Ch. 161..170

Chapter 161 Inferior means

Tan Jing, who was outside the door, closed her eyes tightly as if she was escaping from something. She was unwilling to accept this as a result of what she had planned. It turned out to be true. Tan Rou had really found the deleted video!

Was this a ghost? How could Tan Rou be so capable?

Tan Jing couldn’t believe it. She subconsciously thought that Tan Rou definitely couldn’t do it. Maybe Director Wang did not delete the videos.

That must be it! The videos were still there, and Tan Rou had just found it like a blind cat that had found a dead mouse. Otherwise … Otherwise, It would be unexplainable!

Madam Li was looking at the video in disbelief. How could this happen?! She had just confidently confirmed that Tan Rou had cheated, but what was it that she just saw? The girl threw away the note when she turned around. Madam Li had never thought of such possibilities.

Tan Rou’s expression had been calm the whole time, and she watched Wei Ling’s actions in the video with cold eyes.

Immediately after, everyone saw how Madam Li criticised Tan Rou for her actions, saying that Tan Rou was unrepentant and had the audacity to talk back. The culprit, Wei Ling, acted like it was none of her business behind Madam Li’s back and even pretended to be answering her own papers.

Madam Li’s self-righteous accusations and Wei Ling’s shameless behavior caused all of them to sigh. How could Madam Li act this way?!

She accused someone else without distinguishing right from wrong. As for Wei Ling, she was clearly the one who did it, but even when Tan Rou got criticised for it, she still pretended like it was none of her business. It was too malicious!

Madam Li’s face turned from red to white. Embarrassment and shame engulfed her in an instant. She never thought that even with her years of experience, there would be times when her sharp eyes failed her.

It turned out this way. It was indeed embarrassing! What are kids thinking these days? Accusing others of cheating?

Tan Rou was not a generous person. Madam Li’s accusation and humiliation just now were without reservation, and she did not show any respect at all to Tan Rou. Thus, Tan Rou returned the favor. She looked at Madam Li with a faint smile, but she could not get herself to be mean. She only said softly, ” Madam Li never gave me a chance to explain earlier, but now that we’ve seen the surveillance video, do you still need me to explain myself?”

Madam Li was so embarrassed that she didn’t know how to say anything. She mumbled in a low voice, “No….there’s no need for that.”

Tan Rou didn’t make things difficult for her. Although as a teacher, she didn’t fulfil her professional ethics and wrongly accused her student along with how her attitude was very unpleasant, she was simply arrogant which was why she didn’t think that there was such a possibility. Tan Rou slightly ventured her anger from before but didn’t turn unreasonable.

The most important person here to deal with was Director Wang.

Tan Rou looked at the flustered Director Wang with a mocking expression and sneered. “Director Wang, did you know that this is what happened in the deleted video?”

Director Wang shook his head repeatedly and looked at Tan Rou helplessly. He then quickly turned to the principal. “No, I didn’t know! I didn’t know that it was like this! It was all a misunderstanding!”

In fact, it was true that Director Wang did not see the video. In order to prevent Tan Rou from checking the surveillance video, Director Wang quickly called his little follower to delete the footage after receiving the text message.

The Tan family had only asked him to delete the surveillance footage and take responsibility for the matter. Director Wang had thought that it would be enough to just teach Tan Rou a lesson.

He didn’t expect that someone had deliberately set Tan Rou up to cheat and how it would be clearly captured by the surveillance camera. No wonder they were urging him to delete the surveillance video. However, who would have thought that Tan Rou could restore these footage?! She had actually recovered them!!!

Director Wang secretly cursed in his heart. The Tan family had really caused him a lot of trouble this time!

It was clear in the video that Tan Rou had been framed, but with the footage deleted, he had been trying his best to convict Tan Rou!

He was just thinking that even if they came to the principal’s office, Tan Rou wouldn’t be able to clear her name without the footage.

However, the tables had turned. Director Wang felt there was no way that he could explain and stand up for himself.

Director Wang could only clench his teeth and refuse to admit his mistakes. He pretended as if nothing had happened and smiled awkwardly. “Since it’s a misunderstanding, Tan Rou has done nothing wrong then. I will definitely punish the girl who framed you! This is outrageous! She actually deceived all of us!”

Tan Rou looked at Director Wang, who was eager to get rid of the matter and divert her attention. She smiled cruelly, like a naughty kitten who had finally gotten tired of playing and decided to give a mouse a fatal blow.

Tan Rou’s eyes were cold even when there was a smile on her face. “Why would Wei Ling be so courageous to do such a thing when there are surveillance cameras inside the hall? I’m afraid that she has someone helping her from behind, which is why she is so unscrupulous.”

 

Chapter 162 Corruption

As soon as Tan Rou said this, Director Wang was like a mouse whose tail was being held down. He was so anxious that he jumped. “Look at what you’re saying! She’s just a student and she might have harboured ill intentions toward you because of personal grudges. This is a matter between both your girls! I’m just a teacher, what reasons do I have to help her?”

Director Wang’s forehead was full of sweat. The more unhurried Tan Rou was, the more nervous he became. He felt like he was being forced into a dead end by Tan Rou.

Tan Rou smiled. “Director Wang, I only said that there might be someone helping her. Why are you in a hurry to clear your own name?”

Director Wang was so stunned that he even forgot what he had just said.

Tan Jing, who was outside the door, bit her lip hard and cursed Director Wang in her heart. What an idiot! It was fine as long as he refused to admit it. Tan Rou didn’t have the telescope to see the text messages between the two but now Director Wang was getting forced to expose the truth himself!

Tan Rou was done teasing him and felt that there was no more meaning to it. She picked up the mouse and started operating on the computer.

Director Wang was so prideful that he didn’t notice that she had left a trap in advance.

The current surveillance system was logged in with Director Wang’s own ID. There were cameras everywhere in their school and Tan Rou could easily find the footage from Director Wang’s office.

The big screen began to play the image of Director Wang leisurely playing with his mobile phone in the office with his legs crossed. Suddenly, he noticed something and frowned slightly as he looked at his mobile phone. Then, Director Wang touched the sparse hair on the top of his head and was about to make a call.

When he suddenly saw himself on the screen, Director Wang was stunned. When he realised that this was the surveillance video of him in the office just now, Director Wang instantly broke out in a cold sweat. When he thought of the contents of his next call, Director Wang’s legs began to tremble.

He couldn’t care about anything else. Director Wang immediately wanted to take back the mouse from Tan Rou’s hand and turn off the damn video! No one should be allowed to watch what was about to happen next!

However, when Director Wang pounced on Tan Rou with a twisted expression, the principal had already noticed that something was wrong. He snapped, “Wang Li! You stand right there! Don’t move!”

The principal’s voice was deep and majestic. Now, he was pissed. The aura of a soldier shocked Director Wang, causing him to freeze in his spot.

The principal had shouted his full name and did not show him any respect. It’s over! Everything is over now!

A few seconds later, Director Wang made a phone call. He looked nonchalant and whispered to the other end of the phone, “Go and delete the video of Exam Lall D. Well, the latest one would do. Why are you asking so much? This is what the Tan family requested. Why would I ask? I didn’t. Don’t worry, they have always been generous. I will not forget what you’ve done today once I get paid.”

It wasn’t a long conversation but the message from it was intense.

The students at the entrance didn’t even dare to make a sound this time.

Originally, they just wanted to see what would happen to Tan Rou if she cheated but they didn’t expect to see Wei Ling framing her classmates as if no one else was around.

The others wanted to see how Tan Rou would fight director Wang alone, but he didn’t expect to see evidence of Director Wang’s corruption and bribery!

Most students reacted quickly. First, Wei Ling had unscrupulously thrown a small note under surveillance to frame Tan Rou. Then, Director Wang had found someone to delete the surveillance footage. He even said that the Tan family would be paying him handsomely. It was obvious that the Tan family had bribed Director Wang to get Tan Rou expelled from school!

After thinking about it carefully, it was simply too terrifying. Most of the students came from ordinary families. Today, the Tan family had bribed the school’s faculty so easily and wrongly accused Tan Rou. Then, would they continue to use this method to accuse others tomorrow?

Tan Rou had the ability to defend herself; but if it weren’t her, wouldn’t the student be expelled for no reason? You can do whatever you want just because you’re rich and just disregard the futures of others?

This instantly ignited the indignation in the students’ hearts. They expressed great resentment towards the school faculties and the wealthy who joined forces to slander their students. Many hot-blooded male students were already shouting loudly in the crowd, “He’s not fit to be the Director !”

Some of the students noticed Tan Jing hiding in the crowd and stared at her with suspicion and hatred. Since it was the Tan family who wanted this done, did Tan Jing know about it? Didn’t she not get along with Tan Rou recently?

Tan Jing’s heart crumpled. When she heard Director Wang mention the Tan family in the video, Tan Jing had already wanted to run away. But, she was afraid that she would be discovered by the students next to her if she suddenly left. In the end, she could only remain standing stiffly in her spot, praying that no one would see her.

But her prayers failed!

 

Chapter 163 Report truthfully

Seeing the students around her shooting daggers at her, Tan Jing suppressed her panic and pretended that she didn’t know anything. After hearing this, she also looked like she was in shock. She muttered softly, “That’s impossible, our family wouldn’t do that!” Then, she took her chance to escape from the crowd.

The crowd watched her run and didn’t know whether to believe her or not.

Tan Jing’s image had always been that of a weak little white flower. She looked like a harmless young lady who was friendly with people everywhere. But recently, she has been acting strange. Not only did she get into a bad relationship with Tan Rou on multiple occasions; most of her lies were exposed in public and something like this had just happened.

Everyone had heard of the complicated relationship between Tan Rou and Tan Jing. Since this matter was started by the Tan family, it would be unconvincing if Tan Jing said that it had nothing to do with her.

In the principal’s office, Tan Rou had already revealed what she needed to do. She was not in a hurry to make things difficult for the rest of them and so she obediently waited to the side for the principal to speak.

The truth was already so clear that there was nothing to quibble about.

The principal’s expression darkened as he shot a cold glance at Director Wang. This meaningful glance made Director Wang even more guilty. He couldn’t help but feel regretful. Why did he have to get involved in the muddy waters of the Tan family?

The principal looked at his pale face and hunched back. He sighed in disappointment. At first, he never wanted a fall out with Director Wang but he didn’t expect him to be so corrupted that led to such a disaster. It was his own negligence.

With his hands behind his back, the principal slowly walked back to his desk and sat down.

Director Wang trembled with fear. He felt that the principal’s every step was like walking on the tip of his heart, every second of silence was a torturous trial.

Director Wang couldn’t wait to beg for mercy. “Principal! Since it’s my first offense, please give me another chance. I’ve made a lot of contributions to the school over the years!”

The principal was silent.

Tan Rou laughed. “First offense? Director Wang had said that the Tan family had always been generous and had even promised to share everything with those working for him? Would this really be your first time? I’m afraid that the parents of every batch of students have provided you with all kinds of benefits over the years, and you’ve become familiar with it!”

The principal sighed, “Wang Li, you have to accept your punishment for your mistake. I can’t help you anymore. You have indeed contributed to the school all these years but now that you’ve made such a mistake, no one can help you!”

The principal had always looked down on Director Wang’s character but he still wanted to save him some dignity as there were so many students present here. He only said indifferently, “I’ll report the situation to the Ministry of Education. Just wait for them to come up with a decision.”

Unfortunately, Director Wang didn’t appreciate it. He had worked so hard and endured so many years of torture to get the position as the Director of this school!

Moreover, over the years, he had earned a great future in such a manner with his position and had a tacit understanding with most parents. How could Director Wang be willing to lose such a lucrative job?

When Director Wang realised that the principal had no intentions of protecting him and even wanted to report it to the Ministry of Education, he was instantly enraged. He didn’t care about the students around him and shouted madly, “Do you think I’m the only one who got all these? Why don’t you ask around?? Is there anyone in the teaching faculty that has not received gifts and benefits from the parents?! That’s all about the ways of the world! Why are you only targeting me?!”

The principal’s face turned cold and he said angrily, “I can guarantee it that I don’t! Just because you can’t resist the temptation, don’t think that everyone else is like you!”

Direction Wang sneered. “You’re the one who thinks that everyone else is like you and thinks that pedantic is incorruptible! Ask Madam Li, would she dare admit that she has never favoured any students because of what their parents have offered?! It’s because you’ve never cared about these things and I’ve been the one dealing with them!”

“The Tan family has just donated two academic buildings to the school. Of course, we have to express our gratitude! If everyone did what you did, where would we get the money for the school to continue developing? I’m doing this for the school! How did I become the villain in this story??”

Madam Li, who had been innocently implicated, had an embarrassed look on her face. She wished that she could dig a hole in the ground and disappear. Being a teacher has always been a profession with a conscience. If she asked herself honestly, it was impossible to say that she had not given special treatment to any student because of their family background in all her years of teaching.

However, when Director Wang put it so bluntly, Madam Li was instantly embarrassed. By now, she was so ashamed that she could not show her face.

After hearing Director Wang’s words, the principal was infuriated. He reprimanded him sternly, “Incorruptibility is never pedantic! The school is an environment purely built to educate students. If the teachers are rotten from the start, how would they produce good students? If someone donates a building not for charity but for personal gain, then they shouldn’t have done the donation!”

The principal looked at Director Wang in disgust. “Don’t use the ways of the world as a cover for your greed and shamelessness!”

 

Chapter 164 Losing Your integrity

When Director Wang heard the principal’s merciless criticism of him, he was furious. However, he was in the wrong now and so it was useless to say anything.

The principal didn’t even want to look at Director Wang again. He just said, “You’ve forgotten your roots. We can’t work together because we’re not on the same path. Leave! You’ve been in the education industry your whole life, don’t lose your integrity in the end.”

No matter how anxious and angry Director Wang was, he could not do anything about it.

The principal’s last sentence also hit his heart. He didn’t expect that after so many years of peace, he would fail miserably today. He was afraid that no school would be willing to hire him in the future. Did he lose his integrity now? After all these years?

Director Wang could no longer stay. He snorted coldly and strode away with his head lowered. He no longer had the authority of the Director of the school like before.

In the past, when the students saw him, they were like mice seeing a cat. They would avoid him at all cost, but now, everyone saw the downfall of Director Wang and felt extremely happy. Seeing his figure escape, some boys were so excited that they started to boo him, returning all the grievances they had in the past.

This was really a historical day!

Tan Rou remained expressionless. She had only been a bystander from the start. Wang Li deserved this outcome. He should have expected this outcome when he agreed to the Tan family’s request. If she had not exposed him today, how many more students would he have harmed?

After the principal dealt with Wang Li, he looked at Madam Li.

Madam Li was so nervous that she trembled. She quickly said, “Principal, I didn’t do it on purpose. I wasn’t instructed by anyone and I know that I’ve misjudged. It’s my fault!”

The principal saw that Madam Li had admitted her mistake with a good attitude. Considering that the situation was really as what she had said, Madam Li should not have been involved in this matter, she merely played a role in adding fuel to the fire.

The principal didn’t say anything but looked at Tan Rou instead.

Tan Rou knew that the principal was waiting for her to show her stand.

Madam Li also noticed it. Before Tan Rou could say anything, she hurriedly said, “Tan Rou, I’ve wronged you earlier but I really have no ill intentions!”

If it was any other time, Madam Li would never admit that it was her mistake. However, with Director Wang’s fate as an example, Madam Li did not dare to be arrogant anymore.

Tan Rou looked at Madam Li’s nervous and helpless expression and sighed slightly. Madam Li had not completely lost her conscience and so, she could not be ruthless as well.

In the end, Tan Rou didn’t have the heart to do so and only said indifferently, “Madam, sometimes, your unintentional words and thoughts can have a huge impact on the students. What you see may not be true. Please listen to the students’ explanations in the future and don’t let such things happen again.”

Tan Rou deliberately smiled playfully to ease the atmosphere. “After all, not every student has the guts to drag you to the principal to argue with you like I did.”

When Madam Li heard what Tan Rou said, she felt even more apologetic. She smiled with mixed feelings. “I’m sorry for accusing you earlier. I’m old and always thought that I’m experienced but I’ve lost my initial patience and fairness.” If what she said just now was for self-protection, then what she said now was sincere from the bottom of her heart.

Tan Rou nodded and accepted Madam Li’s apology. “In that case, I won’t hold it against you. Teacher, take today’s incident as a new experience and be more careful in the future!”

Madam Li heaved a sigh of relief. In her heart, she was scolding herself for being muddled due to menopause. Just now, she stubbornly believed that Tan Rou was the kind of bad child who had evil intentions and was only good at quibbling. No matter how she looked at it, she did not like Tan Rou but now that there was no misunderstanding between them, listening to Tan Rou’s words made her feel Tan Rou’s sensibility. This was a good child with a backbone, who dared to take responsibility and was also someone forgiving!

The principal nodded in agreement.

Tan Rou knew when to advance and when to retreat. She was not unreasonable. It was very rare for someone her age to have such skills. The more the principal looked at her, the more he liked this young firl. It was as if he was looking at a rising star in the future.

Tan Rou’s future was bound to be boundless.

The principal’s mood was much better. Times were constantly changing; only by eliminating old forces like Wang Li could they welcome new blood like Tan Rou!

Madam Li looked at the principal, waiting for his final say. The principal shook his head and said, “Although Tan Rou has forgiven you, you still have to be punished. You will not be accepted in this year’s evaluation. Just take it as a small lesson and correct your attitude when you go back!”

Madam Li did not complain. She felt that such punishment was already a very light one. She nodded gratefully at the principal and smiled apologetically at Tan Rou before leaving.

 

Chapter 165 Retake the exam

After dealing with the two, the principal looked at Tan Rou and his attitude became much gentler. He asked with a smile, “I will definitely punish the student who framed you according to the school’s rules. During next week’s regular meeting, I will also clarify your innocence in front of the whole school. Other than that, do you have any other requests?”

Director Wang would definitely be expelled, but in the end, it was the school’s fault for not using the right people. It had caused Tan Rou injustice and trouble. The principal was willing to compensate her appropriately. Moreover, the principal was very interested in a very special student like Tan Rou. This child was full of ideas and always brought people surprises.

Sure enough, Tan Rou’s eyes lit up, and she replied cheekily and obediently, “Sir, I would like to retake the exam just now. I didn’t get to check it earlier and I don’t want to hand it in.”

Tan Rou’s paper had actually followed her calculations and scored an average score. It didn’t matter if it was handed in.

But after this incident, Tan Rou changed her mind.

Tan Jing didn’t know how good she was in her studies. In her mind, Tan Rou should have been a bad student.

Tan Rou originally thought that Tan Jing would make a big deal out of her grades, belittle her, and establish her own image of a top student.

Therefore, Tan Rou only wanted her scores to be slightly above Tan Jing’s so that Tan Jing would never be able to score higher than her.

However, after this happened, Tan Rou found that Tan Jing’s heart was much more ruthless than she had imagined. Perhaps Tan Jing was really scared of her. The difference in their grades, the comparison between a top student and a bad student, could no longer satisfy Tan Jing. Tan Jing even wanted to kill two birds with one stone. She wanted to tarnish Tan Rou’s character through cheating and drive her out of school.

Since that was the case, she couldn’t be blamed for being ostentatious. Didn’t Tan Jing think that she was a slacker and wanted to accuse her of cheating?

Then, she would have to be the top student in the school and crush Tan Jing’s stupid schemes with absolute strength. This would definitely make Tan Jing doubt her life, right? It was interesting just thinking about it.

The principal was a little surprised to hear Tan Rou’s request. He didn’t expect Tan Rou to ask for a retake. After all, it was almost time to hand in the paper when the incident happened. In the surveillance video, the principal also vaguely saw that there were still many blank pages on Tan Rou’s paper. If she didn’t know how to do it, why would she ask for a retake of the exam?

However, since Tan Rou had requested it, it wasn’t a difficult thing to do. The principal nodded and agreed.

In terms of grades, even one answer was worth a lot. Tan Rou’s request showed that she took the exam seriously and didn’t want to be affected by others. Even if she didn’t know how to take the exam, she would retake it.

The principal had always asked the students to take every exam seriously which was why he naturally appreciated Tan Rou’s request and readily agreed. “You can take the next exam as usual but you can have a retake of this paper. We’ll find a teacher to supervise you and we’ll enter your second exam results on the computer!”

Tan Rou smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Sir!”

The principal nodded his head in satisfaction. “You’re good at coding which means that you’re very smart. Of course, even if you’re good at something else, you still have to put this energy into your studies!” Thinking of the blank papers in the surveillance camera, the principal felt that it was a pity. If only Tan Rou could do better in her studies.

Tan Rou’s smile grew wider. “Don’t worry, I will definitely get a good grade. Thank you for giving me the chance to speak for myself. You’re a good man!”

The principal heard Tan Rou praise him with a serious face. She was a smart girl but her tone was as mature as an old leader. He couldn’t help but laugh. “Thank you for your recognition. I look forward to your good results as well!”

Tan Rou politely bowed and walked out of the principal’s office.

As soon as Tan Rou came out, she was surrounded by the students at the door. Most of the students had already left in advance to report today’s breaking news to others; while the rest were waiting at the gate, looking at Tan Rou with admiration and passion.

Tan Rou’s series of actions today had won their impressions and even their hearts.

Everyone regarded Tan Rou as a hero who had driven away Wang Li and a pioneer who dared to resist against things that were injustice. They felt that she was simply too handsome!

 

Chapter 166 A pitiful person

Tan Rou shook her head and was shocked by the enthusiasm of these people.

She had intended to expose Wei Ling and Director Wang’s actions in front of the students. After all, the power of a huge crowd would be stronger. If she only relied on the principal to clear things up for her, perhaps most people still would not know what had happened.

However, if these students witnessed it with their own eyes, then there would be no worry about people not spreading it. Gossip was something discussed frequently in school. They would describe everything in the principal’s office vividly, even adding their own description and causing countless versions of it to spread around school.

This way, there was no need for Tan Rou to say anything more. The people in the school would naturally start to despise Wei Ling and suspect Tan Jing.

In order to let something ferment, it would be up to how the others imagined it and described it. This was much more influential than directly hearing a dry result from the principal.

Fortunately, at the beginning of the confrontation, the principal did not chase away the students who were outside the door. Later on, she requested for the students to watch the video together so that Wei Ling and Director Wang would have no way to deny it. After all, if the principal really wanted to protect Wei Ling and Director Wang, he wouldn’t allow it to happen. It wasn’t worth it to cause rage amongst the pupils.

Although Tan Rou already trusted the principal, she had been plotted against and framed in her previous life. She had experienced countless unexpected changes in life. So, in this life, she had to be prepared for such a situation.

The principal didn’t disappoint Tan Rou and her little plan didn’t come in handy. However, she didn’t expect the students outside the door to admire her like an idol. Their attitudes were abnormally diligent, which made Tan Rou feel a little uneasy.

She just didn’t want to be wrongly accused. In this life, she had already secretly vowed that she would never suffer such grievances. In addition, she had the confidence to look at Director Wang as if he was a clown and she might have been a little flamboyant.

Tan Rou smiled humbly. “Don’t crowd around me. I didn’t do anything.”

A boy was still shouting excitedly, “You didn’t do anything?! You’ve even chased Baldy Wang away. This is a blessing to our entire school!”

Some of the girls who wanted to be friends with Tan Rou kept moving closer to her. “Tan Rou, how are you so bold? How did you find the video? I was so excited that I almost cried! It’s like watching a movie!”

Someone immediately agreed, “Yeah! It felt surreal! Tan Rou, you’re too bold. If it were me, I would probably just cry and not speak a word.”

Tan Rou laughed. “I know I’ve been wronged. A straight body is not afraid of a crooked shadow. So, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

As they were talking, Li Li’s voice came from afar, “Tan Rou! Tan Rou, are you alright?”

Xu Yan who was behind Li Li and also walked over quickly.

Li Li rushed to Tan Rou’s side and looked at her from head to toe. “You scared me. Are you okay?”

Tan Rou was a little embarrassed by how Li Li was scanning her. She quickly held Li Li’s hand and said, “I’m fine. No one will be able to lay their hands on me. Why are you so nervous?”

Li Li heaved a sigh of relief and grabbed Tan Rou tightly. “I couldn’t find you after the exam, so I thought you went to the cafeteria. Then I heard that you were fighting with director Wang, so I quickly dragged Xu Yan along to help you! It did take quite some time to do so.”

Tan Rou was completely helpless. “How did you come up with such thoughts?”

There were students who knew Li Li. When they saw that Li Li had missed such a good show, they hurriedly recounted what had just happened, leaving Li Li and Xu Yan dumbfounded.

Li Li was furious. “Where did Wei Ling go? I’m going to tear her apart! This is too much! And Tan Jing! She definitely has something to do with this!”

As they were talking, Wei Ling was brought to the principal’s office by Madam Li.

Wei Ling’s face was pale as she looked at Tan Rou in fear. When her eyes met with the group around Tan Rou, she quickly lowered her head guiltily. Her entire body was like a frosted eggplant, and she looked like he wanted to cry but had no tears.

Tan Rou shook her head. “She’ll be punished. We don’t need to care about her anymore.”

In fact, Tan Rou had felt Wei Ling’s avoidance towards her two days ago. It was a pity that she had the chance to choose, but in the end, she still became Tan Jing’s scapegoat. She was indeed a pitiful person.

 

Chapter 167 Text Messages

Li Li glared at Wei Ling. “You deserved it! Who told her to help the devil? Tan Jing ran away so quickly when this happened. Do you think that she would care about you now?”

Tan Rou let out a long sigh of relief. This farce had come too suddenly, but she had won the battle with overwhelming strength, so she was still quite relaxed.

She had already said she was disdainful of Tan Jing’s little tricks. In the face of absolute power, any provocation was merely a joke.

Unfortunately, Tan Jing did not believe in heresy and insisted on causing trouble. Then, Tan Rou could not be blamed for being merciless. She was not so kind. Once she caught Tan Jing’s little tail, she would not let it go easily.

Although there was no substantial evidence to prove that Tan Jing was behind all this, the Tan family that Director Wang mentioned was enough to make everyone link it to Tan Jing.

Tan Jing prided herself as the daughter of a rich family. In the end, the rich family she spoke of did such a despicable thing that caused rage amongst the pupils. Her value has dropped as well. How long could she maintain her hypocritical mask?

Tan Rou’s lips curled upwards. There was still a long way to go. Since Tan Jing liked setting up traps, she would just play it by ear.

It felt good to see Tan Jing frantically jumping up and down for a long time, but she would still have to face her death in the end.

Tan Rou called out to Li Li. “Come back with me to the Exam Hall to get my phone! I was so occupied and didn’t have time to take it. After a short rest, we’ll be having another exam soon!”

Li held onto Tan Rou’s arm and nodded repeatedly. She muttered, “Of course, let’s get it quickly and prepare for the next exam. This time, Wei Ling won’t be looking for trouble; just do your best!”

Li Li was feeling even angrier than Tan Rou herself. “When she stole your book, you said it was just the beginning. I thought that she would only make a fuss about your results at most. I didn’t expect her to be so mean and even think of ruining your reputation! You must work hard and do your best, so she’ll be fuming pissed!”

Tan Rou smiled as she listened to Li Li, who continued nagging, and Tan Rou nodded her head dotingly. “Yes, she would be so angry that she might die.”

Li Li blushed and patted Tan Rou. “Don’t always act as if you don’t care. Although you’re capable, I just can’t bear to see them competing with you. Once they realize they can’t win, they will start attacking and harming you! What is this?!”

Tan Rou saw that Li Li was sincerely worried about her and felt a little guilty. She hid her strength to avoid Tan Jing’s scheme. She could only catch Tan Jing off guard by doing so. Tan Rou found it fun to watch Tan Jing’s shocked expression.

The pleasure of giving others a slap in the face when they don’t expect it was different from the boring ones. However, this would make the people around her worry. Tan Rou indeed felt a little sorry toward them.

Tan Rou had a solemn look as she comforted Li Li. “Don’t worry; I’ll do well this time. When the time comes, I’ll let you stand up for me in front of Tan Jing!”

Li Li knew that Tan Rou was just teasing her. In fact, Li Li didn’t have much hope for Tan Rou’s results.

However, Tan Rou was smart. Even if she couldn’t do it this time, she would definitely be able to do it next time!

She smiled and said, “I’ll remember what you said! I’m your fan now! If you work hard, I’ll be able to go out and tear those b*tches apart!”

The two girls talked and laughed and soon arrived at Exam Hall D.

Tan Rou went in and got her phone. As soon as she turned it on, she saw Tao Qi’s missed calls and messages. There were dozens of red symbols, and she could imagine how anxious Tao Qi was at home.

Tan Rou flipped through it. It was all Tao Qi asking her about her current situation. He said she definitely wouldn’t cheat, but she had to explain it to the teacher properly and not talk back to him like she did at home. He also said that he hadn’t told their parents about it yet and was waiting for a reply from Tan Rou.

Tan Rou laughed. This brat knew her quite well. He was actually giving her instructions.

She quickly replied to Tao Qi’s message and told him to go home first. Tan Rou saw another message from Zhuang Liu, quietly hidden amongst Tao Qi’s many messages, and almost missed it.

Zhuang Liu sent a message saying he just wanted to send regards to Tan Rou after learning that she was taking the exam today. He also mentioned Old Master Lu’s condition, which Tan Rou was worried about before, and said that he had news and would talk to Tan Rou face to face when she had time.

Tan Rou raised her eyebrows. She didn’t expect Zhuang Liu to be so efficient. He had really done his best to help her. He took it to heart even if it was just a casual word from her.

Tan Rou’s eyes flickered and replied to Zhuang Liu’s message. Unknowingly, a smile appeared in her mouth.

Li Li came up to her. “What’s wrong? Your face is like a peach blossom; could it be…?”

Tan Rou turned her face away, and her ears turned red. “Stop it with the nonsense!”

 

Chapter 168 I miss you

Li Li was eager for gossip. “Dear Tan Rou! Something’s not right! Quickly tell the truth! Who is it?”

Tan Rou put away her phone. “Don’t talk nonsense. I’m just replying to my little brother’s text message.”

Li Li smiled evilly. “Do you have to smile like that when replying to your brother’s text message? You’re still lying to me!”

The two girls played around for a while and their mood gradually lightened up.

In the afternoon, Tan Rou took the exam as usual. Wei Ling was gone after being called by the principal and her seat was left empty. Tan Rou just glanced at it indifferently and didn’t think about it anymore.

The principal would have followed the school’s rules and regulations. Wei Ling might not have the chance to take the exam or even stay in the school. She did not know how Tan Jing would explain this to the Wei family.

However, Tan Rou didn’t want to worry about this now. For the rest of the afternoon, Tan Rou changed from her casual style in the morning and became serious.

The ballpoint pen spun a few times on her fingertips. She lowered her eyes and quickly answered the paper.

Madam Li was still the invigilator of this Exam Hall. From a distance, she looked at Tan Rou and felt that something was different. Unable to control her curiosity, she walked closer and saw that Tan Rou’s answering speed was twice as fast as the others. She answered many questions with ease and without using much time.

Madam Li looked at Tan Rou’s paper in surprise. She couldn’t understand how Tan Rou seemed to have opened up after the storm.

The subject tested in the afternoon wasn’t the ones that Madam Li taught and so she didn’t really understand it. However, she felt that Tan Rou’s confidence and calmness were definitely something that only the top students would have. She looked even sharper than the top students. She didn’t even blink and it seemed like she didn’t pause for a single question.

Madam Li didn’t dare come to a conclusion on her own.

She thought to herself that this girl was a special one. Maybe she really had a serious bias in her subject or maybe she was shocked by what happened in the morning; but no matter what, she couldn’t spew nonsense again.

Madam Li was looking forward to Tan Rou’s results after she had shown such skills in the principal’s office. Such a calm and capable child shouldn’t have done badly in her exams.

The exams in the afternoon passed by quickly and she answered them without any hesitation. She didn’t bother checking them and just stared out the window in a daze.

Tan Rou didn’t hold back this time and finished the questions with her full potential. She was confident that when the results get released, it would probably cause another storm.

Tan Rou never wanted to be so ostentatious. Years of crisis have made Tan Rou prefer to be passive. She didn’t want to become a target of the public because even if she wasn’t afraid of anything, she still had to keep the Tao family in mind.

Most people were the same as Tan Jing, like toads; unable to cause much harm but enough to disgust the hell out of others.

In this life, Tan Rou only wanted to protect her family and earn more money to provide them with a better life. There were some things that could be done in the dark and there was no need to show off. Besides, there was a group of people in this world that Tan Rou didn’t want to see. If they found her, it would be troublesome. So, Tan Rou had applied for a new account to venture in the stocks market and only showed a few small tricks.

It was a pity that Tan Jing didn’t want to leave her alone and disrupted Tan Rou’s previous plan.

Even if Tan Rou didn’t like to be flamboyant, she could no longer take Tan Jing’s attack passively. It didn’t matter if she would be known as a petty person or that she was taking things too seriously, as long as she could tear off Tan Jing’s mask, Tan Rou was willing to do it. As long as Tan Jing could get the miserable end she deserved, Tan Rou would fight till her last breath.

In her previous life, the ugly faces of Tan Jing and the Tan family appeared in tan Rou’s dreams almost every day. Tan Rou knew their ruthlessness better than anyone else but she also yearned for their recognition more than anyone else.

In this life, the tables had turned.

Tan Jing could probably see Tan Rou smiling provocatively at her even in her dreams.

Since Tan Rou’s rebirth, the accumulation of events was enough to make Tan Jing collapse.

This was the effect Tan Rou wanted. If you want to destroy someone, you should always start by making them go crazy. Tan Jing deserved to be driven crazy by her.

As soon as the bell rang, Tan Rou walked out of the classroom. She stretched lazily and walked out of the school in high spirits.

As a result, Tan Rou’s sharp eyes immediately saw Zhuang Liu’s car.

Zhuang Liu didn’t get out of the car this time. He only asked Xiao Mo to stand by the car and wait for Tan Rou.

Seeing Tan Rou come out, the rear window rolled down slowly, revealing Zhuang Liu’s smiling face.

Zhuang Liu smiled and waved at Tan Rou. His action was very immature. It was obvious that he didn’t do this often, but at this moment, he looked incredibly cute.

Tan Rou quickly ran over and looked at Zhuang Liu with her bright eyes. “Why are you here? ”

Zhuang Liu smiled. “I’ve missed you.”

 

Chapter 169 The complaint

Hearing this, Tan Rou blushed slightly. She blinked her big eyes at Zhuang Liu and was speechless for a moment.

What should she reply? I miss you too? She had indeed missed Zhuang Liu when she saw the message in the afternoon. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t delighted when she saw Zhuang Liu waiting at the school gate as soon as she finished school.

Tan Rou’s little face was red and she smiled a little shyly.

Zhuang Liu’s eyes were so sweet that they seemed to be coated with sugar. He looked at Tan Rou tenderly. Neither of them spoke again, but the atmosphere was very thought-provoking. There seemed to be a faint sweetness in the air.

Xiao Mo played the role of a third wheel, pretending to be clueless as he lowered his head to hold back the crazily upturned corners of his mouth.

He was shouting in his heart, ‘Is there anyone who would understand him?! Look at how useless the third young master is right now!!!!’

There was a large crowd at the school gate after school. Seeing more and more people looking over, Tan Rou was the first to look away and get into the car.

Z huang Liu considerately helped Tan Rou adjust her seat and asked in a low voice, “How did you do? I’m guessing that you enjoyed it?”

Tan Rou pouted. The things that happened in school weren’t worth her time and effort. It had already been resolved. In the face of other people’s admiration and concern, Tan Rou didn’t feel a thing and wasn’t even bothered by it emotionally

But, as soon as Zhuang Liu raised the question and along with how Tan Rou was in a good mood, she unconsciously revealed a girlish attitude and whispered, “I was wronged by this devil and it was so annoying!”

Even Tan Rou didn’t realize that she sounded a little coquettish when she said that.

Zhuang Liu rarely saw Tan Rou like this and was stunned for a moment. When he heard what Tan Rou said, he knew that something must have happened that made her impatient. He frowned slightly and cursed secretly in his heart, ‘which blind idiot is this that has the audacity to irritate Tan Rou and make themselves known?’

Tan Rou didn’t want their relationship to be too public and that was because she was independent and was being considerate. Of course, he had to cooperate but did those people really think he didn’t exist?

Zhuang Liu was a little annoyed. He didn’t like the idea of how any random person could piss off Tan Rou but in front of her, he was still gentle and considerate. He patted Tan Rou’s arm and asked in a soft voice, “What’s wrong? Can you tell me about it?”

At this time, Xiao Mo had already gotten into the car and quietly became the driver again.

He glanced at the rearview mirror and noticed that although Zhuang Liu looked calm and gentle, his hand on his lap was curled up slightly. Zhuang Liu’s index finger and thumb were pinched together and he began to rub them in circles. Xiao Mo knew that this was a small gesture Zhuang Liu made when he was annoyed and wanted to cause trouble.

Tan Rou trusted Zhuang Liu very much. She didn’t even have time to ask where Zhuang Liu was taking her and tacitly agreed to his arrangement.

As if she was telling a story, she directly treated what happened in school during the day as gossip and started to talk to Zhuang Liu intermittently.

As Zhuang Liu listened, a storm gathered in his eyes. He couldn’t imagine how Tan Rou had fought alone during the day. Wei Ling and Wang Li must have eaten a bear’s heart and leopard’s guts to wrongly accuse Xiao Rou.

After Tan Rou finished speaking, she saw that Zhuang Liu’s expression was much more solemn than before. She felt much better for a moment. She didn’t know why but when Zhuang Liu got angry, she felt happy. It was because Zhuang Liu cared about her.

Zhuang Liu touched Tan Rou’s head and said in a gentle but dangerous tone, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle it. Just focus on your exams and enjoy school.”

Tan Rou tilted her head and looked at Zhuang Liu, who was obviously a little angry. “I’m fine, really. I just wanted to chat with you. The two of them have been punished by the principal. They can’t do anything to me with their insignificant skills. I took the exam as usual this afternoon and I did a great job!”

Zhuang Liu laughed and looked at Tan Rou affectionately. He didn’t want to move his hand away from her head, so he rubbed it again. “Rourou is the best. You’re so smart. No one can beat you.”

Tan Rou chuckled as well. “So, I really don’t need you to do anything for me. You make me look like a primary school student who went home to complain to his parents. I’ve already punished them. I just wanted to casually chat with you since you asked about school.”

Chapter 170 I am your support.

Zhuang Liu’s smile was gentle but full of power. “That’s according to the school’s rules. It’s far from enough. They should know that if they dare to bully you, they will have to admit their mistakes according to my rules.”

Tan Rou looked at Zhuang Liu helplessly. In front of her, this person was as gentle as a large pet dog without a temper, but sometimes he can be a little overbearing. He showed his fierce and domineering side to others without mercy.

Zhuang Liu moved slightly closer to Tan Rou and looked into her eyes. He said softly, “You are my salvation. With you, I have found the hope and courage to live. What I can do for you is actually insignificant, but no one is allowed to be disrespectful to you under my watch. Whatever you want to do, do it boldly. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Tan Rou was a little stunned. No one had ever said these words to her.

She didn’t react for a moment and said in a daze, “They were actually coerced and bribed by the Tan family. They have the Tan family as their support.”

Zhuang Liu laughed. “But, what they don’t know is that Zhuang Liu and the entire Zhuang family are your support.”

Zhuang Liu’s smile was a little evil, faintly exuding the aura of a superior who looked down on the world.

Tan Rou didn’t know why, but she suddenly thought of things from her previous life.

At that time, she had just returned to the country. Although she was already very capable, she did not have the opportunity to get everyone’s attention. No one cared about what she had learned and lived abroad. They would only laugh at her for interrupting her studies for no reason and returning to the home that she had left for more than a decade.

Tan Rou could only clumsily try to gain other people’s attention through the stupidest means. She relied on money to buy other’s attention as well as gifts for them in order to socialise. Sometimes, she even thought that if she was more rebellious, she might be able to get Tan Song and Chen Yi’s attention.

Unfortunately, that didn’t work. It only resulted in increased contempt and slander.

Everyone thought that Tan Rou was glamorous as the young lady of the Tan family at that time. She could enjoy the shade with her back against a big tree. She didn’t need to study and enjoyed herself every day. However, Tan Rou was the one who was disappointed and could not live up to her name.

Tan Rou was the only one who knew that her life was only for show. The Tan family had never given her any support. Tan Song didn’t even care about her life or death.

There was once when Tan Rou was ridiculed and humiliated by another young lady at a party. In the heat of the moment, she had poured red wine over the young lady’s head.

In fact, that young lady’s family did not have much power, and so most of them thought that this was nothing. In their circle, no matter how ridiculous the rich and powerful were, there was nothing to be afraid of with the Tan family behind her.

However, Tan Rou was still scolded when she got home. Chen Yi and Tan Song did not ask what Tan Rou had gone through and only forced Tan Rou to apologise the next day.

Tan Song’s expression at that time deeply hurt Tan Rou. That kind of annoyance and indifference made it seem as if Tan Rou was just a disobedient pet to him. Pets should stay at home obediently and not cause any trouble outside.

At that time, Tan Rou understood that this wasn’t her home, nor was it something that she could fall back on.

However, the more obvious this became, the more unhappy Tan Rou became. She became even more careful, wanting to gain even the slightest sense of existence. Even if she was just a pet, she begged them not to kick her out of the house.

Knowing that Tan Jing had returned home, this kind of distortion and uneasiness reached the extreme. In the past, no matter how hard she worked, she was not valued. Then, Tan Jing returned, and with how she was easily doted on, this caused Tan Rou to break.

That was why she had done so many stupid and absurd things.

After her rebirth, Tan Rou had long forgotten about this.

She had paid a painful price and finally learned that no one would forever be your support, and you could never depend on anyone else. She would only be able to protect those that she loves once she becomes powerful.

The support that she had once craved to have was now the trash that she wanted to destroy the most.

Tan Rou wanted to destroy everything with her own hands. She wanted to destroy the capital and status that the Tan family was secretly proud of. She did not get any favouritism or protection from them, so she would just disappear with them.

But now, Zhuang Liu solemnly and domineeringly promised Tan Rou that he and the Zhuang family would be her support.

Nonetheless, Tan Rou was touched.

Zhuang Liu always knew what she had done, but he had never taken the initiative to ask her. What he had said just now was to tell her that no matter what she did, he would always be there for her. There was no need to be afraid.

Tan Rou looked at Zhuang Liu, her voice was slightly hoarse from being touched. “Have we met before? Why are you so good to me?”