Chapter 82: Evading Apologies

Reminded by her classmates, Gu Ci finally remembered that today was the day they had agreed upon for a public apology from Duan Jingyi and the dean of students. During the upcoming break, both Duan Jingyi and the dean would issue their apologies.

It wasn't a secret anymore in First High that Class 12 had the worst grades in the whole school. Wherever they went, other classes would use them as the perfect example of what not to do. The students of Class 12 claimed not to care, but deep down, it still stung. No matter how privileged their families were, when others attacked them for their grades, they simply had no way to defend themselves.

For the first time, their class could finally hold their heads high because of academics. That was why everyone showed up, standing together in rare unity. Even Xiao Yang, after hearing what had happened in school, couldn't help but marvel—his Sister Ci was truly incredible, causing such a stir as soon as she arrived at school! So, leaning on his crutch and dragging his injured leg, he made his way there as well.

If there was anyone missing from Class 12, it was only Shi Xuetong. But truth be told, no one really noticed her absence; if not for her shadowing Huo Shuyue all the time, most of them might have forgotten she was even in their class.

The excitement in the group was palpable as the break approached. That day, for the first time ever, every single member of Class 12 showed up for the flag-raising ceremony—an event they usually attended in dribs and drabs, if at all. What’s more, every one of them wore their school uniforms, something that hadn’t happened in ages, and lined up neatly in their designated spot.

Seeing this, the dean’s face darkened instantly. Still, he carried the prepared one-thousand-word apology up to the podium for the flag-raising ceremony.

Xiao Yang shouted encouragement from below, “Mr. He, we believe in second chances—you’ll still be a great teacher!”

Lu Youming echoed, “Go, Mr. He, we’re all listening!”

Soon, the entire class joined in with their support. The dean, whose surname was He, had never been addressed so casually by any student—let alone a whole class—right to his face.

His expression turned even darker. His eyelids twitched for a long moment before he managed to compose himself and begin reading his thousand-word apology, word for word. After forcing himself through it, he couldn’t stand to stay on the stage a second longer, and rushed off at top speed, his face stiff with humiliation.

For the first time in his career, he had to stand atop the flag-raising platform to apologize. It was mortifying.

Afterward, Class 12 didn’t see Duan Jingyi again. Instead, the host came up to conclude the ceremony. As other classes dispersed, the smiles faded from the faces of Class 12.

Xiao Yang sneered, pressing his tongue against his cheek and waving his hand with a hint of mischief, “Let’s go find them!”

At once, the entire class fell in behind him in a mighty procession. Lu Youming lingered in the back.

“Hey, you all—” Jin Jiejiao, their teacher, was stunned to see her students march off en masse. She hurried after them, only to be stopped by Lu Youming.

“Teacher, I have a math problem I could really use your help with—do you have a moment?” Lu Youming flashed a bright smile, his eyes full of eager curiosity. With his cherubic face, it was almost impossible to refuse him.

Jin Jiejiao was momentarily distracted, but still glanced anxiously in the direction her students had gone. “Well, maybe later—”

She knew these kids were mischievous but wouldn’t go too far. Still, she couldn’t help but worry.

Lu Youming blinked, gazing at her with innocent, earnest eyes. “Teacher, who knows, maybe I won’t feel like studying later... It’s so rare for me to be interested in learning—you never know...”

That did the trick. Jin Jiejiao’s resolve fired up. She patted Lu Youming’s shoulder, all doubt gone. “Whatever questions you have, just ask! I’ll help you right now!”

…

Meanwhile, Class 12 intercepted Class 1 at the entrance to the teaching building.

Xiao Yang, slouching, had his school jacket half unzipped and casually slung an arm over a friend’s shoulder. He looked at those before him and asked with a bold edge, “Where’s that Duan Jingyi from your class? What, hiding somewhere?”

The challenge in his tone was unmistakable.

Class 1’s students looked grim. How could Class 12 be so arrogant?

Gu Zhiren, meanwhile, stared at Gu Ci, who was surrounded in the center like a star among admiring satellites, and quietly clenched her fists.

The Class 1 monitor couldn’t help but speak up, “Xiao Yang, don’t get ahead of yourself. Do you want me to report—”

Xiao Yang cut him off, pretending to clean his ear. “Report to the teachers? Or to your parents? We’re just looking for someone—what’s got you all so nervous?”

Gu Ci lifted her gaze, her voice calm. “So, where is she?”

She looked around but saw no sign of Duan Jingyi among them.

The dean, for all his stubbornness and conservatism, had at least kept his word and apologized. But Duan Jingyi was the true instigator, even verbally and physically abusing Jingjing—yet she had not appeared at all. Gu Ci wanted nothing more than her apology.

Class 1’s faces remained sullen despite Xiao Yang and Gu Ci’s words. They all knew exactly why Class 12 had blocked them, and the absence of Duan Jingyi made them all uneasy.

The math class rep from Class 1 finally blurted out, “Duan Jingyi is only absent because she’s sick. Do you really need to push her so hard? We’re all classmates.”

Gu Ci raised an eyebrow. “Sick?”

What a coincidence, to fall ill just when she was due to apologize—anyone would be suspicious.

No one from Class 12 believed it; they all sneered at Class 1.

Yan Muyu adjusted his glasses. “So this is how Class 1 handles things. I’ve learned something new today.”

At these words, the Class 1 students began whispering among themselves.

“Duan Jingyi is already sick and absent—why are you being so aggressive? Don’t you have any sympathy?”

“Shouldn’t there be some trust between people? Are you saying she’d fake an illness just to skip school?”

“You’ve already pushed her so far—can’t you let her go? She just made a mistake and accidentally offended Gu Ci from your class…”

“Yeah, we’re all classmates—can’t we be more understanding?”

Gradually, as the next class hadn’t started yet, more students gathered to watch.

Sensing the moment was right, Gu Zhiren stepped forward, offering Gu Ci a gentle smile…