After Rebirth, Minor Character Only Wants to Level Up
Chapter 26 - 025: Limelight

Chapter 26: 025: Limelight

The undercurrents among the kids wouldn’t affect the party at all. First, there were songs and skits performed by the employees. Ye Ling watched intently. Actually, this was quite novel for her. In her previous life, she only heard about it from Song Mei and others. Back then, she was envious. Even though she returned to her home in the city later, she never had the chance to see it at the company. After marrying Shen Bin, something happened in less than half a year, leaving her with no opportunity to attend the company’s year-end party as a family member.

Ye Ling put aside her worries and seriously watched the program. Although she found it quite dull, it still attracted her. As for the undercurrents around her, she paid no attention.

Zhao Guodong occasionally glanced sideways, restraining himself for a while before finally asking Wang Ping beside him, "Is this program good?"

Wang Ping was puzzled, "What’s up?"

Zhao Guodong turned his head awkwardly, "Nothing."

Wang Ping wondered what he had done to upset him again, scratched his head, and asked Zhang Linong beside him, "What’s wrong with him?"

Zhang Linong, who was not much of a talker, simply glanced at Wang Ping upon hearing this and then continued watching the program ahead.

Having grown up together, Wang Ping was long accustomed to Zhang Linong’s personality, so he continued snacking on sunflower seeds without saying much.

Among the girls, Song Mei and others had been gossiping and pointing at Ye Ling earlier. But seeing that Ye Ling completely ignored them, they found it boring and changed the topic. Ye Qian, however, remained quiet, watching the program until a young staff member discreetly called her away, drawing the attention of those around her.

Song Mei deliberately raised her voice, "We’re about to see Ye Qian dance shortly; it’s going to be wonderful."

After saying that, she cast a glance at Ye Ling.

Ye Ling slightly curled her lips into a smile, turning her head to continue watching her program. Disenchanted, Song Mei turned her head and whispered to Jiang Yan beside her, "Is she brainless or something?"

Why does everything seem unrelated to her?

Jiang Yan shook her head, "I think so."

Gao Tian chimed in from the back, "Country bumpkin."

The three girls exchanged glances and laughed together.

"Are you three done yet? If you want to chat, go elsewhere. Don’t interrupt my program." Zhao Guodong shot them a glare from the other side.

Song Mei and her friends spoke loudly, so how could Zhao Guodong not hear? Although he didn’t like the country bumpkin either, seeing her bullied without a word annoyed him. He thought, never mind, he’s a man and shouldn’t bother with a country bumpkin.

Having heard Zhao Guodong, Song Mei couldn’t help but scoff, "Zhao Guodong, why do you keep standing up for her? Do you like her or something?"

Zhao Guodong blushed and shouted, "Song Mei, say that one more time, and I’ll punch you!"

"Hit a nerve? Why are you getting so worked up otherwise?" At a celebratory event, Song Mei wasn’t afraid of Zhao Guodong.

Just as Zhao Guodong was about to stand up, Zhang Linong pulled him back. Zhang Linong then side-eyed Song Mei, "We’re kids, and all you say is ’like, like, like.’ You’re too mature. Do you have someone you like, and that’s why you say that about others all the time?"

Song Mei’s face flushed with embarrassment.

Zhang Linong wasn’t finished, turning to Ye Ling, "Don’t you want to say something?"

Fox.

Ye Ling cursed silently. Although she didn’t like Zhang Linong dragging her in, Zhao Guodong had at least stood up for her. Compared to Zhao Guodong’s straightforward character, Zhang Linong was surely a fox in disguise. He usually didn’t talk but was sharp-minded.

"You bully me because I come from the countryside, and then shamelessly say he likes me. I’ll tell your mom later." Ye Ling entirely played the child, pointing at Song Mei and threatening her.

Song Mei bit her lip, "Go ahead, I’m not afraid."

Clearly, she was just putting on a brave face, as her demeanor showed fear.

Zhao Guodong hummed, "Song Mei, don’t get smug. Wait until we get back to the compound; I’ll settle this with you."

Hearing this, Song Mei’s face turned pale again.

Not just her, even Liu Zhiyuan, who managed affairs in the compound, wouldn’t mess with Zhao Guodong. Last year, during New Year, Liu Zhiyuan wore a new outfit, and Zhao Guodong, walking behind him, used a small knife to cut a mark down his back. Liu Zhiyuan didn’t notice it at first, but when the wind blew, there was a ripping sound, and the cut mark ripped open, revealing Liu Zhiyuan’s inner cotton garment.

Although Mr. Zhao chased Zhao Guodong around the courtyard with a stick afterward, ensuring he didn’t leave his bed for a week, Zhao Guodong continued stirring up trouble with no signs of restraint once he was up again.

So when Zhao Guodong now spoke harshly, Song Mei absolutely believed he would follow through.

Song Mei bit her lip, her eyes teary. Jiang Yan and Gao Tian beside her didn’t dare make a sound, but thankfully, Ye Qian’s upcoming dance diverted everyone’s attention. No one paid further attention to Song Mei.

Ye Qian’s dance fit the times perfectly, energetically dressed like a youthful girl, with red ribbons tied around her arms, exuding a bit of ballet flair. Although Ye Ling didn’t understand much, she still thought Ye Qian danced very well.

After the dance, Ye Qian graciously thanked the audience before stepping down. Song Mei’s envious voice couldn’t be concealed by all the applause around, "Ye Qian dances so well, she’s like a real princess."

"Hah, what about a schoolgirl makes her a princess?" Zhao Guodong mocked.

With Song Mei’s voice absent, Ye Ling didn’t bother observing her expressions. After all, whatever she likes to say, Zhao Guodong likes to retort. It’s a matter between the two of them, unrelated to others.