Chapter 104: Design (4)

In the principal's office, the principal wore a grave and stern expression as he asked what had happened. Qiao Xi simply replied that it was an accident.

After a lecture, the principal sent her back to class, noting that any specific disciplinary action would depend on the medical report regarding Gu Dieyan’s injuries and her version of the events.

When she returned to the classroom, class was already in session. The room was silent, though every pair of eyes was fixed upon her.

As soon as the bell rang and the teacher left, the classroom immediately erupted into chaos. It wasn't just her classmates; students from other grades poured in to defend Gu Dieyan, particularly the boys.

As the school beauty, Gu Dieyan was the object of affection for many of the male students. Now that Qiao Xi had pushed their idol down the stairs, they were naturally determined to stand up for her.

From start to finish, Qiao Xi remained unresponsive, while Shan Chou-chou could not help but jump into arguments with them. The students who didn't join in were either watching the drama unfold or staying out of it; no one was foolish enough to stand up for Qiao Xi at such a time. Besides, Qiao Xi had only transferred a month ago, and there was little emotional bond between her and the rest of the class.

Gu Panxi wanted to help, but what could she do on her own? Fortunately, so far, it had only been a war of words; no one dared to actually resort to physical violence.

After all, Qiao Xi was the Student Council President's girlfriend. No matter how much they clamored, they wouldn't dare lay a hand on her, not to mention that Qiao Xi herself was not someone to be trifled with.

By the break before the third period, news finally arrived from the hospital regarding Gu Dieyan: her right arm was fractured, she had multiple abrasions, and she was in a state of emotional distress.

Qiao Xi’s expression did not change in the slightest upon hearing the news, let alone show any other reaction.

"How cold-blooded."

"Exactly. She pushed someone down the stairs and is still acting as if nothing happened."

"I thought she was decent when we first hung out, but thinking back now, it's terrifying. It seems the rumors about her from Fengyang were true after all."

"That’s right, it’s best to keep our distance, or who knows when we might be the next victim."

The girls in the class who had previously spoken with Qiao Xi began to distance themselves as well.

"Don't be like that, guys. Qiao Xi definitely didn't do it on purpose." Gu Panxi stood up for her. She was one of the few who had grown close to Qiao Xi, and from her experience, Qiao Xi was simply a woman of few words—there was truly nothing else to her.

"Keep defending her if you want. Maybe one day it’ll be your turn."

"Exactly, don't say we didn't warn you."

But the other students didn't see it that way.

"You guys..." Gu Panxi wanted to say more, but Shan Chou-chou stepped in.

"Stop wasting your breath on them."

"You only say that because you know you're in the wrong and have nothing to say," one of the girls retorted at Shan Chou-chou.

Shan Chou-chou grew furious. "What right do you have to say Qiao Xi did it on purpose? Did you see it with your own eyes, or did you experience it yourself? Why don't you consider that maybe Gu Dieyan is just jealous because the President chose Qiao Xi, and she’s framing her?"

"Dieyan isn't that kind of person! She is the sweetest, purest girl in this entire school."

"Please! Are you that close to her? Did you grow up in the same pair of pants, or are you mind-readers?" Shan Chou-chou shot back.

"You and Qiao Xi both transferred from Fengyang, so of course you’d help her. You’re completely blinded by bias."

"I could say the exact same thing to you!"

"What is that supposed to mean..."

"What do you think it means? Did you fail elementary school? You accuse me of being biased, but how much better are you? You didn't even get the facts straight before pinning all the blame on Qiao Xi!"

*Ring!*

The commotion was once again cut short by the sound of the school bell.