Chapter 78: Where Did I Go Wrong?

The incident in Class Three had escalated to the grade director’s office, where both Teacher Cao and Shen Qing were summoned for a talk.

Everyone at No. 1 High School knew Shen Qing was not someone to be trifled with.

Director Yan’s brows furrowed as he saw the girl sitting with one leg crossed over the other—she truly looked like a delinquent.

He cleared his throat, adopting a stern expression. “Shen Qing, do you realize what you did wrong?”

“I do.”

Director Yan was taken aback. Huh?

He continued, “What was your mistake?”

“I failed in my duties as a student—sleeping in class, not doing homework.”

“Good, as long as you know you were wrong. Shen Qing, apologize to your teacher and we’ll put this behind us.” With the students already in their final year, Director Yan didn’t want to mar her record if he could help it—best to resolve this quietly.

Shen Qing raised her brows, exuding a roguish air. “Then shouldn’t he apologize to our class as well?”

Teacher Cao’s face darkened, his voice deep. “Shen Qing, don’t push your luck!” This little brat—was it not enough to scold her a bit for being disobedient?

“Director Yan, during class, Teacher Cao chatted idly, reprimanded the class president for no reason, and abandoned students over trivial matters. Is this the educational philosophy of No. 1 High?”

At this, Director Yan’s face grew grim. He shot a glare at Teacher Cao and was just about to admonish Shen Qing when the office door swung open and a handsome young man strode in.

“Director Yan, it’s lively in here.” Gu Ting walked in with his hands in his pockets and sat down on the sofa, crossing his legs in the same carefree fashion as Shen Qing.

Director Yan was startled, quickly putting on a smile. “Teacher Gu, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

Teacher Cao looked curiously at the young man on the sofa—who was he that Director Yan treated him with such respect?

“I brought some Longjing tea from home, care to try it?” Director Yan beamed as he prepared tea for Gu Ting.

Gu Ting uncrossed his legs, his gaze falling on Shen Qing’s reddened eyes, his expression darkening slightly.

“No need. I’m taking my student with me.”

Director Yan’s hands paused mid-motion, his tone a bit hesitant. “But the matter with Shen Qing hasn’t been resolved…”

At the mention of Shen Qing, Teacher Cao’s temper flared. “Director Yan, we cannot tolerate such a troublesome student in our school! Who else would dare fail every test and openly confront a teacher?”

Director Yan’s face stiffened. On the sofa, Gu Ting sat with an air of nobility, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the leather armrest.

“Teacher Cao, say no more,” Director Yan said, wiping the sweat from his brow. It was clear this young master Gu was here to back Shen Qing.

“If there’s nothing else, we’ll be going.” Gu Ting glanced up at Director Yan, then stood.

“Ah, Shen Qing, follow your teacher back to class,” Director Yan said, still smiling.

“No way. If she doesn’t apologize today, she’s not leaving,” Teacher Cao snapped, blocking their path. Who did this so-called Teacher Gu think he was, acting so brazenly in Fangcheng?

Director Yan stood awkwardly to the side. “Perhaps both parties could apologize?”

The school had already written Shen Qing off—students who bought their diplomas were routinely ignored by the staff. But today, Teacher Cao had chosen to butt heads with her, making things difficult for everyone.

“Oh? So now you’re just going to bully people with power?” Teacher Cao sneered.

Gu Ting narrowed his eyes, stepping protectively in front of Shen Qing, his voice languid and aristocratic. “Do you have a problem with that?”

His gaze was icy, fixing on Teacher Cao with undisguised contempt.

“Do you know who’s backing me? How dare you speak to me like that!”

Listening to such reckless words, Director Yan broke out in a cold sweat and quickly tried to smooth things over. “Teacher Cao, I’m backing you right now.”

“…”

Shen Qing frowned and kicked Gu Ting lightly on the heel. “Aren’t we leaving?”

So much pointless chatter. Annoying.

“We’re going.” Gu Ting shot Director Yan a warning look, then took Shen Qing by the wrist and led her out of the office.

“Take care, Teacher Gu,” Director Yan called after them.

“Director Yan, you’re just letting them leave? Is there no justice left?” Teacher Cao protested.

Director Yan cast him a cold glance. “You can’t afford to cross them—best rein yourself in.”

“Tch! It’s just a bit of money.” Teacher Cao scoffed. Soon her daughter would marry into the Nie family—backed by them, why should she fear anyone named Gu?

If Director Yan was in Gu’s pocket, she’d just go to the principal.

“Director Yan, you can’t handle this. I’ll see the principal.” And with that, she stormed out.

“What a mess…”

**

“I’ll take you back,” Gu Ting said, striding ahead before suddenly stopping.

Shen Qing looked up. “No tutoring today?”

“What did you do last night? Your eyes are so red.” Gu Ting chided her gently, reaching out to massage her temples.

His touch was skilled and just right. Shen Qing squinted her eyes, feeling a bit comforted.

“Get in the car,” Gu Ting said, letting go and smiling softly at the cat-like girl.

“Okay.”