"The principal requests your presence, Xia Yingying." Her classroom teacher, Professor Leng, stood stern-faced in the doorway. Despite the scandal, a flicker of trust remained. He simply couldn't believe she would do such a thing.
Xia Yingying walked silently beside him, acutely aware of his scrutinizing gaze. She turned her head, meeting his eyes. "Professor Leng, that isn't me in the video. I don't have much to explain now, but I will fix this soon."
Professor Leng, no IT expert himself, was baffled by the absurd footage. "I hope so," he murmured, his voice heavy with doubt.
Whispers and stares followed Xia Yingying down the hall. This humiliation surpassed even the pregnancy scandal of her past life. It felt as if everyone was staring at her naked body. Yet, this wasn't her breaking point. She had to stay strong, overcome every challenge. She must overcome obstacles in this life. Hu Mingyou would deeply regret her actions today.
Professor Leng pushed open the principal's door after receiving permission to enter.
Mary Jones, the English principal, radiated displeasure. Xia Yingying had always seemed promising, but the scandal suggested shockingly low moral character. "Good morning, Ms. Jones," Xia Yingying greeted in perfect English, offering a slight bow – a display of competence, beauty, elegance, and discipline that Mary Jones had always appreciated. Now, it felt like a carefully constructed facade hiding a darker truth.
"You're fully aware of the online chaos you've caused," Principal Jones stated calmly. "It affects not only you but the entire school. Our standards are being questioned."
"Ma'am, I'm acutely aware," Xia Yingying replied, her voice steady. "I am innocent of all allegations."
Mary Jones narrowed her eyes. The girl's composure was unnerving, almost as if she held a hidden card. Such calmness was rare, reminding Mary Jones of Xia Yingying's formidable mother. Though, one person surpassed even them in icy composure: Lu Quinzue, always unfathomable.
The viral scandal had also revealed Xia Yingying was Lu Quinzue's wife. Mary Jones could only imagine his reaction; it was the talk of the internet.
A beep sounded from Mary Jones's phone. She picked it up to see a live video feed of Lu Quinzue. Xia Yingying's breath hitched at the sound of his voice.
The man on screen wore an immaculate black tailored suit, his expression unreadable. His deep voice filled the room: "A manipulated video targeting my wife is circulating. Targeting her means targeting me. A counter-video will be released shortly, revealing the culprit behind this fabrication in explicit detail. To my wife: Stand tall. You were never meant to bow to anyone."
Tears welled in Xia Yingying's eyes. Another buzz came from the principal's phone. Chaos erupted throughout the school. The original scandalous video was blurry. The new video, released by the famed anonymous tech blogger "Techbyte," meticulously dissected the forgery. The blogger revealed digital fingerprints of manipulation: mismatched shadows, inconsistent hair color.
"Here is the recovered unedited frame," a slow, mechanical voice narrated. The paused image filled the screen in Mary Jones's now-crowded office. A collective gasp went up. The girl's moaning face was unmistakable, revealing a thick mole beneath her lips, perfectly curled fake hair extensions, and distinctive, recognizable jewelry: the necklace and bracelet Hu Mingyou always wore.
Hu Mingyou, who had stood by proudly moments before, turned ashen. She wished the ground would swallow her whole.
"Hu Mingyou?" a student gasped.
"How could it be? The video was... edited?"
Students who had sneered at Xia Yingying felt a slap of shame. Disbelief paled their faces.
"She posted that to frame Xia Yingying?"
"So shameless!"
"A real slut!" Whispers rippled through the room. Tang Qing looked utterly betrayed and confused.
"Youyou... you did this? It wasn't Yingying at all?" he choked out, his voice laced with hurt.
Reporters had swarmed the school, capturing the unfolding drama in the hall where Mary Jones had relocated everyone for security. "No! I was framed! It's not me!" Hu Mingyou screamed hysterically, biting her nails. "How? How did this happen? I was so careful... so calculated! He said it was safe! Nothing was supposed to go wrong!"
"Enough!" A cold voice cut through the noise. Yu Miyo strode forward, raised her hand, and delivered a stinging slap that silenced the whispers and Hu Mingyou's shrieks. "You wanted to ruin her life, but you forgot she's not alone," Yu Miyo declared, turning to Xia Yingying with fierce pride in her eyes.
Xia Yingying stood tall, chin raised, her expression serene yet radiating intense power. Her silence commanded the room more effectively than any shouted insult.
The hall doors swung open. An instant hush fell, reporters instinctively lowering their cameras as the crowd parted. Lu Quinzue, flanked by guards, walked straight to Xia Yingying. "I'm here for you, dear. You aren't alone," he said softly, taking her hands. A single reporter, emboldened, snapped a picture. Others watched with bated breath, expecting reprisal.
"May I see the photo?" Lu Quinzue asked calmly. The reporter, "Feng Shui" according to his tag, nervously complied. Lu Quinzue studied the image, a flicker of unexpected warmth crossing his features. "It's nice," he remarked, causing audible gasps.
Before he could say more, Xia Yingying wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Her familiar scent enveloped him. "I'm so happy, Ahzue. Thank you... thank you for supporting me," she whispered, eyes shimmering. Lu Quinzue looked down at her with indulgent affection, gently patting her head. It was a profoundly moving moment; some onlookers even wiped away tears.
Yu Miyo smiled warmly at the couple, though her eyes flickered briefly with an intense, unreadable emotion as her lips silently formed his name: "Lu Quinzue" Only Lu Quinzue, skilled in lip-reading, caught it. A sense of impending complexity settled over him, a story for another time.
Lu Quinzue took Xia Yingying's hand, leading her out towards his car.
"I drove to school today," she reminded him.
"Okay, I'll drive yours," he replied.
Xia Yingying rolled her eyes at his characteristic clinginess. Before they could get in, a voice called out.
"Big Brother Quinzue!" Tu Zen bounded towards them. "Sister-in-law! Are you okay?" she asked Xia Yingying with a sweet smile.
"Mom sent me to check on you at the company, but I heard you were at my school!"
"You can leave now" Lu Quinzue stated coldly. Tu Zen flushed crimson with embarrassment as Lu Quinzue guided Xia Yingying into her car. Xia Yingying fought to suppress a smile.
"You look much prettier when you smile," Lu Quinzue observed, startling her. His actions today had been wholly unexpected. She'd crafted her own plan, yet he'd handled everything perfectly, exceeding her hopes. She recalled his mention of a reward.
"What reward do you want?" she asked, smiling genuinely.
"This" he murmured, leaning in to kiss her lips. Xia Yingying turned her head swiftly, so his lips brushed her cheek.
"Tsk" Lu Quinzue exhaled in mock frustration, surprised by her speed. Xia Yingying laughed at his expression. Harmony filled the car. They played songs, and Xia Yingying was shocked when Lu Quinzue soon joined her in singing most of them. Their mingled voices and laughter created a joyful bubble.
As the music faded, Xia Yingying reflected on the day's events with a sense of accomplishment. She remembered doubting Yu Miyo, yet Yu Miyo had stood fiercely by her side. She resolved to send her a thank-you message and a gift box later.
"Something bothering you?" Lu Quinzue asked.
"No, nothing at all" she replied, not wanting to burden him further.
"Okay."
Her phone buzzed – 'Sweet Mom'. She answered immediately. Her mother's frantic voice filled the car: "Sweetie! Don't be scared! Where are you? I'm coming! Mom just saw the news, I'm so sorry, darling!"
"Mom, everything's fine. Ahzue took care of everything," Xia Yingying reassured her, giving Lu Quinzue a grateful look.
"Are you with him? Mom must thank him properly!"
"I'll let him know, Mom."
"Sweetie, please come for dinner. Mom needs to see you."
"Sure, Mom." Xia Yingying offered more reassurances before ending the call.
"We need to stop at the Xia house," she informed Lu Quinzue.
"Sure."
The familiar house came into view. Lu Quinzue parked in the garage. Stepping into the hall, Xia Yingying was enveloped by a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
"Baby!" Wen Ming had been waiting anxiously by the door. She rushed forward, and Xia Yingying opened her arms for a tight embrace.
"I was so worried!"
"I'm fine, Mom, really" Xia Yingying soothed. Her mother's protectiveness was legendary.
"Good evening, Auntie," Lu Quinzue greeted.
The air smelled delicious, with maids bustling to set the table.
"Which party are we having, Mom? A baby shower?" Xia Yingying teased lightly.
"Don't worry, baby," Wen Ming retorted, glancing meaningfully between Xia Yingying and Lu Quinzue, "we're all awaiting for that shower too!" Xia Yingying flushed crimson; her joke had backfired spectacularly.
"Yes" Xia father interjected, walking towards the sofa, "that's something I've been meaning to discuss with you both."
"Good evening, Uncle."
"Dad, welcome," Xia Yingying said.
"Hmph!" Wen Ming turned away pointedly, making their earlier quarrel obvious. Mr. Xia sighed inwardly and moved closer to his wife. Whatever he whispered made her ears turn bright red, reminding Xia Yingying vividly of the morning's intimacy and deepening her own blush. The parents exchanged knowing glances.
"Honey, you're late today," Wen Ming said aloud, shifting focus.
"Yes" Mr. Xia replied, worry creasing his brow. "The stock market took a significant dive."
Xia Yingying felt a pang of guilt – did misfortune always follow her family.
"The Lu Corporation would like to propose a partnership with your company, Uncle," Lu Quinzue stated.
"And Tekwen Group will partner with you too, Dad," Xia Yingying added.
Wen Ming and Mr. Xia looked at them with profound admiration and relief. Wen Ming felt a surge of pride looking at her daughter.
"Dinner is served, Madam," a maid announced.
As they moved towards the dining room, the doorbell chimed. Moments later, the door opened to reveal ______Yu Miyo.