Volume1 Chapter10 Conspiracy

Chen Yong was truly taken aback when Long Kun turned the tables and gave him a scolding. He noticed that as soon as the bell rang, Long Kun rushed to Tang Keyu's side. The two of them stood unusually close to each other, but to his relief, throughout the entire interaction, only Long Kun was speaking, while Tang Keyu maintained a cold, almost frosty expression. Her demeanor was even more aloof than when she dealt with him. 

Although he couldn't overhear what Long Kun was saying, he clearly heard Tang Keyu's last words, which lifted his spirits. However, Long Kun, oblivious to the situation, seemed intent on lingering. Deciding to side with Tang Keyu and teach Long Kun a lesson, Chen Yong thought to himself that Long Kun was just like a toad trying to eat swan meat.

Before he could open his mouth, the bell for class rang, and the class monitor didn't give him a chance to speak. With a frosty expression, the beautiful Tang Keyu spoke sharply, "Class has begun. If you two want to argue, take it outside. Don't disturb the rest of us."

Her words cut off his attempt mid-sentence, and the feeling was utterly frustrating. Though Tang Keyu's cold tone irritated him, he couldn't show it. Apart from his ongoing pursuit of her, he had recently learned of her true identity: the Tang family conglomerate was far beyond the scope of his father's small company. This only strengthened his resolve to win her over.

With a forced smile, Chen Yong shot Long Kun a glare and sat down, though a feeling of resentment simmered within him. Long Kun had been too arrogant these past few days, almost threatening his position as the class's "little tyrant." Should he make a move on Tang Keyu again? It seemed inevitable that Long Kun needed to be taught a lesson. He dismissed the idea of retaliating physically, as he still shuddered at the memory of the day Long Kun had beaten Wang Jun. So, what could he do? His eyes suddenly lit up, and an insidious smile spread across his face.

Meanwhile, Long Kun trudged back to his seat, not for Chen Yong's sake, but because he didn't understand why Tang Keyu was so cold towards him. He knew he had made a mistake the day before, but shouldn't friends understand each other? After all, he had apologized. Had he misunderstood? Perhaps the class beauty had never wanted to be friends with him.

Tang Keyu, noticing Long Kun's downcast demeanor as he returned to his seat, felt a slight pang in her heart. She could sense that her previous actions had hurt him, but she didn't think she had done anything wrong. Wasn't it normal for a girl to act a little spoiled? She had been a bit harsh, but everyone in class had been watching, and with Hu Xiaoxiao, the class monitor, nearby, she had to set an example. The more she thought about it, the more she felt justified. However, when she noticed Long Kun lowering his head, looking a bit sad, her soft heart finally relented. She truly did consider him a friend, and friends sometimes acted a little petty. But of course, the thick-headed Long Kun didn't understand this.

She had written her very first note, but the question was how to give it to Long Kun. She certainly wouldn't hand it to him personally. Her classmates' imaginations were too wild, and things could easily get out of hand. After thinking for a while, she noticed her mischievous friend, Hu Xiaoxiao, eyeing her. Well, it had to be done this way.

But this brief, fleeting episode was soon forgotten by everyone, as the looming pressure of the college entrance exam took precedence. Most students were focused on their most important task: revision. As Luo An had said, the exam could change many lives, and many were fighting for their futures.

Long Kun's frustration didn't last long. He sat with the class monitor's beautifully written notebook in his hands, and for a moment, he realized he had never thought of such a situation before. Perhaps this was better than he had expected. Just as he began to feel slightly at ease, Luo An appeared again. "Useless," he muttered.

"What?" Long Kun blinked.

"What do you mean, 'this is fine'? If you want to grow stronger, you need to have the perspective of a strong person. If you can't even chase after someone you like, how can you call yourself strong? At least be my representative. Have some ambition! You said it yourself: 'Only with goals can there be motivation, and with motivation, you can become strong.' Now, get rid of that self-pity. It's nonsense! Go back to your books."

"Uh."

Time before the college entrance exams always seemed to fly by; every second counted. The self-study session ended quickly, and students reluctantly left the classroom. Though their plans hadn't been completed, the school's mandatory break time remained a rigid requirement. With the immense pressure of the exams ahead, the school enforced breaks to ensure the health of the senior students.

Given Long Kun's current state, he was too exhausted to participate. He asked the PE committee member, Lu Zhongyu, for leave. Lu, though somewhat heavyset, was an excellent basketball player and well-liked by everyone. Naturally, Long Kun's request was granted without question.

As Long Kun sat back down to continue reviewing his notes, he noticed Hu Xiaoxiao approaching with a smile. He blinked in surprise—yes, she was indeed walking toward him, and it appeared she was smiling at him. With everyone else out of the classroom, he was certain.

Hu Xiaoxiao walked up to his desk, greeted him cheerfully, and quickly placed a small note on his table. Leaning in, she whispered, "We'll have a chance to talk later." Then she joined the others outside.

Long Kun, puzzled, stared at the note. He and Hu Xiaoxiao weren't close, though she was an outgoing girl with great social skills. Like Lu Zhongyu, she was one of the most popular people in class. Long Kun, on the other hand, was quiet and occasionally skipped class, so they hadn't exchanged more than a few words.

Opening the note, he was stunned to see that the handwriting was elegant, matching the style of the notes he had seen before. His first-ever note, in fact, was from Tang Keyu, the girl of his dreams. He felt as though his life was complete. Even more surprising was its content: "Meet me at Aunt Zhang's shop after school today. You're treating. If you're late or don't show up, don't ask me for any more books or notes."

Long Kun grinned widely, while Luo An looked on with disdain. "A meal and you're so happy? That's all you're capable of."

The classroom, now almost empty, saw only two students remaining. One was Long Kun, and the other, He Yu, a follower of Chen Yong, with whom Long Kun had no interest in speaking. He Yu didn't bother with him either. Aside from their occasional trips to the restroom, the two remained silent.

The break time was only twenty minutes, so it didn't take long for the students to trickle back into the classroom. Everyone sat back down to continue their studies, a few murmuring quietly while most kept to their books.

But the tranquility didn't last long. Suddenly, Chen Yong's voice cut through the room. At first, no one paid much attention, but as his voice grew louder, everyone turned to look. "My new iPad is missing! Who stole it?"

The entire class's focus shifted to him. It was well known that Chen Yong had an iPad, which he had proudly shown off just a few days ago. Though not extremely expensive, it was still a luxury item that most high school students couldn't afford, especially in a relatively ordinary school like Huxi No. 7 High, where wealthy students like Tang Keyu were the exception, not the rule. Naturally, everyone envied him.

Now that his iPad was gone, some students secretly took pleasure in his misfortune, while others wondered who the thief could be.

Long Kun's attention immediately focused on Chen Yong as the shouting began. Something about the situation made him uneasy.

Sure enough, a few seconds later, Chen Yong shouted again. "Who was in the classroom during break time?"

Long Kun frowned. "I was."

"Of course it was you, you poor guy. You stole it!" Chen Yong accused.

"I think you misunderstood," Long Kun replied, his voice growing tense. "I was in the classroom, but that doesn't mean I took your iPad."

"Who else could it be? Who else was here?" Chen Yong demanded.

At that moment, He Yu stood up, saying, "Brother Yong, I was here too, but I certainly didn't take it."

Chen Yong insisted that Long Kun was the thief. The confrontation reached a stalemate until Chen Yong demanded to search Long Kun's bag. Long Kun, knowing he hadn't stolen anything, was unafraid of the search, but the sly glances exchanged between Chen Yong and He Yu caught his attention. There was something off about the way they looked at each other, a sinister smile lurking at the corners of their mouths.

Long Kun quickly realized the situation was more complicated than it seemed. These two were probably conspiring to frame him. It was too late to back out now, as Chen Yong had already grabbed his bag and pulled out the missing iPad.