C18 18

The bell signaling the end of class rang punctually. Tong Qing gathered her belongings and stood up to leave. As she approached the door, someone abruptly blocked her path. The individual, sporting a mop of blond hair and exuding a ruffian's air, scrutinized her. "You're the new transfer student, aren't you?" Tong Qing furrowed her brow. "Move." "I'm talking to you." "And what if I am?" Tong Qing shot him a glance. "Is there an issue?" "It is you. You're the reason Pei Na got expelled." Behind her, someone gasped. "Isn't that Zhang Shijie, the School Tyrant? What's he doing here?" "It's pretty clear, isn't it? He's been pursuing Pei Na, and now that she's been expelled, he's bound to give Tong Qing a hard time." Meanwhile, Tong Nianyu discreetly deleted a recently sent text message, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. She was eager to see how Tong Qing would handle this situation. Zhang Shijie seized Tong Qing's hand. "Come with me. You're going to apologize to Pei Na right now." Tong Qing steadied herself and regarded him coolly. "Are you out of your mind?" "What did you say?" "Why should I apologize to her? What have I done wrong?" Zhang Shijie's face darkened with anger at her defiant tone. "If it weren't for you, she would never have been expelled." Tong Qing's expression was etched with scorn. "Pei Na tried to set me up by stealing and then pinning it on me. She got caught and expelled, which she fully deserved. How is that my fault?" "You're still talking tough at the brink of disaster. I'm going to make you regret it today." With that, Zhang Shijie clenched his fist and swung at her. The classroom held its breath, some students covering their eyes in anticipation of the impact. "Ah." The expected scream echoed through the room.

Tong Qing's eyes narrowed as her grip tightened. "Who did you call a bastard?" "Ow, ow, ow..." "Speak up." Zhang Shijie did not even glance at her. Instead, he prodded his lackeys and said, "What are you standing around for? Get her." Snapped out of their daze, the lackeys scrambled into action. Tong Qing flung Zhang Shijie aside and rolled up her sleeves, her words succinct. "Come on." Her challenge infuriated the thugs. "Brothers, let's go. Let's see if she dares to be so cocky now." Five minutes later, several more were sprawled on the ground. Tong Qing stood with her foot on Zhang Shijie's hand, towering over him as she asked again, "Who's the bastard?" "It's... it's me," Zhang Shijie gasped in pain, his bravado deflated. "I was wrong. I'll never dare again. Please, let go. My hand's going to be ruined." With a scoff, Tong Qing lifted her foot. Having been raised in the slums, she had encountered all sorts. Did they really think their meager skills could touch her? Wishful thinking. Zhang Shijie, supported by his minion, cradled his hand and glared at Tong Qing with loathing. "You. You'll regret this." Tong Qing returned his glare with a taunting look and dismissed him icily. "Beat it." Reluctantly, Zhang Shijie knew they were no match for Tong Qing, and he retreated amid the jeers of onlookers. The spectacle caused a sensation in the nearby classroom. Nobody could have imagined that Tong Qing would take on five and send them packing. What on earth was she? Some recalled the door she had kicked down earlier and shivered at the thought. Tong Nianyu had witnessed it all, her anger nearly ripping her skirt. Zhang Shijie was such a waste, absolutely useless. With his pathetic display, he still aspired to pursue Pei Na. Maybe in his next life. Tong Qing checked the time, her brow furrowing slightly. She had been delayed longer than expected and was not sure if Fu Chijing was still there waiting for her. With no time to spare, she pulled out her phone and hurried toward the underground parking garage.

Underground Garage Number 1—From a distance, Tong Qing spotted the familiar Maybach. "I'm sorry," Tong Qing said as she climbed into the car, her face full of apology. "Something came up unexpectedly, and it set me back a bit." Fu Chijing gave a slight nod and asked, "What happened?" "Uh..." Tong Qing's eyes darted around, betraying her unease. "It was nothing major." Fu Chijing lifted an eyebrow. Tong Qing quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. "Anyway, what brings you to school?" Fu Chijing pressed his lips together and answered her question with one of his own. "Why? Are you not happy to see me?" His gaze carried a hint of disappointment, like a large, forlorn pet dog. Tong Qing's heart raced, and heat rose to her cheeks as she hurried to explain, "No... it's not that I didn't want you to come. It just caught me by surprise, but I'm really grateful you did." "Hmm?" At the rise in his tone, Tong Qing softened her voice. "If you hadn't shown up, I would have been picked on."

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