Conquering the Stars and My Haters’ Hearts - Chapter 14

The ensuing discussion naturally revolved around perks like scholarships and complimentary housing. The administration was essentially pleading with him to focus on his art and, more importantly, not to consider transferring. The teachers treated him with a level of warmth and gentleness that Xie Anning swore had never existed in the original owner’s memories.

Xie Anning ultimately declined the offer to live on campus. He had more than a few secrets to keep, and dorm life seemed like a recipe for complications. The faculty didn’t push the issue, simply reiterating that he should come to them with any problems.

While the student body was largely in the dark about the inner workings of the Xie family, the high-level officials at the academy were well aware of his situation.

When Xie Anning finally reached his classroom, the gaze of every student shifted. The atmosphere was worlds apart from his previous visit.

If his last appearance had elicited mere surprise, their expressions now were far more complex—a mix of genuine admiration and a sense of shared pride. When Xie Anning greeted them, quite a few students looked visibly flattered, as if receiving an unexpected honor.

As literature and arts majors, they understood better than anyone just how extraordinary his make-up exam piece had been. It far exceeded their own capabilities, reaching a level one could only look up to. In truth, many of them were only there to pad their resumes and had no real intention of pursuing art as a career.

As for how his previously abysmal grades had transformed so radically, the class had already constructed a collective narrative: he had clearly suffered a massive emotional blow—likely a broken heart which triggered a sudden, explosive awakening of talent. As for his technical skill? They assumed he must have been practicing in secret for years; after all, many remembered seeing him sneaking around, writing or drawing in private.

Once Xie Anning took his seat, Yu Hongfeng, who sat nearby, became the picture of devotion. He practically jumped to pour water for him, and the moment Xie Anning so much as lifted a hand, Yu Hongfeng was there to ask what he needed. He was more attentive than a professional assistant.

Xie Anning wanted to tell him to just act normal, but seeing how happy it seemed to make the guy, he decided to keep quiet.

When school let out, a small group approached Xie Anning before he could leave. He blinked in confusion, but Yu Hongfeng quickly explained: they wanted to apologize for their past behavior and treat him to dinner at the best restaurant on the planet.

Xie Anning’s first instinct was to decline, but seeing their earnest expressions, he knew a refusal would likely only lead to further persistence. Besides, while he wasn’t eating the cheapest nutrient paste anymore, he had mostly been frequenting small diners near his apartment. He hadn’t actually tasted the high-end cuisine of this world yet. His “Protagonist’s Halo” had expired, so surely nothing too chaotic would happen, right?

The temptation of a gourmet meal proved too strong. Xie Anning nodded, and the group visibly exhaled in relief.

They knew their previous mockery couldn’t just be brushed aside. If Xie Anning didn’t accept their apology, they wouldn’t have the face to even stand in his presence.

As for his livestream, he had to post another leave of absence, citing “school business that requires attention.”

Back at his base, Jin Xinheng received the report from his subordinates and went rigid. “…”

This has to be intentional!

Garrett’s Restaurant was perched at the summit of the planet’s tallest skyscraper. The perimeter was encased in transparent glass, offering a breathtaking view of the starry expanse and the shimmering night lights of the world below. The food was legendary, earning praise even from the highest nobility.

Naturally, reservations were always in high demand; Yu Hongfeng and the others had booked their table well in advance.

At that moment, the maître d’ was bowing respectfully, welcoming a group of young men into the dining room. These were regulars who spent lavishly and hailed from influential backgrounds; they were not people to be slighted.

Leading the group was a young man of mixed heritage with a cold, detached expression: Anders.

The youths trailing him were students from other elite academies, mostly wealthy socialites who followed Anders’ lead.

“Anders, I heard that ‘trash’ from your school has suddenly become impressive?” one of them asked.

They had all heard the rumors that Anders had publicly praised the boy’s looks, which seemed inconceivable. Since when did someone like Anders show favor to anyone?

“It’s nothing special.” Anders frowned, looking profoundly annoyed. “I’m stepping out for a moment,” he added, turning toward the balcony.

The others exchanged knowing looks. There was no way Anders actually liked the Xie Anning he used to despise; it was clearly a baseless rumor that had been causing him grief lately.

Because the Alva Noble High School officials were terrified of other schools poaching Xie Anning, they had temporarily suppressed the full details of his performance. To the outside world, it was still believed that he had merely scraped by his make-up exams.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out nearby. They turned to see a group of students in Alva Noble High School uniforms walking in. The person at the front was exceptionally handsome.

Since being around attractive people is generally pleasant and Alva students usually held some status—the group felt an impulse to make an acquaintance.

As luck would have it, the newcomers’ table was right next to theirs. This group, of course, was Xie Anning and his classmates.

Once they were seated, the neighboring group wasted no time in striking up a conversation. As the small talk flowed, the topic inevitably veered toward the most talked-about person at Alva.

“You guys know that Xie Anning fellow, right?” one of the socialites asked.

“Of course I do,” Xie Anning replied with a pleasant smile.

Yu Hongfeng and the others suddenly looked very uncomfortable. They had a sinking feeling that things were about to go south.

“Honestly, even if that ‘trash’ got better, how good could he be? He’s probably just slightly above average, and people are hyping it up.”

“Exactly. And he actually has the nerve to spread rumors that Anders is interested in him. I guess since he couldn’t hook Ning Xiujin, he’s trying to cling to Anders’ leg. He should look in a mirror before acting so delusional.”

“It’s hilarious. If it were me, I’d sooner fall for my own dog than that loser.”

Xie Anning adopted a look of thoughtful curiosity. “Is that so?”

“If he ever showed up in front of me, I’d humiliate him until he couldn’t show his face again.”

“Really?” Xie Anning asked.

“Absolutely.”

Yu Hongfeng’s expression grew increasingly pained. If Xie Anning hadn’t been sitting there listening with a beaming smile, they probably would have started a brawl by now.

Xie Anning, however, found the situation quite entertaining. After all, when the dust settled, he wasn’t the one who was going to be embarrassed.

Seeing the calm reaction from Xie Anning’s table, the other group assumed their insults weren’t biting enough. One added, “I heard he’s an art student? He barely passed his exams, right? I wonder how he’d fare against Bill.”

“Are you joking? Bill can already produce B-grade artworks. He’s practically a prodigy. You think he’d lose to a guy like that?”

“It would be hilarious to watch Xie Anning try to compete with Bill. But the coward probably wouldn’t dare. If he could actually outdraw Bill, I’d call him ‘Daddy’ right then and there!”

This prompted a fresh round of raucous laughter. By now, Yu Hongfeng and his friends looked physically ill.

The “Bill” they were referring to was also an Alva student—a consistent honors student who had apparently been delayed by something and hadn’t arrived yet.

Just then, footsteps approached. A youth with light brown hair appeared at the entrance. His eyes lit up the moment he spotted their section, and he ran excitedly toward Xie Anning’s table.

“I didn’t expect to run into you here! What a coincidence!” Bill exclaimed breathlessly.

The socialites froze. Bill actually knew this guy? Well, they were from the same school, so it wasn’t impossible.

Bill spoke briefly but with clear reluctance to end the conversation, even asking for an autograph before finally moving over to join his own friends.

“Bill, are you close with him?” someone asked tentatively. “You never mentioned it.”

Bill spoke up immediately, his voice filled with incredulity. “Can’t you all tell? That is Xie Anning! He’s been all over the news lately. Didn’t you hear? During the make-up exams, he produced an A-grade masterpiece! The guy is a total genius.”

Bill was visibly vibrating with excitement. Although he had been among those who frequently mocked Xie Anning in the past, he had been instantaneously converted into a devoted fan the moment the exam results were made public.

The others sat in stunned silence. “Wh-what?”

Were they blind, or had they gone deaf? That person was Xie Anning? What happened to the ugly, wretched loser they’d heard so much about? And an A-grade painting? Why hadn’t anyone told them about this!

The faces of those who had just been hurling insults turned a sickly shade of green. No wonder the people at the other table had remained so quiet while they were trashed—the target was sitting right there! Moreover, he was the complete opposite of the “trash” they had described. The “face-slapping” had come far too quickly for comfort.

Forget competing with Bill; judging by Bill’s star-struck expression, it was clear he’d be lucky just to carry Xie Anning’s brushes. The guy who had bragged that he’d call Xie Anning “Daddy” if he surpassed Bill was now squirming in his seat—especially since Xie Anning was still looking directly at him with that calm, knowing smile.

Just then, Anders returned from the balcony. One of the socialites’ expressions shifted instantly, and he hurriedly pulled at Bill, who was still busy singing Xie Anning’s praises. “Shh! Stop! If Anders hears you.”

After all, they were well aware of how much Anders detested Xie Anning. Running into him here was bound to lead to another round of public humiliation. Even if Xie Anning had changed, Anders was notoriously difficult to deal with—he wasn’t the type to let a grudge go easily.