Chapter 37 It Was a Misunderstanding

“Previously—Teacher Zhao from Art. But for the ‘Peacock Cup’ painting contest—the key was temporarily handed to Director Liu.”
“Got his number?”
Counselor: “Yes.”
“Ask him to come.”
“Okay.”
“Truly a genius—double degree in Medicine & International Trade. Notices details others miss, logical—can’t be led astray.”
“Yeah—I saw a forum post. His IQ’s over 140! Total genius!”
“Rich & powerful kids—all impressive…”
In the studio—people sensed a turn. Whispering—Duan Chengyu nudged Zhong Zhe. “Bro—you’re awesome.”
Lin Yixuan saw wavering attitudes—fumed.
Cowards!
Even if Zhong Shao doubts—even if Director Liu comes—this’ll blow up!
She waited for Su Niansheng’s embarrassment.
Waiting—Su Niansheng looked at Zhong Zhe/Duan Chengyu, confused. Duan Chengyu winked—reassuring.
Xiaoqian sis—don’t worry. Zhong Zhe acts only when sure—this’ll end perfectly!
She wasn’t worried—curious why they trusted her. Just “No”—no explanation.
Before college—she stuck with Shen Junxi. No time for others. Zhong Zhe/Duan Chengyu—she got close after chasing Tao Yu, drifting from Shen Junxi. Known only days—no deep trust…
Familiar teachers/classmates/roommates stayed silent.
But she thought—Birds of a feather flock together. If Shen Junxi were here—he’d trust her. So his friends would too.
Soon—Director Liu arrived.
“Oh—sorry! Misunderstanding!”
He saw the crowd—explained.
“Teacher Sun—last night, ‘Peacock Cup’ sponsors called. A Wenan Rd. art exhibition—started early. Asked to pick finished student pieces. I came late—took one.
Busy today—forgot to tell you. The artist—Lin Yixuan, right?”
He looked at the crowd.
Lin Yixuan paled—stepped back.
Wh-what? Not stolen—taken by Director Liu…
Tao Yu looked up.
Studio—people gasped. Gazes at Su Niansheng—filled with guilt/apology.
“So that’s how it is.”
“Lin Yixuan said it was stolen! Messing with us?”
“No wonder Su Niansheng was mad at the president—who wouldn’t be?”
“Blame Lin Yixuan—didn’t check, slandered the school beauty. We almost became accomplices.”
“Exactly…”
“Xiaoqian.”
Xu Yue/Zhao Menghan wanted to speak—recalled silent when Lin Yixuan accused. Stayed quiet.
Too late.
Counselor shook his head—glared at Lin Yixuan. “Misunderstanding cleared—everyone leave…”
“Huh? No way.”
Duan Chengyu raised his voice—stepped to Lin Yixuan.
“This classmate—gathered people, slandered Xiaoqian sis without proof. Now truth’s out—no apology, wanna leave?”
Class president—serious. “Lin Yixuan—apologize to Su Niansheng.”
“I-I…”
Lin Yixuan buried her head—too ashamed.
She wanted to ruin Su Niansheng—ended up a joke.
Tao Yu looked at Su Niansheng—eyes flickering. She smirked. “Even if she apologizes—I won’t accept.”
“True.” Duan Chengyu shrugged. “Her apology’s worthless.”
“Zhong Zhe, Duan Chengyu—thanks.”
“Nah—we’re friends. Too stuffy here. Xiaoqian sis—let’s chat outside?”
“Okay.”
She left.
Tao Yu’s gaze followed.
From standing in the studio—to leaving. Facing accusations, suspicion, charges—then cleared. Her expression stayed calm—like above it all, in a different world.
Outside—rain poured. Trapped students at the gate.
“Explains the stuffy air—rain.” Duan Chengyu tapped his ball. “Can’t play today…”
Zhong Zhe: “Wait—should stop in 30 mins.”
They lingered in the hallway—studio people filed out.
“Why rain? Weather app didn’t say.”
“Such rain—running back’ll soak us!”
“Dunno how long to wait…”
Tao Yu watched Su Niansheng under the eaves—her clean sneakers soaked, muddy. He took an umbrella from his bag.
Lin Yixuan saw him open the umbrella—walk to Su Niansheng. Eyes wide—first shocked, then consumed by rage.
Today—Su Niansheng humiliated her. With Tao Yu—she can’t lose again!