Surprisingly, classmates nearby intervened, preventing Shen Mu from realizing what was happening. Several girls crowded around, leaving Shen Mu feeling embarrassed.
Hiding behind the girls, what kind of situation did it look like?
Shen Mu and Fei Xinglan attempted to pull those girls away, but they were shrugged off and even scolded.
“We’re right here. Dare to fight, but scared to do so.”
“That’s right, our taekwondo black belts are for real. Don’t hide, let’s see who dares. Don’t be afraid.”
“Is it fun to bully Shen Mu and Fei Xinglan? Think we’re easy targets? It’s unbelievable.”
“Shen Mu didn’t say anything wrong. Jealous of Jin Yixiu and admitted it. Take a look at yourselves.”
Some smart ones had already gone to find the teacher. Today, the late self-study was in jeopardy.
Those who protected Shen Mu and the others, even taunted the troublemakers, triggered a burst of male pride, and a heated exchange of insults ensued.
Suddenly, they realized the surroundings were quiet. Shen Mu’s eyes held mockery, and the onlookers seemed to enjoy the spectacle.
The fear of silence gradually crept in. The voices of the boys abruptly stopped, heads mechanically turned, and they saw Zhang Wen looking at them with a stern face.
…
“Speak, argue, scold. How do you explain this?” Zhang Wen elegantly raised an eyebrow, prolonging the last syllable with a questioning tone, causing hearts to race.
“Yes, Teach… Zhang teacher, it’s just a misunderstanding, haha, a little misunderstanding between classmates,” the most temperamental one inside was now more timid than anyone else. Of course, he had been punished countless times before and written numerous self-reflections. This time, it was just another punishment, but it involved mixed-gender heavy physical exercises.
Carefully, he nudged the two beside him, awakening their dazed states.
“Teacher Zhang, you see, we didn’t really fight, just had some fun.”
Seeing that they were still in a state of remorse, Zhang Wen, feeling insulted by their lack of intelligence, became even angrier.
“What fun? Do you think I see that as a joke?” Someone nearby denied their version of events.
“Yeah, what about the fierce appearance just now?”
“Wasn’t it still like that just now? If you have the guts, continue being fierce now. So timid.”
Zhang Wen looked around, “Stop making noise.” Then, she turned back to the boys, “Considering some students have informed me, Zhang Qiang, Li Shuo, each of you write a 2000-word self-reflection. Given the upcoming exams, focus on studying. For the sake of time, do it at school.” Seeing the happy expressions on their faces, Zhang Wen also smiled, “No need to call your parents.”
“Hahaha.” Laughter echoed, and Fei Xinglan joined in, finding it amusing.
Shen Mu also wanted to laugh, feeling relieved at the sight of those boys looking pitiful. Before he could laugh, Zhang Wen pointed at him.
“Shen Mu.”
Shen Mu hurriedly stood up, “Yes.”
“… Next time you encounter such a situation, tell the teacher. Don’t act on impulse,” Zhang Wen advised Shen Mu casually.
“And you girls, seeing your classmates arguing, you should discourage it instead of joining in. It’s dangerous. Reflect on your actions.” Zhang Wen thought for a moment but decided not to punish the girls. She simply added, “Alright, students, this farce ends here. Let’s get back to class.” Zhang Wen clapped her hands, returned to the podium, and the class resumed.
The boys glaring at Shen Mu and Fei Xinglan on their way back to their seats even made threatening gestures.
Shen Mu: “…”
Fei Xinglan: “…”
The evening self-study turmoil ended in this way.
During class, Zhang Wen was called by a teacher and told the classmates that he would study on his own first.
Fei Xinglan, seeing the situation, approached Shen Mu and said, “Hey, Shen Mu. Now, I really believe that you like Jin Yixiu.”
Shen Mu listened, raised an eyebrow, and asked, “Hard to believe?”
“To be honest, I used to think it was just a simple desire to surpass Luo Yuan when you started pursuing Duan. It was only because of Jin Yixiu that you changed. Now, it seems sincere,” replied Fei Xinglan.
Shen Mu asked, “How do you see it, then?”
Fei Xinglan tilted his head, trying to articulate, “It’s like… that feeling, you know? When I was speaking up for Jin Yixiu just now, although I was mocking those few, I could sense a lot of anger in me. The anger in my eyes, and in my heart. Angry for Jin Yixiu. Right?”
“Hmph,” Shen Mu chuckled. “Exactly, that feeling is quite accurate. It’s not just speaking up for Ah Xiu, even though there’s nothing wrong, just because of his excellence, it attracted so much malice. Clearly so good, so popular, so elegant, so warm, so…”
“Wait,” Fei Xinglan interrupted as Shen Mu continued. “What’s wrong?” Shen Mu looked at Fei Xinglan strangely.
“…” Fei Xinglan keenly noticed Zhang Wen and quickly said, “Nothing.” He sat up straight.
Shen Mu looked confused, shrugged, and sat up straight too.
But in reality, was Fei Xinglan really okay? Of course not!
Shen Mu’s words started out praising Jin Yixiu, but as he continued, it seemed he was familiar with Jin Yixiu through Zhang Wen.
Everyone knew, including Shen Mu, that Fei Xinglan had seen Jin Yixiu before he transferred, and that scene was unforgettable for Fei Xinglan.
When Shen Mu said he liked Jin Yixiu and pursued him, Fei Xinglan, like himself, thought Jin Yixiu was just a target Shen Mu chose to quickly surpass Luo Yuan. But now, Shen Mu is serious…
Fei Xinglan looked worriedly at Shen Mu.