The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

Professor Zhao leapt on his words. “That’s right. She should compensate them. A hundred yuan should do it, as long as she apologizes, too.”

“That’s too much,” Niu Caijie spat.

“Fine. Then I guess you’ll just be expelled,” Xie Qingqing sneered.

Niu Caijie might have lunged at Xie Qingqing and torn her eyes out, if Tang Qiu’s voice hadn’t stopped her in her tracks. “You demanded the same from us earlier,” she said. “Consider this us returning the favor. Don’t bother crying–just take it as your meager contribution to society.”

This time, Niu Caijie’s tears were born of rage. She couldn’t bear to part with her money–but neither could she afford to be expelled. She had no choice but to take out her phone and transfer the designated sum to them. To everyone’s surprise, Xie Qingqing immediately gave the money to Principal Pang, requesting that it be used as a donation to the school. He praised her, and even gave her additional credits.

Fury stole Niu Caijie’s breath. With hatred pouring from her heart, she turned to leave, but He Lei blocked her way. “You’ve already taken my money,” she hissed. “What more do you want?”

“You owe them an apology. Money alone can’t compensate for your actions. This is an educational institution–morals and character are what matter. Wouldn’t you agree, Professor Zhao?”

The professor had been trying to fade into the background. He nodded awkwardly.

“Wise sentiments for someone who accused Tang Qiu of being at fault without clearly investigating the incident.”

Professor Zhao had been tricked–manipulated–by Niu Caijie. Indignation swelled in his chest, spilling into fury. But his pride wouldn’t let him admit to a student that he had been wrong, so he ordered, “Apologize now, Niu Caijie.”

“Monetary compensation isn’t enough,” the principal added. “As our student, we want you to learn from your mistakes.”

Helpless to retort, Niu Caijie was about to grit out an apology when again, Tang Qiu spoke over her. “That reminds me: you were supposed to write me an apology letter. You can add this to your list of wrongdoings. The principal and professor can bear witness; if I don’t receive that letter, you’ll be punished. Isn’t that right, Professor Zhao?”

Professor Zhao nodded; he knew he deserved to shoulder some of the blame. “Do as she says, Niu Caijie. Remember, we still have the authority to expel you.”

“I will,” Niu Caijie seethed. All these people, piling on support for Tang Qiu. It was so easy for her, that bitch. She faced He Lei. “Heard that? Now get out of the way.”

He Lei waited for Jiang Shaocheng’s nod of approval before obeying.

When she was gone, the principal asked, smiling, “Mr Jiang, it’s lunchtime. Would you be willing to have a meal with us?”.

Jiang Shaocheng waved his hand. “I have to return home for my dose of medicine. Thank you for resolving the matter.”

“Whatever happens in the school is my responsibility.” Principal Pang shot a meaningful look at Professor Zhao, whose head bowed in fear.

He didn’t recognize the man in the wheelchair, but for Principal Pang to treat him with such respect, he must surely be someone important. Though that did little to distract from his anger at being lied to by Niu Caijie.

“Professor Zhao acted thoughtlessly,” the professor continued, his eyes never straying from him. “I apologize on his behalf.”

“You’re too polite.” Jiang Shaocheng coughed. “It’s alright–as long as it doesn’t happen again.”

Picking up on the subtle warning, the principal nodded, then glared at Zhao Guohao.

Avoidance was no longer an option. Zhao Guohao stepped forward and addressed Tang Qiu and Xie Qingqing. “It was my fault for not uncovering the truth properly,” he admitted. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Xie Qingqing said with a fake smile. “Far be it from us to hold a grudge against you, Professor. Just keep an eye on Niu Caijie so she doesn’t go around slapping people, okay?”

“I will.” Zhao Guohao’s lips twitched awkwardly. “Do let me know if she causes trouble for you again.”

Jiang Shaocheng’s patience for such trivialities was running out; he gave Tang Qiu’s hand a tug. She understood. “My husband is tired,” she said. “We’ll make a move first.” 𝑓𝗿𝐞𝘦𝘄ｅ𝘣n𝘰𝘷eƖ.c𝘰𝗺

With that, she pushed him out of the room. Only when they were gone did some of the tension leave Principal Pang and Professor Zhao. That is, until Professor Zhao found out the identity of the crippled man: the young master of the Jiangs. Regardless of his relationship with his family, he wasn’t someone to be trifled with. He found himself looking at Tang Qiu through a new lens.