Villain: Without morals, you can’t be manipulated!

Chapter 28: I, Qi Lin, Never Betray Friends!

“What an idiot! Cheating and still acting so cocky—just wait to be expelled. Don’t you think so, Yuxi?”

Seeing Qi Lin openly admit to cheating, Wang Cheng’s face was full of smug satisfaction as he leaned towards Lan Yuxi for her agreement. However, Lan Yuxi had buried her face in her arms, too distraught to respond.

She had a sinking feeling that Qi Lin would definitely expose her. Wang Cheng, seeing Lan Yuxi ignoring him, assumed she was still siding with Qi Lin.

“Hmph! It’s all Qi Lin’s fault for leading Yuxi astray. Once that bastard gets expelled, Yuxi will surely return to her cheerful, lovable self.”

Clenching his fists, Wang Cheng’s jealousy towards Qi Lin burned even brighter.

_____

“Qi Lin, hand over your cheating material,” said Mei Sanyuan, his tone strict and his expression serious.

“Here you go, this is what I copied from.”

Smiling mischievously, Qi Lin handed over the slip of paper without hesitation. His cooperative attitude left Mei Sanyuan feeling both amused and exasperated.

Taking the paper, Mei Sanyuan examined it closely. His face grew increasingly grim as he recognized the handwriting—it was unmistakable.

As a teacher who graded assignments regularly, he instantly knew who had written it. And now, the situation had become far more complicated.

“Where did you get this answer sheet?”

Although reluctant to believe it, Mei Sanyuan asked, hoping the truth would prove otherwise. Qi Lin stood tall, his expression resolute.

“I might be a troublemaker, but I never betray my friends. Forget about it, homeroom teacher. I’m not telling you that this answer sheet was given to me by the class monitor.”

His words and demeanor exuded an air of defiance, leaving many students momentarily impressed. Even Lan Yuxi, initially moved by his apparent loyalty, was stunned.

This guy might be terrible, constantly bullying me, but at least he’s loyal in critical moments, she thought.

But when Qi Lin blurted out the last part of his sentence, she was utterly enraged.

“Qi Lin, you bastard! If you were going to sell me out, why even say those nice words first? What was the point of this whole performance?”

For the first time, the usually composed and gentle school belle felt an urge to curse someone out.

While the rest of the class processed their shock, every eye turned to Lan Yuxi. Qi Lin’s claim that the answer sheet was from her left everyone dumbfounded.

Could the class monitor, known for her academic excellence, really have provided answers for cheating?

This revelation would rock the entire school.

______

Of all those affected, Wang Cheng was the most devastated.

“Qi Lin, watch your mouth! Don’t drag others down with you. Yuxi is nothing like you—she’s a top student and the class monitor. How could she possibly stoop to your level and cheat?”

Wang Cheng glared furiously at Qi Lin, his voice full of righteous indignation. Ironically, Wang Cheng’s defense only made things worse.

Lan Yuxi, who had been hoping to avoid drawing attention, now felt as though her image was being further shattered with every word he spoke.

Finally, unable to endure the mounting pressure, Lan Yuxi broke down.

“Wang Cheng, can you stop making things worse? I admit it—I gave Qi Lin the answers! I told you not to report him, but you wouldn’t listen. Are you happy now? My reputation is ruined, thanks to you!”

Her voice trembled with anger and tears, and the entire classroom fell silent.

Even Wang Cheng was left speechless, completely blindsided by the turn of events. He couldn’t understand why or how things had spiraled out of control. Why had Lan Yuxi provided Qi Lin with the answers? Why had she cheated in the first place?

What began as an attempt to target Qi Lin had instead ended up hurting the girl Wang Cheng cherished most. Now utterly dejected, Wang Cheng blamed himself.

“I’m such an idiot. Yuxi was looking at me with disappointment earlier, and now I know why. I’ve ruined everything. What if she gets expelled because of me?”

_____

“Everyone else, continue your exam. Qi Lin and Lan Yuxi, follow me to the office,” Mei Sanyuan instructed firmly.

He decided not to make a public scene and instead opted to handle the matter privately.

_____

In the office, Qi Lin leaned casually against the wall, his carefree attitude unwavering.

Lan Yuxi, on the other hand, stood with her head lowered, softly crying.

Her mind raced with fear—fear of public humiliation, fear of judgmental stares from her classmates, and, most of all, fear of her father’s disappointment.

For the first time in her life, the once-beloved and exemplary student experienced the dread of facing consequences for her mistakes.

“You two stay here and reflect on your actions. I need to step out for a moment,” Mei Sanyuan said, walking out of the office.

He needed to consult with the principal. Qi Lin was a rich second-generation student whose father had recently donated a significant sum to the school for building a library.

Meanwhile, Lan Yuxi’s father was the captain of the city’s criminal investigation team, a man of high social standing. The issue couldn’t be handled like a typical disciplinary matter. Mei Sanyuan needed to coordinate with the administration before making any decisions.