They are not on the same level.

"This..." Mu Qingcheng's proposal had entirely exceeded Ran Siya's expectations.

Originally, she had intended to force Mu Qingcheng to quit the competition outright, or at least be compelled to use one of the leftover horses. Who could have anticipated that her plan would be so poorly thought out, allowing this girl to slip through a loophole? And now, with a single "Sister Ran Siya," if she refused to lend the horse...

Perhaps sensing Ran Siya's inner conflict, Mu Qingcheng feigned generosity and took the initiative to explain, "You don't need to worry. I won't affect your performance in the competition. I can use your horse after you've finished your event. What do you think?"

Still, Ran Siya did not answer.

Her repeated hesitation finally provoked some annoyance in Qin Beichu, who had been silently standing nearby. He spoke, his tone tinged with reproach, "Siya, your sister has already said this—are you still going to refuse? What exactly are you worried about?"

"No, Brother Qin, I—"

"Call me senior. We are at the competition."

"...Senior Qin, that's not what I meant."

Being reproached by the person she liked, in front of someone she disliked, Ran Siya’s eyes immediately reddened with grievance. Like a little girl, she twisted her fingers and looked at Qin Beichu pitifully.

Unfortunately, his expression remained cold, and he continued to press her, "So, what are you hesitating for?"

"I... I understand. I'll lend it," she said, nearly on the verge of tears.

Mu Qingcheng felt a wave of impatience at Ran Siya’s tearful demeanor. She was not one to kick others when they were down, so she merely turned her head and focused on amusing Caesar.

In Mu Qingcheng’s eyes, Ran Siya was indeed a girl who knew how to read the room. She was clever and shrewd, ambitious, possessing all the qualities—both desirable and undesirable—of a wealthy heiress.

It was just a pity that her little tricks and skills might work on ordinary girls, but with Mu Qingcheng, they simply weren’t on the same level.

Beside her, Si Bei, admiring Mu Qingcheng's performance, silently marveled at his own employer's discerning judgment. This newly emerged Fifth Miss of the Mu family was truly extraordinary.

Now that the matter was settled, Si Bei bowed respectfully. "Miss Mu, since you've made your decision, I'll take Caesar back now. Regarding the job offer... I hope you'll consider it carefully."

"Alright, I'll give him a reply soon."

"Thank you."

With that, Si Bei nodded, then led Caesar away.

Though their conversation was deliberately hushed, it was still clearly audible to Ran Siya and Qin Beichu.

After a moment, unable to contain himself, the top student Qin finally asked, "Qingcheng, you... agreed to some job offer from the Si family?"

Mu Qingcheng immediately looked up, her brow slightly furrowed as she reminded him, "Senior Qin, please address me as Mu Qingcheng. This is our first meeting, and we are not acquainted enough for you to call me by my given name."

"Uh..."

Mu Qingcheng's attitude was cold and direct, leaving Qin Beichu awkwardly rooted to the spot, unsure how to proceed.

Ran Siya, gnashing her teeth in resentment, kept her angry gaze fixed on Mu Qingcheng, which only irritated her further. With a soft sigh, she said, "Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom."

With those words, Mu Qingcheng left without another word, turning on her heel.

"Hey, Mu Qingcheng, where are you going?"

"Senior, why do you keep following her!"

Qin Beichu instinctively wanted to chase after Mu Qingcheng, but Ran Siya, unable to bear it any longer, seized his arm.

The sounds of their argument filled her ears, and Mu Qingcheng frowned, impatiently brushing her bangs aside as she strode purposefully toward the restaurant.