Chapter 137: Hospitalization

"A student has tarnished the university's reputation, and as her teacher, you bear the responsibility for poor guidance. If she had done nothing, would people have come looking for her? Does she not have the slightest idea why they aren't targeting anyone else? Covering for her? Who would believe that? Which university monitors graduate students dating? Even if they were hiding it from their parents, they didn't need to disclose anything to them—who were they covering for? The other students, or you and me?"

The Department Head's stern words caused the students and teachers gathered outside the office to nod in agreement. Even Gou Xiangru and Chen Xin, had they not trusted Qin Qing's character, would likely have been among them.

Hearing the Department Head’s words, Qin Qing began to cry even harder. If not for Gou Xiangru and Chen Xin holding her on either side, she would have collapsed onto the floor.

"Regardless of how the university handles this, the results should wait until the police reach a conclusion. Right or wrong is not determined by who has the loudest voice or who has the most supporters. I believe that even if a student has acted improperly, we should not allow outsiders to block the doorway and make accusations. We should call the police if necessary."

Zhou Hao, who had been watching the chaos from the doorway, finally couldn't help but speak up.

"Also, that female student’s condition doesn't seem right. If you keep arguing like this, I’m afraid the 'homicide' this teacher mentioned might actually happen."

Hearing Zhou Hao's words, everyone looked toward Qin Qing and realized she was crying so intensely that she seemed unable to catch her breath; her face had turned ghastly pale, and her lips were blue.

"Lay her flat! Go get an oxygen bag!" Chen Xin’s heart sank, and she felt completely lost, reacting only to Zhou Hao's instructions.

As she was a student of their university, the Department Head couldn't afford to be distracted any longer. He promptly cleared the students blocking the door, firmly escorted the couple to an adjacent office, and dialed the emergency services.

A hospital was located right next to Jin University, so the ambulance arrived promptly. With Zhou Hao’s assistance, Chen Xin quickly regained her composure and helped provide first aid. By the time the doctor arrived, although Qin Qing remained somewhat disoriented, her basic neurological reflexes were intact.

"Professor Jin, I think we must notify her parents."

Qin Qing had previously refused to tell her family, feeling the situation was deeply shameful, and she never imagined it would escalate to this point, let alone involve her so deeply. But now that she was hospitalized and the deceased woman’s family was hounding her, it was no longer something she could handle on her own.

"I’ve already spoken to your Senior Sister," Professor Jin said, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Honestly, I only brought you here to facilitate some communication, and now it’s turned into this. I don't even know what other troubles lie ahead."

"Professor Jin, I think it would be best for the university to stand by the student. It’s not just because I support Qin Qing, but because compared to that couple, Qin Qing is the vulnerable party. The whole matter is actually quite clear: whether the two deceased were a couple or not, Qin Qing did nothing wrong. She shouldn't have to bear this kind of pressure. If the university only cares about hushing things up and pushing all the responsibility onto a female student, it might calm the situation for now, but it won't be good for the school's reputation. The internet is already entering households; it's not like the old days where nothing was known if it wasn't reported or disclosed."

Professor Jin fell silent for a moment before nodding. "I will do everything in my power to protect Qin Qing."

She dared not promise that the university wouldn't take such actions, because while the students weren't aware, she knew that the background of that young section chief was not simple. If his backers were willing to let it go, that would be one thing, and the parents of the deceased wouldn't be able to stir up much trouble. But if the other side refused to let go, the best-case scenario for Qin Qing would be expulsion.

"By the way, who is this?"

"My friend, Zhou Hao. He works at the military district near our hometown; he’s my brother-in-law’s comrade."

Professor Jin was quite familiar with Chen Xin’s situation. After learning their relationship, she didn't say much more, only advising Chen Xin not to get too involved and to help with translations when she had free time.

Chen Xin had her own tasks to complete, but Professor Cao had delegated a smaller workload. By coordinating with Senior Brother Han, their progress was faster than expected. Given this, helping Professor Jin and the others with small tasks was manageable. Furthermore, the translation work assigned to Qin Qing and Gou Xiangru was not particularly difficult, and Chen Xin could handle the workload of both of them on her own.

"Thank you so much for today." Chen Xin walked Zhou Hao to the school gate. As they walked side-by-side along the tree-lined path, she felt quite dejected.

"Don't overthink it. Trust the police and the university. As long as your classmate hasn't done anything wrong, this won't stick to her."

Chen Xin smiled but said nothing. Unlike Zhou Hao, Chen Xin felt that even if Qin Qing avoided legal responsibility, her future at the university was likely ruined. She had previously hoped to stay on at the university, but that path was surely blocked now; successfully completing her graduate studies would be the best possible outcome.

"If you really want to help your classmate, there are ways, but..." Zhou Hao hesitated for a moment. "How about this: don’t get involved yourself; let me handle it. I’m an outsider, so your school has no jurisdiction over me, and if you do it, it won't be as discreet."

"Wouldn't that be too much of a bother for you?"

"It's no trouble. I’m on leave at home anyway and have nothing going on." Zhou Hao thought for a moment, recalling that a cousin of his had bought an apartment outside Jin University. He wasn't sure if it had been sold yet, but he could perhaps borrow it for a few days.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony. With such a big scene today, I might have to work overtime tonight. When I have some free time, I’ll treat you to a meal."

"Alright, I'll be waiting for that meal." Zhou Hao was not one to linger unnecessarily; he parted ways with Chen Xin and headed to the station. He would go back today to settle things at home, check on the status of his cousin's apartment, and return in a day or two.

With Qin Qing hospitalized and her family not yet arrived, Gou Xiangru went to help look after her, leaving their translation tasks to Chen Xin.

Because of this incident, everyone’s focus was scattered, and productivity was far lower than before. The atmosphere in the study room was also quite tense, with everyone whispering during breaks.

To reassure the group, Senior Sister Wei stopped working on other things and sat in the study room every night, both to supervise their progress and to provide emotional support to the other students.

On the third morning, Qin Qing's parents arrived at the school. They went to the hospital to see their daughter first, then spent the morning talking with the teachers. At noon, they treated Gou Xiangru, Chen Xin, and several other students who had been helping to bring food and supplies to a meal. Throughout the entire process, Qin Qing’s parents didn't grill the students about their daughter's affairs, only expressing their gratitude repeatedly. It wasn't until the meal ended that they asked Chen Xin to stay behind to talk a little longer.