Su Chan's remark was absolutely infuriating, especially to the Tae Kwon Do practitioners present, yet they all looked at her but dared not speak out in anger. They weren't afraid of this seemingly fragile girl; they were terrified of Li Yundong, the one who had sent Zhao Yujian flying with a single punch.
A few boys who usually disliked Zhao Yujian's demeanor were discussing in hushed tones, "I've only ever heard that among all martial arts, nothing is unbreakable, except speed—nothing beats speed. Where does this idea of nothing beats sheer force come from?"
A boy beside him scoffed dismissively, "Look at you, so unworldly! You're completely out of it! Haven't you seen Jet Li in Fist of Legend?"
"I've seen Fist of Legend, what about it?"
"Didn't Jet Li say in the movie? If you want to learn how to fight, you must first learn how to take a hit. Otherwise, you can land several good punches on someone, and they’re fine, but they hit you once, and you go down. That's the principle at work here. Look, Zhao Yujian kicked Li Yundong so many times, and Li Yundong was completely unfazed, but one punch from Li Yundong, even if it only landed on Zhao Yujian's instep, was enough to incapacitate him. While there's definitely something to be said about taking hits, Li Yundong's strength is no joke. I'm starting to believe that the report of him punching over five hundred pounds was actually true, and the machine wasn't broken!"
"Hmm, that makes sense. But that’s too exaggerated, right? Even Tyson’s punch is only four hundred and ninety-eight pounds. There's no way Li Yundong could surpass Tyson with one punch, could he?"
"This, this..."
While they were whispering among themselves, on the other side, Ding Nan stared blankly at the scene, finally letting out a low curse filled with dejection after a long moment: "Zhao Yujian really is a lost cause, so useless!"
Zhou Qin knelt on the ground, her upper body ramrod straight, hands resting on her lap. Even when Li Yundong sent Zhao Yujian flying with that punch, she only straightened her back slightly, her eyes widening a bit, a strange light flashing within them. No other unnecessary movement betrayed her, perfectly showcasing the composure and grace of a well-bred lady.
Zhou Qin tilted her head slightly, casting a glance down at Ding Nan. Her calm gaze held a deep undercurrent of aloof superiority: "My things aren't that easy to take, Ding Nan. After following me for so many years, haven't you learned that much?"
Ding Nan's expression froze. She forced a weak smile, "I just really wanted that handbag for a long time..."
Zhou Qin stared at Ding Nan for a prolonged period, making Ding Nan increasingly uneasy, before finally speaking, "Take my bag tomorrow."
Ding Nan was momentarily stunned: "You're giving it to me now? I didn't win it from you."
Zhou Qin turned her head away, refusing to look at her: "You don't want it? Fine then..."
Before Zhou Qin could finish, Ding Nan quickly interjected, "Yes, I want it! A five-figure limited edition bag, only an idiot wouldn't want it!"
Zhou Qin watched the action in the center of the floor, nodded, and extended her hand toward Ding Nan: "Phone."
Ding Nan immediately stood up, beaming, "Wait for me a second, my phone is in the locker."
Saying that, she rose and walked toward the changing room.
The moment she turned her back to Zhou Qin, the smile vanished completely, replaced by a look of gritted-teeth humiliation and seething resentment. Once inside the changing room, Ding Nan finally dared to clench her fists and gasp for breath.
After a while, she retrieved Zhou Qin's phone from the locker, plastered the smiling facade back on, and returned to Zhou Qin’s side to hand it back.
The instant Zhou Qin took the phone, she dialed the hospital and called for an ambulance, explaining the situation.
While on the call, Zhou Qin’s eyes remained fixed on Li Yundong. This boy who had just displayed astonishing power now stood rooted to the spot, looking utterly bewildered—neither the exhilaration of victory nor the terror of having injured or potentially crippled his opponent showed on his face.
Zhou Qin acutely sensed that in this moment, the young man was like a lone traveler suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar territory, filled with profound bewilderment and a sense of strangeness.
He stood there silently, surrounded by gazes of jealousy, awe, fear, hatred, anger, and envy, yet he only looked down at his own fist, seemingly unable to believe the strength he possessed.
Zhou Qin smiled subtly. This unremarkable boy was not as shallow or incompetent as she had initially imagined.
...
Upon receiving the news, Director Qian rushed into the Tae Kwon Do hall, sweat pouring down his face. His small, beady eyes quickly scanned the surroundings before locking onto Li Yundong, toward whom he strode quickly.
"It's you again!" Director Qian nearly jumped. This student was a magnet for trouble. He had caused two massive incidents in just two days; for anyone else, they might not have one such event in their entire life!
Seeing Director Qian, Li Yundong snapped out of his daze. His heart plummeted. He thought grimly: Damn, I’ve attracted that plague god again!
Director Qian, as the head of the Disciplinary Office, held the absolute power over the students' fate. For a rule-breaker like Li Yundong, falling into his hands meant expulsion was not out of the question if he truly wanted to make an example of him.
Director Qian wiped the sweat from his forehead, squeezed through the crowd to Zhao Yujian’s side, assessed the situation, and inwardly groaned: There was only one week left until the exchange day between Tiannan University and the private University of Pennsylvania in the States. For these students to cause such a disturbance now—wasn't this asking for trouble?
The crucial point was that Zhao Yujian was the representative of the university's Tae Kwon Do club and was scheduled to perform and participate in exchanges. This was Tiannan University's most impressive showcase. Now that Zhao Yujian was severely injured, wasn't this a direct slap in the face?
Director Qian’s face darkened to the shade of a nationwide blackout. He suddenly stood up and roared at Li Yundong, "What is wrong with you? You are all classmates, why did you strike so heavily! Don't you know about courtesy and yielding? Do you realize this violates school rules? I can expel you!"
Li Yundong, who had been apprehensive, became enraged upon hearing this: "What do you mean I struck heavily? So many people saw Zhao Yujian strike heavily, why didn't I see him yield to me?"
Director Qian was furious. This student dared to talk back? Unacceptable! Where was the school leadership's prestige? Where was his authority? He could tolerate it, but his wife couldn't!
"Who saw it? Step forward and speak up!" Director Qian roared, hands on his hips.
This question was highly leading. The surrounding students exchanged nervous glances. Although some among them despised Zhao Yujian's character, none of them felt the need to risk offending the head of the Disciplinary Office for Li Yundong!
They still had to survive at this school; offending the Disciplinary Director was far worse than offending the Principal!
The crowd backed away. However, a few practitioners stepped forward indignantly, making Li Yundong feel a surge of excitement—there were still good people in this world, thank heavens!
But moments later, what these practitioners said made Li Yundong nearly vomit blood: "We testify that he started the dispute!"
Li Yundong was utterly depressed. Damn it, when did I start any dispute! Thinking this, he couldn't help but glance back resentfully at the little fox hiding behind him.
It was all this girl's fault!
The little girl, sensing Li Yundong's look, immediately felt guilty. Thinking that a true hero should own up to their actions, she couldn't help but step forward, put her hands on her hips, and shout: "I said it, so what! Whatever charge you have, lay it on me! Do you want me to climb a mountain of knives or descend into a cauldron of oil? Just say the word! If I, Su Chan, blink, I’m no hero..."
Li Yundong was both angry and amused. He pulled Su Chan behind him and tapped her head hard: "You trying to play the hero! Shut up!"
Su Chan covered her head, mumbled an 'Oh,' obediently tugged on Li Yundong's coat, and fell silent.
Director Qian had seen Su Chan before, but only in a fleeting glimpse. Now, scrutinizing her closely, his eyes widened, and he almost drooled: "Which department and year are you from? Why haven't I seen you before?"
Seeing the green light flashing in Director Qian's eyes, Li Yundong calmly stepped forward to block Su Chan, saying, "She is my girlfriend, and she is not from this school."
Director Qian’s heart surged with annoyance upon hearing the harsh word girlfriend and seeing Li Yundong step in front of Su Chan: "If she's not from this school, why is she causing trouble here?"
Li Yundong suppressed his anger: "Who stipulated that non-students can't enter here? Furthermore, what happened today wasn't us causing trouble; it was someone taking issue with me and constantly provoking things!"
Director Qian roared: "Who provoked you? Who can testify?"
"I..." a voice sounded from nearby. Zhou Qin walked over languidly.
Director Qian’s headache immediately intensified. How could he see this young lady everywhere?
Director Qian's expression changed instantly, his speed of transformation enough to make a Sichuan opera actor die of shame: "Oh, Zhou Qin, when did you enter the Tae Kwon Do club?"
Zhou Qin smiled faintly: "I've been here for over a year, I just rarely come."
Director Qian forced a dry laugh: "You saw everything regarding today's incident... too?"
Zhou Qin nodded and calmly recounted the entire sequence of events, then her gaze swept over Li Yundong: "That's basically how it happened. I trust Director Qian will handle this justly, correct?"
Director Qian felt an endless surge of hatred, like the mighty currents of a great river. Why did Zhou Qin always protect this scoundrel? The last time was one thing, but why this time too? Could it be that Zhou Qin has taken a liking to this fellow?
Director Qian started in surprise and turned to carefully examine Li Yundong.
It was better if he hadn't examined closely; Director Qian gasped, and his resentment erupted like the flooding of the Yellow River! What was so appealing about this guy? Why did he have such a stunningly beautiful young girl clinging to him like a little bird, and even a great beauty like Zhou Qin seemed fond of him?
Director Qian cried out in his heart, filled with grief and indignation: He isn't even as handsome as I am! Why do both these beauties fancy him and not me?
As a relatively successful middle-aged man, his long-suppressed psychological desires manifested as an increasingly intense hunger for women, especially beautiful ones.
After seeing Zhou Qin leave, Director Qian shot Li Yundong a resentful look and barked, "Follow me to the Disciplinary Office!" Then, with a rather provocative gesture, he flicked his cadre-level hairstyle and added to the little fox, "You too, come along!"
The little fox followed obediently behind Li Yundong, timidly hooking her finger through his.
Li Yundong turned back and saw the little fox mouth a silent word to him: Sorry.
Li Yundong smiled, affectionately pinching the little fox's nose. The little fox giggled and swatted his hand away.
Thanks to Zhou Qin's intervention, Director Qian dared not openly expel or severely punish Li Yundong, but he still felt entitled to give him a good scolding once they were in the office; otherwise, if word got out that he backed down just because of Zhou Qin’s word, what would become of the Disciplinary Director's dignity and authority?
As soon as they entered the Director's office, Director Qian unleashed a verbal barrage that drenched Li Yundong in humiliation.
Since no one else was around, and he was somewhat at fault, Li Yundong adopted a surprisingly straightforward posture: Director, as long as you don't expel me, do whatever you want!
After threatening Li Yundong with expulsion multiple times, Director Qian glared fiercely at him: "For a case like yours, our Disciplinary Office and the Administration Office will hold a joint meeting to decide whether to expel you or not! Also, if you cause any more trouble these few days, you are finished! No one can save you!"
Saying this, he glared at Li Yundong: "You go out first. I need to speak with this... what was your name again?"
Su Chan looked puzzled as to why this man wanted to speak to her. She stated generously, "My name is Su Chan."
Director Qian nodded: "Su Chan, stay behind for a moment. I need a word with you."
Li Yundong felt very surprised, but he didn't dwell on it. As a habitually low-profile homebody, he was deeply afraid of being expelled from school.
When Li Yundong stepped out of the office, he was startled to find the hallway packed with people, mostly students from the Tae Kwon Do club.
As soon as these people saw Li Yundong emerge, they bombarded him with excited and curious questions, making Li Yundong curse inwardly: Are these guys really that bored with their lives?
After Li Yundong left, Director Qian's ashen face transformed into one of gentle kindness. He offered tea and water, chatting amiably with Su Chan.
Su Chan blinked, thinking: What does this old man want to say? He’s being so annoyingly roundabout! If it weren't for fear of causing trouble for Yundong, I wouldn't bother with him!
After much rambling, Director Qian finally got to the point. He said, "Su Chan, looking at your appearance, you shouldn't be very old, right? Hmm, you are young, so you can't quite see people's true nature, which is understandable..."
Although Su Chan was naive in matters of social maneuvering, she wasn't a fool. She keenly sensed what Director Qian was leading up to and probed tentatively, "Then what do you mean?"
Director Qian adopted a tone of earnest instruction: "Men, when they are young, can be forgiven for being hot-headed. But for a girl like you, you should consider many aspects when choosing a boyfriend. Being young and beautiful, you should prioritize a man who is successful and maturely steady..."
With such an obvious hint, if Su Chan failed to understand what he meant, she truly would be an idiot.
Su Chan was instantly enraged in her heart: This old man is making a move on me! He really doesn't want to live long!
It must be said that Director Qian was blinded by lust. The little fox’s appearance was too devastatingly attractive; a man’s IQ generally dropped by half upon seeing her. He smugly reasoned that such a young and beautiful girl would surely prefer someone mature and steady—and who embodied maturity and stability better than Director Qian himself?
Thinking this, Director Qian once again provocatively flicked his cadre-level hair, his inner world basking in sunny fantasies.
Su Chan suppressed her anger, feigning an innocent and childlike look: "Oh, I see. I'll give it some serious thought when I go back."
Director Qian was overjoyed and reached out to pat Su Chan's shoulder: "Good, good, teachable child."
Su Chan twisted her body away, dodging the director’s "salty" hand. Her sprite-like movement made Director Qian's desires churn.
Director Qian controlled his urge, put on a façade of moral rectitude, opened the office door, and ushered Su Chan out. He deliberately avoided looking at Li Yundong, instead looking warmly at Su Chan: "Su Chan, you are a good child. You can surely judge right from wrong, can't you?"
Li Yundong, standing nearby, was secretly suspicious, his gaze flicking between the two.
Su Chan didn't answer Director Qian but