Chapter 89: Capturing Young Hearts
"You're contradicting yourself," Mu Qingyun tilted her head, pretending to look confused. "Didn't you just say you didn't go? Why the sudden change?"
With a chuckle, she added with a sneer, "Is Her Highness suffering from memory loss at such a young age? Can't even recall what she did this morning?"
[Damn, Mu Qingyun is savage.][I mean, she speaks the truth though. Can't fault her.][This case smells fishy. Even if I like the princess, I gotta admit something's off.]
"Enough!"
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept in as a figure landed from above.
The blue glow faded as Deng Yijie landed steadily on the ground.
He glanced at the panicked Mu Xueyao, then at the aggressive Mu Qingyun. "Don't blame the princess. The Berserk Powder is mine."
[Wait, what?!][I'm stunned. This plot twist is wild.][No way—did Deng Yijie really just do that?]
"You?" Mu Qingyun raised an eyebrow, surprised by his sudden confession.
Mu Xueyao was just as stunned, staring at the figure in front of her in disbelief.
What is he doing?
"I couldn't stand you, and I happened to sneak in Berserk Powder. Of everyone in your group, only Xiong Ruoyou was close to the princess."
Deng Yijie paused, then spoke with determination, "So I used Her Highness to try to get rid of Xiong Ruoyou and eliminate your team."
"But later, the princess found out and felt guilty. She realized she'd been used and shut off her livestream to come here secretly."
"She's denying it now to protect me. We've known each other a long time. Even if I did wrong, she still wants to help me."
Mu Qingyun listened quietly, not interrupting.
The story sounded convincing—but made no real sense.
She lowered her gaze, a bit impressed by Deng Yijie's deep affection. He was truly sacrificing himself for Mu Xueyao, even destroying his own reputation.
Such devotion was… admirable, in its own twisted way.
The Judgement Squad captain's eyes flickered with a strange emotion. He found it laughable—but perhaps only he did.
After all, he alone knew who had really reported the incident.
"I accept elimination, but this was entirely my doing. It has nothing to do with Her Highness or my teammates. I hope the academy will punish only me." Deng Yijie spoke earnestly, never looking back at Mu Xueyao.
He had come searching when he noticed she was missing.
He hadn't expected to hear Mu Qingyun pressing her like that.
Instinctively, without thinking, he jumped out to stop her.
"No need for testing, then," Mu Qingyun said quietly, turning to the Judgement Squad captain.
With Deng Yijie taking the blame, no matter how solid the evidence, Mu Xueyao would be safe.
She had learned that from her past life in politics: as long as a scapegoat existed, the empire would find a way to protect its own.
Arguing further was meaningless.
The captain studied her for a moment, then suddenly turned to the rude female inspector. "Apologize to Miss Xiong."
"I…"
"Apologize."
His tone left no room for refusal. The inspector, though reluctant, bent slightly. "I apologize. I was out of line. Please forgive me."
"Mr. Deng Yijie, come with us," the captain said coolly. "You'll be recorded, and permanently banned from all academy-related selections."
Recorded…?
Deng Yijie's determination faltered instantly. Being blacklisted meant he'd lose all standing in his family.
He turned sharply to look at Mu Xueyao, wanting to say something.
But at that moment, she looked up—eyes shimmering with tears, though she held them back, her expression pitiful.
Seeing her like that, Deng Yijie fell silent. After a long pause, he forced a smile more bitter than tears.
"I can't be with you anymore. Please… be careful."
"…Alright." Mu Xueyao nodded with a sorrowful face—but felt no emotion inside.
She was the princess of the empire. If she gave the order, countless people would lay down their lives for her.
She only regretted not cleaning her shoes. If she had, Mu Qingyun would've had nothing to say.
[So… it was him.][Didn't expect that at all.][Deng Yijie is such a rat—using the princess to frame Mu Qingyun. Ugh!][Some things don't need to be said aloud. The smart ones already know.][Cut the cryptic talk. Just speak plainly!]
"Apologies for disturbing you today. After the first trial ends, the academy will send a formal apology gift," the captain said before leaving with his team.
The young tech carried the Berserk Powder and followed. After a few steps, he suddenly turned and looked at Mu Qingyun.
Mu Qingyun: …?
"I'll be waiting for you at the academy. You'll definitely make it through all three trials." He mouthed the words silently.
Huh?
"Congrats," came Kazel's ghostly voice beside her. "You've won another young man's heart."
"Shut it." She rolled her eyes. "He just admires strength—everyone does."
"Mu-ge…" Su called her, pointing to the dazed Xiong Ruoyou. "She… needs someone to talk to."
Chapter 90: Her Father – Mu Jingfeng
"I'll go." Mu Qingyun followed Su's gaze to the disheartened Xiong Ruoyou and sighed. "You all go rest."
She stood and walked toward her.
Xiong Ruoyou heard footsteps but didn't turn around.
Not because she was broken—but because she was ashamed.
Mu Qingyun had tried to warn her, had asked about Mu Xueyao—but she didn't listen, didn't tell the truth.
Today's mess was all her fault.
"Still upset?" Mu Qingyun asked, seeing her staring blankly at the ground. "You'll meet many people in life—not all of them good."
"I'm not that upset," Xiong Ruoyou mumbled, turning slightly but still avoiding her eyes. "I feel guilty. You were so kind to me, but I…"
"Shh—"
Mu Qingyun pressed a finger to her lips, gently shaking her head. "As long as you're not hurting, that's enough. No need to say anything else."