Chapter 52: PAST-ELEVEN.
Hua Rong wiped the back of her hand across her forehead as she shifted the heavy cardboard box from one shelf to another. Her dress clung slightly to her skin from the effort, but she kept her pace steady. The storage room was dim and filled with the earthy scent of dust and old paper, its silence only broken by the occasional rustle of cartons and her own quiet breathing.
"So, you really work here," a voice echoed from behind.
She turned, startled. A girl stood at the doorway, bathed in the soft light streaming through the high window. She wore a fitted modern blouse tucked into a sleek beige skirt, her polished heels tapping lightly against the floor. A designer purse swung lightly by her side.
"Tang Moyu?" Hua Rong blinked, surprised.
"I've heard Xu Lingwei was able to go for that audition," Moyu said as she stepped into the room, her tone light but her eyes sharp. "Thanks to you."
Hua Rong tilted her head slightly, unsure of where this was going. "He deserved the chance."
"Oh, spare me the heroics." Tang Moyu's heels clicked louder now as she took another step forward. "If you think doing noble little things like that will help you win him over, you're mistaken."
Hua Rong's brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't act clueless." Moyu's lips curled. "You know exactly what I mean. And whatever you're planning, I suggest you forget it. Xu Lingwei is going to marry me. That's already been decided by our parents."
For a moment, Hua Rong just stared at her. Marry?
She let out a short, incredulous laugh. "Marrying? We're still in school."