Chapter 8: Plan failed

"It would have been the best place to study if those bad people weren't talking about what you did five years ago." She opened the cap of the ointment and poured some into her finger before slowly rubbing it on Lisa's swollen left cheek.

"So, you got upset and stopped going to the library because of that?"

"What else could I have done? You know how I detest arguing with people and also how I never appear in places where they talk bad about you," Linda sighed.

"I told you to grow a thick skin… so, what was your score?"

"700," she sighed.

Lisa lifted her gaze to look at her. "For entering Business Academy, your score has to be from 700–750. So, what's your problem? How is that a failure?"

"700 means there won't be a scholarship for me. Dad's company might be declaring bankruptcy soon. You see why I needed that scholarship?" she sighed again and put her hand down, then took a seat beside Lisa.

Business Academy is a Management school for the Elites and exceptionally brilliant students in the world. Every student is guaranteed an easy life after graduating from the school.

Five years ago, Lisa scored 749. The school gave her a scholarship but unfortunately, not only her scholarship, even the admission to the school was revoked after the incident that happened.

And now, Linda couldn't get into the school because of the financial crisis of the family.

"Hm, I understand. So what's your options?" Lisa turned to stare at her side profile.

"I don't know. I guess I'll just settle for the best university in the country."

Lisa nodded, "Highland University is not bad at all. It's one of the top ten best universities in the world. With your scores, you'll definitely get a scholarship."

"Right," sadness enveloped her as she lowered her gaze to the ointment she was holding.

Lisa saw that her mood had plummeted and wrapped her arms around her. "Don't be sad, everything will be fine."

"I'm not so sure, sis." She looked up at Lisa with eyes brimming with tears.

"Why are you so weak? I thought five years would have forged you into a strong woman. What would your tears do now that you're crying? I'm not rich, I also depend on the Qin family's money like you."

Linda froze for a second before she smiled bitterly. "True… But you can't blame me for crying. I thought I would finally be of use to dad and the family after entering Business Academy."

"You should have considered that when you allowed yourself to be bullied into losing focus. Also, we chatted and spoke over the phone a lot. Why didn't you tell me what you were going through? You have a genius sister like me, yet lost a whole 50 points. I can't be more disappointed. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." Lisa clicked her tongue and shook her head.

Obviously, she was joking but it seemed like that joke was too much for Linda because, throughout her stay in Lisa's room, Linda didn't utter another word. She either smiled or nodded at whatever few words Lisa said afterwords until she left.

…

Unlike Lisa's extravagant room, Linda's room was a bit humble, but certainly has the appearance of luxury that Kai's room doesn't.

Linda was seen in her bathroom, washing her hands, or rather, trying to peel off the flesh on her palms. No one knows if she touched a dangerous chemical on her way to her room.

Her calm face had a scowl: Eyes burning with fury.

After she was done, her palm looked as though it was roughly painted with scarlet red. She took a white towel from a hanger and wiped off the water before heading back to her room.

By the way, her white bathroom was big and pretty with a pink undertone.

Arriving in her bedroom, she saw her mother locking the door.

"How did it go?" the woman asked.

"That bitch has become worse. My tears no longer moved her. Her pride and arrogance can't even be hidden anymore. She dared to rub it on my face that she's a genius while I'm a disappointment for scoring 700. Mother, I can't stand her anymore! The pretense is killing me!"

She threw the towel on the floor and plopped down on her bed with indignation.

"It didn't work?"

"Nothing worked! I took her to the mirror to see the mark that her father left on her face but she didn't react to it. Even when I tried to provoke her, she made me stop. Then I brought up my exam score. I thought to gaslight her and make her feel guilty and probably promise to release the inheritance she got from Aunt to sponsor me in Business Academy. But guess what she did."

"She rejected?"

"Lisa didn't even talk about the inheritance! She didn't even feel triggered after I tried to bring back the matter from five years ago. Mother, sending her abroad seemed to have strengthened her mental health and made her thick skinned. I told you it was a bad idea!"

Her mother hurried to her and sat beside her, then held her hands.

"Don't be so impatient. The wait is almost over. Continue with your act for a few more days. Just a few more days and everything will be fine."

Linda stared at her mother and asked, "What did uncle say?"

"I have managed to calm him down and make him remember the favor he owed me. Now, our next plan will be smooth sailing. But there's one thing I don't think I can handle at the moment."

"What is it?"

"How do I cover the fact that you were the lady with the Yun family's Young Master?"

Linda flattened her lips and thought for a while. "Leave that to me. I'll come up with a plan. Just do what you need to do before a week runs out."

"A week? What happens in a week?" Madam Qin asked in confusion.

"I'll give you a week at most to perfect your plan and do the needful. If nothing happens after a week, I'll make a move."

"Oh," Madam Qin nodded, "Yes, a week. After a week, you can make a move if I fail you."