C17 He Liked to Do Three Things at Once!
"You don't need to keep looking at me. Yes, I am Ye Yufei, just as you imagined. If you're not interested in staying here, I'll simply buy out your school tomorrow. Then, I'll have you blacklisted in the education sector. Once you're out of this school, you can go ahead and start planning your retirement."
Ye Yufei's words, though delivered with a casual tone, struck a chord with the principal. He enjoyed his position, relishing the opportunity to negotiate with well-known industry magnates, all of whom were shareholders of the school. Such connections were hard to come by elsewhere.
"Please, no! I was shortsighted. We didn't fully grasp the situation earlier. It seems that Lee Na misspoke."
The principal's anxious gaze fell on Lee Na's father, who was well aware of the clout wielded by Ye's Group. With a mere flick of their fingers, they could upend entire corporations, let alone a small school like theirs. To them, the school was a significant enterprise, but to Ye's Group, it was a drop in the ocean, especially since they owned even more prestigious schools.
"Indeed, it's possible that Lee Na misspoke. I assumed both children were being truthful and didn't pay it much mind. I never meant to cause any misunderstanding."
Lee Na's father stood by with a forced smile, playing along. Bringing up Ye's Group proved effective. Those who underestimated others were now fearful of being outdone.
"So, do we still need to set an example? If so, I suggest expelling Lee Na. Just by looking at her, you can see that Chen Xue is clearly at a disadvantage."
Ye Yufei's comment was pointed, highlighting the noticeable difference in size between Lee Na and Chen Xue. Though Lee Na's bulk wasn't necessarily an asset, it was worth mentioning just to make a point.
"There's no need for that. They're both young, and as first-time offenders, a reprimand will suffice. We hope they can learn to coexist peacefully. Our school isn't keen on losing any students."
Witnessing the principal and Lee Na's father smiling obsequiously, Chen Xue stood nearby, smugly satisfied. It appeared she had chosen her ally wisely. Had it been anyone else, the two might not have shifted their stance so readily.
"Alright, I'll take her away now, and you all can continue your conversation at your leisure."
Ye Yufei escorted Chen Xue out of the principal's office. As soon as they stepped outside, Chen Xue let out a sigh of relief. She had been seething with anger inside, but now she felt somewhat better.
"Mr. Yufei! You were so impressive back there! I thought you were going to pull out those Hammer Gate moves on them."
Chen Xue chatted as they walked, the memory of that day's frightening scene still fresh in her mind.
Ye Yufei was at a loss for words. He couldn't fathom what was going through the young girl's mind. Using the same tactic twice was simply not his style.
"Now, go get something to eat. From this point forward, you don't need to fear anyone at school. Just mention Ye's Group, and I'll be there to back you up."
Ye Yufei was brimming with confidence. They headed to a nearby restaurant, the only one in the vicinity that seemed appropriate for a meal.
The other establishments were either too opulent or overly flamboyant, more like showpieces than places to dine.
Once they sat down, Chen Xue began to eat heartily, enjoying a level of comfort she hadn't felt in days.
"How's school been treating you lately? It seems like a lot of people are giving you a hard time."
Ye Yufei inquired cautiously. Chen Xue swallowed her bite of food, struggling to put into words the ordeal she had been facing at school.
It was a dreadful feeling. Ever since the Chen family's fortunes had waned, outsiders had seized every opportunity to oppress Chen Xue upon hearing any rumor about the Chen family.
"It's okay. I'm there to study, not to get into disputes. Let them talk. I never wanted my family to end up in this predicament, but some things are beyond our control."
Chen Xue gave a wry smile. Suddenly, a boy in a school uniform approached.
"Chen Xue, what a coincidence to see you here. By the way, have you considered what I mentioned a few days ago? How about hanging out with me tomorrow? It's the weekend, and we could go for a picnic. You mentioned you haven't been to that spot before."
The individual speaking was Xia Lin, a senior to Chen Xue. They shared the same major but were not in the same class. One day, Xia Lin took notice of Chen Xue and began to relentlessly pursue her.
Despite Chen Xue's numerous rejections, Xia Lin refused to give up. Now, with the Chen family facing hard times, everyone assumed Chen Xue would be easy to woo, but reality proved otherwise.
"No, thank you. I've already told you that I'm not fond of the outdoors. I'd rather rest at home," Chen Xue said, her voice tinged with embarrassment. Her words only served to ignite Xia Lin's fury. After so many rejections, she was still turning him down. Xia Lin had exhausted all his strategies, yet Chen Xue remained unmoved.
"Chen Xue, today I see your true colors. You've constantly refused me, declining to be with me. And now, you're dating Ye Yufei. Do you enjoy being the other woman? How is life as a mistress? If I'm not mistaken, Mr. Yufei already has a fiancée. You're a little late to the game," Xia Lin sneered, standing beside them. Chen Xue, losing her appetite, tossed her utensils onto the table in frustration.
It was beyond belief. At school, she had to deal with eccentrics like Lee Na and her father, and now outside, she encountered Xia Lin. How many oddballs were there in this school?
"Say that again!" Chen Xue banged on the table, rising to her feet. No longer able to contain her anger, she figured it was better to have it out with them once and for all.
"And what if I do? So many people at school are after you, but you never go out to eat with them. You only go out with Mr. Yufei. It's clear what you're after. I've heard plenty say you're a cunning woman. I didn't want to believe it, but now I do," Xia Lin said, smirking. Chen Xue glared at him, disgusted by his lack of shame.
"Really? Well, today I've realized there's a serious flaw in your character. After your relentless pursuit and my refusal, you resort to slandering me with baseless accusations. You've never once bothered to ask if any of it was true."
Chen Xue snapped back with equal scorn. If Xia Lin had abandoned all decency, she saw no reason to hold back any longer.