CHAPTER 186: 185: TURNING HOSTILE (4TH UPDATE)

Ye Ling didn’t have a bad attitude toward the teacher, just didn’t expect to be accused before things were clarified. Her good impression of Mr. Ji instantly crumbled. Respect is mutual. Since he doesn’t respect her, why should she humble herself to respect him?

"Ye Ling, the handwriting might not be yours, but the love letter definitely is. You’re afraid others might recognize it, so you had someone else write it for you." Ji Zhongjun raised his voice upon seeing Ye Ling standing firm. "You can’t deny this; a classmate has already reported to me. The love letter is here—it’s written to Xiang Weilai in the second year. How do you argue now? Clearly, you did wrong, yet you don’t repent. Is this how your parents have taught you? Do you realize the impact of what you’ve done? Do you want a notice in your record?"

"Someone reported me, then have them come here for a face-to-face confrontation. I wouldn’t ask my brain to be kicked by a donkey and do such disgraceful things and then find someone else to write for me. Am I incapable of writing myself? If the teacher claims I got someone else to write for fear of exposure, now that it’s discovered, the handwriting differs, why believe someone’s accusation and say I wrote it? It seems the logic here favors the teacher. If Mr. Ji wants to pin this blame on me, just say so. No need to play the impartial act, it’s laughable." Ye Ling retorted sarcastically.

The situation is obvious; the handwriting isn’t hers, yet it’s claimed Ye Ling wrote the letter, and the teacher just trusts it. No one would believe Ye Ling wrote it. She doesn’t understand what made Ji Zhongjun suddenly target her.

"You being a student, not focusing on studies, writing love letters all the time, is it wrong for a teacher to educate you?" Ji Zhongjun kept insisting.

Ye Ling found it laughable, "Mr. Ji, Xiang Weilai is from the compound, so am I. Why would I write a love letter in school instead of all those years in the compound, and even have someone else write it? Since you said it’s reported, then call the person out, otherwise don’t try to pin this on me either. I have parents, I’m not an orphan, I can’t just silently take such bullying. You mentioned this would follow my record, then this can’t be taken lightly. I’ll have someone send word to my dad to resolve this. I am insignificant, whatever explanation I give won’t change your set blame, speaking more is useless now."

Ye Ling said this and walked out. She knew she always kept a low profile, usually didn’t say flattering things, but being accused like this, she couldn’t bear it.

Ji Zhongjun hadn’t yet lost his temper, seeing her go, shouted regardless of the presence in the office, "Ye Ling, stop! If you walk out today, don’t bother coming back to school."

Is this a threat?

Does he really think she’s scared?

Ye Ling turned back, "Mr. Ji, I’m here to study, the school isn’t your personal business. I’m innocent. You pin a blame on me, refuse to expel me if I don’t accept. Even the court needs evidence for a conviction; you randomly pull out a love letter, claim it’s mine, refuse to bring the accuser, as a teacher controlling me, those unaware might think you’re trying to harm me instead."

"Alright, alright, let’s talk this over calmly. Ye Ling, you know your homeroom teacher cares for you, but concern causes chaos; You’ve overreacted. Let’s take a breather. There might be some misunderstanding here." The history teacher stepped in to mediate. Everyone could see something wasn’t right, yet Ji Zhongjun refused to relent. If this escalates, it’s clear Ji Zhongjun isn’t in the right.

Everyone heard Ye Ling; Xiang Weilai is from the compound, as is Ye Ling. Even if she liked him, she wouldn’t have someone else write the letter. Something’s wrong here. With Ye Ling wanting to involve her family, once they’re here, this will blow up.

The other teachers also stepped up to persuade Ji Zhongjun. Feeling timid, Ji Zhongjun didn’t expect Ye Ling wouldn’t be intimidated and wanted to escalate, putting him on the spot. Finally, with everyone stepping in, there was a retreat.

"Ye Ling, you’re young, I won’t argue with you over this today. Let this matter be in the past, focus on your studies henceforth, don’t waste effort on this." Ji Zhongjun managed to regain his poise, dismissing Ye Ling, "Return to your class."

Ye Ling didn’t intend to leave, wanting to retort but was nudged out by the history teacher, walking to class with fury, she pushed open the classroom door, bypassed her seat, heading straight to the back. Her action made the classmates raise their heads to look at her.

Zhao Guodong found it odd, but noticed Ye Ling didn’t look well. Ye Ling stopped by Ji Hong’s side, glaring at Ji Hong. Ji Hong wasn’t afraid, sitting provocatively, looking up at Ye Ling.

Ye Ling sneered and, without a word, raised her hand to slap Ji Hong twice, making the class freeze. Ji Hong widened her eyes, screamed, trying to pounce at Ye Ling. Ye Ling wouldn’t let her touch herself, kicking Ji Hong’s stomach swiftly, sending her back to her seat, holding her crying in pain.

"You think no one knows what you did? If you want to mess with me behind my back, see if I let you. Today was a warning; if there’s a next time, don’t blame me for retaliating." Ye Ling remembered the envelope on Ji Zhongjun’s desk.

The envelope was exactly the one she saw in Ji Hong’s hands yesterday. Why conclude it’s Ji Hong’s? Because one corner had a drawn heart, Ye Ling was sure it’s Ji Hong’s. Recalling Ji Hong’s words yesterday, and that Ji Zhongjun shares the surname Ji, though unsure if there’s relation, today’s behavior confirms he favors Ji Hong.

Ye Ling’s action stunned the class, Zhao Guodong had already moved beside her during her first action, ready to help if needed. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)