RMM -Chapter 232 Even Nonsense Should Fit the Occasion

“Who’s this? Hey, miss, I think you’ve come to the wrong place.”  

The voice came from Lu Yue. Since he didn’t recognize Zhou Yun Zhen, he assumed she had wandered in by mistake, and his tone was far from polite.  

Admittedly, Zhou Yun Zhen was dressed quite beautifully today. But weren’t Su Ruo, He Wen, and Duan Wei already considered beauties here? They’d seen plenty of women like her before; she wasn’t stunning enough to make them gasp. Moreover, Lu Yue already had his heart set on someone else—he didn’t feel even a trace of chivalry or tender interest toward any random pretty woman.  

He Wen pursed her lips to suppress a smile and subtly glanced at Feng Weijia. Seeing that he was looking at her too, his eyes held a private glimmer only she could understand.  

One look, and they understood each other’s thoughts. They nodded slightly to signal a decision—let this woman do as she pleases. They wouldn’t greet her or introduce her to anyone.  

Zhou Yun Zhen was in a good mood, but even the brightest mood stiffened slightly when she heard Lu Yue’s blunt remark. Her perfect smile became just a touch rigid, though she quickly recovered. She glanced around the room, noticing that Su Ruo wasn’t there.  

Everyone in the room, except Xi Yuechen, was staring at her. Each expression clearly suggested that they thought Zhou Yun Zhen had entered the wrong room.  

Zhou Yun Zhen recognized He Wen and Feng Weijia, but they merely looked on for amusement, clearly not intending to speak. Feeling a surge of irritation, she glanced at Xi Yuechen—but he didn’t even look at her, completely ignoring her presence.  

A sharp pang of bitterness surged in her chest; this was the most direct blow. Suppressing her disappointment, she strengthened the smile on her face and began introducing herself.  

“Hello, everyone. I’m Zhou Yun Zhen, a friend of Su Ruo. This is our first meeting, so please forgive me if I’m a little forward.”  

True to her nature, Zhou Yun Zhen’s words were gentle, flawless, and perfectly polite. Her voice was soft and soothing, putting people at ease.  

However…  

“Tch~”  

He Wen rolled her eyes and murmured disdainfully, her smile fading.  

Duan Wei actually had a good impression of Zhou Yun Zhen. She carried herself with poise and composure even in an awkward situation, showing excellent upbringing. She was also attractive, stylishly dressed, and her smile was sincere and warm—a refined young lady. So why did He Wen look so unimpressed?  

“What’s wrong? She just arrived, and you’re already giving her a cold look. That’s rude,” Duan Wei said.  

“I just don’t like her flawless, perfect act. It’s obvious she’s putting it on,” He Wen replied.  

Once someone has formed a negative opinion of another, it only grows stronger. That was exactly how He Wen felt. At first, she hadn’t particularly disliked Zhou Yun Zhen, but after Feng Weijia’s subtle “brainwashing,” she developed an opinion. Now that she had met Zhou Yun Zhen, the woman seemed fake to an extreme degree, which only irritated He Wen further.  

“Yo, Ruo Ruo’s honored guest! My apologies, please come, have a seat.”  

The one greeting Zhou Yun Zhen warmly was Wen Shaoning. Hearing her words, he immediately stood with a smile, playing the perfect host.  

Zhou Yun Zhen gracefully responded, smiling as she nodded, “Then I’ll graciously accept.”  

Walking into the room, she spoke naturally, showing no awkwardness at all. Her demeanor was warm and courteous, as if addressing friends.  

He Wen’s irritation grew. What kind of strategy was this? Even if they ignored her, Zhou Yun Zhen was still thriving comfortably!  

She narrowed her eyes at Feng Weijia, silently scolding him—what’s the point of your plan now?  

Feng Weijia, looking innocent, had intended to embarrass Zhou Yun Zhen slightly. But Wen Shaoning’s enthusiasm spoiled everything—he clung to any woman who seemed attractive. Such women were everywhere in the city; why get worked up?  

Women like Zhou Yun Zhen shone in the sunlight. With Wen Shaoning so eager, it was no wonder she followed along.  

Feng Weijia then glared at Wen Shaoning again, but he was busy attending to Zhou Yun Zhen and didn’t notice.  

Zhou Yun Zhen scanned the room and saw only empty seats next to Xi Yuechen. Delighted, she smiled wider, feeling fortune favored her—such a prime spot was being reserved for her.  

But just as her heartbeat quickened and she walked toward her chosen seat, Xi Yuechen’s cold voice cut through:  

“This seat is taken.”  

He Wen, in a bad mood, looked up and frowned even more. The woman was trying to sit next to Ruo Ruo—what was she thinking? Didn’t she have any sense?  

Zhou Yun Zhen froze mid-step, one foot already between Su Ruo’s chair and Xi Yuechen’s, hand resting on Su Ruo’s chair—fully poised to sit down.  

Being stopped now was extremely awkward. Her expression changed; a mix of shame and anger tightened her brows.  

Finally regaining composure, she straightened, stepped back, and smiled, “I thought this seat was empty. My apologies.”  

Though smiling, her heart remained unsettled—this felt like a slap in the face. If it had been anyone else, she might have thought it was intentional, but Xi Yuechen? Her discomfort deepened. Was he rejecting her?  

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing. Since Su Ruo isn’t here, Miss Zhou, you can sit next to Yuehui.”  

Once again, Wen Shaoning stepped in to resolve the situation with a bright smile.  

The seat next to Xi Yuehui was still technically next to Xi Yuechen—it had been where Gu Jiawei sat, now vacant.  

Zhou Yun Zhen smiled in gratitude. She had already noticed the available spots upon entering. Only two were left—one she couldn’t sit at, the other was conveniently next to Xi Yuechen. Perfect.  

He Wen was displeased, watching the unfolding scene. But the plot took another unexpected turn. She was furious—this damn Wen Shaoning was deliberately stirring things up!  

“Oh? Even Master Wen can show some chivalry? How rare, how thoughtful.”  

He Wen couldn’t help sneering at Wen Shaoning.  

Wen Shaoning had no idea why she was upset. Puzzled, he said, “I just saw Miss Zhou had nowhere to sit. There were empty seats anyway—what’s the problem?”  

He Wen withdrew her gaze, smirking coldly. “No problem, but if you really wanted to help, why not put Miss Zhou next to yourself? You’d look courteous and attentive—two birds, one stone.”  

Hearing this, Zhou Yun Zhen’s step faltered, her eyes freezing. How had she offended He Wen to be treated like this?  

Not only Zhou Yun Zhen, but everyone else fell silent. He Wen’s hostility was obvious; they could tell. But what had Zhou Yun Zhen done to provoke her? She even directed the sting at Wen Shaoning.  

If there were any conflict, reasonable or not, people would naturally side with He Wen after all these years. But now… no one knew what was happening; everyone was confused.  

Wen Shaoning’s expression also cooled. He couldn’t enjoy this sudden, inexplicable mockery. If it were a joke, fine—but He Wen’s expression was pure provocation. What did she mean?  

“Have I offended you, He Wen? Why are you being so sarcastic?”  

Already irritated, He Wen didn’t ease up. She scoffed, “Nothing. I just saw your eyes nearly popping out at the girl, so I commented. Don’t read too much into it.”  

Wen Shaoning’s face darkened further. Her words were sharp, and all he’d done was talk to Zhou Yun Zhen. Was that a crime? “Eyes nearly popping out”?  

Stay calm, stay calm…  

Perhaps He Wen had a past grievance with Zhou Yun Zhen. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so unreasonable. Wen Shaoning calmed himself, analyzing the situation quietly. He decided to let it go and stayed silent, like a statue.  

What else could he do? He wouldn’t start a fight with a girl—he knew her since childhood, knew her character. Better to let it slide.  

The others, sharp as they were, also quickly realized it wasn’t wise to get involved with Zhou Yun Zhen—otherwise, they’d end up like Wen Shaoning. No one understood why He Wen disliked her so much, but they enjoyed the silence. It was rare to see He Wen act so capriciously; they were happy to let it play out.  

No one here was close to Zhou Yun Zhen; why risk upsetting He Wen for her?  

Duan Wei scanned the room, raised her brow, and smiled brightly. “Ah, she’s had a bit too much to drink and isn’t thinking clearly. Don’t mind her. Everyone knows He Wen’s drinking isn’t exactly refined.”  

She then turned to Zhou Yun Zhen with an even brighter smile. “Miss Zhou, don’t mind her. She’s like this when she drinks—talking nonsense without regard for the occasion. Go ahead and sit; you’ve been standing for so long.”  

Zhou Yun Zhen forced a smile, nodded, and walked to sit next to Xi Yuehui.  

Her heart trembled with indignation—this was too much! Su Ruo’s friends were all overbearing, treating her as easy prey, openly and subtly working against her.  

Couldn’t she see? The woman beside He Wen, though appearing to smooth things over, was essentially siding with He Wen. “Talking nonsense without regard for the occasion”? In other words, it’s fine to say whatever behind her back? This was just a veiled insult toward Zhou Yun Zhen.