Chapter 967: Chapter 985 Cherise’s Challenge

Emma’s brow furrowed, a subtle indication of her perplexity. “Third year,” she confirmed.

The palpable aura emanating from Cherise unsettled her deeply.

An uneasy tension settled in Emma’s core, manifesting in the nervous nibbling of her lip.

Realization dawned upon her with a jolt.

Though it was evident she held the role of interrogator, why did she find herself unexpectedly assuming the position of being interrogated?

“Oh, third year?” Emma echoed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Cherise’s smile remained intact as she probed, “Since you’ve graced our halls for three years, I presume familiarity with our school motto?”

Emma pressed her lips together, hesitating before reluctantly acquiescing to Cherise’s inquiry. “Our school motto… it’s to absorb, heed, uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom.”

Cherise’s smile widened subtly. “You’ve committed it to memory quite admirably. Yet, one must ponder, why do you not abide by it?”

Taken aback, Emma glanced up at Cherise, her confusion evident. “How can you assume I haven’t adhered to it?”

Cherise’s smile persisted as she countered, “Then, allow me to pose this question: absorb, heed, uphold, follow, enact, embody wisdom. Among these virtues, does any justify the indulgence in idle gossip about others‘ lives?”

Emma faltered, caught off guard. “But what people say online…”

“People’s musings online are but idle chatter, relishing in the speculation of others‘ private affairs. Does that grant you a license to do the same?” Cherise’s tone remained composed yet firm.

A mere few sentences from Cherise were enough to send Emma into a stuttering spiral of uncertainty.

After contemplating, Emma delicately bit her lip and met Cherise’s gaze. “I did mention that I’m a journalism student. I simply require your assistance for a practical interview,” she explained, her tone tinged with a hint of urgency.

Emma continued with a subtle glimmer of pride in her eyes, “Surely, you wouldn’t withhold your cooperation, would you?”

story intrigues me–it’s only natural,” she added, her words carefully chosen.

Cherise maintained her affable smile. “Certainly, if your ambition is to merely revel in reporting on others‘ private affairs and stirring online controversy.”

“I’m more than willing to accommodate your request,” Cherise assured, her demeanor composed.

“If you have any further inquiries, let’s address them together. I’m prepared to share aspects of my life openly; transparency and sincerity are paramount,” she offered graciously.

Emma found herself at a loss for words.

She pressed her lips together, acknowledging the eloquence of Cherise’s response.

Further probing would inevitably cast her as a reporter intent on prying into private matters and igniting online debates.

Yet, refraining from further interrogation wasn’t a concession to Cherise but a testament to her transparency. “As your senior, I’m prepared to share my life openly. Transparency and sincerity are my guiding principles,” she reiterated.

Narrowing her eyes, Emma studied the woman before her.

Cherise defied the foolish rumors that preceded her.

Bold, intelligent, and composed, she embodied the essence of Mrs. Lenoir.

Moments later, a message flashed on Emma’s phone, prompting a smile to tug at her lips. “In that case, Cherise, I’ll take my leave,” she announced.

“If you feel inclined to depart, then by all means,” Cherise responded calmly, though a subtle tension lingered in the air.

Emma knew Cherise’s respite was short–lived.

The live broadcast of their interview had garnered attention, with reporters gathering outside the library.

At Emma’s directive, the students blocking the exit parted, allowing Cherise.

Raising an eyebrow, Cherise remained seated, her gaze fixed on Emma. “Your sudden generosity is quite unexpected. It’s almost unsettling,” she remarked, a hint of curiosity in her tone.

“Letting me leave so easily—it’s–unlike you, isn’t it?”