“Ha, ha…”

Xia Fu was gasping for air like a fish out of water.

Her family had paid a hefty sum to settle things after Xia Changqing got into a fight. Her parents, in response, issued a strict order for Xia Fu to “avoid causing trouble outside,” which left her two options in conflict: either remain completely silent or go all-out, with no middle ground. So, when Bao Zhiwei slapped her, she retaliated by smashing something back at his head.

Now the guy was lying on the ground, motionless, his stillness sending Xia Fu’s heart pounding.

What should she do? Why wasn’t he moving? Could he be… dead?

If he’d only fainted, she could explain it away as self-defense. But if he were dead, or if he had lasting brain damage, she was done for. Even with a lenient sentence, she’d be looking at prison for the rest of her life.

No, no, no.

All these terrifying scenarios sent chills down her spine. She hugged her laptop tighter and, steeling herself, moved closer to check on Bao Zhiwei’s condition.

Thank goodness, he was still breathing.

The once high-and-mighty guy lay on his back, making heavy breaths through his nose, his large belly rising and falling like a frog on a dissection table.

As Xia Fu looked down at Bao Zhiwei, she felt a mix of relief and disgust. She held her breath and nudged his arm with her toe. “Bao Zhiwei, Bao Zhiwei?” she called softly, checking if he was still conscious.

Seconds ticked by. A full minute passed, and Bao Zhiwei didn’t respond.

Maybe she should just run. But she couldn’t. That couple from earlier had overheard their argument, and as the only girl in the class, she’d be easy to identify.

Maybe she should find someone. But who? Her parents wouldn’t care; her counselor was biased; her roommates were just regular students… Fang Jingcheng?

Xia Fu swallowed nervously, once again feeling her own helplessness.

Maybe she could try calling campus security?

She’d saved a few emergency numbers during freshman orientation.

As Xia Fu fumbled through her pocket to check if her phone was still working, she heard footsteps approaching from a distance.

It sounded like just one person, strolling leisurely. It didn’t seem like the couple had returned.

Could it be some random person wandering the garden at night?

Her heart leapt to her throat as she anxiously analyzed the situation, racking her brain for a plausible explanation. She didn’t notice Bao Zhiwei slowly opening his eyes.

Suddenly, a hairy hand shot toward her slender ankle, gripping it with crushing force, as if he wanted to shatter her bones.

Xia Fu let out a short scream of pain. Before she could react, he yanked her ankle, pulling her down to the ground.

“You filthy wench,” Bao Zhiwei spat through gritted teeth. He grabbed her left foot and started dragging her toward him while using his other hand to prop himself up, preparing to get back on his feet.

Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead, staining his eyes red. He looked like a zombie rising from a grave.

Xia Fu’s earlier blow had been too soft. She’d hit him with her laptop’s flat side, which spread out the impact. So, after a brief moment of dizziness, Bao Zhiwei quickly recovered.

However, he was still a bit sluggish, thanks to the lingering effects of a concussion. Xia Fu seized this moment to fight back.

Jerk… absolute jerk…

There were witnesses around; she couldn’t go all-out like before.

Seeing the lumbering figure of Bao Zhiwei getting closer, Xia Fu gritted her teeth. Perhaps she did have some of her brother’s violent genes in her. Despite having little experience fighting, she picked up her laptop again and smashed the edge down on Bao Zhiwei’s wrist. At the same time, she screamed toward the exit, “Let go of me! Help!”

Bao Zhiwei howled in pain, letting go of her ankle as if he’d been electrocuted. Seizing the opportunity, Xia Fu kicked him in the knee with her right foot, pushing him a short distance away.

It hurt! She should’ve kicked harder.

Xia Fu tried to get up, but it felt like a blade was wedged in her left ankle. The pain shot up, bringing tears to her eyes.

Her pale skin bore five distinct finger marks from Bao Zhiwei’s grip. He’d twisted her ankle quite badly.

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on it.

Xia Fu gripped a nearby stone pillar and forced herself to stand.

“Help!”

It hurt so much.

She stumbled toward the direction of the footsteps, feeling like the mermaid in the fairy tale, every step sharp and painful.

Luckily, her struggle wasn’t in vain.

Hearing her cries, someone called out uncertainly, “Xia Fu?” The voice grew closer with rapid strides.

The pale moonlight shone through the sparse wisteria, illuminating the scene.

Fang Jingcheng’s silver hair glistened under the light, and his deep blue eyes were as clear as glass. He was dressed in a simple white T-shirt, looking as pure as moonlight personified.

Seeing Xia Fu running toward him, his first instinct was to open his arms to catch her, as if she might collapse at any moment.

Without hesitation, Xia Fu clung to his strong arm.

She had no other choice.

This man wasn’t exactly a white knight. Though he had an elegant appearance, a snake tattoo snaked across his skin, adding a mysterious edge. When he smiled, it was with a calculating calmness, and Xia Fu could almost hear the hiss of a snake moving.

She suspected his skin would be as cold as scales or silver.

But in truth, his young body radiated a surprising warmth, becoming the only source of heat in the cool summer night.

“Help me, please, help me,” she whispered, desperation in her voice.

She wasn’t some stunning beauty, nor was she particularly charming. Even her smart, steady demeanor as a teammate had been shredded by Bao Zhiwei. Honestly, Xia Fu didn’t know what she had left to offer. She was simply clutching at the last straw, pleading with Fang Jingcheng.

“Please.”

They’d only known each other a few days, their interactions had been friendly and peaceful, and this was the first time they were so close. Her voice, her scent, and her gaze wrapped around him like an inescapable net, stealing Fang Jingcheng’s breath.

He looked down, studying Xia Fu under the pale moonlight, and his first thought was—

Her tear-filled eyes were beautiful.

Her upturned eyes, large and bright, were now soaked in tears, dark with despair, reflecting only his silhouette.

She needed him urgently, in a way different from those who needed his money or his looks to boost their vanity. It was as though her life depended on him.

Realizing this stirred a strange feeling in Fang Jingcheng’s chest.

He had a friend in the jewelry business who loved traveling to find raw materials. This friend would polish dull stones until they sparkled, and she found endless joy in this transformation.

At first, Fang Jingcheng didn’t understand her happiness.

But now, looking into Xia Fu’s tear-streaked eyes, he felt he might glimpse an unsettling truth.

As if trying to grasp something, he clenched and unclenched his fingers before finally settling his hand gently on her thin back.

He lightly patted her trembling body, his voice soft and comforting.

“It’s okay, you’re going to be fine.”

When they parted, Fang Jingcheng could tell that Xia Fu didn’t want him to escort her back to her dorm.

But he had nothing else to do and found the garden’s ambiance pleasant, so he patiently watched her leave. Then, he headed to the nearest school convenience store to buy a bottle of water, intending to enjoy it while strolling around.

On the shelf were the usual drinks and a newly stocked tea, the “Louis Tea” she had drunk that afternoon. She seemed to enjoy it, sipping it with a relaxed, drowsy smile.

How good could it possibly taste?

With that thought, Fang Jingcheng casually grabbed a bottle, planning to give it to her if he saw her picking up her laundry. But little did he know, in just that short while, Xia Fu had already ended up in this mess.

He suspected the fight hadn’t happened long ago; he’d seen a girl running toward the women’s dorm, panic-stricken, leaving her boyfriend behind.

“Don’t worry. Tell me what happened.”

His touch was almost like a mother soothing a crying child…

Sensing a glimmer of hope, Xia Fu, still sobbing, tried to explain the situation to Fang Jingcheng.

“I hit him. What do I do? It’s over; I didn’t mean to.”

“You filthy wench! How dare you hit me!”

A sudden shout from behind made Xia Fu shrink her neck, burying her head in Fang Jingcheng’s chest, trembling and helpless, hardly looking like the girl who’d left her attacker covered in blood.

“You think you have some kind of shield? That useless rich kid is just playing around. I’ll tell you, no one’s going to protect you today!”

Bao Zhiwei staggered closer. The dried blood on his forehead had glued one eye shut, and his wrist, still hurting from Xia Fu’s blow, hung limp at his side.

Fang Jingcheng studied him calmly, analyzing the situation.

No wonder people say even rabbits will bite when pushed. The wound on his forehead looked serious. If they settled things by mutual consent, with the school smoothing things over, Xia Fu, an ordinary student, might not be able to fend off Bao Zhiwei’s retaliation.

But he was a different story.

“No, actually, it was me who hit you.”

“What? What?”

Bao Zhiwei’s furious expression froze, and he looked at Fang Jingcheng in confusion.

Without immediately explaining himself, Fang Jingcheng simply maintained his calm demeanor. “Wait here for a moment, okay?” he said, guiding Xia Fu to a nearby bench before heading toward Bao Zhiwei.

Bao Zhiwei, standing at a distance, hadn’t heard their conversation. Truthfully, Fang Jingcheng’s expressionless face made him nervous. Fang Jingcheng was tall and solidly built, someone he definitely couldn’t take on. But Bao Zhiwei had successfully used the same trick to chase off the arguing couple earlier, so he decided to give it another shot.

He forced a bitter smile, trying to close the gap between him and Fang Jingcheng.

“Bro, I wasn’t in my right mind earlier. Let me tell you, this girl’s been playing both of us!”

“She may look sweet and innocent, but she’s actually two-timing us. She was dating me first, sending morning and evening messages all semester, and I even wrote her final project! She probably just thinks you’re rich and decided to throw herself at you.”

“I was just trying to set her straight!”

But Fang Jingcheng simply looked at him with a seemingly sincere smile, as if he truly understood.

“Oh, so that’s how it is. So, you’re the one who hit her?”

Bao Zhiwei felt relieved, but just as he prepared to stoke Fang Jingcheng’s anger, a cold gust of wind brushed his face.

Fang Jingcheng’s fist shot forward, slamming into the bloodied side of Bao Zhiwei’s face.

Stars danced before Bao Zhiwei’s eyes, and he faintly heard the crack of his molars. He staggered to the side but was quickly yanked upright by Fang Jingcheng, who held him in place like a sandbag.

Despite having just punched him, Fang Jingcheng wore a bright smile, maintaining his charming, friendly image.

Bao Zhiwei heard him ask in a curious tone, as if a child toying with an ant.

“You really are something. If you know I’m just a spoiled rich kid, why did you still go after her?”

To be honest, Fang Jingcheng didn’t care about Bao Zhiwei. Whether or not Xia Fu had actually dated him was irrelevant. Just like on the basketball court, if he found Xia Fu interesting, he’d take her as his own.

But Bao Zhiwei had dared to slap Xia Fu. She looked so peaceful when she slept, and even after watching her for so long that afternoon, he hadn’t thought of touching her.

How did Bao Zhiwei have the nerve?

Listening to Bao Zhiwei’s earlier words, Fang Jingcheng realized that if he hadn’t stepped in, Bao Zhiwei would have continued hurting her.

Fang Jingcheng narrowed his eyes, displeased. He whispered a warning to Bao Zhiwei, “Bite down,” his voice as quiet and chilling as a snake.

Terrified, Bao Zhiwei clamped his teeth together, raising his hands to shield his face, thinking Fang Jingcheng would hit him again.

“Good boy.”

With a sarcastic smile, Fang Jingcheng grabbed Bao Zhiwei’s chin and drove his knee into Bao Zhiwei’s large belly with brutal force.

“Ugh.”

The knee strike was fast and ruthless, and Bao Zhiwei felt his stomach churn, bile rising in his throat. But it was nighttime, and his dinner had mostly digested. With Fang Jingcheng tilting his head up, he managed to swallow it back down.

What an idiot. Who said he was going to punch his face again?

Although Fang Jingcheng had considered it, he knew going too far might attract unwanted attention from his family.

He grinned maliciously, adjusting his grip on Bao Zhiwei’s shoulders, feigning casual amusement while keeping a keen eye on the garden path leading to the women’s dorm.

Several bright beams of light cut through the darkness, signaling the arrival of reinforcements brought by the girl who had fled.

Bao Zhiwei, facing away from the exit, remained oblivious.

As the rancid stench filled his mouth, his anger flared to a peak.

Damn it! He’s mocking me?!

I’ll make him pay!

Red-eyed, Bao Zhiwei threw a punch toward Fang Jingcheng’s abdomen.

It was a low blow, aimed at his vulnerable organs. But instead, Bao Zhiwei felt pain reverberate up his arm, like he’d punched a wall of rubber.

Did this guy anticipate the attack and brace his abs?

Confused, Bao Zhiwei looked up at Fang Jingcheng, who smiled brightly at him. Fang Jingcheng mouthed a silent goodbye: “Bye-bye,” before clutching his stomach and stumbling backward, as if he’d suffered a grave injury.

“Fang Jingcheng!”

Seeing him take a blow, Xia Fu screamed, shattering the silence and alerting the newcomers to their location.

Bao Zhiwei turned toward the sound of hurried footsteps, squinting as a flashlight beamed into his face.

The girl from earlier had called on the dorm supervisor Aunt Xu, who was now storming in with three security guards in tow.

Pointing, the girl shouted, “Auntie! Auntie! Over here! I heard a man hitting a girl!”

“Yes! He’s still attacking her!”

With tears streaming down her swollen face, the girl reached out to support the bent-over youth. Judging from the terrifying figure looming over her, it was obvious who the aggressor was.

The usually kind Aunt Xu now emanated a fierce energy. “Don’t move!” she barked at Bao Zhiwei. “Security is on their way!” She stepped protectively in front of Xia Fu, her motherly figure shielding the girl.

Two large security guards flanked Bao Zhiwei, firmly restraining him.

“What are you doing? I’m the one who got hit!”

Ignoring his protests, Aunt Xu turned to the two students, her voice soft with concern.

“Are you alright, dear?”

Seeing Fang Jingcheng hurt, Xia Fu’s anger flared. She hobbled forward, still clutching her laptop, ready to strike Bao Zhiwei’s back a few more times. But as she stumbled over the uneven ground, Fang Jingcheng reached out, catching her by the waist.

Through the thin fabric, Xia Fu could feel the warmth of his well-toned muscles.

Solid, like hot steel, pressing uncomfortably against her stomach.

“It’s just a punch. Look at you, all worked up.”

Despite pretending to be in pain, Fang Jingcheng maintained his composure, even teasing Xia Fu.

While Aunt Xu questioned her, he leaned in close to her ear, whispering softly:

“Remember, it was me who hit him. Leave me some space to explain.”

She looked too innocent to lie convincingly. To avoid revealing the truth, it was best if Xia Fu spoke first, and he could fill in the gaps.

Was it her time to act?

Xia Fu had never lied to an elder before, and she wasn’t sure if she could pull it off. But with things at this point, she had no choice. With Fang Jingcheng’s example, she was determined to give it a try.

Xia Fu pressed her lips tightly together, using Fang Jingcheng’s arm to stand back up. She raised her head, hesitantly answering Aunt Xu:

“I… I’m okay…”

Her words trailed off as she recognized the familiar face before her.

“Aunt Xu?”

“Xiao Xia?”

The dorm supervisor, who she was most familiar with, was standing right there! The dorm staff rotated every three days, and Xia Fu had just seen her on Sunday. She hadn’t expected Aunt Xu to be working tonight.

Xia Fu’s stunned silence gave Aunt Xu time to take in the bruises on her face. Her pale face was streaked with tears, marked by red welts on one side, with her lip bleeding from where her teeth had cut into it. She looked utterly miserable.

“Oh, poor thing! How could anyone do this to such a sweet girl?” Aunt Xu muttered angrily, reaching out to hold Xia Fu’s face, gently wiping her tears, her movements clumsy as she tried to avoid her injuries.

The genuine concern in Aunt Xu’s eyes was unfamiliar to Xia Fu.

Growing up, her family’s care was always conditional on her being the “good child.” If she got into any trouble, she’d be scolded severely, just as her grandmother had done.

Her parents, busy with their stall, left her in her grandmother’s care. When other kids bullied Xia Fu, her grandmother would rush to the school, annoyance written all over her face—“Don’t bring trouble to the family.”

Xia Fu wasn’t used to asking for help. The stark difference between Aunt Xu’s reaction and her grandmother’s left her unable to think clearly.

No time to dwell on that. There were witnesses here; she needed to make a strong impression…

“I… I don’t know; I don’t know what happened. I was just heading back to the dorm, but Bao Zhiwei suddenly jumped out from the hallway. He grabbed me… and called me… a wench.”

With the immediate danger gone, Xia Fu’s adrenaline was finally wearing off, and she was starting to feel the pain in her injuries.

It was as if the insult had stabbed her just as deeply. She choked out a sob.

“I’m not a wench. We’re just classmates; I wanted to explain, but then he hit me… My bag fell to the side, and Fang Jingcheng stepped in to help me. He told Bao Zhiwei to stop, but he wouldn’t listen, so Fang Jingcheng had to use my bag to fend him off, then tried to hold him back to calm him down, but Bao Zhiwei attacked him.”

Xia Fu’s account was mostly true, with only a minor adjustment about how Bao Zhiwei had gotten his injury. The story held together well and had no obvious holes.

Not bad, even a little better than he’d expected.

Fang Jingcheng straightened up, picking up Xia Fu’s bag from the ground and brushing off the dust. He explained:

“Yes, that was me. It was a tense situation, and I saw Xia Fu lying on the ground while this guy kept grabbing her arm, getting rough.”

“I lost my cool and used her bag to hit him. I admit I went a bit overboard. I’ll take responsibility for the laptop and medical costs, but I still think he deserves to face consequences.”

Fang Jingcheng’s beautiful blue eyes locked onto Aunt Xu with a sincere and honest look, glancing briefly at Bao Zhiwei with a quick flash of distaste.

With that angelic face, Fang Jingcheng’s statement seemed exceptionally believable.

Bao Zhiwei ground his molars in frustration.

Something wasn’t right. How had it suddenly become Fang Jingcheng hitting him with the laptop?

Either this guy was so infatuated that he’d willingly play the “sacrificial scapegoat,” or he had the means to secure a release from any charges.

Either way, this didn’t look good for Bao Zhiwei.

Even the girl who had earlier shrunk in her boyfriend’s shadow was now confidently stepping forward. “Yes! I can vouch for it. When I left, I heard him make her cry!”

With a growing sense of panic, Bao Zhiwei tried to fight back.

“Don’t believe her lies! It’s all nonsense! She hit me with the laptop while I wasn’t looking. She’s been stringing me along, and now she’s framing me!”

Was that the best he could do? Just hurl insults at her?

Enough. She should’ve knocked out a few of his teeth while she was at it.

Almost as if fearful of his raised voice, Xia Fu lowered her head. She pulled out her phone with shaking hands and lit up the screen, exposing a wound she’d kept hidden:

“No, I didn’t lead him on. In fact, he’s been harassing me for a while, and I just didn’t want to bring it up… but this is what happens now. I really don’t know what else to do.”

In her phone was a record of his messages—photos taken without permission, and a series of ignored “no’s,” like a tear-stained, bitter accusation.

Embarrassing? Maybe. But she was done trying to hide it. Now, she was determined to take down a piece of Bao Zhiwei along with her.

The girl from earlier turned pale, realizing that such a creep had been lurking in the school, doing who-knows-what.

Standing right in front of the women’s dorm, just steps away from girls full of dreams and without a care in the world, this monster had followed them, secretly snapping photos, intimidating, and assaulting them.

Aunt Xu’s face flushed with anger as she pointed at Bao Zhiwei and cursed.

“You little punk, you little punk, I knew there was something wrong with you, lurking around at night!”

“Get your counselor, Jiang Rong, over here! This is getting out of hand!”

Damn it! Wasn’t the counselor supposed to have talked to Xia Fu this morning and convinced her to delete the evidence? He’d already deleted his own copies. How did Xia Fu still have a copy on her phone?

The only reason he’d been able to bully her was because she was so timid, afraid to show those pictures out of embarrassment.

Beyond Aunt Xu’s shoulder, Bao Zhiwei glared at Xia Fu in disbelief.

Her tearful eyes were no longer filled with fear or pain. Instead, they were dark and intense, like a wolf on the hunt.

Embarrassing? So what? She was ready to rip a piece out of him, no matter what.

Jiang Rong, being a local of S City, lived nearby and arrived within ten minutes. She wore a sleeveless silk blouse in lake blue and high-waisted ivory slacks, her sleek, short black hair tucked behind her ears. The usual grace that made her popular among students was overshadowed by her displeased expression.

To Bao Zhiwei, she was a beacon of hope.

Clutching his swollen face, he managed a pitiful “Sister Jiang,” inching his way toward her.

Unlike Aunt Xu, who came across as a no-nonsense, meddling housewife, the cultured and sensible Counselor Jiang would surely understand his side.

But Aunt Xu intercepted Jiang Rong first, speaking urgently:

“You really need to discipline that boy! How could he treat a young girl like this?”

Jiang Rong gave Aunt Xu a quick glance, taking a small step back to maintain distance, her tone detached.

“I’ve been dealing with this since this morning. It’s a bit complicated—just a lovers’ quarrel. Kids today don’t have much experience with relationships. They could all use a bit of guidance.”

Jiang Rong hadn’t expected Xia Fu to spill everything.

In the past, her cool-headed, composed approach would’ve been called “level-headed and composed in the face of conflict.” But right now, it looked more like “negligent and downplaying the situation.”

Aunt Xu immediately frowned, emphasizing her point:

“What lovers’ quarrel?! I know the girls in my dorm well! Xiao Xia’s never mentioned a boyfriend! A guy who hits girls is no good at all!”

“This kid’s just violent! It’s a crime!”

The word “crime” made Jiang Rong’s eyelid twitch, her previously weary expression turning ice-cold.

“I’m the counselor. When it comes to my students, I believe I understand them best. Thank you for your assistance, but it’s late. You should get back to your duties.”

Counselor Jiang brushed past Aunt Xu, addressing the group of students gathered in the dorm supervisor’s office.

“As for you three, I want a full explanation.”

In the ten minutes they’d waited, Aunt Xu had used a first aid kit to tend to everyone’s injuries. Xia Fu pressed a cold, damp towel to her cheek, and iodine had been applied to her scrapes. Bao Zhiwei’s hair was trimmed, and his forehead disinfected.

They’d all sustained minor injuries, though only Fang Jingcheng remained relatively unscathed. Perhaps the hospital would have been a better place for this discussion.

But Jiang Rong had more pressing concerns: She was in her final year before a promotion, and she couldn’t let this little incident derail her career.

If it hadn’t been for Bao Zhiwei’s enthusiasm in volunteering, boosting the class’s practice scores, or Xia Fu’s excellent grades and interest in competitions, Counselor Jiang wouldn’t have bothered with these kids’ petty drama.

The cold, white light cast a frosty shadow on Jiang Rong’s face as her sharp gaze settled on Bao Zhiwei, warning him:

“You kids need to understand that university isn’t the place to play out some soap opera. You’re all adults now; it’s time to start getting along if you ever plan to make it in the real world.”

“You’re all injured! This is a serious altercation. The school could suspend or even expel you.”

“But since this is your first offense, I want each of you to write out your statements. I’ll make my decision based on your level of remorse.”

After her harsh warning, Jiang Rong softened her tone, taking Xia Fu’s hand and sighing.

“Just think about it… Teacher Zhang told me how impressive your project with Bao Zhiwei was. You worked well together. How did it get to this point? Why didn’t you try to avoid a fight? What was the first thing that went wrong?”

Hearing this, Xia Fu buried her face in the damp towel, staring quietly at Jiang Rong. Fang Jingcheng, on the other hand, chuckled.

So she wanted to wrap this up tonight, with a little slap on the wrist?

He’d never seen a teacher so biased, presenting herself as stern while really just letting things slide. No wonder Bao Zhiwei had the nerve to keep acting out after their talk.

Fang Jingcheng ran a thumb across his lips, raising his hand to interrupt Jiang Rong’s lecture.

“With all due respect, shouldn’t we be going to the hospital for treatment instead of holding an interrogation here?”

Taking the students to the hospital would be a hassle, likely creating a scandal for the school.

Jiang Rong glared at Fang Jingcheng. “You all seem pretty lively for just a few cuts and scrapes. No need for a hospital visit,” she replied, treating the rules as something she could bend to her mood.

He didn’t let go of the point. “But why? You just said it’s a serious altercation, so wouldn’t it make sense to get a medical evaluation? His behavior is so extreme, isn’t disciplinary action warranted?”

As a member of the Honors Class, Fang Jingcheng wasn’t technically under Jiang Rong’s jurisdiction. Thankfully, Jiang Rong had built good relationships with her colleagues and knew when to back down.

“Self-defense and bravery have limits too! You can’t just smash someone’s head in, then smirk as if you’ve earned some special treatment. Where’s your counselor? When is he coming?” she demanded, trying to regain control over Fang Jingcheng.

Perfect. This was exactly what Fang Jingcheng wanted. He just smiled at her and replied with a mischievous grin:

“Oh, I’m in the Honors Class. Don’t worry; he’ll be here soon.”

The mention of the Honors Class made Jiang Rong’s stomach drop. It was an elite class under the school’s special protection, filled with the rich, the high-achievers, and a few academic prodigies.

But when she saw Fang Jingcheng’s “counselor” stride through the door, she could hardly believe it.

A middle-aged man in a navy-blue polo entered, slightly disheveled, a few beads of sweat on his temples. Adjusting his gold-framed glasses, he wiped away the sweat with a handkerchief and then lifted his gaze, studying Jiang Rong.

“What’s going on, Xiao Jiang? What got the kids all riled up?”

This man was the vice secretary of the Finance College’s party committee, not a high-ranking official but precisely her direct superior. Fang Jingcheng had clearly called him on purpose.

The culprit was still playing the “good boy,” hands clasped together as he invited her to start round two.

“Alright then, my counselor’s here. Shall we go over this matter more carefully?”

With her former firmness now softened, Jiang Rong carefully chose her words, evidently trying her best to contain the situation.

“They’re just kids, after all. This one has an interest in photography, and his pride got hurt, so he overreacted. He’s usually a good student.”

And with that, Jiang Rong shifted her focus to Xia Fu, who she believed was her best chance of smoothing things over. She addressed her gently.

“You agree, don’t you, Xia Fu?”

After all that effort, she was waiting for Xia Fu to chime in.

Xia Fu looked straight at Jiang Rong, finally giving her the response she wanted.

“Is it really a hobby? Then why don’t we post his photos on the Campus Forum for everyone to see?”

Her voice was hoarse from crying, screaming, and recounting her trauma, the painful details repeated over and over.

Holding up her phone for Jiang Rong to see the disturbing images, Xia Fu calmly described the nightmare.

“If Bao Zhiwei took these pictures of your daughters, Counselor Jiang, would you still call it a hobby?”

“Remember the main road when they walk home from the kindergarten? The night is dark, the two little girls holding hands… I remember one likes pink, and the other likes blue…”

Xia Fu had once seen Jiang Rong pick up her daughters from school. Though it was just a hypothetical, she painted a vivid picture, making Jiang Rong’s eyes widen in shock.

The usually gentle counselor now recoiled as if she’d seen something repulsive. She shoved Xia Fu’s phone away, harshly rebuking her:

“Xia Fu! That’s no way to talk to your teacher!”

Seeing the once “kind” Counselor Jiang scold her so harshly, Xia Fu almost wanted to laugh. So much for the beloved “big sister” Jiang. She might be a good mother who cared deeply for her daughters, but she’d never been a teacher who cared about Xia Fu.

Xia Fu was beginning to despise herself for ever admiring her.

But even if she had admired her, what good would it have done? Counselor Jiang’s “favor” had never brought her any actual benefit.

During class events, she’d always been the “rose among the thorns,” the token girl enhancing class harmony, eating whatever Bao Zhiwei left for her.

Even her so-called “fair judgment” today was hollow. Jiang Rong had ignored the harassment, the threats, and the damage to her belongings. She hadn’t even been moved when Xia Fu was cornered and curled up on the ground.

Jiang Rong’s only questions were “Why couldn’t you bear it a little longer? Why couldn’t you handle it more smoothly? For Bao Zhiwei’s sake, and mine, why couldn’t you just give in?”

Being the obedient, good student hadn’t saved her. It had only made her the tool used to spread Bao Zhiwei’s harm.

Why? Why should she? Did her feelings not matter?

Like a spring pushed to its limit, Xia Fu was filled with burning anger.

All that “stay out of trouble, focus on grades, work hard, and you’ll be noticed” nonsense—no wonder people used to beat the drum and cry for justice when pushed to the edge.

Fang Jingcheng had brought her someone willing to listen to reason. At such a crucial moment, if she couldn’t speak up for herself, then what good was her voice?

Since Jiang Rong wouldn’t let her speak, she’d speak even louder.

She’d already hit Bao Zhiwei, and the situation had escalated to this point. It was now or never. For her scholarship, competitions, and a smooth graduation, she had to nail Bao Zhiwei to the pillar of shame.

Letting go of the towel, Xia Fu exposed her swollen face to the light:

“You say I worked well with Bao Zhiwei on our project, that we were close classmates. But he still left me looking like this… Imagine what might happen to other innocent classmates if they accidentally crossed him.”

“The problem here isn’t me; it’s Bao Zhiwei. Instead of asking me to ‘consider my classmates’ feelings,’ wouldn’t it be better to send him to the hospital or prison for a character correction?”

“I don’t accept an apology.”