The Art of Disdain

"What's going on?"

Zhao Feifei looked utterly confused. Wu Hao leaned in and whispered, "Didn't our boss teach those losers from the Qihang Class a lesson this morning? Word is, they're supposed to issue public apologies and face disciplinary action tomorrow. But now their parents have shown up to back them, and they've come after our boss."

Zhao Feifei slammed her fist onto the table. "Those cowards!"

"Exactly!" Wu Hao joined in, pounding the table as well. "Let's go show our support for the boss!"

Meanwhile, inside the grade office.

Zhou Ru exuded an air of elegance, her makeup impeccable. Upon hearing about Ji Chuxing causing such a commotion at school—and even being expelled from the prestigious Qihang Class—she couldn't sit still any longer.

What was wrong with this girl? After waking up from her illness, she seemed more unruly than ever. Not only had she turned the household upside down, but now she'd brought chaos to the school. How dare she act like this? Did she think the Wen family existed solely to clean up her messes? If word got out that Zhou Ru's daughter had been kicked out of the Qihang Class, how could she possibly save face among the other socialites?

And then there was Sun Han—the son of Dr. Sun. In life, few people were as indispensable as doctors. The Wen family relied heavily on Dr. Sun's expertise. Was it worth risking that relationship over some country bumpkin?

Zhou Ru seethed inwardly but maintained a composed smile as she addressed Mrs. Sun and the other parents: "Mrs. Sun, esteemed guests, I must apologize for my daughter's behavior. She has truly crossed all boundaries. When we return home, I will personally ensure she apologizes to Young Master Sun and his classmates. Mrs. Sun, considering our families' long-standing cooperation, I hope you won't hold this against her."

"As her mother, I assure you this will never happen again. Today's incident was nothing more than a misunderstanding. There's absolutely no need for Young Master Sun to offer a public apology, let alone face suspension or probation. Such measures would be absurd."

Mrs. Sun nodded in satisfaction. The Suns served as the Wens' personal physicians, and in these times, doctors held immense social status. Their services were invaluable, especially when lives hung in the balance. Why should her son suffer because of some uncouth girl from the countryside?

Zhou Ru couldn't afford to let Ji Chuxing ruin the delicate ties between the Wen family and Dr. Sun. Throughout Nan City, Dr. Sun's medical skills were unmatched, and it was only due to the old friendship between the Wen and Sun patriarchs that this alliance had endured.

Mrs. Sun spoke up, her tone condescending yet polite: "It's not a major issue. I understand the girl comes from humble origins and doesn't know better. It's not your fault, Mrs. Wen. Let's just forget today's incident. However, regarding the Qihang Class—I speak for myself and the other mothers when I say we cannot allow her to return. Having someone like her around might corrupt our children."

Zhou Ru burned with anger inside, wishing Ji Chuxing would appear right then and kneel in apology. But given the circumstances, she had no choice but to sacrifice the girl to preserve the family's connections. Though influential, the Wen family wasn't at the very top of Nan City's elite circle. Maintaining good relations with others was crucial; alienating them would reflect poorly on her.

"Of course, Mrs. Sun. Rest assured, I'll handle this matter properly. I'll make sure she personally apologizes to Young Master Sun and begs for forgiveness."

Just as she finished speaking, a sharp, biting voice rang out: "You're full of it!"

Ji Chuxing had just arrived at the grade office and, upon hearing this, scoffed loudly, delivering a line that nearly made Zhou Ru faint on the spot.

Even Teacher Huang was stunned. Ji Chuxing appeared delicate and ethereal, but her words cut like a knife. Yet beneath his surprise lay simmering frustration. He already knew the truth: it was Sun Han and his friends who were in the wrong. He had assumed Zhou Ru came here to defend Ji Chuxing—not grovel.

What kind of nonsense was this? Apologizing without even knowing the facts? In all his years, he'd never seen anything quite like it.

Zhou Ru trembled with rage, pointing a shaking finger at Ji Chuxing. "Y-you… what did you just say?"

How could her own daughter utter such vulgar words?

Mrs. Sun's expression darkened as she glanced at the girl standing by the door. Her lips curled into a sneer. "Just as I thought—a rude country girl with no manners. Mrs. Wen, it seems your daughter has no intention of apologizing."

Ji Chuxing remained stoic, not sparing Mrs. Sun so much as a glance. Her face betrayed no fear, yet her piercing gaze sent an inexplicable chill through the room. Even the previously smug parents felt uneasy under her icy stare.

At that moment, Director Yan returned to the office, having concluded his meeting. On the way, he had learned that both sets of parents were present. However, he didn't know that Zhou Ru was apologizing on behalf of the aggressor.

In truth, this situation could have been resolved without involving the parents. As long as the offending students issued sincere public apologies and behaved themselves moving forward, the school wouldn't permanently expel promising talents from the Qihang Class—unless they refused to learn from their mistakes.

Teacher Huang had intended to explain everything to Ji Chuxing but held his tongue upon seeing Director Yan enter.

As Director Yan stepped in, the tense atmosphere eased slightly. Mrs. Sun immediately took the floor, her tone firm: "Director Yan, I initially didn't want to pursue this matter further. But Ji Chuxing's attitude is completely unacceptable. I believe the school needs to impose stricter punishment to set an example."

Director Yan raised an eyebrow, glancing at Mrs. Sun and the boy standing behind her. "Mrs. Sun, are you certain you fully understand what happened?"

Mrs. Sun faltered.

Zhou Ru quickly chimed in: "Director Yan, it's undeniable that Ji Chuxing is at fault. Whatever punishment the school decides, I, as her mother, have no objections."

Director Yan studied Mrs. Sun and the other parents before turning to Zhou Ru, his expression grave. "The bullying incident involving Sun Han was thoroughly investigated this morning. I intended to let the students resolve it themselves, but since the parents are involved, I'll convey the principal's decision. This constitutes severe bullying, which is strictly prohibited at Nan City No. 1 High School. Therefore, tomorrow morning, Sun Han and the others will issue public apologies and be removed from the Qihang Class. They may only rejoin if they rank within the top 45 in next month's exam."

Mrs. Sun froze. So did Zhou Ru.

"No," Mrs. Sun stammered, pointing at Ji Chuxing. "Director, *we* are the victims here."

Director Yan snorted. "Victims? Mrs. Sun, I'm afraid you're unaware of what your son has been doing at school."

He pulled up the video footage from earlier that morning. As Mrs. Sun and Zhou Ru watched in shock, Director Yan continued: "Furthermore, my investigation revealed that Sun Han frequently bullies students with lower grades, resorting to verbal abuse. This behavior cannot be tolerated. It must be dealt with severely to serve as a warning to others."

Before Director Yan could finish, a mocking voice echoed from outside the office: "Pathetic!"

Zhao Feifei stormed in, leading the students of Class 16. Without hesitation, she launched into a scathing tirade directed at Zhou Ru: "So *you're* God Ji's mom? What kind of mother are you? You don't even know the facts and you're crawling here to apologize? Do you enjoy groveling? Or are you addicted to licking boots? Are you insane, lady?"

Zhou Ru sputtered, unable to form coherent words: "Y-you…"

"You what?" Zhao Feifei interrupted, pulling Ji Chuxing protectively behind her. Turning to Mrs. Sun, she spat, "And you—you know exactly what kind of person your son is. Everyone in high society knows. How dare you talk about our God Ji? Your son's nothing but a coward!"

Zhao Feifei's words left the two refined ladies speechless.

Without another word, Zhao Feifei grabbed Ji Chuxing's hand. "God Ji, let's go!"

Wu Hao trailed behind, mimicking Zhao Feifei's tone. "Don't worry, God Ji. All of us from Class 16 have your back!"

Ji Chuxing glanced back at Director Yan, ignoring Zhou Ru entirely. "Director Yan, I'll take my leave now. Thank you."

The office fell silent. Mrs. Sun and Zhou Ru were left fuming.

Teacher Huang chuckled awkwardly. "These kids—they're too much. I'll make sure to discipline them properly!" With that, he left, hands clasped behind his back, secretly pleased. He always believed the students of Class 16 were exceptional—united, loyal, and principled. Such dirty politics would never take root in his class. Truly a testament to his teaching!

After leaving the office, Zhao Feifei tried to comfort Ji Chuxing. "God Ji, don't worry about those idiots. Director Yan is known as the 'King of Hell.' He's the one person in this school who won't bow to power. The punishment will be fair and just."

Ji Chuxing shook her head. "It's fine. By the way, can I borrow your phone?"

"Sure!" Zhao Feifei handed it over without hesitation.

Ji Chuxing nodded, typing for about twenty seconds before handing it back. Zhao Feifei asked casually, "What were you doing, God Ji?"

Ji Chuxing replied calmly, "Sending a message."

"Oh."