Meng Yuxin paused, realising that Chu Ci likely already knew she had given her set of badges to Xiao Han.
"Yes," Meng Yuxin replied, maintaining a natural and calm expression, without revealing any sign of guilt.
"I don't like others touching my belongings unless I'm willing to give them away," Chu Ci stated firmly.
Chu Han, not fully grasping Chu Ci's words, felt that the conversation was off-topic.
Meng Yuxin understood what Chu Ci was referring to, but since Chu Ci had no evidence, her words held no weight, and no one would believe her.
"What's wrong with you?" Meng Yuxin pretended to be unaware of what Chu Ci was talking about.
"Return Yi Xuecheng's set of badges to me before tonight, or you will face the consequences."
Chu Ci left immediately after delivering this ultimatum, acting like a high-ranking authority issuing orders without regard for the other party's opinions.
Chu Ci's attitude and words left both Chu Han and Meng Yuxin feeling confused.
Does she want the set of badges that Meng Yuxin gave to Chu Han?
While maintaining that commanding attitude?
Chu Ci didn't provide much explanation, which led to misunderstandings about her intentions. But that's just how she is; it's not her style to give explainations to others.
Except… when it comes to earning merit points. In order to survive, Chu Ci is willing to sacrifice her moral integrity.
Chu Han chased after her and caught up with Chu Ci in the corridor of the teaching building. He grabbed her arm and asked about what she had just said to Meng Yuxin.
"What did you mean by what you said to Sister Yuxin? Do you want that set of medals? Sister Yuxin cares about you so much, yet you spoke to her like that?"
Chu Han had several reasons to be angry. One reason was Chu Ci's unreasonable demands, and another was her attitude towards Meng Yuxin. Shortly after, Meng Yuxin left the scene as well.
She then apologised to Chu Ci, saying, "I'm sorry, cousin. I didn't realise you also like to collect this set of badges. If I had known, I would have found a set for you. However, this particular set of badges from Yi Xuecheng is unique. Can I try to find you another one next time?"
"Go back and think it over carefully before telling me. I don't have time to listen to your nonsense." With that, Chu Ci turned around and walked away.
Her time was incredibly valuable. It was earned through precious merit points and should be spent on eating and sleeping, not on listening to Meng Yuxin sprouting nonsense.
As Chu Ci left, Chu Han could only comfort Meng Yuxin. "Sister, don't be angry with her. She hasn't had an easy time these past few years, which is why she has such a peculiar temper."
Chu Han felt both frustration towards Chu Ci and sympathy for her situation.
Chu Ci's years of experience had led her to become an impolite and unambitious person. Instead of blaming her, he should have tried to persuade her.
Meng Yuxin smiled and said, "I'm fine. I understand. I won't be angry with my cousin. It's all my fault; I should have thought things through. If I had known that my cousin would like it, I would have prepared an extra one."
"This badge cannot be bought for any amount of money. You put a lot of thought into preparing one set; how could I blame you for not preparing an extra set?" Chu Han certainly wouldn't place any blame on Meng Yuxin.
Meng Yuxin was not at fault in this situation. How could they have known that Chu Ci would want this set of badges?
In the evening, Chu Han knocked on Chu Ci's door.
Upon hearing the knock, Chu Ci closed his computer and temporarily shut off the screens of the instruments beside him.
"Come in," he called.
Chu Han pushed the door open and entered, holding a box of unique badges in his hand. He placed the box on the table in front of Chu Ci.
"Here you go," he said. After thinking for a long time, Chu Han decided to give Chu Ci the box of badges that he cherished very much.