"Thank you for speaking up for me earlier," An Ziqi said sincerely.
Shaking her head, Xia Tianxing responded, "I should apologize. I did not see what had happened earlier so was not able to testify for you."
"Oh, no. You have been a great help already."
An Ziqi laughed, winking.
If Xia Xiaotong had not pointed out the monitoring system, the matter would have been more difficult to resolve.
Changing the subject, Xia Xiaotong asked, "How did you get into Lin Kelan's bad books?"
Lin Kelan was arrogant and domineering, and everyone present was aware of her social status. Xia Tianxing did not believe that An Ziqi was someone who would proactively put herself in a difficult situation by offending her.
An Ziqi shrugged and said in resignation, "We were classmates. Back then, in one of the unofficial surveys organized by some of our bored classmates, they had voted me the prettiest girl in school. That was what had irked the egoistic Lin Kelan who had felt slighted. After that, a senior that she had the hots for told me that he liked me and that added to her hatred of me. It's all ancient history. I am surprised that she has not forgotten any of it."
Xia Tianxing frowned and said with concern, "Judging by her character, this would have dire consequences on your part in this contest."
"Not to worry. Changxing Group is not the only sponsor of this contest. Surely, there should be a limit to her ability to make mischief."
An Ziqi replied with a smile as she recalled her baby Ningning declaring confidently that with him around, no one would be able to hurt her.
Involuntarily, her lips curved into a smile.
In all seriousness, Xia Tianxing said, "Going forward, you should just avoid her whenever possible."
"Got it." An Ziqi nodded with a laugh.
From the mirrors installed on every wall in the training center, she had already been aware of Xia Xiaotong approaching her.
All she had done was to turn the table on Xia Xiaotong by falling on her, to teach them a lesson.
"Why were you also practicing on your own?"
When all was said and done, Xia Tianxing had once been a popular celebrity. Why did no one partner with her in the practice session?
"I had upset some people in the past and been stonewalled. Maybe people are afraid of being judged for associating with me," Xia Tianxing responded honestly.
"Oh, that's great. Let's get each other into trouble then. Maybe the two negatives will be offset and become positive," An Ziqi joked, self-deprecating with mischief in her voice.
For the rest of the practice session, they bonded with each other and had a great time
The training for the day was over, leaving everyone exhausted.
Chatting and laughing merrily, An Ziqi and Xia Tianxing emerged from the training center.
"I live nearby. Do you want to stop by at my place to change into dry clothes before heading home?" Xia Tianxing said with concern, pointing at her wet clothes.
An Ziqi looked down at her clothes. Since it was summer, she did not feel cold. However, summer clothes were thin, and, because she had been drenched, they now clung to her body. Unlike the other wealthy young ladies who were being picked up in private cars, it would be embarrassing for her to walk around in that state.
Fortunately, Xia Tianxing had the good sense to notice. An Ziqi appreciated her thoughtfulness and was about to reply when she saw a red Ferrari driving slowly past her and stopping a short distance away.
Oh. Isn't that Xiao Moli's car?
Stunned, An Ziqi smiled and turned to Xia Tianxing, "There's no need. Thank you. I'm off now."
At that, she waved and ran towards the car.
Xia Tianxing looked in surprise at the Ferrari parked some distance away. With a car like that, An Ziqi's background was definitely comparable to that of Lin Kelan's.
However, judging by An Ziqi's plain dressing and low-key mannerism, Xia Tianxing did not think that she would have come from that kind of family.
It would appear that, even without her help, An Ziqi would have emerged unscathed from today's incident.
Shaking her head with a smile, Xia Tianxing turned around and headed home.
From afar, Lin Kelan was practically crushing the phone in her hand.