Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Not To Be Trifled With
Chapter 56: Not To Be Trifled With
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
When Yue Ling caught wind of Bai Xue’s words, she maintained a nonchalant expression and retorted, “If Jiang Ling’er dares to take that step, why should she be concerned about others’ judgments?”
Bai Xue wore a satisfied grin, sensing that news of Jiang Ling’er’s alleged cheating would soon permeate the air.
“The results will be revealed tomorrow,” Bai Xue interjected, her tone laced with caution. “Without concrete evidence, it’s best to keep a low profile. Jiang Ling’er is not one to be trifled with.”
Yue Ling felt a tinge of dejection and inquired, “Isn’t there any way to obtain evidence before the results are disclosed?”
Bai Xue leaned in and whispered, “If Ling’er is summoned by the school authorities for questioning, that would serve as evidence. Until then, everything remains speculative, although the weight of public opinion would have already taken a toll on Ling’er.”
Yue Ling swiftly comprehended Bai Xue’s insinuation, pausing for a moment to ponder her options before reluctantly nodding in agreement.
Bai Xue surveyed her surroundings and advised, “Lingling, you should head back first.”
Yue Ling, unsuspecting, replied, “Sure, I’ll go ahead.”
With those words, Yue Ling rose from her seat and departed.
Feeling a vibration in her bag, Bai Xue fished out her phone. Upon checking her messages, she found a note from Assistant Lin.
Disappointment washed over Bai Xue as she read the contents. She clenched her fists in frustration, unable to contain her dissatisfaction, and exited the milk tea shop.
While en route to Huixue Village, Bai Xue dialed the school’s tip-off hotline. Even if she couldn’t expel Jiang Ling’er from the school, she was determined to make her presence repugnant.
Later that afternoon, Jiang Ling’er received a summons to the vice-principal’s office.
Knocking on the door, Jiang Ling’er stepped inside, noticing the dean, the homeroom teacher, and yesterday’s invigilator present. Although no words were spoken, Jiang Ling’er could sense an underlying tension in the air.
After waiting for over ten minutes, the dean spoke up. “Jiang Ling’er, how would you rate the difficulty level of this test?”
Jiang Ling’er responded directly, “It wasn’t very challenging. 1 finished it within 20 minutes.”
“Is it truly that simple?” inquired the dean, his expression turning cold. “Many students didn’t have enough time to complete the more substantial questions.” “Why should I be blamed if others struggle academically?” Jiang Ling’er retorted.
Was Jiang Ling’er to bear the burden of blame for anyone who failed to complete their answers in the examination hall?
“Someone reported you for cheating during the exam. How do you explain that?” Bai Xue demanded.
A flicker of anger sparked within Jiang Ling’er upon hearing the accusation of cheating. She had already surmised that only a select few desired her downfall. It was an insult she had long anticipated.
“Very well, present me with the evidence,” Jiang Ling’er challenged.
The dean’s face grew ashen. Observing Jiang Ling’er’s unflappable composure, it was evident that she had come prepared. The dean, faltering, stated, “Considering your previous academic performance, it is implausible for you to achieve such exceptional results.”
“Did you hold the position of dean from the very beginning?” Jiang Ling’er countered.
“Don’t evade the question. Your attitude alone should disqualify you!” the dean snapped, his anger rising.
“Why are you evading the issue?” Jiang Ling’er responded. “Does the past define the present? In the past, I didn’t even take the exam. What right do you have to claim my performance is subpar?”
The original owner of the body had handed in a blank paper—not out of rebelliousness, but due to sheer incompetence. She didn’t possess the necessary skills. Therefore, she resorted to writing her name on every exam, indicating her presence. In any case, she planned to rely on Old Master Jiang’s influence to pave her way into the future.
“Why do you think handing in a blank paper is an accomplishment?”
“I concede that it’s not an accomplishment, but it’s also not a reason to accuse me of cheating,” Jiang Ling’er stated firmly.
The dean slammed his hand on the table, his rage palpable. “Are you suggesting I framed you?”
Jiang Ling’er remained unperturbed. The dean’s lack of concrete evidence was apparent. Seizing the moment, Jiang Ling’er fired back, “If you didn’t frame me, then present me with the evidence. Otherwise, your words will be nothing more than baseless accusations.”
“Jiang Ling’er, mind your words and conduct,” warned the homeroom teacher.
Jiang Ling’er challenged, “Be honest, homeroom teacher. Was there any wrongdoing on my part? Are you framing me now and expecting me to stay silent?”
The dean retorted, “In all my years, I’ve never encountered a student like you who lacks respect for their teachers.”
“And I’ve encountered many like you who casually frame students,” Jiang Ling’er shot back.
At that moment, the invigilator who had praised Jiang Ling’er the day before interjected, “Director, though I’m unsure why you are so certain she cheated, this student did not engage in any misconduct during the examination. 1 can vouch for her integrity.”
The dean, Wang Fugui, donned a bewildered expression. What flimsy reasoning was this? Wang Fugui replied, “Regardless of how she gained admission, she did not cheat in this exam. 1 witnessed it firsthand. Which student doesn’t review information before an exam? Furthermore, the questions were not so diverse that they couldn’t be related to the main topic. Given the right understanding, one could extrapolate information from a single instance.. If reading more information constitutes cheating, wouldn’t it be unfair? How can we accuse other students of not reading the information? Wouldn’t that be cheating?”