Chapter 20: A Showdown in the Classroom

Shenghua High School is the top private high school in Hengyuan City. To be accepted here, students either have to be exceptionally talented academically or come from wealthy families. Mo Shiyun belonged to the former group with her outstanding grades, while Jian Yiling fell into the latter category. There were also students like Jian Yunnao, Jian Yiling's brother, who possessed both attributes.

Jian Yiling had just entered her first year of high school this September. Unlike Jian Yunnao and Mo Shiyun, who were in the elite classes, she was struggling to keep up in a regular class, often finding herself at the bottom of the ranks.

As she approached the classroom for Class 8, she noticed that many classmates had already gathered inside. The moment she entered, surprised and incredulous expressions appeared on their faces, as if they couldn't believe she was back. Jian Yiling paid them no mind and walked directly to her desk.

To her dismay, she found that her desk was overflowing with various items, none of which belonged to her. Confused, she looked around and spotted her belongings tossed carelessly into the storage cabinet at the back of the classroom. The atmosphere in the room suddenly felt charged, heavy with tension.

Jian Yiling's gaze fell on her deskmate, who looked increasingly nervous. "It wasn't me! It was Qiu Jie! She brought people to do this; I didn't dare to stop them!" 

Her deskmate was visibly shaken; everyone knew Qiu Jie was not someone to mess with, and Jian Yiling was not easy to handle either. Jian Yiling understood who Qiu Jie was. In the original story, Qiu Jie had a close relationship with Mo Shiyun, often supporting her during tough times in high school. Qiu Jie was known for her sense of loyalty, and Mo Shiyun's character was portrayed as kind and understanding, always well-liked by others.

As they spoke, Qiu Jie received news and stormed into the classroom, flanked by her followers. The moment she entered, her demeanor was fierce and intimidating. Among the girls, Qiu Jie stood tall, her short hair framing a face with strong features. She wore a single ear stud that she would remove when teachers were around, a sign of her rebellious nature. 

The other students in the classroom instinctively stepped back, not wanting to provoke this self-proclaimed queen bee. Jian Yiling's deskmate shrank into a corner, clearly anxious about the confrontation unfolding.

"Jian Yiling, you really have some nerve!" Qiu Jie shouted, her voice dripping with disdain. "Your brother is in this state because of you, and you still have the gall to come back to school? Do you even have a conscience? Get as far away as possible from here!"

Jian Yiling maintained a calm demeanor, just as she had when facing Jian Yunnao's anger. Her expression was devoid of emotion, her eyes clear and composed. "Who told you that I pushed him?"

The question hung in the air, echoing a sentiment that the former Jian Yiling had never managed to express amidst the flood of insults and accusations. 

"Who told you it was me who pushed him? The whole school knows you did!" a voice called out, echoing the sentiments of her classmates.

"Who in this school actually saw it happen with their own eyes? Who has evidence?" Jian Yiling replied, her tone steady. Each word was deliberate and measured, and despite her soft voice, it held an unexpected weight that caught Qiu Jie off guard.

Qiu Jie furrowed her brows in thought. Yes, everyone assumed it was Jian Yiling who had pushed Jian Yunnao, but no one had stepped forward to claim they had witnessed the act. 

Still, she was unwilling to let Jian Yiling escape without repercussions. "Don't think you can wash away your guilt just because there are no witnesses!" she shot back defiantly.

"Bang—" Jian Yiling's right hand slammed down on the desk, causing it to rattle. The sound was just loud enough to draw everyone's attention in the otherwise quiet classroom. Following that, her left hand reached into her backpack and pulled out a set of surgical tools.

The sight of the instruments caused gasps to ripple through the classroom. Students exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what would happen next. The tension thickened, and the atmosphere shifted from disbelief to a palpable anticipation.

"What do you think you're doing?" Qiu Jie sneered, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She hadn't expected Jian Yiling to respond with such intensity.

"I'm not here to fight you, Qiu Jie," Jian Yiling said calmly, her voice steady. "But if you think you can bully me and get away with it, you're mistaken. This isn't just about me; it's about standing up for what's right."

"Right?" Qiu Jie laughed mockingly. "You think you can turn the tables and portray yourself as the victim here? You're the one who harmed your brother. Why would anyone believe you?"

"I may not have proof of my innocence," Jian Yiling replied, her expression unwavering. "But your bullying tactics won't work on me. I'll fight back in whatever way I can. So go ahead, throw your insults. I won't back down."

The classroom was silent, the students captivated by the unfolding confrontation. Jian Yiling's boldness shocked them, and a new layer of respect began to form for her in their minds. 

"Fine," Qiu Jie hissed, her bravado wavering. "You want to play this game? We'll see how far you can go!"

With that, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the classroom, leaving behind a buzz of conversation and uncertainty. 

As Jian Yiling stood there, her heart racing, she realized she had just crossed a threshold. No longer would she be the passive victim of bullying; she was ready to take control of her narrative. 

In that moment, surrounded by her classmates, she felt a surge of empowerment. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she was determined to stand her ground and prove her worth. 

The school year had only just begun, but already the battles were heating up, and Jian Yiling was ready to face whatever came her way.