MCFEM C24

Chapter 24 – Such a Typical Plot

Originally, this matter—whether from the school’s side or the perpetrator’s side—was something they wanted to play down. But after Gu Yang deliberately pulled himself into it, the gravity of the situation immediately rose to an entirely different level.

The Gu family was one of the most prominent houses in Jiang City, with industries spread across the country, and they had always maintained cooperative dealings with the Wanhe Group.

Not to mention, Gu Yang himself was often seen keeping close company with the Gu family’s eldest young master.

The vice-principal had already done his calculations. So when sending the guests off, faced with Father Ding’s subtle probing, he did not utter a single superfluous word.

Though there seemed to be no physical harm, the incident had escalated to the point of attempted suicide. The vice-principal contacted Class Ten’s homeroom teacher, instructing him to take Liu Hua to the hospital for a full examination.

Mother Liu watched all this in silence. She had little education, and she had never faced such a scene before, but she could still tell that these children were standing up for her.

Clumsy with words, and afraid that anything she said might embarrass her son in front of his peers, she merely nodded repeatedly in gratitude as she listened to their arrangements.

After sending the Liu mother and son away, the vice-principal intended to first level with He Ming’an about how he planned to handle the situation.

“Class Ten’s Ding Ziyu—his actions this time were far too vile. Not only did he extort and bully others, he even drove two students to contemplate suicide. This is simply outrageous.” At this point, the vice-principal couldn’t help glancing at Gu Yang.

“My thought is to expel him.”

He Ming’an nodded. “Ding Ziyu must have targeted not only Liu Hua, but others as well. If the school doesn’t act, it will only encourage this culture of bullying. Especially given how unique our school’s circumstances are, I think the administration should make this public, even announce it at morning assembly.”

“There’s also one other thing…” The vice-principal’s expression turned troubled. “Liu Hua is undeniably a victim here, but I don’t think his mental state is very sound, and so many classmates witnessed what happened. Even if he comes back, he won’t escape the gossip.”

“The agreement we signed with special admits requires them to maintain certain grades each semester to keep their tuition exemption. If they lose it, the cost will be crushing for them.”

“So I believe he may not be able to adapt to our school’s rigorous pace. Staying might not do him any good. It would be better for him to transfer to a more relaxed environment. I raise this suggestion for his own good.”

At that, Song Yinxing couldn’t help but frown slightly.

The vice-principal’s meaning was clear: he wanted not only to expel Ding Ziyu, but also to nudge Liu Hua out.

Song Yinxing could guess his reasoning—it was nothing more than thinking a student who had nearly attempted suicide would remain a destabilizing factor. Rather than constantly worry, better to get rid of him early.

But it couldn’t be denied, the vice-principal’s words were comprehensive, and not without merit.

He Ming’an clearly thought of the same. With a soft sigh, he said, “This choice should be left to Liu himself.”

“If he wants to stay, don’t do anything unnecessary. He is the victim here.”

The vice-principal gave a wry smile. He understood he was being called out. He wasn’t a cruel man, but in his position, he had to think in broader terms. Since He Ming’an had spoken, if something happened, he wouldn’t have to take the blame before Chairman He anyway.

There were still many loose ends to tie up. After discussing the plan, he took his leave.

In the reception room, He Ming’an smiled at Song Yinxing. “Today we owe a lot to you. You kept evidence—handling it all became much easier.”

Song Yinxing shook his head. He had only done what he should. Besides, he knew his role had been minor.

If not for Gu Yang spotting Liu Hua on the rooftop in advance, if not for He Ming’an’s willingness to intervene, things would likely have fizzled into nothing.

He thought back to Ding Ziyu, stammering and nearly groveling at Gu Yang’s feet for mercy, and a flicker of mockery passed through his eyes.

At that moment, Gu Yang held out his hand.

Song Yinxing didn’t react. “What?”

“High-five,” Gu Yang said. “We made a good team back there.”

Song Yinxing: “…”

He had nearly forgotten Gu Yang’s sudden, almost ingenious intervention.

The story sounded absurd, but the transfer record from days earlier backed it up perfectly.

Were it not unnecessary, he might have suspected Gu Yang had set this trap for Ding Ziyu from the very start.

Tentatively, he raised his hand and pressed it to Gu Yang’s palm.

So cold—the chill of Gu Yang’s skin pricked him.

Wasn’t the heating on?

As the clap ended, Gu Yang began to pull his hand back, but Song Yinxing held on, pausing before awkwardly saying, “On the rooftop earlier, you…”

What he wanted to ask was: What exactly were you trying to do?

Gu Yang’s gaze dropped to his captive hand, then his eyes curved as he laughed.

Song Yinxing had already seen him smile several times now.

“Of course, I was just messing with him,” Gu Yang said once the laughter subsided. “You didn’t take it seriously, did you?”

“Hugging me so tight, I could hardly breathe.” The line was flippant and careless, leaving Song Yinxing at a loss for words.

Then he realized a gap in logic. “So why were you on the rooftop in the first place?”

“Napping. I hadn’t slept well last night, and they don’t let you stay in the classroom during morning assembly.”

“You slept on the rooftop, in this cold?”

“Yes. I was simulating what it feels like to sleep rough on the streets.”

“…”

Song Yinxing thought he was simply performing how to spout nonsense with a straight face.

Expressionless, he turned to He Ming’an. The other boy gave a helpless smile, changing the subject: “The matter’s mostly resolved. We should head back—class will resume soon.”

They left the reception room together. At the corridor fork, He Ming’an remembered something. “Oh right, Song, you may be called to testify later. Sorry if it troubles you.”

Song Yinxing didn’t mind, but his face hesitated. Seeing that, He Ming’an smiled. “Something you want to say?”

“…When Ding Ziyu and his group harassed me before, you said you’d handle it fairly, give me an explanation.” Song Yinxing let out a self-mocking laugh. “I thought you were just making empty promises. And today, if not for you all, Liu Hua’s matter wouldn’t have ended well.”

“Then you really misunderstood. I’m not the type to make empty guarantees.” He Ming’an smiled brightly. “I’ve always aspired to give everyone a warm home.”

“I’ll remember this. I owe you.” Song Yinxing knew that no matter his status, He Ming’an was still just a student, with no obligation to step in.

And he hated owing others.

“You pulled Ah Yang back today. I haven’t thanked you yet. How about we call it even?”

“No. That was between me and Gu Yang—it doesn’t count.” Song Yinxing refused firmly. He already owed Gu Yang too much.

“I see.” He Ming’an’s smile didn’t fade. After a pause, he said, “I recall you’re Class Ten’s monitor, right? Just so happens—a transfer student will be joining soon. Could I ask you to look after him?”

“No need to go out of your way. Just help him through the adjustment period.”

A transfer student?

Song Yinxing blinked. He hadn’t expected one this late in the term.

He didn’t ask further, only nodded his agreement.

When they parted ways, ascending the stairs, He Ming’an chuckled to Gu Yang. “That Song is pretty interesting. No wonder you’re so curious about him, Ah Yang.”

But Gu Yang suddenly asked, “Didn’t you say the special admit agreement requires tuition waivers to be renewed each semester based on grades?”

He Ming’an was used to Gu Yang’s odd, delayed leaps of thought. He considered. “That should be the case.”

“Then why is Song Yinxing’s contract different?” Gu Yang remembered very clearly—in the middle of the novel, the reason Song shouldered massive debt was because he had been barred from sitting the college exam. The school then enforced the entry contract, demanding repayment of all tuition and subsidies.

He Ming’an froze. Even with all his goodwill, how could he possibly know the specific contract details of Song Yinxing?

How did Gu Yang know? Did Song tell him? And why would Song tell him?

He Ming’an’s mind turned involuntarily.

“Oh, never mind.” Gu Yang had already let it go, thinking it through himself.

【This must have been written purely to pile on more tragic backstory for the protagonist.】

Why should he argue with a melodramatic novel?

At those words, He Ming’an’s smile dimmed slightly.

Protagonist? Tragic backstory?

They had already reached the classroom.

Yu Bai was the first to spot them. His gossiping spirit, suppressed earlier by He Ming’an, now surged back with redoubled force. He was still wondering how to casually bring it up when another loud voice cut through first.

“Well, if it isn’t Gu Yang. Heard you were up on the roof threatening to throw yourself off.”

Yu Bai glanced sideways. The boy in his seat had one leg crossed arrogantly. His features were strikingly handsome, but his expression was so sour it spoiled his looks.

He came back to school with gunpowder in his belly. From the moment he sat down, he started biting at others.

“On the rooftop, it wasn’t him. Ah Yang only acted to distract the real one.” He Ming’an spoke evenly.

“Oh, I see—that’s called taking someone else’s road, leaving them nowhere to go.” Yu Bai quickly chimed in.

They could playact on the surface, but inner thoughts couldn’t be faked. For now, though, no one said more.

“Heh, since when are you so kindhearted?”

Ye Chen grinned. “Lu Ran, why come back like a raging dragon? Didn’t your twin brother just return home? Shouldn’t you be happy?”

“….” At once, the boy called Lu Ran’s face blackened. “I don’t have a brother. This is the last time I’ll say it—anyone who brings it up again, I’ll beat them.”

Catching Gu Yang’s gaze, Lu Ran snapped viciously, “What are you staring at? Believe I won’t actually hit you?”

Yu Bai hesitated, wanting to warn Lu Ran not to provoke Gu Yang. Too much had happened while he’d been gone. But he held back, fearing a punch.

【Strictly speaking, he isn’t really a brother.】

【Lu Ran himself was the one switched at birth. The boy who returned is the true young master. They’re not blood-related at all. It’s only because the Lu family couldn’t bear to part with the child they raised that they invented the “twin” title.】

【Hilarious. Such a typical plot.】

Lu Ran: ??

See? Who told you to provoke him?