chapter 58
The group walked into the office. Seeing Gu Zhao, Principal Zhang immediately stood up to greet them.
He smiled warmly and said, “Third Young Master.”
Gu Zhao nodded, his eyes casually sweeping over the frozen image on the computer screen. He frowned slightly.
Before he could ask, Xu An, the homeroom teacher, spoke first, “Principal, have you retrieved the surveillance footage?”
“Here it is.” Principal Zhang said as he pressed a key and dragged the surveillance progress bar back.
Several pairs of eyes instinctively fell on the screen, staring without blinking.
The scene made Zheng Bin feel a chill run down his spine.
Soon, the surveillance clip finished playing. Both Gu Che and Gu Zhao had dark expressions.
Especially Gu Che, his fists clenched until his knuckles creaked, emanating an intense low-pressure aura.
Damn it.
So this is how they bullied the youngest child of their family—absolutely…
Un…bearable.
A cold glare shot toward Zheng Bin. He froze entirely, a chill pressing down on him so hard he dared not even breathe.
Gu Che’s gaze was sharp as he stared at Zheng Bin, speaking slowly and deliberately, “Principal Zhang, the surveillance clearly shows that this kid provoked my youngest first. My youngest had no choice but to respond. I expect you to give me a satisfactory explanation for this.”
Gu Qingning looked at the figure protecting her and felt a warm sensation fill her chest. The barrier that had been weighing on her heart gradually dissipated.
He was wearing a hat and mask, so Principal Zhang didn’t recognize him immediately. He studied him carefully, “And this is…?”
Gu Che lifted his mask, revealing a handsome face now clouded with anger, chilling anyone who looked at him.
This face was extremely recognizable, frequently appearing on trending searches. Of course, Principal Zhang recognized him immediately.
Gu Che, the second young master of the Gu family, a symbol of both talent and fame. He had been at the top since his debut, arguably an international superstar.
Principal Zhang thought to himself, Oh no, here comes another big shot.
He lowered his tone and said, “Second Young Master, please don’t get angry. This incident happened suddenly, and we are trying our best to mediate and resolve it.”
Gu Che snorted coldly and turned to Zheng Bin, displeased. “My youngest didn’t provoke you, yet you humiliated her in front of everyone. You’re a man, bullying a young girl—isn’t that shameful?”
If it weren’t for his youngest’s extraordinary skills today, who knows how badly she would have been bullied.
“My youngest already said that letter wasn’t hers, yet you persist in spreading lies about her. What exactly is your intention in trying to ruin her reputation?”
He paused, then his voice turned icy, a fierce tone sending chills down the spine. “If you don’t clear this up properly today, I’ll make sure you understand the consequences of slander and defamation.”
Zheng Bin felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his mind blank as he stared at the man protecting Gu Qingning.
Gu Zhao glanced at the frightened boy, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.
When his second brother spoke, not ten mouths could compete.
The dean stepped forward, bowing and apologizing humbly, “We are truly sorry. It’s our failure in educating the child that led to this incident.”
Zheng Bin came back to his senses. Seeing the dean bow in apology, he felt a twinge of guilt and hoarsely called, “Uncle…”
Gu Qingning shot him a glance, a hint of mockery at the corner of her mouth.
No wonder he had been so confident when causing trouble—it turned out the dean was his uncle.
“What should I say to you? You almost drove me crazy!” the dean said, turning around, itching to slap him.
But seeing the injuries on his face, he couldn’t bring himself to hit him.
He scowled, frustrated at the boy’s stubbornness. “Hurry up and apologize to Gu, a girl. If your parents find out about this, they’ll skin you alive.”
Remembering his parents’ combined wrath, Zheng Bin swallowed hard, a trace of fear on his face.
Gu Che’s voice was cold. “Do you think one apology can resolve things after all this?”
The dean looked troubled. “Well…”
“Second Brother.”
A calm, clear voice rang out, like a divine sound in the ears of the Gu brothers.
Both turned sharply, meeting those bright, clear eyes, astonished and thrilled.
The corner of Gu Che’s eyes reddened slightly, his voice trembling, “What did you just call me?”
Seeing his excitement and joy, Gu Qingning smiled faintly. “Second Brother, I can handle this myself. You don’t need to intervene.”
She was willing to acknowledge him as her brother. Gu Che grinned, suppressing his wild temper, the joy in his eyes impossible to hide.
Gu Zhao, on the other hand, couldn’t help feeling a pang of envy.
He had met Qingning first, yet she had called out to Second Brother first.
The atmosphere slightly eased. Xu An took the opportunity to speak, “Gu is right. Minor disputes between students should not involve parents too much. Let them resolve it themselves.”
“Each writes a reflection, and Zheng Bin, you apologize to Gu again. Then this matter can be closed. How about that?”
He looked at Gu Qingning for her opinion, speaking gently, “Gu, what do you think?”
Gu Qingning raised an eyebrow. “Fine.”
Hearing this, the dean’s face lit up. He nudged Zheng Bin, urging, “Hurry up and apologize to your classmate.”
Although impulsive and reckless, Zheng Bin wasn’t inherently bad. He didn’t want his uncle to be troubled over this.
He stepped forward, stomach aching slightly, his steps heavy and reluctant.
Glancing at the Gu brothers, he shivered.
Lowering his head, he apologized sincerely, “Gu Qingning, I’m sorry.”
Gu Qingning glanced at him coolly, half-smiling, half-serious. “Don’t forget our bet.”
Zheng Bin looked into her indifferent eyes, gradually doubting his earlier assumption that the letter was hers.
Could he really have been mistaken?
He took a deep breath. “Of course I won’t forget.”
If the letter truly wasn’t hers, he would honor the bet without regret.
Gu Qingning asked, “Principal, may I leave now?”
“Of course,” Principal Zhang replied with a smile.
Gu Qingning stepped out, with the Gu brothers quickly following.
“Youngest, wait for Second Brother.”
Outside the teaching building, Gu Zhao blocked her path, speaking with a hint of jealousy, “Qingning, you called Second Brother first. Shouldn’t you call me too?”
Calling out “Second Brother” made Gu Che feel euphoric, a proud smile on his face. “Ah Zhao, what’s the rush? There’s plenty of time. Don’t pressure the youngest.”
Gu Zhao rolled his eyes. Standing while talking sure doesn’t hurt, always spouting snide remarks.
“Qingning,” he dragged the tone, almost in a whining manner, making Gu Qingning’s skin crawl.
Gu Che’s eyes gleamed as he mischievously said, “Ignore your third brother. Second Brother will take you to eat something delicious.”
Gu Zhao’s handsome face darkened as he called out his name, “Gu… Che!”
The protective Second Brother had gone wild. Who wants Second Brother to whisk her away so fast? Hahaha.
