"So what do you think about this matter? You and Lin Jiadong are classmates and roommates. Do you think Lin Jiadong would violate school regulations and engage in early romance with Tian Qiaofeng?"
Li Youmin pressed his lips together, remaining silent for a long time.
Tian Qiaofengâs mother became anxious, "Speak up, in front of the principal and teachers, tell the truth. Even if it tarnishes our daughterâs reputation, we must seek justice."
Tian Qiaofeng silently shed tears beside her.
After his initial shock, Lin Jiadong, with a cold face, stared at him, wondering what he was thinking.
After a brief silence, as if making a decision, Li Youmin glanced at Lin Jiadong before speaking.
"Jiadong and I are roommates and the best of friends. Actually, I knew about this beforehand, and I even advised him at the time, but he didnât listen to me."
Lin Jiadong frowned, "When did you ever advise me?"
Li Youmin was helpless, "Jiadong, although we are good buddies, Tian Qiaofeng is a classmate. What youâre doing is unfair, and I canât just watch you keep going down the wrong path. This is obviously your fault. Just apologize to the teachers. Your academic performance is excellent; donât let this ruin your future."
Lin Jiadong, angry yet amused, said, "I never realized your ability to distort facts was this great."
Mr. Zhang also frowned, "Letâs talk about the evidence. Li Youmin, Tian Xiaofeng just said he has evidence and you are their witness. Can you explain how you know about their relationship? Did you see or hear it, or is there another reason?"
"Since Lin Jiadong is so stubborn, I have no choice but to tell the truth."
He glanced at Lin Jiadong and continued, "Iâm not making this up. I once personally saw Lin Jiadong and Zhang Qiaofeng meeting in the small woods behind the school, and it was then that I reminded Lin Jiadong of the schoolâs regulations, hoping heâd come to his senses. But he didnât listen, and even started resenting me. I didnât bring it up again afterwards, not expecting that the truth would come out like this. I think Iâm not the only one at school who has seen them meet."
Lin Jiadong clenched his fists, his eyes glaring angrily at Li Youmin. Just as he was about to argue, a small hand gently clasped his fist, and upon looking up, he met his second sisterâs gentle gaze.
She shook her head gently and soothingly patted the back of his hand.
Then she looked up at Li Youmin, "Youâre Li Youmin, right? I remember seeing you before. I think you also participated in last yearâs city math competition training. At that time, you and my brother were both excellent students selected by Ancheng First High School."
Li Youmin, not understanding why Lin Chuxia mentioned this, nodded in agreement.
"I remember my brother specially introduced you, saying that you two got along well, and just now you said as you came in that youâre the best buddies in the same class and dorm as my brother..."
Lin Jiadong turned his head to his second sister, wanting to say that he and Li Youmin were not the best of friends.
Their relationship used to be good, but after going to the capital for the national math competition last year, things became subtle between them.
He was straightforward, but not foolish. When the teacherâs watch was lost, even classmates from other schools knew to help him find the truth, and Li You clearly knew the new watch his second sister bought for him, yet still directed the suspicion towards him.
At that time, he couldnât defend himself.
He held back from explaining upon seeing his second sisterâs eyes, swallowing back his words.
Li Youmin nodded, "My relationship with Jiadong is indeed good; all our classmates can attest to it."
Lin Chuxia understood, "Since this issue concerns Lin Jiadongâs future, as his best friend, do you not consider this at all? Do you know that standing as a witness blocks Lin Jiadongâs future?"
"I... I also said before that I advised him, but he didnât listen. Even though I see him as my best friend, I canât just watch him make mistakes..."
"Really?"
Lin Chuxia looked at him, her dark eyes swirling with inexplicable emotions.
Li Yongmin averted his eyes, lacking the courage to meet her gaze.
Tian Qiaofengâs mother sharply spoke, "What do you mean by that? Just because youâre wealthy doesnât mean youâre invincible. This child has already proven your brother seduced my daughter. Are you trying to deny it? Do you really think having some dirty money lets you cover the sky with one hand?"
At this point, a commotion was heard outside the door, and a teacher-like person knocked and entered.
"Principal Liu, Mr. Zhang, some officers are here, saying someone reported, and theyâre already at the door."
People in the room changed expressions, seeing the two officers outside through the glass.
"Who reported it?" Principal Liu looked grim.
Though it violated school rules, it wasnât a serious matter.
Nowadays, the country promotes free love, and mutual affection among high school boys and girls is understandable.
The school set the regulations to prevent students from dedicating energy elsewhere, impacting studies.
Even in unreasonable cases like today, by understanding the causes and coordinating, they could have resolved the issue quietly.
But involving the police changes things.
Firstly, it affects the schoolâs reputation, and secondly, should a promising student like Lin Jiadong ruin his future over such a matter?
Li Youmin spoke calmly, "I reported it."
He glanced at Lin Chuxia.
Lin Jiadongâs second sister is capable. Why did those rumors suddenly cease last time?
He asked Lin Jiadong later, and found out he went to his second sister.
Though he didnât admit it, once he came back from his second sister, everything calmed down.
Moreover, according to his observation, the man who brought Lin Jiadong back was his second sisterâs companion.
Heâd never forget that manâs face, and after dropping Lin Jiadong off, that man went to the principalâs office.
If the police werenât involved, she would likely resolve it again, leaving them with nothing.
The previous guilt turned into confidence with the policeâs arrival.
"Sorry, Principal, I didnât say this beforehand due to other reasons. I know Lin Jiadongâs sisterâs identity is uncommon. I didnât want to see such an obvious matter become powerless for us ordinary people due to money and powerâs manipulation. We must stand up for justice, unafraid of power."