Saving the Pitiful Villain (GL) - Chapter 34

The office was silent for several breaths.

The other two teachers who were grading homework also stopped, looking up at Jiang Shangxue in astonishment.

They had heard Fang Wenli cursing Yun Wu in the office more than once, as well as all those nasty rumors. However, unlike Fang Wenli, even though they heard a lot, they wouldn’t follow suit and spread rumors.

As teachers, they still maintained a basic level of professional ethics.

But Yun Wu, the child, was very withdrawn. Although she was beautiful, she looked gloomy and was indeed not immediately likable.

Gradually, they had come to believe some of the rumors and developed some negative impressions.

But observing her mother today, her demeanor, aura, and words were vastly different from Fang Wenli.

Even angry, she maintained her composure. Her elegant, reserved temperament was far from the person described in the rumors.

Fang Wenli, on the other hand, was pale and flushed, clearly stunned by the questions.

The two teachers immediately began to doubt the truth of the rumors.

Jiang Shangxue still smiled faintly, but the coldness emanating from her was so dense it almost materialized, commanding respect without needing to rage.

Fang Wenli, who had never encountered such a powerful presence, swallowed repeatedly. Thinking of the luxury goods she had already received, she somehow forced out a few tears, acting as if she were suffering an unbearable injustice, and began to wail.

“Yun Wu’s mother, you probably haven’t cared for Yun Wu much. Look at these photos! Is this what a student should be doing? I called you here today to be responsible for Yun Wu, yet you are here questioning me and showing no respect for my work! I can’t teach her like this. I can’t manage her. Withdraw her or transfer her to another class. You choose one.”

As Fang Wenli spoke, she pulled out the photos—the same ones Jiang Shangxue had seen on Ye Mei’s phone.

In fact, if the vile captions were removed, those photos were largely innocuous.

Moreover, Jiang Shangxue recognized the person in the photos immediately. It must have been Uncle Li being intentionally photographed while delivering things.

Jiang Shangxue took the photos, didn’t even glance at them, tore them up, and threw them into the trash can.

“Teacher Fang, what do these few photos prove? Is the ‘responsibility and respect’ you speak of arbitrarily slandering a student without any tangible evidence? Or is it simply because you perceive her as powerless and easy to bully?”

Jiang Shangxue stared at Fang Wenli coldly, her voice remaining steady and strong, containing a chilling pressure.

Fang Wenli’s face changed repeatedly. She suddenly stood up with exaggerated movement, fully expressing her dissatisfaction and impatience.

She interpreted Jiang Shangxue’s act of tearing the photos as a sign of guilt. If the mother is impure, how could the daughter be any better?

Thinking this, Fang Wenli seemed to gain confidence and spoke without restraint.

“Yun Wu’s mother, my words may be harsh, but the logic is sound. You know best what dirty methods Yun Wu used to enter East Villa. If the upper beam is not straight, the lower one will slant. I advise you to withdraw her as soon as possible. There are some people you can’t afford to offend, even if you sleep with someone.”

Her language was vulgar and she showed no remorse.

Jiang Shangxue was so angry she laughed.

One of the observing teachers suddenly interjected, “Teacher Fang, it’s best not to say things that are baseless rumors.”

Fang Wenli was both stupid and malicious, but the other teachers weren’t blind. Jiang Shangxue couldn’t possibly be as disreputable as she claimed.

Seeing herself being corrected, Fang Wenli was immediately enraged by the shame. She opened her mouth provocatively. “Teachers Bo and Wen, you should worry more about the promotion rates of your own classes!”

She threw down her pen and sneered at Jiang Shangxue. “Yun Wu’s mother, I’m giving you face by calling you here. Don’t be ungrateful.”

Hopeless.

Jiang Shangxue was done dealing with her and called her by her full name.

“Fang Wenli, call Principal Xu. Let’s see if he will give me face.”

Fang Wenli’s expression was slightly bewildered, then she sneered mockingly. “Who do you think you are? Does every tom, dick, and harry get to see the principal?”

Jiang Shangxue glanced at her coldly, then took out her phone, preparing to call herself.

Unable to see the number on Jiang Shangxue’s phone, Fang Wenli firmly believed Jiang Shangxue was putting on an act. Hearing Jiang Shangxue’s casual tone, she grew even more disdainful.

She had reviewed Yun Wu’s enrollment documents. She was just an ordinary person with no background whatsoever.

Everyone at East Villa knew that Principal Xu was a highly respected figure in the National Research Institute. He not only ran a large business but also held numerous honors. Many people wanted to see him.

The two remained locked in a stalemate in the office. Fang Wenli mocked her several times, waiting to see how long Jiang Shangxue could keep up the pretense.

Jiang Shangxue’s face remained composed, ignoring her. She lowered her eyes and sent a few more messages.

This irritating demeanor, identical to Yun Wu’s, made Fang Wenli seethe with hatred.

About five minutes later, hurried footsteps sounded in the corridor.

Unexpectedly, someone actually came. Fang Wenli’s face instantly changed. She walked to the door, and saw Director Tie, Tie Kuchai, walking toward them.

Fang Wenli’s demeanor immediately changed. She looked at Jiang Shangxue and sneered.

“Putting on airs! Who are you trying to scare?”

The moment Tie Kuchai walked in, Fang Wenli softly leaned onto Director Tie, beginning to feign grievance and complain.

“Old Tie, I’ve had a terrible time today! You have no idea how outrageous this parent is, constantly threatening me! I can’t be a homeroom teacher anymore!”

Director Tie lightly pushed her away, quietly reprimanding her. “This is the office, Teacher Fang. Mind your image.”

Fang Wenli was immediately displeased. Seeing Director Tie speaking politely to Jiang Shangxue, she felt even more uncomfortable.

Tie Kuchai had been hastily summoned by Principal Xu’s phone call, asking him to resolve the situation quickly.

However, the principal hadn’t specified whether he just needed to resolve it quickly or if he needed to satisfy the person involved.

He walked up to Jiang Shangxue, smiling as he proposed, “Yun Wu’s parent, I’m Director Tie, in charge of the Grade 12 group. How about transferring Yun Wu to another class? She can go to any class she wants.”

A cold glint flashed in her eyes. Jiang Shangxue looked at Fang Wenli, who was relentlessly leaning on Director Tie, and emotionlessly repeated Fang Wenli’s slanders, defamation, and indulgence of school bullying.

Tie Kuchai showed little reaction. Instead, he smiled even more widely. “Yun Wu’s mother, look. Yun Wu’s grades are indeed questionable, and those photos do exist, after all. It takes two to tango. You can’t be sure that Yun Wu hasn’t done anything, right? What if she did? Teacher Fang has to consider the impact on the rest of the class, doesn’t she? That’s the behavior of a responsible teacher.”

“So, transferring classes is the best solution. You should know when to accept a good deal, shouldn’t you?”

Tie Kuchai’s smile became increasingly fake. He was clearly determined to speak on behalf of Fang Wenli.

Fang Wenli next to him grew increasingly smug. The two other teachers in the office exchanged knowing glances, hiding their surprise.

They feared the situation would end with a class transfer.

Jiang Shangxue was furious, but she was accustomed to remaining composed and planning before acting. Her face remained outwardly calm.

The relationship between Tie Kuchai and Fang Wenli was not hard to guess. Jiang Shangxue glanced past them, looking toward the door, saying nothing.

Tie Kuchai wanted to conclude the matter quickly and continued trying to persuade Jiang Shangxue, his words hinting at a threat.

Smiling faintly, Jiang Shangxue suddenly counter-questioned, “Is this kind of solution the established practice of East Villa High School, or just your personal way of doing things, Director Tie?”

No sign of anger was visible on Jiang Shangxue’s face, and her manner was casual.

But this caused Tie Kuchai to hesitate. Just as he was about to adopt a softer tone to persuade her further, the office door was pushed open again.

It was Uncle Li, followed by six bodyguards.

Jiang Shangxue slightly gestured. The group rushed in and locked the door.

This display startled the others. Tie Kuchai’s face began to pale with panic.

“Yun Wu’s mother, what are you doing?”

Jiang Shangxue didn’t answer. She only directed the bodyguards to restrain the two people. Then, she walked over to Fang Wenli and said to her.

“The person in the photo is Uncle Li, the family butler. Teacher Fang should be able to tell.”

Jiang Shangxue initially thought there was no need to explain anything to someone like Fang Wenli, but for Yun Wu’s sake, she felt it was necessary.

The bodyguards were large and powerful. The grip on Fang Wenli’s arm made her scream in pain, feeling like her arm was about to snap.

“What are you going to do? Do you know where this is? Are you planning to hit me? That’s against the law!”

Fang Wenli’s screams were loud, piercing, and irritating.

Jiang Shangxue chuckled softly. She suddenly raised her hand in full view of everyone.

Slap!

A loud, resounding slap, accompanied by a piercing cry of pain.

The air froze for a moment. Tie Kuchai, watching from the side, immediately began to struggle. Although he was scared, he still maintained some rationality.

“Yun Wu’s mother, let’s talk this out peacefully. There’s no need for violence. Let’s solve this the civilized way.”

“Heh,” another soft chuckle. Jiang Shangxue rubbed her numb wrist and looked toward him, nonchalantly.

“Director Tie, I apologize. I forgot to tell you that courtesy before force is my style.”

Before her voice faded, Jiang Shangxue delivered another resounding slap.

Then, under the stunned gaze of everyone, Jiang Shangxue slapped her almost continuously. When her right hand grew tired, she switched to her left.

Although the action itself was undignified, when performed by Jiang Shangxue, it was surprisingly beautiful, possessing a kind of aesthetic of flexible strength.

Fang Wenli initially screamed, but soon both of her cheeks were too swollen to speak. Tears and snot streamed down her face. She sobbed and begged Jiang Shangxue for mercy.

Jiang Shangxue ignored her, continuing to hit her until both of her hands began to feel a sharp ache.

Uncle Li stepped over and handed Jiang Shangxue the pain relief spray and a wet towel he had prepared earlier.

Slowly and methodically wiping her hands clean and applying the medicine, Jiang Shangxue walked over to a stool and sat down.

Calmly, she raised an eyebrow and asked, “Director Tie, now tell me, does one hand clap loudly or not?”

Tie Kuchai was terrified. He glanced at the bodyguards next to him, then at Fang Wenli, whose face was swollen like a pig’s head. He was terrified Jiang Shangxue would do something else.

He stammered, his legs shaking, “It claps. It claps…”

“So you can distinguish right from wrong after all,” Jiang Shangxue’s smile deepened. But to Tie Kuchai and Fang Wenli, she was like a monstrous flood.

The only way to describe the feeling in their hearts was sheer terror.

The two teachers who had been watching the entire spectacle were dumbfounded. They instinctively reached for their phones, then realized the bodyguards had taken them.

Uncle Li was equally surprised. First, he hadn’t expected Madam to go to such lengths to deal with someone for the Little Miss. Second, he hadn’t imagined that the gentle-looking Madam could be so…

After struggling for a long time, Uncle Li finally thought of the word “fierce,” but still felt it was somehow inadequate.

Seeing Jiang Shangxue silent, Uncle Li considerately said, “Madam, you can leave things like this to me next time. Let me handle the aftermath as well.”

With decades of experience as a wealthy family’s butler, Uncle Li had his own means of resolving things without leaving trouble behind.

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Shangxue shook her head, her gaze on her phone.

After waiting a few more minutes, the call finally came.

Fang Wenli was still whimpering in pain, unable to move. Tie Kuchai was equally distressed, sweating profusely from fear. The short few minutes felt like an agonizing eternity, like ants being fried in oil.

“Yes, I’m still in the office. No need for tea. It will probably take quite some time to resolve this properly.”

“…”

Waiting for Jiang Shangxue to hang up the phone, Tie Kuchai hesitantly tried to plead, hoping to be released first.

“Madam, look, this matter needs to be handled. I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer today.”

Tapping her fingers lightly on the desk, Jiang Shangxue said dismissively, “Director Tie, you have already given me a satisfactory answer. A class transfer. That solution is indeed quite good.”

Jiang Shangxue’s tone was serious, making Tie Kuchai unable to distinguish if she was praising or condemning him.

Not long after, a knock sounded on the door. Fang Wenli and Tie Kuchai instantly breathed a sigh of relief. Help had arrived.

Uncle Li looked at Jiang Shangxue. Seeing her nod, he waved his hand, telling the bodyguards to release them and open the door.

When Secretary Dong walked in, he was profoundly shocked.

However, having followed Principal Xu for many years, he had seen his share of storms. He quickly regained his composure. Tie Kuchai, seeing a familiar face, immediately rushed over, trying to say something.

Secretary Dong blocked him first and immediately walked to Jiang Shangxue. “Madam Jiang, Old Xu said these trivial matters shouldn’t bother you. Next time you have a chance, you absolutely must come to his place for tea.”

Seeing Secretary Dong being so courteous to Jiang Shangxue, Tie Kuchai felt a chill creep up the back of his neck. Anyone who could connect with Old Xu must have a very significant background.

Fang Wenli, who had been hoping for someone to support her, felt numb all over. Her face was excruciatingly painful, but she endured it, trying to minimize her presence. So Yun Wu’s mother wasn’t putting on an act.

Fang Wenli was consumed with regret.

As if unintentionally, Jiang Shangxue smiled and replied, “Secretary Dong is right. But I was delayed today because Teacher Fang fell and hurt her face.”

Fang Wenli: …

The other two teachers: We’ve never seen anyone fall and injure their face like that. Teacher Fang is truly a marvel.

Secretary Dong was quick to catch on. He immediately replied, “Madam Jiang, just leave the aftermath to us. We guarantee you’ll be satisfied.”

Jiang Shangxue was indeed tired and saw no need to continue the confrontation. She nodded, accepting the solution. “Then I’ll trouble you, Secretary Dong. But I will personally discuss the class transfer with Wu Wu. I won’t impose on the rest of you.”

The atmosphere became perfectly amicable.

After Jiang Shangxue left the office, Secretary Dong and Tie Kuchai followed her out. Fang Wenli remained inside the office.

The sight of someone surrounded by bodyguards at school was rare, and since it was break time, more students gradually gathered, occasionally looking their way.

Several influential figures were on the East Villa High School board. Parents who came to the school, no matter how prominent their families were, usually showed some deference.

They generally wouldn’t bring bodyguards or put on a show. Those who brought bodyguards were either from extremely powerful families or simply lacked common sense.

Being watched by everyone, Jiang Shangxue showed no signs of discomfort. However, the bodyguards who had followed Jiang Shangxue to the North Peak district last time were somewhat uneasy.

They had never encountered a boss who paid them so well only to have her fight her own battles, and the boss herself doing the hitting.

Bold!

The Grade 12 Class Two classroom was on the second floor of Building A. Jiang Shangxue thought of having Uncle Li and the bodyguards leave first.

It was noon, time for lunch. She could accompany Yun Wu for a meal and then inform her about the class change.

Jiang Shangxue’s temperament was outstanding, and her gentle appearance was favored by most students. She attracted much attention along the way.

Yun Wu, who was engrossed in practicing questions in the classroom, didn’t notice the commotion outside until Jiang Shangxue reached the back door and called her name.

“Wu Wu.”

Yun Wu initially didn’t look up, thinking she was hearing things. It took Ye Mei poking her several times.

“Yun Wu, Auntie Jiang is here.”

Looking up, Jiang Shangxue stood at the back door, smiling gently. She wore a simple, light-colored dress today, framed against the backdrop of the blue sky, white clouds, and lush greenery.

She seemed to glow with a soft light, her presence even softer than usual.

Yun Wu’s eyes immediately deepened. She put down the pen in her hand and walked to the back door.

“Auntie Jiang, why are you here?”

The girl looked exceptionally well-behaved. Jiang Shangxue looked at her standing right next to the wall and the trash can. Thinking of what Ye Mei had told her last night, she felt both heartache and self-reproach. She raised her hand to tuck the stray hairs behind Yun Wu’s ear, softening her tone to sound more affectionate.

“I had some company business, so I stopped by to see you on the way.”