Liza tried to step around Brandon, but he stubbornly moved to block her path each time. Whether she shifted left or right, he mirrored her movements, cutting her off. Frustrated, she finally stopped in her tracks, her patience worn thin. With a sharp tone, she declared, “Brandon, have I ever told you how incredibly annoying you are? If you’ve lost your mind, go to the hospital and get it checked. Stop being an eyesore here.” Brandon’s face darkened. “Liza!” he snapped. “Why are you yelling? I’m not deaf,” she said nonchalantly, digging her ear as if his outburst had irritated her. Her expression remained cool and detached, but there was an unmistakable sharpness in her eyes. “You all speak so sweetly now, pretending to care. Offering me money like it’s some grand favor. Where were you when I was abandoned in the countryside all those years? Not a single one of you helped me when I needed it. And now you think I’m someone you can just push around?”Her words cut deep, but she wasn’t done. “Serena posted a photo on the university forum to humiliate me. She’s got the whole school pointing fingers and calling me names, and now you’re here playing the same cheap game. Do the two of you enjoy sinking this low?” Brandon froze in disbelief. “What are you talking about? Serena posted that photo? That’s impossible!” Liza gave him a cold, mocking look. “Do you not have a phone? Go online and see for yourself.” Her confidence left him shaken, making it hard to dismiss her claim. Yet, he instinctively tried to defend Serena. “If Serena really did that, she must have had her reasons. She only wants what’s best for you. After all, being labeled as a mistress—” “For my own good?” Liza cut him off sharply, her voice rising in disbelief. “Are you out of your mind? She uploaded that photo to make the entire university think I’m a mistress. She’s trying to destroy my reputation, and you call that ‘good intentions’? Why don’t you experience that kind of ‘kindness’ for yourself?”Her words were relentless as she continued, “And what proof do you have that I’m a mistress? A single photo of me stepping out of a car? That’s your evidence? On the internet, people like you get exposed for jumping to conclusions based on such flimsy assumptions!” “But…” Brandon hesitated, his tone tinged with doubt. “If you’re not a mistress, then how did you manage to survive all these years? How did you go from being stuck in the countryside to learning fashion design and becoming an international designer? You couldn’t have done it without someone supporting you.” Liza’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile. The look she gave him was one of utter disdain, as though she were staring at someone impossibly foolish. “Just because you can’t fathom it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Someone with no brains can’t comprehend what a true genius is capable of.” Her confidence was unwavering. The light of her talent had shone through even in the darkest circumstances. “A genius?” Brandon sneered, unable to hide his scorn. “You’re calling yourself a genius?” Liza’s calm gaze met his mockery head-on, her confidence unshaken. What an idiot. Liza had no patience for pointless arguments with someone as clueless as Brandon. Since words were futile and he refused to move, she decided to take action. Before he could utter another word, Liza’s foot shot out, landing a precise and powerful kick to his knee. The sharp pain made Brandon feel as if he had been struck by a vehicle, forcing him to drop to one knee involuntarily. Liza leaned down slightly, patted his head mockingly, and said with a hint of disdain, “Good boy. Remember, well-trained dogs don’t block the way.” Then, without waiting for a reaction, she strolled away, her steps light and unbothered. Realizing she wouldn’t be teaching her class today, Liza turned and followed Mason, who had caught up to her, back to his private lounge. “Sister Liza, that kick you gave Brandon just now was incredible!” Mason exclaimed, dropping his usual aloof demeanor. He quickly poured her a cup of coffee and placed it before her with a flattering smile. “Want me to deal with that mess on the forum for you?” Liza accepted the coffee, taking a casual sip. “No need. Let them have their little fun. It’s meaningless to me.” “Got it.” Mason didn’t press further, knowing Liza always had her reasons. Instead, he reached into a drawer and pulled out a neatly wrapped cloth bag, which he slid toward her. “This is from Teacher. He had it sent over not long ago after hearing you’d come to Li City. He made it just for you,” Mason said with a mix of respect and envy. What he didn’t mention was the scolding he’d endured from their teacher over the phone. Mason had been berated for allowing Liza to face trouble in his territory. Their teacher had been furious. If he weren’t so preoccupied, Mason was sure the man would have flown to Li City himself—likely to give him a thorough dressing-down in person.Liza was their teacher’s most valued student, practically untouchable in their circle. The very thought of her being mistreated was enough to send their teacher into a rage. Mason shivered at the memory of the phone call, relieved that the situation hadn’t escalated further. Unwrapping the cloth bag, Liza found a collection of gleaming silver needles inside. Her lips curled into a small smile as she examined them. Her teacher and master had vastly different expertise. While her master was a renowned figure in the fashion industry, her teacher was a genius when it came to crafting weapons. These silver needles were one of her teacher’s signature creations, rare and highly prized. Liza had always been reluctant to use them because of their value, yet here she was with a whole new set. She hadn’t expected such a generous gift. “Thank Teacher for me,” she said, carefully tucking the cloth bag away. “Wait, Sister Liza, don’t put them away just yet! Let me see them up close!” Mason pleaded, his curiosity barely contained.He stared at the needles with awe, almost reverent. “Do you know how lucky you are? Back then, I practically groveled at Teacher’s feet, begging for just one needle. He not only refused but even kicked me out! And now, he sends you an entire bag? A whole bag of them!” Mason’s exaggerated gestures only highlighted his frustration. “Is this what it feels like to be the neglected child while someone else gets spoiled?!” Liza smirked, amused by his antics, and shook her head. The contrast in their treatment was undeniable—and deeply satisfying.