Is it hard to chase the school beauty?It doesn't matter, she still has roommates

A flood of accusations, doubts, and bandwagon boycotts came in like a tide. Occasionally, a few comments called for rational consideration and waiting for evidence, but they were quickly drowned out by the torrent of criticism.

At this alarming rate of increase, this trending topic will definitely break into the top ten, or even higher, in another hour and a half at most!
Qin Luo held his phone, calmly browsing the malicious comments and the hypocritical messages from celebrities, feeling no emotion whatsoever, and even a little amused.

He has experienced life and death and witnessed the darkest aspects of human nature. The storms on the internet are nothing more than a gentle breeze in the face of his strong heart.

Just then, the bathroom door clicked open.

Xiao Ruoxi had already changed her clothes, still holding the bed sheet she had wrapped herself in, and the blush on her face had not completely faded.

When she looked up, she saw Qin Luo's muscular upper body, which he hadn't had time to put on a shirt. She was stunned for a moment, then her cheeks flushed, and she subconsciously looked away.

But the next second, her gaze was drawn to the glaring Weibo interface on Qin Luo's phone screen!

When she saw the trending topic title, the three familiar yet incredibly clear photos below, and the reposts from celebrities and influential figures, along with the vile insults in the comments section, her face instantly turned deathly pale! Completely devoid of color!
"This...this is..."

Xiao Ruoxi's voice trembled violently. She snatched Qin Luo's phone, her fingers shaking as she scrolled through the screen. The more she looked, the more her body trembled.

Those malicious speculations, vulgar insults, and the "righteous" condemnations from celebrities she used to only see on television... were like poisoned daggers, piercing her heart!

She couldn't accept that she had been so slandered and insulted!
She didn't do anything!
She simply refused a scumbag's advances, she just had dinner with her best friend, got drunk, and was taken home... How did she become a heinous, ruthless woman who would stop at nothing to climb the social ladder?!
Overwhelmed by resentment and anger, she felt a chill run through her body. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

"Why...why are you doing this to me...what did I do wrong..."

She murmured to herself, her voice filled with desperate sobs.

She knew very well that if things continued to escalate like this, not only would her dream of becoming a star be completely shattered, but she might even become a "rat crossing the street" that everyone wanted to beat, and be nailed to the pillar of shame forever!
However, facing such a powerful opponent as Chen Tianfeng, who used such enormous resources and public opinion to crush her, what could a small actress with no background do?
She didn't even have the courage or the right to "bump into" the other person!

Looking at the vile slander and surging malice on her phone screen, Xiao Ruoxi felt all her strength drain away, and the phone almost slipped from her trembling hand.

She raised her head, looked at Qin Luo, her eyes filled with exhaustion and despair, and said in a hoarse voice.

"Qin Luo... let's... let's go back to Mindu. I don't want to stay here anymore..."

She forced a bitter smile, revealing a smile that looked more like a grimace.

"Now, let alone the third female lead, I can't even find a basic extra job. If this matter blows up any further, I'm afraid I'll really get rotten eggs thrown at me when I go out."

She took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, her expression filled with resentment and disappointment.

"The dream of becoming a star...maybe it's really not for me. I...I'm thinking of giving up. Going back to Fujian, becoming an internet celebrity or something, maybe...that way I can survive."

Her tone was filled with helplessness and heartache at being forced to bow to reality.

Seeing her disheartened expression, Qin Luo simply shook his head dismissively, reached for his phone, and spoke calmly.

Don't scare yourself.

This little commotion isn't enough to make you give up on your dreams. What's the rush? Let's wait and see.

The moment he finished speaking, his phone rang.

Qin Luo glanced down at the caller ID; the name flashing on the screen was "Ni Ruolan".

A meaningful smile involuntarily crept onto his lips. Speak of the devil, and he appears.

He had spoken with Ni Ruolan on the phone a few days ago and received the tailor-made song "Ruoqiu".

He knew this Sister Lan too well; she would rarely contact him unless there was something important to discuss.

At this critical juncture, she called. Considering the recent Weibo incident, Qin Luo was almost 100% certain that Ni Ruolan had seen the relevant news.

Ni Ruolan herself may only have a very high status and influence in the entertainment industry, but what is truly terrifying is the retired Mr. Ni behind her!
That old man is a true hero who has carried a gun, fought in wars, and emerged from the flames of war! Even now that he has retired, his energy and influence remain unfathomable.

Qin Luo had personally witnessed a high-ranking leader, known as "Uncle Hat," who had offended Old Master Ni over a trivial matter. With just one sentence from Old Master Ni, the leader was so frightened that he personally came to apologize, only to be turned away and dared not leave, waiting anxiously at the door.

If Elder Ni is willing to get involved in this matter... then Chen Tianfeng and the so-called Beijing circle behind him are probably going to kick a real hornet's nest!

That would be a devastating blow that could drive them to their doom!
Qin Luo calmly pressed the answer button, held the phone to his ear, and greeted the caller with a relaxed smile.

"Good morning, Sister Lan. Why are you calling me so early?"

On the other end of the phone came Ni Ruolan's unique voice, which was languid and magnetic, with the sounds of birdsong in the morning and faint Tai Chi music in the background.

"What do you mean 'early'? I've almost finished my morning exercise with Grandpa. It's Grandpa who's been talking about you. He insisted that I call to ask how you've been lately and if you've caused any trouble."

Qin Luo understood immediately. This was definitely an excuse Ni Ruolan had come up with. Old Master Ni might ask about it, but she would never specifically ask her to make a phone call like this.

He continued, following up on the topic.

"Please thank Mr. Ni for his concern. I'm doing well, eating well and sleeping soundly."

I've been practicing singing with Ruoxi these past couple of days, so the progress might have been a little slow. Please have her apologize to you. Once I'm done here, I'll definitely go to Yanjing to visit him.

He deliberately brought up Xiao Ruoxi and the singing practice, both as an explanation and as a subtle hint.

Ni Ruolan hummed in agreement on the other end of the phone, seemingly unconcerned about the progress of her singing practice. She chatted casually with Qin Luo for a few minutes, asking about some trivial daily matters, without mentioning the widely publicized cyberbullying incident on Weibo.

After chatting for about a minute or two, Ni Ruolan spoke as if casually.

"Alright, I'm glad to know you're okay. Give the phone to Ruoxi, I want to say a few words to her."

Qin Luo smiled and handed his phone to Xiao Ruoxi, who was somewhat stunned by his conversation, and mouthed the words silently.

"Your master."

Xiao Ruoxi took the phone with surprise, her mind filled with even more doubt. When Ni Ruolan took her as her apprentice, she always thought it was because Ni Ruolan valued her talent and hard work.

But at this moment, combined with Qin Luo's confident attitude and Ni Ruolan's sudden, seemingly ordinary phone call of concern, she vaguely felt that there seemed to be some hidden story she didn't know about.

"Teacher...master."

Xiao Ruoxi suppressed the turmoil in her mind and spoke softly into the microphone. "Ruoxi," Ni Ruolan's voice remained calm.

"Are you settling in well in Hengdian? It must have been tough practicing singing with that kid Qin Luo, right?"

"It's...it's alright, Master, it's not tiring."

Xiao Ruoxi quickly replied.

She had a fleeting impulse to tell her master about her grievances of being bullied by Chen Tianfeng and subjected to online harassment, but she swallowed the words back.

She was afraid that the old lady would worry or get angry if she heard this. Moreover, in her limited understanding, Ni Ruolan was just a highly respected old artist. Although she held a prestigious position, she shouldn't be able to control things like the young masters in Beijing's elite circles or online public opinion. What good would it do to tell her this, except to add to her worries?
So, she suppressed the stinging sensation in her nose and said in a seemingly relaxed manner.

"I'm fine, Master, don't worry. Singing practice is going well, it's just... it's just that I might need a little more time to get into the groove."

Ni Ruolan was silent for a second or two on the other end of the phone, as if she had sensed something, but in the end she did not point it out, but only offered gentle encouragement.

"Hmm, no rush, take your time."

If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to call your master. Okay, my morning exercise is almost finished, so I'll hang up now.

"Okay, goodbye Master."

Xiao Ruoxi said respectfully.

After the call ended, Ni Ruolan didn't mention a single word about cyberbullying, as if she had just called to check on their safety and chat for a bit.

……

Inside a heavily guarded, tranquil courtyard house in Yanjing (Beijing).

Ni Ruolan put down her phone and walked to the ancient, vigorous pine tree in the courtyard.

An elderly man, dressed in a white practice uniform, looking energetic and dignified, was slowly finishing a set of Tai Chi movements.

"Dad, I've already called."

Ni Ruolan walked to the old man's side and said softly.

"Qin Luo and Ruoxi are together. Judging from their voices, they are both fine."

This old man was none other than Elder Ni, the one Qin Luo had mentioned, who possessed astonishing energy.

Old Ni slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, finished his exercise, stood still, took the towel handed to him by the guard next to him, wiped his hands, and nodded calmly.

"People safe is good."

He looked up towards the south, a barely perceptible chill flashing in his eyes, which, though weathered by time, remained sharp, as he offered a nonchalant assessment.

"The Beijing circle... Hmph, they're nothing but a bunch of clowns who rely on their ancestors' legacy and wallow in the world of fame and fortune. Just because they have some resources and influence, they dare to act lawlessly and resort to these underhanded tactics."

His tone was full of disdain for the so-called "Beijing circle".

In the eyes of older generations like him, those so-called powers and backgrounds are utterly insignificant in the face of true strength and substance.

Having confirmed that Qin Luo and Xiao Ruoxi were temporarily safe, Elder Ni did not seem to intend to let the matter rest.

He pondered for a moment, then gave instructions to the guards who had been standing solemnly to his side.

"Go, call Old Zhao from the Internet Supervision Bureau and ask him to come over."

……

In the western part of Mindu, inside Mu Linshan's detached villa.

The morning sunlight streamed into the dining room through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Mu Linshan, wearing a silk robe, lazily walked to the dining table and sat down.

The maid immediately and respectfully served the carefully prepared breakfast, which included a glass of warm milk.

"Take it!"

She frowned sharply, her tone filled with barely concealed disgust and annoyance, and waved for the maid to take the milk away.

The maid was stunned for a moment, somewhat at a loss, and muttered to herself.

"Young Miss... what's wrong with you lately? You felt nauseous even at the sight of soy milk a few days ago, and today even milk... could it be..."

Hongxiu, who had been standing like a shadow in the corner of the restaurant, couldn't help but lower her head and shrug her shoulders as she tried her best to suppress her laughter when she saw this scene.

In her eyes, the young master Qin Luo was young and promising, with a mysterious background and superb skills. He and her young lady were a perfect match, a match made in heaven.

Deep down, she really hoped the two of them could be together. However, her young lady was too aloof and strong-willed, and she could never get the better of the Crown Prince, instead suffering losses time and time again. This made her feel both amused and somewhat helpless.

"Stop making wild guesses."

Hongxiu suppressed a smile and stepped forward to give instructions to the maid.

"Go and get the young lady a bowl of millet porridge. For the time being, don't prepare milk, soy milk, or other milky white drinks for breakfast."

Although the maid was puzzled, she nodded and went to prepare.

Hongxiu also sat down at the dining table and started eating breakfast, while habitually taking out her phone to browse the news.

When she casually opened Weibo and saw the sensational headline "18th-tier female celebrity sells her body to climb the ladder and lets a mysterious man stay overnight" on the trending list, she only glanced at it casually at first. But when she clicked in and saw the man's profile and figure in the three accompanying pictures, her pupils suddenly contracted!
It's the Crown Prince! Qin Luo!
She immediately put down her chopsticks, turned her phone screen towards Mu Linshan, and spoke with a hint of urgency.

"Sister Shan, look at this! It's the Crown Prince!"

Mu Linshan was absentmindedly stirring the millet porridge in front of her; she had never been interested in those celebrity gossip stories.

But upon hearing the words "Crown Prince," she froze, abruptly raising her head and snatching the phone from Hongxiu's hand. (End of Chapter)