The bright sunlight bathed the dark gray Gothic villa, making the house, which seemed so eerie and terrifying at night, appear almost holy. In front of the house, the ground was covered with yellowed fallen leaves. Beneath a tree that had lost all its leaves hung a swing, and in front of it was a small, dried-up fountain, also covered with dead leaves and a thick layer of dried mud.
Creak...
The heavy door opened, and a girl dressed in the white uniform of Liuslan Academy stepped out. Her beautiful black hair naturally curled, and her face was strikingly delicate, yet her aura was warm and pure.
A black car pulled up to the entrance, and the driver, wearing a double-breasted uniform, stepped out and gave a slight bow. His usually stern expression softened a bit. "Miss, did you have a good time last night?"
This house was a gift from Mu Rulan's late grandmother, and Mu Rulan loved it dearly. However, she didn't allow anyone inside, not even her beloved younger brothers. As the cherished princess of the Mu family, no one wanted to upset her. Besides, everyone noticed that Mu Rulan always returned from here in a good mood, so they let her have her way.
After all, the area was very safe.
Mu Rulan nodded with a smile. "Yes."
The driver, Chen Hai, opened the car door for her, his smile deepening. "As long as you're happy."
Chen Hai was a trusted confidant of Mu Rulan's grandfather. Skilled in martial arts and reliable, her grandfather had assigned him to be Mu Rulan's personal driver and bodyguard.
"Shall we go to Loulan Pavilion for breakfast first?"
"Let's head straight to school. I was so happy last night that I forgot how busy the academy is today," Mu Rulan said, her lips curving into a gentle smile. Just looking at her made one feel as if they were bathed in the warm, clean sunlight of spring.
Chen Hai understood and glanced in the rearview mirror. Mu Rulan was looking out the window, her profile clean and fair, with fine, soft hairs that made her look even more adorable. Her warm smile made her seem like an angel...
She was the princess of the Mu and Ke families, and an angel in the hearts of many. Everyone loved her.
Liuslan Academy
This was an internationally renowned elite school, a joint venture between Chinese and foreign investors, standing at the forefront of prestigious institutions.
Mu Rulan, now sixteen, was the student council president of the high school division at Liuslan Academy. She had been elected by the entire student body—yes, the entire body, with not a single vote against her, even though many in the high school division were older than her.
The car stopped in front of the academy's grand golden gates. As soon as Mu Rulan stepped out, people turned their heads and gathered around to greet her cheerfully. Mu Rulan was well-known not only at Liuslan Academy but also at other elite schools. Her reputation was built on her academic achievements, her character, and only then her looks and family background. Even the most envious girl, who might secretly curse her, would harshly criticize anyone who dared to speak ill of Mu Rulan without knowing her.
Those who didn't know Mu Rulan had no right to badmouth her.
Next Monday was Liuslan Academy's Autumn Festival, a grand event held once every three years. Due to the academy's Western-oriented educational system, students were responsible for decorating the campus and organizing performances. The student council oversaw everything, delegating tasks to each class to foster practical skills.
Mu Rulan was in the president's office handling paperwork when someone burst in urgently. "President!"
Mu Rulan looked up. She wore small oval glasses, her warm smile making her appear gentle and scholarly. "What's wrong?"
Chen Qing, the one who had rushed in, realized she had been too hasty. She scratched her head, her face red with urgency. "President, there's a fight at the B Building basketball court. It's Rusen and Rulin against that new transfer student from a couple of days ago. It's really intense, and no one can stop them. Anyone who tries to intervene gets hit! You need to go see!"
At Liuslan, everyone knew how much President Mu Rulan adored her twin brothers. In fact, it could be said she doted on them excessively. So, upon hearing this, Mu Rulan's expression changed, and she immediately put down her work and rushed out.
The B Building basketball court was located in front of the high school division's B Building. A crowd of students had gathered to watch, some holding boxes filled with decorations like ribbons for their classrooms.
In the center of the circle, three boys were tangled in a fierce fight—or rather, a pair of twins ganging up on one boy. Their fists were clenched tightly, each punch landing with full force, showing no mercy. A few students with bruised faces stood nearby, having tried to intervene only to get caught in the crossfire.
When the Mu brothers got like this, people genuinely feared they might kill someone.
"I'll kill you! Let's see if you dare to talk nonsense again!" Mu Rusen's eyes were blazing with anger, almost tangible, as if he wanted to murder the boy.
Mu Rulin didn't say a word, but his lips were tightly pressed together as he continued to kick and punch the boy on the ground.
Soon, Mu Rulan arrived, and the students quickly made way for her. Seeing the scene, Mu Rulan was horrified. The boy on the ground wasn't moving anymore. She rushed over to stop the fight.
"Rusen! Rulin! Stop it! Stop it now!" Mu Rulan grabbed their arms. The twins, not realizing who it was at first, almost swung their fists at her but managed to stop in time.
Mu Rulan pulled them away and turned to the students behind her. "Can someone call an ambulance?"
A student immediately responded, pulling out their phone to call for help.
Once Mu Rulan arrived, the students dispersed to continue their tasks, leaving the empty basketball court with only Mu Rulan, her brothers, and the boy lying on the ground, bruised and battered.
Mu Rusen's face was also swollen, with blood at the corner of his mouth. Mu Rulin was in a similar state, but both boys were stubborn, their necks stiff as they refused to look at Mu Rulan.
Mu Rulan's expression was stern. Without speaking to them, she waited for the ambulance to arrive and instructed her brothers to go to the president's office and face the wall. She personally accompanied the injured boy to the hospital, ensuring he was out of danger before returning. When she entered the office, she found the two boys standing motionless, facing the wall. They were dirty, their hair disheveled, but their natural elegance and good looks were undeniable. After all, with a sister like her, how could her brothers be anything less than handsome?
Mu Rulan closed the door. The president's office was spacious, with a sofa, a desk, and a computer. It was quiet, the pale yellow tasseled curtains swaying gently in the breeze, creating a serene atmosphere.
Mu Rulan stared at the boys' backs, her gaze deep and inscrutable.