C15 15

Tong Qing recognized the pearl necklace immediately. It was the same one Tong Nianyu had flaunted around her neck the day after Tong Qing's wedding, the one Tong Qing had accidentally broken. But now, why was it in her desk? Narrowing her eyes, Tong Qing caught the smug look in Pei Na's gaze and instantly understood the earlier ruse to get her alone. It was a setup. Tong Nianyu snatched the necklace from Pei Na, and after a quick inspection, turned to Tong Qing in disbelief. "Qing, you said you didn't take it. So why is my necklace here?" The classroom buzzed with whispers. "I can't believe Tong Qing, as pretty as she is, would do something so underhanded." "You don't understand; appearances can be deceiving." "It figures, someone from the slums just can't behave properly. Stealing, and from her own sister no less. Could it be jealousy toward Tong Nianyu?" "In comparison, Tong Nianyu is not only graceful and cultured, but also beautiful. She's far superior to that illegitimate daughter." The murmurs around her were unfiltered, each word piercing Tong Qing's heart like a thorn. Tong Nianyu bowed her head, concealing a triumphant smirk. Tong Qing's lips pressed tightly together as she was about to speak when the classroom door swung open and Pei Zhiru, the director of school affairs, entered. "I heard there's been a theft in the classroom?" "Dad," Pei Na accused, pointing at Tong Qing. "It's her. She stole Nianyu's necklace and won't even admit it after being caught red-handed." Tong Qing stood tall and countered firmly, "It wasn't me." Pei Zhiru scrutinized her. "Then how do you explain finding the necklace in your desk?" "What if I told you someone planted it there on purpose?" "That's a poor excuse." "If you don't believe me, then check the surveillance footage." Her conscience was clear; she had nothing to fear from an investigation. Pei Na smugly interjected, "The classroom's surveillance camera has been broken since last week." Tong Qing's expression turned grim. Pei Zhiru scoffed, "I suspect you knew the surveillance was down before you dared to steal. You've got quite the nerve. This isn't your first time, is it?"

His words dripped with disdain, as though he held people like Tong Qing in the lowest regard. Tong Nianyu stepped forward, her voice soothing. "Director, perhaps my sister didn't do it intentionally. Please, consider that this is her first offense and let her off just this once." Pei Na couldn't bear it any longer. "Nianyu! Even now, you're still defending her?" Tong Nianyu said nothing, merely giving Tong Qing a glance. She looked at Tong Qing as if she truly were her own sister. Witnessing this, the students felt a twinge of sympathy for Tong Nianyu and admired her generosity. Despite Tong Qing's disdain and the accusation of theft, Tong Nianyu still advocated for her. With Tong Nianyu's plea, Pei Zhiru's demeanor softened somewhat. He addressed Tong Qing. "In light of this, apologize to Tong Nianyu, and we'll consider the matter closed." "Apologize?" Tong Qing retorted with an icy stare. "I didn't take anything. Why should I apologize?" "You. What did you say? I'm giving you one more chance. Think it over before you answer." "I've made myself clear. I will not apologize." If she apologized now, it would be as good as admitting to the theft of Tong Nianyu's belongings. She wasn't about to make such a foolish mistake. "Obstinate." Pei Zhiru slammed his hand on the table, his threat looming. "Listen, if you don't apologize today, you can pack your bags and leave Jiangcheng University." Upon hearing this, Tong Nianyu quickly grasped Tong Qing's hand, coaxing her. "Sister, just swallow your pride and apologize. I won't hold it against you." Tong Qing shoved her away. "Quit your charade in front of me. It's nauseating." "Sister." Pei Na steadied Tong Nianyu, frustration evident as she stamped her foot. "Dad. Look at her." "Tong Qing. I gave you a chance, and since you don't appreciate it, you've only yourself to blame." Pei Zhiru's gaze was fierce as he bellowed. "From this moment on, you are no longer a student here. Get out." No sooner had the words left his lips than another voice, thunderous with anger, erupted. "Without my permission, I dare anyone to let her leave."

Simultaneously, a figure strode into the room with urgency. Pei Zhiru was about to scold the newcomer, but upon recognizing the individual, he was suddenly speechless, as if his throat had been seized. "Principal... Principal? What brings you here?" "Hmph!" The principal's mouth curled in disdain. "Had I not arrived, you would have chased away one of my best students!" Best student? Referring to Tong Qing? Impossible. Pei Zhiru assumed the principal was unaware of the incident and recounted the events with embellishments. Concluding with moral fervor, he declared, "Principal, Jiangcheng University absolutely cannot harbor a student of such deplorable character, and therefore, I insist on her expulsion!" At the sight of the principal, Pei Na's heart surged with joy. Today was the day Tong Qing would meet her downfall. However, to everyone's astonishment, after Pei Zhiru finished his account, the principal slapped him across the face and exclaimed, "You make such bold accusations that my niece is a thief without a shred of surveillance evidence? It seems you've grown so bold you have the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard."

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