After Xiaolong asked three consecutive “whys,” the corridor fell silent.
They were all digesting a tremendous amount of information, staring at Xu Ling dumbfounded.
Did Xu Ling go to a bar? Lie about being 24? And got into a fight during a date with “Huang Li”?
Wait, is “Huang Li” a man or a woman? If it’s a woman, that’s quite bold to fight in a bar with a boyfriend.
Hold on, considering it’s “Huang Li,” how old are they? Xu Ling dating in society?
In school, Xu Ling always had a pure and aloof image. This “Huang Li” description doesn’t match at all!
Xu Ling was completely soulless.
He never expected Xiaolong knew about the bar incident or had any connection with Xu Yin.
Feeling the converging gazes, Xu Ling opened his mouth, but no words came out. Subconsciously, he turned his head, seeking Ye Xunran standing outside the crowd. Before he could utter a plea for help, he saw Ye Xunran’s incredulous gaze, instantly feeling a chill down his spine.
At that moment, the homeroom teachers of Classes 7 and 12 rushed over. Mrs. Zhang, the Class 12 homeroom teacher, sternly exclaimed, “What are you all doing here?! It’s almost time for class; why aren’t you back in your classrooms?!”
The teachers were informed by Class 12 students who secretly went to the office. They probably knew something beforehand, and while the students were still in turmoil, Liu, the Class 7 homeroom teacher, sighed and said, “Xu Ling, Xu Yin, come to the office, along with this… classmate.”
She looked at Long Xiaolong, who was obviously not a student from C High School, and how he managed to sneak in unnoticed remained unaddressed. This person evidently had a hand in today’s events.
In a gentle tone, Liu said, “Could you also join us in the office, please?”
Long Xiaolong, unable to dye his hair back to black and temporarily unable to return to school, shrugged. He hopped down from the window frame, handed the banner to a student by the window, and respectfully said, “Please pass this banner to my big brother. Thanks!”
Xu Yin shot a glance at Long Xiaolong, rose expressionlessly.
Beside him, Yan Ningchuan stood up and said, “I was with Xu Yin on Saturday too.”
Seeing this, Teacher Zhang felt a headache. It was evident that Yan Ningchuan intended to accompany them to the office, but the situation needed clarification. She nodded and waved, “Both of you come to the office, others get ready for class!”
Wang Feifei, still unwilling, was about to say something but was stopped by a glance from Yan Ningchuan.
Over an hour later, the others temporarily left the avoided office on the second floor of the senior year building.
After a knock on the door, Liu said, “Come in.” The door opened, and an elegantly dressed woman nodded with a smile, “Teacher Liu.”
Liu quickly stood up and nodded.
The woman casually glanced at Xu Ling and Xu Yin, hung up a smile, and asked, “What happened? You didn’t explain clearly on the phone.”
Following her was a middle-aged man with a slight beer belly and a cold expression.
Entering the office, he was still replying to messages on WeChat, frowning with an impatient look.
After finishing the messages, he looked at Xu Yin with an even more disdainful expression.
The newcomers were none other than Wang Yuqi and Xu’s father, Xu Qunzhi.
As the two elders arrived, both Zhang and Liu stood up to greet them. The five students remained seated, unmoving.
Xu Yin, feeling bored, casually surveyed the two. Yan Ningchuan lowered his gaze.
Long Xiaolong, thoroughly bored, slouched in his chair, his younger brother fidgeting uncomfortably beside him.
Since entering the office, Xu Ling had been frozen in place since Teacher Liu made the call. Now, he dared not lift his head.
Wang Yuqi and Xu Qunzhi arriving so quickly was a relief for Teachers Zhang and Liu. Even though Xu Qunzhi seemed displeased, it was impossible not to involve parents at this point.
After asking them to sit, Teacher Zhang considered how to address the situation. However, as soon as Xu Qunzhi sat down, he bluntly confronted Xu Yin, “What did you do to your brother? Explain yourself!”
“Mr. Xu!” Teacher Liu quickly intervened, “Please don’t be like this. The main issue this time is related to Xu Ling.”
With Teacher Liu’s intervention, Wang Yuqi spoke gently to Xu Ling, “Little Ling, what happened? If something happened, tell Mom and Dad. Don’t keep it to yourself. It’s okay.”
Her words implied that they already assumed Xu Ling was mistreated by Xu Yin.
Teachers Zhang and Liu knew what kind of couple they were, but at this moment, their perspective was somewhat shaken.
When Xu Ling entered the office, he asked if he could cover the bruise on his face because he felt it looked bad. The teachers didn’t want the child to feel too uncomfortable, so they lent him some makeup for a rough concealment. Therefore, at this moment, the abnormality on Xu Ling’s face wasn’t very noticeable.
In the phone call, they hinted that the issue this time involved Xu Ling, but even so, this couple, once seated, interrogated Xu Yin and comforted Xu Ling. How could they be so biased! As outsiders, they shouldn’t meddle in other people’s family matters, but it’s really hard to turn a blind eye!
The two teachers immediately frowned.
Xu Yin raised an eyebrow but remained silent, and Yan Ningchuan glanced at Xu Ling.
Sensing this, Xu Ling trembled all over. But how could he dare to speak? He kept his mouth shut, tears silently streaming down in fear.
As tears fell, Wang Yuqi’s face darkened. She looked at Xu Yin and said, “Xiao Yin, can you explain what happened? Auntie won’t blame you, but we should at least know what happened!”
“You deserve a beating!” Xu Qunzhi stood up, irritated due to recent business troubles. “Changed your class and still can’t behave. Do you not want to study? If you don’t, I’ll withdraw you from school! Stop studying and work for me!”
“Mr. Xu!” Teacher Zhang’s voice also became stern. “There’s no need to get so worked up. We teachers have investigated the situation, and we will explain it to you!”
Xiaolong, unable to bear it, uncrossed his legs and said, “Uncle, your son baselessly accused his own brother and brought a gang to start a brawl. If you want to know what happened, ask Xu Ling why he falsely accused my Big brother!”
Xu Ling trembled even more, burying his head.
When did Xu Qunzhi ever face such impoliteness from a younger generation? Without listening carefully to what Xiaolong said, he widened his eyes and said, “Who are you? Teacher Liu, how can students in your school dye their hair like this? So many bandages on the face, did he just get into a fight? The school doesn’t care? This is outrageous!”
“Ha, who are you to bother about me?” Long Xiaolong stood up, hands in his pockets, confidently approaching Xu Qunzhi.
Xu Qunzhi, red-faced with anger, said, “Do you have any upbringing!”
“You better take care of your son first.”
“Quiet, everyone, sit down!” Teacher Liu was exasperated.
Suddenly, Xu Yin spoke, “Long Xiaolong.”
Xiaolong startled and immediately took his hands out of his pockets, obediently saying, “Hello Big brother. Anything you want me to do?”
“…Sit down,” Xu Yin sighed in resignation.
Without a word, Xiaolong immediately sat down, legs together, hands on his knees, astonishing Xu Qunzhi, who had just been confronted by him.
Xu Qunzhi understood, pointing angrily at Xu Yin, “You’ve even attracted trouble with these hooligans outside? Big brother? He still calls you big brother? I think you really shouldn’t study anymore. I’ll withdraw you from school today, and this money is better spent on feeding pigs!”
Yan Ningchuan narrowed his eyes.
“Mr. Xu!” Teacher Zhang raised her voice.
Xu Yin smiled and spoke, “Money?”
Xu Qunzhi, out of breath, continued pointing at Xu Yin, “Everything you eat, wear, and use, isn’t it all provided by me?”
Wang Yuqi’s eyes flashed. She opened her mouth as if to interrupt this topic but found Xu Yin speaking first.
With a semi-smile, Xu Yin spoke at a steady pace, “Did I not mention that almost all the expenses at home were covered by my mom? Starting from the second year of high school, I haven’t used any money from home. Didn’t Aunt Wang tell you?”
When Xu Yin mentioned the first half, Xu Qunzhi felt somewhat uneasy, but when he heard the latter half, he was stunned.
Even Teacher Zhang and Teacher Liu were momentarily taken aback.
Yan Ningchuan paused, turned to look at the people around him, and furrowed his brows.
He hasn’t used money from home since the second year of high school?
What’s going on?
Everyone immediately turned their attention back to Wang Yuqi and Xu Qunzhi.
Xu Qunzhi obviously didn’t know about this and looked puzzled.
Wang Yuqi was certain in her mind, cleared her throat, and quickly adjusted her hair, explaining with a hint of embarrassment to Xu Qunzhi, “Didn’t I tell you? I give Xiao Yin living expenses, but he refuses. You said…”
Xu Qunzhi was reminded of this and struggled to recall the incident.
The first time Wang Yuqi gave Xu Yin living expenses, he refused. Wang Yuqi then told Xu Qunzhi about it. What did Xu Qunzhi say at that time?
“If he doesn’t want it, then don’t give it to him. Getting angry is for show!”
Xu Qunzhi’s face changed instantly. He did say those words, but…
Teacher Zhang immediately asked sternly, “What’s going on? If you don’t use money from home, where do you get tuition and living expenses?”
Xu Qunzhi immediately thought of something, stiffened, and heard Xu Yin calmly say, “My mom left me some money before she passed away.”
Teacher Zhang and Teacher Liu couldn’t believe it. So, for this past year, Xu Yin has been using his late mother’s inheritance?
His father not only married a mistress half a year after his mother’s death but also let his eldest son rely on his mother’s inheritance to live? The eldest son threw a tantrum, saying he didn’t want the money from the mistress, and the father actually stopped giving it? How could a father do such a thing in this world?
Teacher Zhang and Teacher Liu immediately looked at Xu Qunzhi, and Xu Qunzhi’s face turned red under their gaze. He found himself unable to speak for a moment.
To be honest, even if they asked him, Xu Yin didn’t want to use their family money. He can just use his mom’s money. It won’t cost him then.
But this was in front of others!
He still had some brains left. If others knew he was being this kind of father, he would have no face left; it would be like openly abusing his own son!
Xu Qunzhi couldn’t endure the scrutiny and immediately turned to vent his anger on Wang Yuqi, “After I told you about it, you really stopped giving him money? Haven’t you given him any money for a whole year?”
Wang Yuqi didn’t expect this matter to be exposed in such a situation, but she was somewhat prepared. She pretended to look pitiable and said, “But… but he never wanted it… you know, Xiao Yin has never liked me…”
She acted like a troubled stepmother.
Suddenly, Yan Ningchuan spoke, expressionless, “Is the money you gave in cash?”
Wang Yuqi still had the pitiable act on her face when she hesitated, “What?”
Yan Ningchuan looked at her and said coldly, “Even if it’s cash, as long as you want to give it, you can directly put the money in Xu Yin’s school bag. Transferring money doesn’t need the other party’s consent. As long as you transfer it from your side, it’s done. Or, Auntie, don’t you know how to use online banking or Alipay?”
Wang Yuqi froze.
But it’s this era. Wang Yuqi isn’t a senior citizen who can’t keep up with the times. She swiped her bank card and used Alipay countless times while shopping. How could she not know how to transfer money?
Wang Yuqi suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. She only thought that Xu Yin didn’t want her money, so she naturally didn’t need to give it. She never expected this!
The disdain on Teacher Liu and Teacher Zhang’s faces couldn’t be hidden anymore. Being given money and then having it returned was one thing; not giving it in the first place was another. Wang Yuqi, in the end, just didn’t want to give money. Her poor acting was unbearable.
Xu Qunzhi felt even more embarrassed. He originally noticed Wang Yuqi because of her appearance. He knew she wasn’t well-educated, but he never thought that one day, this woman would make such a scene in front of so many people!
Can’t even play the role of a stepmother, let alone pretend!
Moreover, he didn’t care whether Xu Yin took his money or not. Still, Wang Yuqi didn’t even mention this matter to him. It’s equivalent to her taking all of Xu Yin’s living expenses for herself. This woman’s cunning thoughts have unexpectedly involved him!
Thinking of this, his anger surged, and he raised his hand to slap her.
Wang Yuqi screamed and tried to dodge. Xu Ling was also startled, almost falling off the chair. Teacher Zhang stood up again, saying, “That’s enough! Mr. Xu Yin, please sit down!”
The confrontation between this couple and Xu Yin was unbearable. Teacher Zhang’s blood pressure rose, and her head began to ache. She directly said, “Let’s solve the issues with Xu Ling first before discussing anything else!”
Ignoring her, Xu Qunzhi shouted at Wang Yuqi, “This is the only son you gave birth to. Thankfully, I had my mom take care of Xu Ling; otherwise, he might have ended up like you!”
Even the patient Teacher Liu was infuriated by his disobedience, saying, “Xu Ling has been lying, claiming he’s 24, going to the bar every week, and even having a romantic relationship with someone outside. Do you know about this?!”
“If Xu Ling learned these bad habits from you—”
Xu Qunzhi was scolding angrily, but suddenly stopped.
He turned to look at Teacher Liu, bewildered, “What did you say?”
Teacher Liu took a deep breath, patted Xu Ling on the shoulder, and said, “Tell your dad yourself.”
Xu Ling desperately shook his head, too frightened to say a word.
Xu Qunzhi’s blood pressure was rising; he turned to face his beloved younger son in disbelief and asked, “What did your teacher just say?”
Xu Ling continued shaking his head, crying uncontrollably.
It was only at this moment that Xu Qunzhi noticed Xu Ling’s face.
A considerable amount of foundation had been washed away by tears, revealing the underlying bruise.
Xu Qunzhi was astonished, “What happened to your face? Who hit you?!”
Wang Yuqi, initially frightened by Xu Qunzhi’s raised hand, rushed over as she saw Xu Ling’s face. She exclaimed, “Xiao Ling, did someone hit you? Was it Xu Yin? Did he hit you?”
What happened between Xu Ling and Xu Yin was unclear to others, but Wang Yuqi knew it the best.
Every time Xu Ling cried in front of Xu Qunzhi, Wang Yuqi would join in, but she knew her son was very clever and that there was actually no problem. She never expected to see Xu Ling with such a face at this moment.
Xu Ling’s face was originally delicate, but now it looked like that of a beaten cat. Wang Yuqi was frantic, “Tell me, did he hit you?! Don’t be afraid, Xiao Ling.”
Still, Xu Ling refused to speak, only shaking his head.
Teacher Liu emphasized, “I told you, Xu Ling goes to the bar every week, and this injury happened there. He was hit by someone named Huang Li. Mrs. Xu, can you please sit down and let us explain?”
But at this point, how could this couple remain calm?
Xu Qunzhi asked, “Huang Li? Who is this Huang Li? Why did he hit my son?!”
These two teachers found it challenging to articulate the answer.
However, Long Xiaolong was blunt, “I told you, your son is having a romantic relationship outside. This Mr. Huang is his love interest. He pretends to be 24, goes to my brother’s bar every week, meets Mr. Huang there, and this injury is the result of their encounter. That guy has poor drinking habits; when he’s drunk, he sometimes gets violent. Look, the bruise on Xu Ling’s chin was caused by him. After being pushed away, Xu Ling’s face hit a decoration nearby, causing the injuries. Don’t doubt it; my brother’s bar has surveillance footage.”
After this explanation, Xu Qunzhi and Wang Yuqi were both dumbfounded.
Xu Ling almost fainted.
Xu Qunzhi, struggling for breath, heaved his chest, “Mr. Huang? A man? Romantic relationship?”
Long Xiaolong rolled his eyes.
Seeing his reaction, Xu Qunzhi understood.
His most beloved son, Xu Ling, goes to a bar, having a romantic relationship with a man named Huang, and gets beaten?!
What was this? Was he still dreaming? Is he still asleep?
After hearing this, Wang Yuqi covered her forehead, took two steps back, almost falling down. She felt her head buzzing.
At this moment, she instinctively held herself together and unconsciously said, “Mr. Huang, a man… who is he? How could he lay hands on a high school student? This is a crime! Give me his name and number; I want to find him! I want to find him!”
Long Xiaolong sneered, “It was Xu Ling who lied, claiming to be 24 and getting involved with someone!”
Long Xiaolong had just learned that Xu Ling was 18, which was the legal age, theoretically allowing him into a bar. However, his brother was not lenient; he didn’t let high school students in at all. Initially, when Xu Ling came with him, the person in charge must have known about his brother’s rules.
Unfortunately, Xu Ling always dressed up quite maturely, and his brother was indeed deceived.
As for Mr. Huang, though Long Xiaolong didn’t think highly of him, he mentioned, “If you want to find Mr. Huang, you can. However, if he realizes he’s been deceived and you treat him as a criminal, he might get quite angry.” Long Xiaolong gestured toward the watch on Xu Ling’s wrist, saying, “Just a reminder, that Mr. Huang has given him quite a few gifts.”
Xu Ling, who was sobbing, was startled at the words, hastily covering the watch on his wrist that he hadn’t dared to wear at home on Sunday and only put on when he came to school. Amidst the ongoing events, he had forgotten about it!
But covering it up was futile; everyone had already seen it.
Wang Yuqi pulled his hand to take a look. It was a branded watch, starting at five figures. “This isn’t something we bought for you!”
“How many gifts did you accept from that man?” Xu Qunzhi, on the verge of shock, exclaimed, “Is the money I gave you not enough? Are you dating or trying to find a sugar daddy?”
He slapped Xu Ling across the face, causing him and the chair to topple!
Teacher Liu and Teacher Zhang, initially dumbfounded, were startled by the commotion and rushed to intervene.
“Who took you there?” Xu Qunzhi, losing his composure, demanded, “Who took you to the bar?!”
“… It was Yan Ge,” Xu Ling, holding his face, stammered, “It was Yan Ge.”
“Yan?” Xu Qunzhi, gasping for breath, recalled and suddenly looked at Wang Yuqi, “Yan Ruqi, your nephew?!”
Wang Yuqi was also stunned. The next moment, Xu Qunzhi slapped her across the face, and she screamed.
Teachers Liu and Zhang were terrified. Both being female teachers, they couldn’t contend with Xu Qunzhi, a large man.
Xu Qunzhi was about to strike again but found his wrist restrained. Turning around, he saw Xu Yin standing behind him, with Yan Ningchuan and Long Xiaolong also standing up, their faces stern.
“Do you want me to call the police for you?” Xu Yin asked calmly.
Xu Qunzhi struggled but couldn’t break free, angrily shouting, “You’re utterly out of line!”
“Go ahead and call the police,” Xu Yin told Yan Ningchuan.
Yan Ningchuan didn’t hesitate, taking out his phone. Xu Qunzhi was taken aback, hesitated, and it was Teacher Zhang who hurriedly said, “Wait, Yan Ningchuan!”
Yan Ningchuan paused, still holding his phone, staring coldly at Xu Qunzhi. His intentions were quite clear.
Xu Yin raised an eyebrow. “Can we have a civilized conversation now?”
Xu Qunzhi, catching his breath, glanced at Xu Yin and then at Yan Ningchuan. Clenching his fists, he grumbled, “Let go!”
As Xu Yin released his grip, Xu Qunzhi immediately stepped back two paces, ran his fingers through his hair, and swallowed hard.
After calming his breath, he pointed at Xu Yin and asked the teachers, “And what about him? What did he do?!”
Outside, the second bell signaling the end of the first class rang.
Xu Yin glanced at the office door and then turned back. A stark contrast formed between him and the other three members of the Xu family.
Regardless of the commotion caused by Xu Qunzhi and Wang Yuqi, and Xu Ling’s tears, he sat quietly beside Yan Ningchuan, observing with cold eyes.
At this moment, he calmly stated, “The first class is over. He brought people from Class 7 after the class, claiming I was the one who hit him. On Saturday morning after class, I returned to the dormitory, took the subway to the city after dinner, met Long Xiaolong, encountered Yan Ningchuan, and then stayed at Yan Ningchuan’s place. I don’t know what happened to Xu Ling and why he said I hit him, I’m not sure.”
After finishing his explanation, Xu Yin looked at Teacher Liu and Teacher Zhang. “May Yan Ningchuan and I go back to the classroom now?”
Teachers Liu and Zhang felt a bit awkward. They knew the handling of this situation was a bit rough. Not to mention Xu Ling, even the classes of Xu Yin and Yan Ningchuan were indeed disrupted.
Understanding Xu Yin’s situation was quite simple. This incident arose from the Xu family’s problems. However, Yan Ningchuan insisted on staying…
Xu Qunzhi, still confused, asked, “Then why did Xu Ling say you hit him?”
Xu Yin smiled.
Looking at Xu Ling, he said mockingly, “Yeah, I’m curious too. Why did he say I hit him?”
He lifted his foot and walked over step by step.
Xu Ling shrank back, still crouched on the ground, afraid to get up.
Xu Yin walked in front of Xu Ling and stopped.
With hands behind his back, he bent down slowly.
Xu Ling, shaded by the looming figure, felt goosebumps all over his body.
He heard a gentle male voice from above, “Why are you still crying?”
Xu Ling felt a cool sensation running up from the base of his spine.
Dazedly, he lifted his head.
The boy, with a handsome face and a smile that could put people at ease, spoke, “Xu Ling, do you plan to cry forever?”
Xu Ling’s mind was completely blank.
Subconsciously, he whispered, “What…”
The boy reached out, using his thumb to wipe away a tear that had fallen from Xu Ling’s eye.
The gesture was gentle.
The voice was gentle too.
Xu Yin said softly, “If you don’t want to cry again, get up, let’s talk properly, okay?”
Xu Ling broke down.
