still sat motionless, exuding the careless and elegant demeanor of a spoiled rich kid.

The two men exchanged a glance, grabbed their rods, and swung them at the young man.

Shi Lei moved a high stool over, and Leng Xingshuang sat down upon it.

"Bang! Boom! Thud!" Sounds of punches and kicks echoed out. Leng Xingshuang curled her lips coldly.

She would not allow anyone to tarnish her father’s reputation. A bastard child? They could go straight to hell.

She raised her eyes, intending to relish the scene of the opponent’s humiliation—a plea for mercy, a vow to never set foot in Jingzhou again—and then she might generously spare him.

Yet the sight before her made her gasp in shock.

Her two subordinates were lying at her feet, writhing and wailing in pain.

A tall man stood in front of Leng Yunyang, calmly dusting off his sleeves. Every gesture exuded an air of charm and confidence.

Shi Lei narrowed his eyes and stepped forward to shield Leng Xingshuang.

"Miss, step back. This man is a trained fighter. I’ll deal with him."

"Tsk, tsk. Huang Xiao, your moves are far too harsh. Look how upset you’ve made my sister," Yunyang commented.

The man bowed respectfully, "Young Master, my apologies. I will be sure to show more restraint next time."

Leng Xingshuang was so enraged that she seemed ready to explode. Pointing at the two men, she shouted, "I want their skin stripped off!"

Shi Lei no longer hesitated and threw his fist at Huang Xiao.

Leng Xingshuang had been pampered since childhood, but Old Sir Leng had brought in a combat instructor for her safety. She had learned a few self-defense moves. Her coach had said she was intelligent and had strong instincts but was far too lazy. Otherwise, she could have surpassed many skilled fighters.

Squinting her eyes, she watched as the two exchanged blows. Despite Shi Lei’s efforts, his opponent was clearly holding back and still gaining the upper hand.

Sure enough, Shi Lei was quickly subdued, his arms twisted behind his back as he was pressed to the ground. Though Shi Lei fought to break free, the other man responded with skill and precision, maintaining total control.

Leng Yunyang raised an eyebrow and looked at Leng Xingshuang, "Do you hate me that much, sister?"

Leng Xingshuang glared at him coldly. "I hate you very, very much."

"Well, that’s great to hear."

Leng Yunyang’s smile was infuriating. "You know, I initially thought that ridiculous recognition banquet the old man arranged wasn’t worth attending. But since my dear sister despises me so much, I’ll make an exception and show up. After all, I’m a kind fellow..."

Leng Xingshuang’s face turned livid with rage. "Don’t you dare take advantage of my tolerance!"

Leng Yunyang’s expression instantly darkened, becoming cold and emotionless as he stared at her.

Leng Xingshuang flinched, momentarily losing her imposing demeanor.

The next instant, Leng Yunyang flashed a smile again, as though the brief hostility had been an illusion.

"Sister, you’re so naïve. ’Setting the bell requires the one who tied it.’ Do you think I care about your Leng family? Isn’t all of this because of that old man? Honestly, you’re no different from those angry wives who vent their frustrations on the mistress instead of the cheating husband..."

Leng Xingshuang: ... 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

The more she listened, the more it seemed off.

But she knew she had lost the initiative today. This unexpected bastard child wasn’t someone to take lightly.

Leng Yunyang waved his hand, "Let him go."

Huang Xiao stepped back.

Shi Lei, freed from the hold, glanced deeply at Huang Xiao before limping over to Leng Xingshuang, his head bowed in shame.

"Miss."

Leng Xingshuang shot a hateful glare at Leng Yunyang and left reluctantly with her entourage.

As quickly as they came, they were gone, leaving the bar with only two people inside.

"Young Master, do you think Miss Leng will report this to Old Sir Leng?"

"She’d better. If she manages to change the old man’s mind, I might actually respect her for once."

Leng Yunyang sneered, a mocking curve at the corner of his lips.

Huang Xiao looked puzzled. "Young Master, but this is the Jingzhou branch of the Leng family. You’re sure you aren’t tempted at all?"

The Leng family of Qingzhou was to the Leng family of Jingzhou what a snake in the grass was to a dragon in the heavens. Leng Shan, Old Sir Leng’s grandson, might even be the family’s future heir. Such a great temptation—how could anyone resist? Yet from the Young Master’s response, it seemed he was highly dismissive.

Leng Yunyang’s pitch-black eyes suddenly deepened like an unfathomable sea.

"I’m not some tool for that old man to use. Tossed aside when unwanted, then reclaimed whenever convenient. Even a clay figurine has a temper."

Huang Xiao understood.

The Young Master was throwing a childlike tantrum.

——

Outside the bar, Leng Xingshuang stormed away, her chest filled with anger she could not vent. She spotted a trash can by the roadside and kicked it.

Instead, she hurt her own foot.

The pain brought tears to her eyes, and she crouched by the roadside, finally bursting into loud sobs.

Shi Lei had no choice but to call Old Sir Leng.

Shi Lei handed the phone to Leng Xingshuang. "Old Sir Leng’s on the line."

Leng Xingshuang pursed her lips. "I’m not answering."

She climbed into the car, instructed the driver to leave, and abandoned Shi Lei behind.

The only place she could go now was the Gu family’s residence.

"Bichen, I’m so upset. How can Grandpa bring in a bastard child and even host an extravagant recognition banquet? Does he even care about me as his granddaughter?"

Gu Bichen’s eyes darkened slightly. "Xingshuang, Grandpa Leng needs an heir."

"And I’m not capable? How are girls any worse than boys? I’m Grandpa’s legitimate granddaughter! Why can’t I inherit the Leng family?"

Gu Bichen sighed and handed her a tissue to wipe her tears.

"Xingshuang, Grandpa Leng spoiled you too much growing up. You need to consider his perspective. The massive assets of the Leng family—you, a single young woman, would have a hard time managing them. It’s a heavy burden."

"I’m not afraid of hard work."

"But have you thought about the countless enemies the Leng family has? If you became the heir, you’d immediately become a target for everyone. Can you handle the repercussions?"

Leng Xingshuang naturally realized how many eyes coveted the Leng family. Years ago, her parents had died in struggles over power. These years hadn’t been without schemes and clashes, either.

In this light, was Grandpa actually trying to protect her?

She pouted. "But I really hate that bastard. I hate him so much."

Gu Bichen frowned, as though he wanted to say something but ultimately held back.

Forget it. Better to leave her be for now. She could work it out with time.

"Bichen, you’re my friend. On the banquet day, just don’t go. Otherwise, I’ll cut ties with you."

Gu Bichen shook his head. "Xingshuang, you should know your Grandpa’s intentions behind this banquet. Don’t make things difficult for him. He’s so old now; it hasn’t been easy for him."

Leng Xingshuang looked at him disapprovingly. "When it came to Yu Ruohuan’s issue, I always stood by your side. But now, with my issue, how can you have this attitude? I’m so disappointed in you, Bichen. I’m done with you!"

With that, she stormed off in a huff.

Gu Bichen sighed. "Grandpa Leng has sheltered you far too much, but in the end, it’s harmed you instead."

One mention after another of ’bastard child’—in the end, who is really the bastard?

The harsh truth... I hope you learn it later rather than sooner.