Months passed when Yu Mei started working at the White Phoenix Empire. Students back at the academy heard of it and would gather around her from time-to-time to talking about her experience with working to the She-Devil.

"Miss Bai is stern but not scary. She's polite and would look after me when I make mistakes." Yu Mei softly said, her tone were of admiration to Lillie Bai that people couldn't help but be in awe for Yu Mei's loyalty. ​​

"Who knew that the Lillie Bai, whom the Business World refer to as the She-Devil, would have a sweet personality like you portray her to be." A fellow female student stated.

"Miss Yu is being treated well there, I'm glad." A male student said in relief.

"Now this is the exact reason why we should not believe those baseless rumors. See, Miss Bai isn't all that bad."

"She may be strict but she treats her people well and with respect."

"En!" Everyone agreed.

The smile didn't disappeared from Yu Mei's lips yet her thoughts were anything but pleasant.

'Argh! Why do they always talk about her?! No matter if she's Theodora Crevier or Lillie Bai, she always receives their praises, their admirations! It should've been me! Me!' No one would expect such dark thoughts to come from a sweet girl like Yu Mei.

Having enough hearing about Lillie, Yu Mei stood up and excused herself.

"Yu Mei is so amazing!" One of Yu Mei's male admirers said.

"She's not even eighteen and yet she managed to hold a place with WPE!"

"I heard CEO Bai was picky with her assistants that even graduates from Harvard aren't up to her standards. She must've saw potential on Yu Mei."

"Pff. What? Potential? Her grades are average and she's not that bright compare to President Crevier. Even if she's a member of the Student Council, remember, miss Theodora helped her win the election." A smart student suddenly elucidated.

"Really? I never heard of that." The male student, who has been praising Yu Mei, peered closer in pique interest.

"And you call yourself a student of the most prestigious academy in Asia. You can't even distinguish what was really happening." The smart student clicked her tongue.

"Everyone just kept quiet about it because she's Goddess Theodora's friend." Confirmed another student.

"Miss Theodora is such a good friend, she even do all of Yu Mei's work. Haven't you notice that she practically doesn't do anything other than waving and smiling at people? She's like a vase in the hallways. Pretty yet useless."

"Tch, a perfect definition of a gold digger and an attention wh*re."

"Exactly! Hahaha!"

Yu Mei stood behind the corridor. Her eyes were shadowed by her hair but the dark aura she emits was terrifying.

Those students talking behind her back were the once who always approach her with bright smiles and compliments. She should've seen it coming. She should've already knew that they were being fakes.

And yet...why...why do they always get her? Why does it always hit her where it is most painful?

Blood dripped from Yu Mei's mouth, her teeth bit her lips too hard that she punctured them. Her eyes were crazed by intense hate and rage that no one would recognize her in an instance.

"You'll pay for this, Lillie Bai!"

***

School has ended and Lillie left early to tend to her work at WPE. She removed her black wig and her eye contacts while the car drove her to WPE's underground parking lot.

"Thank you, Lukas."

Lukas bowed, "You're welcome, Miss. Take care."

Lillie's heels clicked through the pavement and directed her way towards the VIP elevator. Swiping her card for access, the elevator door opened and Lillie went in.

As soon as the elevator door opened, she was surprised to see Yu Mei waiting in front with a grin.

"Welcome back, CEO Bai!" She enthusiastically greeted.

"Yu Mei..." She trailed, "...what are you doing here, and so early to that matter."

"Hehe...I asked for a sick leave to come to work early." Yu Mei sheepishly confessed while rubbing the back of her head.

Lillie sighed, "You don't have to that just to be here. School in more important you know." sitting on her swiveled chair upon entering her office. Yu Mei stood in front of her desk, a sheepish grin was still present.

"But I want to," she started, "Besides, it's only fair for you. I'm really grateful for what you've done for me, Lillie." Her words sounded soft and genuine that even Lillie failed to notice the uncertainty in her tone.

Her mind differs in great extent to her words. 'Just you wait, Lillie. Soon, your reign will fall under my hands. I think it's time for the world to change their Queen, don't you think?'

"Here are the documents for Escaping Reality's progress so far." As if there was switch on her brain, Yu Mei was back to being the diligent and kind friend she was to Lillie.

"En. Thank you for your hard work, Mei." Lillie graced her with a smile and praise. She was satisfied with Yu Mei's report as she read them.

"Hehe~ no problem. Anything for my bestie~" Yu Mei giggled, a small blush appeared on her round cheeks as if in embarrassment.