Qin XiuTing trembled a little. Truth is, while she managed to make herself forget about that incident that happened last year, and tried her best to not care about YongKang or the others, she is still hurt and scared of him.

Out of the corners of her eyes, Qin XiuTing saw Yang YingYing scrolling through her phone, seemingly bored of whatever that is transpiring outside of her personal bubble. Then she saw Pu YunJi and his fidgety fingers, looking so much like a wronged but lost and helpless puppy that it triggered her motherly nature as a women to protect her charge.

At least, that was what Qin XiuTing told herself later on after the incident. That she was just acting out of responsibility, nothing more.

"I have been tolerating you. I have never once gave in to the temptation to seek revenge. So why do you always act like a kid? Fine, so you cannot see that I am letting you have an easier life by not fighting back. Fine, I understand you hate me. But the new student has done nothing wrong, so why are you still being so childish too?" Qin XiuTing lashed out as reasonably as she could.

"Me? Pfft ~ Act like a kid? Is that not better than acting like an old grandma, heh granny Qin bookworm? And who are you to say I cannot dislike the new kid? I just feel irritated by the sight of him, can't I? What can you do abo--"

*PIAK*

A resounding slap could be heard before Wu YongKang could finish his sentence. A few moments later, murmurs of shock and disbelief echoed through the hallway.

"Did you see that?!?"

"Qin XiuTing went in for the kill!"

"I cannot believe my eyes!"

"She did not just do that!"

Those murmurs quickly changed to approvals as while Wu YongKang was entertaining when he bullied others, he is also very arrogant and he bullies almost anyone beneath him. Thus, many students were very glad Qin XiuTing had given Wu YongKang a slap.

"So brave, I wish I could do that.."

"That's right! He deserves it!"

"My G.o.d.. I'm never gonna look down on Qin XiuTing again."

"My new idol slapping my nemesis! Wow, what a sight!"

Overcoming the initial shock of getting slapped, Wu YongKang was furious as h.e.l.l. "What the -- F**king h.e.l.l, Qin XiuTing, you dare slap me?" Wu YongKang rushed at XiuTing and lifted his hand, preparing to return a slap of his own too.

Just then, his hand was held back as Pu YunJi calmly walked in between the two of them, creating distance and acting as an obstacle. "Wow, YongKang, right? Were you just going to hit her? She is a girl for G.o.d's sake! How ungentlemanly!"

With that sentence, more murmurs of agreement rose as people who were present did witness it for themselves the stance and act Wu YongKang was in the midst of.

Faced with so much stares of disgust and disbelief, Wu YongKang suddenly felt very alone, and very mad. However, he was not stupid. He knew he cannot do anything to either Qin XiuTing or Pu YunJi now, especially since they are under so much lime light. The only sensible and relative safe thing for him to do now was to retreat and wait for another opportunity to strike back.

Staring at Pu YunJi with the most deadly glare he can muster, he whispered so that only Pu YunJi and Qin XiuTing who was behind YunJi, can hear. "You think you have won. But you are new, with no resources, just you wait. The next blow i dealt will be so big and blinding, you won't even see it coming. And the next thing you know, you are on you b.u.t.t, in mud!" Wu YongKang smirked before turning away.

Everyone in the crowd quickly separated a row for Wu YongKang to walk through but instead of the usual admiration and friendly slaps on the back for a job well done that everyone used to give him, all Wu YongKang got were dirty stares and disgusted looks.

Just then, the bell rang, signalling that there was only 10 minutes left till the start of lessons. The crowd immediately dispersed to get their fixed of food and drinks, knowing that all the drama for that break period was over.

Looking at all the students getting back to their usual activities, Pu YunJi turned around with a concerned glance to look at Qin XiuTing. "Hey.. You okay?" He noted that Qin XiuTing's hands were clenched into tight fist and realised that that was a dumb question to ask.

"Uh.. That was so cool, when you slapped him! That jerk had it coming! You were so cool! Thanks for standing up for me!!" Pu YunJi then excitedly continued with a big smile!

Looking at Pu YunJi looking like a hyper energetic puppy, Qin XiuTing did not have the heart to stay afraid. She knew that while Wu YongKang will certainly not let the matter rest, he was currently defeated so she should also take a breather and rest.

For the first time, it felt like Qin XiuTing could finally breathe, with her head up high. This was the first time she had been so daring, but she was glad she did it. Now it felt like there was a whole load off her shoulders. She felt much lighter and carefree.

"I am glad you think that way. I'm fine, are you okay? I am sorry you had to see such an ugly side of our school on your first day.."

"No its fine, nothing is ever clean and pure. I am glad I saw it, so next time something like this happened again, do not forget to call me! Two heads works better than one!"

"Uhhh I believe that saying is more for formulating a plan, Mr Pu."

"Ahh it's the same thing! Same thing!"

"And call me YunJi! I will call you XiuTing! :)"

_________________________

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