Chapter Sixty-Five: The Rose Incident (Part Two)

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“Ah, this... this... Gao Zheng... you... what are you doing?” Seeing Gao Zheng kneeling on one knee before her, holding a bouquet of rainbow-colored roses, and hearing the words he spoke, Wang Yuqing’s face was filled with astonishment. Her hands waved frantically, her body flustered, retreating step by step until she bumped into the desk and finally paused.

By now, the classroom was packed with students who had come running at the sound of commotion. So many people crowded in that many had to watch from the windows. The air was alive with murmurs and chatter, making the classroom resemble a bustling marketplace.

As Wang Yuqing stood there, panic-stricken and at a loss for what to do, Xiao Lin gently patted her shoulder, signaling her to stay calm.

Wang Yuqing looked at Xiao Lin, her eyes wide with confusion and helplessness. She truly didn’t know how to respond. One thing was certain—she didn't want to accept the flowers. Yet, with her personality, she didn’t know how to refuse. Back in high school at Donghai First High, she’d had boys pursue her before, but never so brazenly—no one had ever come to the classroom to offer her flowers.

“My goddess, will you give me a chance?” Gao Zheng was feeling triumphant inside. This was exactly the effect he wanted: to let the whole school know he was pursuing Wang Yuqing. It was also a show of force directed at Xiao Lin. Weeks ago, he’d heard rumors that Wang Yuqing had feelings for Xiao Lin, and that Xiao Lin liked her too. The thought infuriated him—Wang Yuqing was the girl he’d set his sights on, and no one would take her from him. His purpose today was twofold: to declare his feelings to Wang Yuqing and to warn Xiao Lin to back off. With his reputation, he was confident Xiao Lin would make the choice he wanted. But he was destined for disappointment. Xiao Lin was no longer the naive boy he once was. After a painful heartbreak, he had come back to life—though still hesitant about his feelings for Wang Yuqing, he would never allow another man to steal her away. This, too, was a part of Xiao Lin's domineering character.

“Heh, Gao Zheng, what sort of spectacle are you putting on? Hmm, the flowers are nice, but they’ve lost the original beauty of real roses.” Xiao Lin stepped forward, shielding Wang Yuqing behind him, smiling with a hint of irony as he addressed Gao Zheng.

“Xiao Lin, this has nothing to do with you. I’m here for Yuqing. And I, Gao Zheng, don’t owe you any explanations.” Gao Zheng was annoyed as Xiao Lin stepped in front of him. He looked down on Xiao Lin, even if Xiao Lin had made great progress in the last exam. That didn’t change Gao Zheng’s opinion, especially since they were rivals in love.

At this moment, the entire classroom fell silent. All eyes were fixed on the two men facing off. There was no doubt—they were both outstanding, but most people didn’t think Xiao Lin stood a chance. Gao Zheng’s family background was formidable, and his fame far surpassed Xiao Lin’s.

“Xiao Lin, go punch him! I can’t stand the sight of that jerk,” said Tan Linlin excitedly. She understood Wang Yuqing’s feelings well, and Gao Zheng’s pursuit infuriated her.

“But those flowers are pretty nice. You should snatch them from him,” she muttered under her breath. Xu Tong, standing beside her, rolled his eyes—this chubby girl’s way of thinking was truly one of a kind.

“You certainly don’t need to explain yourself to me—I’m not your elder, nor do I care about your business. But what are you doing here in our classroom with those mutant flowers? You’re not welcome here. Go back to where you came from.” Xiao Lin’s tone grew firm.

As soon as Xiao Lin finished, a gasp swept through the room. Wasn’t he being a bit too arrogant? He was declaring that Class One was his territory, and even called those expensive flowers “mutant trash.” Many of Gao Zheng’s admirers were displeased. But among the boys in Class One, there were secret cheers—yes, Gao Zheng had no business chasing after girls from their class. He should just go back where he belonged.

“Hey, Xiao Lin, who says our class doesn’t welcome Young Master Gao? Who do you think you are?” a girl from Class One protested indignantly. She was one of Gao Zheng’s admirers, finding the scene of him offering flowers to his beloved incredibly romantic. But as soon as she finished, Tan Linlin grabbed her, threatening, “You have three seconds to disappear from my sight. Or else...” The girl, terrified, ducked her head and squeezed out of the classroom. Among the girls, Tan Linlin had a reputation as an enforcer.

“No one’s ever dared speak to me like that, Xiao Lin. You’re the first. Do you know what consequences you’re inviting?” Gao Zheng stood up, his anger reaching its peak. From childhood, no one had ever addressed him this way. Thankfully, his years in England had taught him self-control, but his hand gripping the bouquet was visibly trembling with rage.

Anyone else would have been scared into apologizing by Gao Zheng’s threatening words—no one in this prestigious high school dared cross him. But Xiao Lin was unfazed. He deliberately dug a finger in his ear, replying carelessly, “I’m not one to be intimidated. However you want to play, I’ll be right here. But for now, get out of my classroom.” As he spoke, Xiao Lin’s eyes flashed with sharp, unyielding intensity.

The whole classroom erupted—Xiao Lin was really something, daring to tell Gao Zheng to get lost.

Wang Yuqing tugged at Xiao Lin’s sleeve, anxious for him to be careful with his words. She didn’t like Gao Zheng, but she was afraid Xiao Lin would get into trouble. After nearly two months here, she’d learned a bit about Gao Zheng’s background.

“What did you say? Say that again!” Gao Zheng was truly furious now. This clueless brat dared to tell him to get lost? His eyes blazed with anger, glaring at Xiao Lin, who stared right back, neither willing to back down. The tension in the air was suffocating.

“Hey, what are you all standing around for? Class is about to start! Move aside, all of you!” At that moment, a deep, gruff voice broke the silence—it was Old Yan, the homeroom teacher, who’d noticed the crowd outside his classroom and came to investigate. As he spoke, he pushed his way inside. The students, seeing the teacher, hurriedly parted to make way. But Gao Zheng and Xiao Lin remained locked in their standoff.

Old Yan immediately spotted the two, paused for a moment when he recognized Xiao Lin and Gao Zheng, then noticed Wang Yuqing hiding behind Xiao Lin and the multicolored roses in Gao Zheng’s hand. In an instant, he understood the situation. Neither of these two were easy to handle, he thought with exasperation. After clearing his throat, he said, “Gao Zheng, class is about to begin. Don’t you think it’s time to head back to your own classroom?” He was well aware of Gao Zheng’s background and had to speak tactfully.

Gao Zheng saw the teacher and, though he didn’t care much, had no intention of fighting in front of Wang Yuqing—he didn’t want to leave a bad impression. He withdrew his gaze. “Xiao Lin, this isn’t over between us,” he said, then turned to Wang Yuqing with a gentle voice: “Yuqing, I’ll save these flowers for you. I’ll give them to you another time. I’m leaving for now.” With that, he strode out of the classroom, ignoring the teacher completely.

“I’m always up for it,” Xiao Lin replied indifferently.

“Xiao Lin, come to my office at once!” Old Yan, fuming, barked. Xiao Lin really was a troublemaker—there was never a dull moment with him around.