The Abusive Novel System Pleads with Me to Resign-Chapter 90

Xiao Yun mentioned that this party was actually a major plot point in the original story.

It had too many elements packed in—vicious female antagonists scheming, the male lead and rival competing, the female lead stunning everyone with a wardrobe change, a wealthy heiress renouncing her inheritance, and the male rival nursing a broken heart—just to name a few.

Shen Ying felt exhausted just thinking about it and said, "Isn't it inappropriate? I don’t even know her."

Xiao Yun replied, "You can’t say you don’t know her."

Shen Ying: "Hmm?"

Xiao Yun: "You know her, and she knows you."

Shen Ying: "How does she know me?"

Xiao Yun: "I told her about that night. She found you amusing and insisted I invite you."

Shen Ying clicked her tongue in mock admiration. "I can’t believe you actually told her about such an embarrassing incident."

A rare flicker of embarrassment crossed Xiao Yun’s face.

Seeing this, Zhong Chen frowned, momentarily forgetting his usual habit of bossing people around. "What happened that night?"

Before Shen Ying could answer, Xiao Yun covered her mouth. "Ignore him. That’s a secret between us."

Zhong Chen’s already sour mood suddenly flared into anger. "She’s my underling. She can’t hide anything from me."

Xiao Yun: "Didn’t you hear her grand ambition? Someone who wants to be the boss’s dad can’t be expected to have the ethics of an indentured servant."

Zhong Chen: "Xiao Yun, are you deliberately trying to provoke me?"

Xiao Yun: "This involves my privacy. You’re the one disregarding my feelings first."

Zhong Chen: "Since when did the two of you get so close that you’re sharing secrets?"

As the tension grew thicker, Gong Zhaoxi and Xing Jiale quickly stepped in to mediate. "What’s going on here? Weren’t we just talking about Qingya’s party?"

"Yeah, yeah! Has the flight been confirmed? We should head to the airport early tomorrow."

"It wouldn’t be right to show up empty-handed. What kind of flowers does Qingya like again?"

"Xiao Yun would definitely know."

After much effort, they finally managed to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Xing Jiale felt parched from all the talking and turned to grab a glass of water, only to find Shen Ying happily eating lunch from who-knows-where.

Annoyed, he snatched the plate from her. "You’re actually eating? Where did this come from?"

Shen Ying glanced behind her. "The chef had plenty to spare, so I asked him to set aside a portion for me."

Xing Jiale glared at the chef. "You just gave it to her? Did you forget she bullied you earlier?"

The chef: "Miss Shen didn’t ask at first. She was going to take your portion, so I had to give her a new one."

Xing Jiale: "..."

Shen Ying took the plate back from him. "Providing meals is a prerequisite if you want me to work."

Xing Jiale: "This isn’t about the food! You stirred up trouble, left us to clean up the mess, and now you’re happily eating?"

Shen Ying leisurely retrieved her plate. "You make it sound like they were fighting over me."

Then she turned to Xiao Yun. "Do you like me?"

Xiao Yun: "No."

She then asked Zhong Chen, "Do you like me?"

Zhong Chen’s voice rose sharply. "Who would like a broke loser like you?"

Shen Ying looked back at Xing Jiale. "See? They’ve had issues long before me. Not my fault."

Xing Jiale was initially just sulky, but now a thoughtful glint flashed in his eyes.

"Don’t like her?" That was debatable.

Yet this woman clearly knew what she was doing and didn’t take it seriously at all. In fact, she thrived on Zhong Chen’s stubbornness, effortlessly steering their interactions.

Xing Jiale realized that when she was around, she held absolute control—hidden beneath the playful banter, unnoticed by anyone.

Maybe Xiao Yun had sensed it too, which was why he was trying to keep Zhong Chen from paying her too much attention.

But Xiao Yun’s approach was too gentle, and it backfired instead.

Having figured this out, Xing Jiale didn’t bother picking on Shen Ying anymore.

After vehemently denying any feelings for her, Zhong Chen couldn’t help stealing glances at Shen Ying.

Seeing her eat so contentedly, he grew uneasy.

Why didn’t she ask again? Was she hurt?

He admitted his tone had been harsh and his words blunt. Next time, he’d phrase his rejection more carefully.

The lunch ended in an oddly tense atmosphere.

Only Shen Ying had a pleasant experience, marveling at the male lead’s private chef’s exceptional skills.

While she savored the food, others fixated on the honor of dining with the four of them.

For the rest of the afternoon, she was under intense scrutiny, which even affected her luck in card games.

As school let out, Xia Meng sent her a message:

"I heard Xiao Yun invited you to the party. Have you decided what to wear?"

Shen Ying: "Not yet. I’ll have to buy something. Want to go shopping with me?"

Xia Meng agreed immediately: "Sure!"

After school, they took Xia Meng’s car, with the driver dropping them off at the mall.

Xia Meng suggested, "We can pick out shoes and accessories. For the dress, it’s hard to find the right one on such short notice. I can lend you one of mine."

Her reasoning was sound—high-end designer gowns weren’t just sitting on racks for anyone to grab. With limited time, even if Shen Ying had the money, she wouldn’t find anything suitable.

But Shen Ying wasn’t worried. "No need for that. I don’t plan to splurge too much on my outfit."

Since she no longer lived alone, extravagant spending would raise questions.

If she brought home a few luxury items today, her stepmother would probably scold her senseless.

She needed a scapegoat to justify her lavish lifestyle—otherwise, every penny she spent would be seen as reckless by her stepmother.

So Shen Ying settled for some affordable luxury brands, buying two dresses, a pair of heels, and a platinum necklace—passing it off as silver to her stepmother.

Seeing she had her own plans, Xia Meng didn’t press further and ended up buying quite a few things herself.

By the time they parted ways, it was late, and both had enjoyed their shopping spree.

Before leaving, Xia Meng hesitantly asked, "Shen Ying… are we still friends?"

Shen Ying grinned and ruffled her hair. "When were we not?"

Xia Meng’s face lit up with a shy smile.

Carrying her haul home, Shen Ying was immediately scolded by her stepmother for overspending.

After the earlier incident where she’d wanted to buy a house with her million, her stepmother had grown wary, convinced her financial sense was skewed and needed constant monitoring.

But when Shen Ying explained it was for the party, her stepmother relented.

Shen’s mother was eager for her to mingle with her wealthy classmates, hoping she’d eventually become one of them.

She even scoffed at the "silver necklace," insisting Shen Ying wear her gold one instead.

Shen Ying firmly declined, and after some grumbling, her stepmother finally gave up.

The next day was the weekend, and Shen Ying slept in until noon.

While she was still dreaming, Zhu Qingya—once the school’s most talked-about figure—had already landed.

After a full night’s rest, Shen Ying got up, had lunch, did her makeup, and dressed up before hailing a cab to the Zhu family estate.

By then, the mansion was already aglow with lights. Though it was just a homecoming party, the decorations were extravagantly romantic.

Shen Ying walked in, feeling that the trip was well worth it.

Xiao Yun had mentioned that the Zhu family’s pastry chef was exceptionally skilled, so Shen Ying headed straight there upon arrival.

After picking up some stunningly crafted desserts and grabbing a glass of champagne, she settled alone on a lounge chair by the pool to enjoy the treats.

Before long, the star of the party made her entrance.

Shen Ying looked up and saw a stunning beauty in a green satin backless gown, gracefully walking in with Xiao Yun’s arm linked in hers.

The woman’s fair skin seemed even more flawless against the emerald fabric.

Tall and impeccably proportioned, her posture was nothing short of perfection—unsurprising for a supermodel who had dominated runways for the past two years. Every movement was elegant yet athletic, ensuring she stood out as the brightest presence in the crowd.

She was so radiant that the atmosphere instantly grew livelier the moment she appeared.

Dozens of guests approached to greet her, expressing delight at her return.

Shen Ying was happily admiring the beauty while savoring her dessert when a mocking voice cut in—

“So this is where you’re hiding.”

Shen Ying turned and saw Shen Zuola and her two companions standing there, arms crossed, scrutinizing her with disdain.

Shen Ying smiled at the sight of them. “You’re here too?”

“I was just feeling awkward with no familiar faces around. Most of Senior Zhu’s guests are her peers, and the few our age are from other classes. Good thing you’re here.”

Shen Zuola was incensed that she had the nerve to act friendly.

Sneering, she said, “You do realize not everyone gets an invitation, right? Countless people would kill to be here, and yet you show up dressed like this, insulting Senior Qingya.”

Shen Ying shrugged. “What’s wrong with it?”

To be fair, her outfit wasn’t extravagant, but it wasn’t out of place either.

Many women wore similarly simple and comfortable dresses, so Shen Ying blended right in.

Shen Zuola scoffed. “Am I hearing this right? You, with a fortune in the millions, show up to such an important party in a cheap dress that isn’t even formal wear, and you think that’s fine?”

“Do you have even an ounce of respect for Senior Qingya?”

The other two chimed in: “Please, she’s just relying on Xiao Yun’s protection.”

“Now that Senior Qingya is back, Xiao Yun won’t even glance her way.”

They deliberately raised their voices, drawing the attention of nearby guests.

Shen Zuola smirked inwardly, determined to make Shen Ying understand she didn’t belong here—no one would accept her.

The commotion caught the attention of Zhu Qingya and her group at the other end of the pool.

Zhong Chen finally noticed Shen Ying hiding there and moved to approach, but Xiao Yun reached her first.

“What’s going on?” Xiao Yun asked.

Shen Ying replied casually, “Nothing, just discussing some things.”

Then she added, “Now that Senior Zhu is back, you don’t have time for me anymore, do you?”

Xiao Yun didn’t hesitate before denying it. “Of course not. I’ll always keep an eye on you.”

Until you cut ties with Zhong Chen for good.

Shen Ying shrugged and glanced at Shen Zuola.

Shen Zuola was fuming, nearly shrieking as she pointed at Shen Ying’s dress and snapped at Xiao Yun, “Why are you still defending her?”

“Look at how she showed up to congratulate Senior Qingya—she couldn’t even bother wearing a proper gown!”

“Can’t you see how much she resents Senior Qingya? How much she resents you?”

Xiao Yun was baffled by the accusation.

Meanwhile, Shen Ying turned to Zhu Qingya, who was now approaching, and asked, “Senior, does my outfit offend you?”

Zhu Qingya smiled warmly. “Not at all. It’s a lovely dress.”

If not for the expectations of the event, I’d prefer something comfortable too.

Shen Ying looked back at Shen Zuola. “See? Senior doesn’t mind.”

Shen Zuola clenched her jaw, barely suppressing a scream, before storming off with her friends in tow.

Zhu Qingya stepped closer to Shen Ying, studying her with clear appreciation.

“So you’re the new friend Xiao Yun made?” She pulled Xiao Yun closer. “I’ve always thought he was too withdrawn. I encouraged him to socialize more, but I never really expected much.”

“Yet here he is, with such a delightful girl by his side.”

She then turned to Xiao Yun with a teasing smile. “Earlier, you said you’d always be watching her?”

Xiao Yun stiffened, confused by her interpretation.

Before he could respond, Zhong Chen cut in coldly.

“Why would you be watching her?”

He stepped between them, sandwiching Shen Ying. “What exactly is your relationship with her?”

“I was the one who clashed with her first. I was the one she targeted. I was the one who reconciled with her. And now, I’m the one she answers to.”

“Since ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‍when did you get involved? How did you two suddenly develop some secret understanding? What gives you the right to hitch a ride on my business with her?”

His words plunged the surroundings into stunned silence.

Even Xiao Yun looked bewildered. What kind of connection does this guy think we have?

Zhu Qingya glanced between Xiao Yun and Zhong Chen before gasping in realization.

“Are you two… jealous of each other?!”