When Gu Yu'an got the call, she was playing mahjong. Her luck had been exceptional today, making her whole demeanor radiant.
After hanging up, she hastily tossed down a wad of cash, apologizing as she stood. Her lovely features couldn't hide her fluster.
In the driver's seat, Gu Yu'an started the car and checked her wallet for her bank card. Recalling the school leader's words, a thin layer of sweat rose on her palms.
Gu Yan had never been a well-behaved child. Though she had no job, Gu Yu'an often felt the illusion of shuttling between the school office and home.
Past troubles aside, Gu Yan usually knew his limits. Hearing he'd broken an out-of-school student's hand, her first thought was, "What about Gu Yan? Is he okay?"
---
In the principal's office, Gu Yan and Zhang Ning stood center room, surrounded by teachers including Wang Hao.
This fight had severe consequences and a terrible impact. Combined with Gu Yan's history, the school decided to discuss disciplinary action.
Jiang Juan, a witness, stood opposite Gu Yan beside Wang Hao.
Zhao Zhuoyang and Wang Chengwen had received first aid, contacted parents, and been sent to the hospital.
"Gu Yan, is it true—as you said—that a verbal dispute escalated into a fight?" Zhuo Huizhi's glasses glinted as he looked up at Gu Yan, silent as a statue, no longer the eloquent boy he knew.
This student was a frequent visitor to his office since elementary school. Past fights involved bullies or rivals vying for "top dog" status.
Zhuo Huizhi often felt amused and exasperated by Gu Yan's outlandish excuses.
"That's how it is. Nothing more to say. He had a foul mouth."
"Gu Yan, violence begets violence. It solves nothing," Zhuo Huizhi shook his head. A knock interrupted him.
"Come in."
Gu Yu'an entered in high heels, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, breathing rapidly. She scanned Gu Yan head to toe. Seeing him intact, a huge weight lifted off her chest.
"Ms. Gu," Zhuo Huizhi nodded.
"Principal Zhuo, teachers—sorry for the trouble Gu Yan caused," Gu Yu'an said calmly, aiming to placate them before privately settling with the injured students' parents. She dreaded police involvement for him.
"Ms. Gu, this incident is grave. The school will act strictly to curb such behavior," Zhuo Huizhi revealed their stance.
Gu Yu'an's heart skipped a beat. She prepared to soften her tone.
Wang Hao cut in, "Gu Yan's parent—we meet again."
The shift from "Ms. Gu" to "Gu Yan's parent" carried icy disdain.
"In just half a year, Gu Yan has three public reprimands. Skipping class, fighting, smoking—we can't educate him anymore."
Smoking? Gu Yu'an froze, glancing at Gu Yan.
Gu Yan raised an eyebrow at Wang Hao. He'd been waiting. Sensing her gaze, Gu Yan's chest tightened; he turned his head away.
"Teachers, our leniency caused this. Gu Yan started this fight—what next time?" Wang Hao's glance shifted the room's mood. He pointed blame squarely at Gu Yan. "I propose expelling Gu Yan. Zhang Ning and Zhao Zhuoyang get serious demerits—to uphold our school's integrity."
"No!" Gu Yu'an blurted, impulsive before thinking.
"Gu Yan's parent, do you deny his primary responsibility?" Wang Hao's calm words pierced Gu Yu'an like poisoned arrows.
Teachers exchanged glances; some nodded in agreement.
The situation spiraled. Zhang Ning, overwhelmed, snapped, "It wasn't Gu Yan's fault! They started it!"
"Their fault? It takes two to tango. Why target you and not Jiang Juan? Is there a specific reason?"
Zhang Ning stiffened, face flushed. He almost mentioned Tang Yuanyuan but swallowed the words, remembering her mother. His chest heaved.
Silence hung. Gu Yu'an struggled for words. Gu Yan met Wang Hao's gaze, a bitter ache in his heart.
Wang Hao was right—this time, Gu Yan was at fault.
Zhuo Huizhi sighed inwardly, ready to decide. Then Jiang Juan stepped out from beside Wang Hao.
"I have something to say." Dusk light streamed through the window, warming Jiang Juan's pale face.
His clothes were slightly disheveled, a tattered uniform draped over his left arm. He moved lightly and stood beside Gu Yan.
