116

hat it almost distorted her expression.On that end, Rong Ling's subordinates wouldn't sit idly by. Even if He Ya found an intermediary, all her actions were under Rong Ling's surveillance, so even tha...Chapter Name: 116

Rong Ling said what he meant and did what he said, never dragging his feet. In the early afternoon, around 3:00 PM, the school held a general assembly for all teachers and students, gathering everyone on the playground for mobilization. By then, the education officials who had been dispatched from above had received an order to return, leaving only one high-ranking official remaining as a show of force. In reality, Principal Chen had regained control and had received assurances from a powerful individual that his position as principal was secure.

Principal Chen was naturally delighted, this was excellent. Moreover, having someone step in to resolve Lin Meng's situation without him having to go through too much experience or take on too much responsibility was a huge help to him.

With Rong Ling's intervention, everything became clear. In front of thousands of students and teachers, led by Yang Haoqing and Zhu Xiaomeng, along with several other students who had helped spread the rumors, they recounted what had happened, clearing Lin Meng's name. This immediately drew a chorus of boos from the students below. The few students involved changed color, and some whose moral character was weak burst into tears, claiming that they had been misled and that Zhu and Yang were the real culprits!

As for the photos of couples kissing that went viral, the school explained to the public that they were edited using Photoshop. To this end, the school "invited" specialized technicians to provide testimony and demonstrated on-site how two unrelated individuals could be transformed into a kissing scene through a slideshow. This left everyone in awe of the rapid advancement of computer technology today while also expressing indignation towards Zhu Yang and Lin Zi, who provided the photos!

Of course, by this time, everything Lin Zixin had been trying to hide finally came to light. Rong Ling was never a good person; anyone who offended him deserved to be punished tenfold. The large screen mercilessly played the video of her entanglement with Zhou Xiangliang in the alley. Of course, considering the potential impact, only the beginning of the video was played. However, nine out of ten people present could guess what would happen next.

And the reason everyone knew it was Lin Zi was because Rong Ling's wide-reaching influence found the original video. Thus, with the mosaic gone, everyone's faces were clearly projected onto the screen.

Also, to sell Principal Chen a favor and make him do things well for him, Rong Ling also helped Principal Chen a small favor. So, after the video was broadcast briefly, Principal Chen explained to the students that the school had long since noticed that Lin Zi's conduct was improper and that she had colluded with some bad people outside the school. Therefore, the school secretly expelled Lin Zi recently. It only allowed her to stay in the school for three more days before formally asking her to withdraw, as a farewell. Unexpectedly, Lin Zi expressed dissatisfaction and, out of revenge against the school, deliberately hooked up with Zhou Xiangliang, a student from No. 4 Middle School, trying to smear the school. Even, she even involved her own sister, who was also a student at No. 4 Middle School, pushing all the things she had done onto her sister. When the education bureau officials came for inspection, she stirred up a huge wave, in order to better stab the school!

"This is revenge, insane revenge!" The principal denounced angrily on the stage. "The school, guided by the principle of human-centeredness, gave Lin Zi classmate many opportunities to repent and reform, but she showed no remorse whatsoever. The school was helpless and made the decision to secretly expel her, which also gave her a bit of face. But unexpectedly, not only did Lin Zi classmate fail to repent, but she became even more heartless and vicious..."

Principal Chen delivered a heartfelt and impassioned speech on stage, expressing his deep concern while presenting a series of pieces of evidence!

At this moment, with Rong Ling's help, the files regarding Lin Zi's withdrawal from school were quietly established. Principal Chen's words were naturally false, but Rong Ling could naturally make the files true. There is evidence, everyone believed it because it was an official seal! Who would dare to forge it! As for staying three more days, it was just a statement from the school. Outsiders didn't know about this, so naturally, those in the know said whatever they wanted!

Thus, Lin Zi's reputation was ruined.

And Lin Meng's grievance, after the longest whole-school assembly in history since the founding of No. 4 Middle School, melted away like freshly fallen snow in early winter, instantly warmed by a stream of sunshine.

All those who had secretly pushed for these events were forced to apologize to Lin Meng in front of the entire school, teachers and students. This was because their parents had, more or less, received some warnings. Even after being warned, these people still believed they were justified because the school's explanation, which came directly from the authorities, was perfect and clean. It only made those students reflect on their actions of falsely accusing Lin Meng, instead of causing any resentment!

Lin Meng was completely dazed, standing there and watching the events that were supposed to destroy her, one by one, being resolved. That's when she remembered what Rong Ling had said this morning, telling her not to worry, but she hadn't understood what it meant!

That man!

She sighed softly, her heart brimming with gratitude! The thought of leaving caused a brief moment of turmoil within her, but as soon as her emotions settled, she became clear-headed and realized that leaving was an urgent necessity.

If she stayed, she would still be financially dependent on him, always looking up to him. She would forever only endure his blame and ridicule in times of trouble. Now, the relationship seems to have eased a little, but no one can guarantee when the next war will break out. As long as she wasn't on equal footing with him, she would live in fear every day. Life would always be filled with anxiety and uncertainty, without a bright future!

Tolerate, she needs to be thanked! Saying a thousand words or ten thousand words of thanks wouldn't be enough to express the gratitude in her heart. But even with all her gratitude, she still has to leave!

At this time, Rong Ling was still unaware of it, but he simply hooked his lips and sat on the sofa, welcoming her return.

"Are you happy!" he asked with a smile, his eyes sparkling with joy!

She hummed softly, but couldn't say anything more.

He held her close, kissing her gently. The pride and joy he felt were completely palpable to her.

"Later, I'll have to make a delicious meal to reward myself!" The man acted like a child, still pouting over the dinner he had been deprived of by Aunt Xu yesterday!

She was a little taken aback, but she smiled and nodded.

This man, so excellent and so powerful, was probably the most handsome, capable, and admirable person she had ever met in her life. Leaving him, she felt such reluctance! But she could only force herself to suppress this feeling and agree to his requests one by one.

Later on, Lin Bao called in a hurry, naturally about Lin Zi's matter.

Lin Zi is finished!

This is undeniable!

This person, when it comes to being ruthless and decisive, never hesitates. Even if the person has blood ties with Lin Meng, he will not show mercy. He was able to treat Lin Bao coldly before, so for Lin Zi, who is a villain and only shares half the blood relation with Lin Meng, he would naturally be even more merciless!

After this, Lin Zi would never be able to live a good life in China. Rong Ling was ruthless:

First, publicly release a clear version of the video online and explicitly state who the woman in the video is, where she comes from. Then, emphasize that because of her misconduct, she has already been expelled from school. In this way, Lin Zi will only be able to live like a rat in a sewer, forever only able to exist in darkness, never daring to walk in the sunlight!

Second, Lin Zi acted with impunity toward Lin Meng, didn't she All because she thought she could go abroad! It’s fine to leave the country if things get unbearable here. However, with Rong Ling's obstruction, Lin Zi wouldn't be able to leave this lifetime! The embassy would never approve her visa!

So, Lin Zi was left in the country and had to endure constant gossip and scrutiny.

After the incident with Lin Zi, Lin Bao scolded her mercilessly, but still, out of love for his daughter, he quickly wanted to complete all the necessary procedures and send Lin Zi abroad as soon as possible. However, when he called someone to have dinner and planned to take a shortcut, the person flatly refused, and at the same time, frankly told him that Lin Zi's matter was absolutely impossible!

Lin Bao only then realized that Rong Ling still had a backup plan, waiting for him here.

Unable to do anything else, Rong Ling could only call Lin Meng. While the other students and teachers might be unaware of what Rong Ling had done, Lin Bao knew exactly what he was up to. He must have done this for his second daughter. Now, the only one who could save Lin Zi was her own sister!

Lin Meng hesitated for a moment when she saw the caller ID, but still answered.

On that side, Lin Bao poured everything out, begging Lin Meng to go and plead with Rong Ling, asking him to show mercy. Lin Meng glanced at the man sitting on the sofa, crossing his legs and looking at her coldly, shook her head and refused in a low voice.

"Dad, I can't do anything!"

It's not that she doesn't care about family, but Lin Zi is just too much. She didn't even think about it when the mastermind behind the scenes was Lin Zi! When Lin Zi did that back then, did she ever think about her! Now that something happened, she's counting on her to help again, is she such a despicable person! Someone slaps you in the face and you still smile and lean in, letting them slap you again!

Lin Bao was furious and couldn't help but growl. "Mengmeng, this is all your fault. If you hadn't given ZiZi that juice, she wouldn't have been filmed like that! She wouldn't have thought of taking revenge on you!!"

“Was that me giving her juice!” Lin Ziqi also yelled angrily. Why did everything always get blamed on her when something happened Who had she offended! And what was this mess of juice, she didn't know anything about it! Besides, Lin Ziming knew there was something wrong with the juice, how could she be so vicious and pour it into her mouth! Those scenes from that day were still vivid in her mind, she would never forget them for the rest of her life!

Lin Bao's voice faltered, realizing his words were inappropriate. He softened his tone and explained that Lin Zi had taken the juice he left in his car that day, finished it, and then did those things.

"I don't know anything!" That was Lin Meng's response.

"But she's your sister!"

"So, she thinks I'm her sister!"

"Mengmeng, you shouldn't say that!" Lin Bao's voice grew stern. "Sister, the relationship between sisters is one that can never be broken. Your sister has a bad reputation, so consequently, yours will also suffer. The saying 'one prospers, all prosper; one suffers, all suffer' illustrates this point perfectly. Now, your sister, and by extension our Lin family, are being gossiped about by all relatives and friends. So when you return to the Lin family in the future, you will also be subjected to gossip. Mengmeng, you need to understand the seriousness of this situation!"

Lin Meng was stunned. She wanted to say that she wouldn't go back to that home. But she couldn't give a definitive answer because she wasn't a god and couldn't predict the future. So, she laughed self-deprecatingly. "If that day ever comes, then whatever!"

Hasn't she been pointed at so many times already Shouldn't she be afraid anymore!

It's impossible for her to beg Rong Ling for mercy! She wouldn't even allow herself to do that!

"You—" Lin Bao gasped for breath, "Mengmeng, you've changed. You weren't like this before!"

Lin dreamt, people always change! If she doesn't change, she might be swallowed by this world!

Lin Bao once again spoke in a low, accusing voice: “You’ve grown up and found support in Rong Ling, so you’ve completely forgotten about this family! Remember, you wouldn't have what you have today without the help of this family!” He alluded to the things he had given her to give to Rong Ling, and also hinted at Lin Wife’s “assistance” last time!

"Didn't your father treat you well He raised you for sixteen years, and this is how you repay him, repay this family!"

Lin Meng frowned, sighed inwardly, and said softly, "Dad, don't worry, I know what to do!"

As she spoke, she hung up the phone. There was no point in saying more. And with Rong Ling present, there were some things she couldn't say out loud.

Lin Bao, however, was secretly pleased, thinking that Lin Meng's last words meant she was going to help. So, he suppressed his impatience and waited for her good news!

Here, Rong Ling heard Lin Meng's last words and began to raise an eyebrow. The coldness in her eyes was already obvious. He thought that Lin Meng would once again go against his wishes and plead for her family. He waited for her to speak. If she really dared to speak, he could immediately leave.

But she didn't say anything, she just went into the kitchen and started bustling about.

His eyebrows relaxed then furrowed slightly, sensing something was amiss. According to his understanding, this wasn't typical of the woman's personality. He suddenly felt she was becoming quite enigmatic. So he followed her into the kitchen and watched her. She noticed but said nothing, asked nothing, only calmly selecting vegetables.

He pursed his lips, really didn't see anything, and walked out. Thinking to himself, this woman, she's finally learned her lesson. But for now, don't mention it, and absolutely don't do something like last time with Lin Bao, bring it up again after a while!

After such a meal, Rong Ling was considered very supportive, eating all the dishes clean and tidy, not afraid of being full. She watched him smacking his lips and secretly pondered whether there were digestives at home, so that if he had a bloated stomach, it would be easy to solve it. Her heart, in fact, couldn't help but lean towards him unconsciously. This was something she herself could not control!

Later, when a call came in, it was from Zhu and Yang's parents. They pleaded with Lin Meng to come out and talk, or they would come over themselves.

Lin Meng really wanted to know why Zhu Yang treated her this way. She had always been completely open and honest with these two friends, believing everything they said and often following their lead. But they betrayed her and plotted against her, which left her feeling both deeply hurt and profoundly disappointed! It's unbearable for anyone to discover that a friend they've spent almost a decade with has been secretly plotting against them and being insincere.

She didn't erupt on the spot, only because she knows how to endure!

One gain from one loss, both sets of parents wanted to set her up with Zhu Yang. Though she was interested in talking to them, she wouldn't agree rashly because she couldn't predict whether a meticulously planned scheme awaited her at the designated place. She started becoming wary of human nature and felt a tinge of disappointment as well!

However, for such matters, you could simply ask the powerful man beside you and it would be easily resolved.

She sought Rong Ling's opinion, and after listening to her thoughts, Rong Ling simply let out a soft hum. “Then let them all come here!”

With him around, those people won't be able to cause any trouble!

Then, the parents of Zhu and Yang both rushed to the stage!

As for Lin Zi, who is related to Lin Meng by blood, Rong Ling could be ruthless. Then facing Zhu Yang, these two wolves in sheep's clothing, Rong Ling naturally had to be even more merciless. The school's punishment for the two Zhu Yang was expulsion. They claimed that the two of them were of bad character and maliciously framed others in front of the education officials sent from above, spewing lies, resulting in very bad consequences, so they had to be expelled!

He's been advised to leave, and frankly, it doesn't matter. If this school isn't a good fit, he can always go to another one. But will Rong Ling let these two get away with it so easily Once they are expelled, no other school will dare to accept them. Any school that does will be waiting for Rong Ling to ruin it!

The entire education system is interconnected, and everyone has their own channels to receive relevant information. Therefore, no school has been foolish enough to take them in until now.

Zhu Yang's parents, through a distant relative who worked at the Education Bureau, learned of this news. They originally planned to take their children to study in other provinces, but now that things had escalated to this point, it seemed like no matter where they went, it would be the same. So, they had no choice but to come and seek out Lin Meng.

“Why!” Lin Meng pursed her lips, looking at the dishevelled Zhu Yang duo. She asked coldly. She needed an explanation, she needed an account. These two girls knew, didn't they, that her already fragile heart had been wounded by them!

Family affection, she dared not expect!

Love, she dared not even dream of it!

But friendship, the simplest thing, can also become a tool to hurt her!

Over the past decade, she realized she had gained almost nothing. How could she bear this!

Zhu Yang, after being scolded by their parents at home, understood the seriousness of the situation. They lowered their heads and recounted everything that happened in detail. However, if you listened carefully to their tone, you could still hear the resentment and dissatisfaction within their words.

Lin Meng listened to their explanation, not knowing whether she should weep with sorrow or laugh out loud. The reasons why they resented her and schemed against her in secret were so flimsy!

Just because—jealousy!

At first, it was jealousy of her beauty and popularity. Every student in class, both boys and girls, loved to interact with her. Then, Zhu Xiaomeng fell for a boy, but he ignored her completely, always trailing after Lin Meng and even declaring his intention to marry her someday, while mocking Zhu Xiaomeng as an ugly monster. Although Zhu Xiaomeng wasn't particularly beautiful when she was younger, she certainly wasn't unattractive either. Being called an "ugly monster" by the boy she liked deeply wounded her self-esteem, and she developed a hatred for Lin Meng. Even at such a young age, she understood how to play mind games, learning from the constant power struggles between her parents and colleagues. She even learned to navigate through challenges and achieve victory in subtle ways.

She deliberately got close to Lin Meng and befriended her, then intentionally spoke ill of the young boy. Lin Meng was a good girl when she was little, and she didn't have any naive feelings about boys and girls. Being stirred up by Zhu Xiaomeng like this, she naturally distanced herself from the boy. Thus, Zhu Xiaomeng's first battle was successful. After humiliating the short-sighted boy greatly, she began to enjoy herself in her scheming endeavors.

She thought that since everyone loved Lin Meng so much, making Lin Meng unlikeable wouldn't be a success ! Children always have such strange logic, and Zhu Xiaomeng insisted on it. As she grew older and became slightly more sensible, slandering Lin Meng and making people alienate Lin Meng became an indispensable part of her daily life. It seemed that if she didn't do this, she wouldn't be Zhu Xiaomeng.

As for Yang Haoting, her reasons for disliking Lin Meng were probably similar to Zhu Xiaomeng's. She also liked the same boy who didn't like her but liked Lin Meng. Then, under Zhu Xiaomeng's influence, she followed Zhu Xiaomeng, taking her lead.

These things, really speaking, are nothing at all! The likes of little girls and boys, everyone knows it's childish and ridiculous, yet the two of them just hated each other because of it, and making up rumors about Lin Meng became a habit!

So, some bad habits are really not worth cultivating; they can truly weigh a person down!

"If I don't make things difficult for them, just let them fend for themselves!" Lin Meng said to Rong Ling, it wasn't a request, but a negotiation.

Although these people didn't treat her as a friend, she still cherished the years of friendship they shared. When she was feeling down, sometimes she felt like she had no home, or when she was broke and had to pay some bills, or when she was heartbroken, embarrassed, and helpless, no matter what, she had to thank them for their help. Even though, their help was purposeful!

But at least these two people gave her the feeling that they were much better than that nominal sister!

Rong Ling frowned slightly. In his opinion, these people were bringing this upon themselves! But looking at Lin Meng's indifferent expression, it seemed like her answer was optional, as if she didn't have the slightest expectation. She simply nodded absentmindedly.

Then, the two families of Zhu and Yang left with tears of gratitude.

From now on, let's just pretend we never met!

Lin Meng said this.

Zhu Yang did not respond, but they believed that after Lin Meng said this, they would be too embarrassed to appear in front of Lin Meng again!

Lin Meng was dazed, stroking her forehead and letting out a soft sigh!

Finally, let all that needs to end come to an end!

Now, the more troublesome thing is this man beside her. She couldn't figure out his thoughts, just like she didn't know what he was doing yesterday when he came to see her. She also didn't know where he got the news from, he seemingly effortlessly found out everything and resolved all her troubles. She thought he should have left her behind after that chaotic and decadent evening. And now she was a little scared, afraid that this man had people watching her, otherwise, with him being busy elsewhere, it shouldn't be possible for him to know about her.

"You...how did you know about things at my school!" she tentatively asked, truly worried she might be right.

Well, it wasn't what she had in mind.

"Wasn't it you who made that one called Su...Su Xue come to find me!"

"Did Su Xue look for you!" she exclaimed, her surprise completely genuine!

Rong Ling frowned, sensing that he had probably made a mistake again. This little woman really did hold her breath and refuse to ask for his help! He felt a spark of anger in his heart, but since they were already in bed and the matter was resolved, it would be foolish to get angry now! So he calmed down and gave Lin Meng a slight nod.

Lin Meng smiled gently and immediately felt grateful towards Su Xue. Actually, she wasn't that unsuccessful, either. This new friend was pretty good, wasn't she It was just a pity that she probably wouldn't see Su Xue again in the future. Their friendship would likely end here!

Oh!

Her sigh only rippled through her heart!

As the time grew late, Rong Ling seemed intent on staying here. Lin Meng started to feel worried. If this man continued like this every day, how could she possibly leave She had to go to school during the day and couldn't just skip class randomly for fear of being noticed by him. That meant leaving would only be possible when he wasn't around at night. After nightfall, with ample time available, her escape would be much easier. So now, she found herself anticipating his absence even more.

Thus, a person came to mind, Qingyun - the woman entangled with Rong Ling in the little newspaper!

By this point, she no longer cared if she overstepped boundaries or if asking would anger Rong Ling again. If he was truly angered and left, it would probably be more convenient for her plans anyway. She just hoped that when she left, she and this man could part on peaceful terms!

"Rong Ling, that elegant and refined one, aren't you supposed to go visit them!"

She has always been paying attention to the news in the local paper and knows Rong Ling reports every day!

Rong Ling raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips. Her deep eyes scanned Lin Meng sharply, then narrowed, and she began to tap her fingers. This was his habit when he was thinking, she had followed him for so long, it was something she had noticed herself.

He sat there, silent as a mountain. His angular profile, gazing at you so intently, radiated coldness. His narrowed eyes, though, held a sharpness that seemed to see everything, making one feel uneasy!

She thought she had once again overstepped her bounds and meddled in something that didn't concern her. She also assumed his cold face was because he was angry and braced herself for his scorn, even anger; there was even a hint of fear that he had noticed something!

But less than five minutes later, he raised his head, a sinister smile playing on his lips, his eyes holding a depth of meaning.

"Don't overthink it, that girl, I just used her. I played a role with her, and between us, nothing actually happened."

When he smiled, his eyes sparkled with a bewitching light. Coupled with his stunningly handsome face, it was utterly captivating, mesmerizing to the core. To call him a demon wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Lin Meng blushed and her heart beat faster. She scolded herself for being so easily flustered. This face, she had seen it countless times, how could she still be so easily captivated by him!

He, however, thought that she asked this because she was jealous. He continued to explain things in depth to her with a good mood.

“That delicate air, she is the daughter of a major shareholder in DaShang department store. DaShang doesn’t want to be crushed by my chain of stores, so some shareholders came up with the idea of using their daughter to try and seduce me. I'm free anyway, so I might as well play along with these old guys, lower their guard, and then give them a surprise they won’t forget. Seeing them cry and beat their chests later will be quite entertaining!”

What he didn't say was that being close to Qingyun also had the purpose of stimulating Lin Meng! It can be described as killing two birds with one stone!

This man, his wickedness is bone-deep. Anyone who angers him deserves bad luck!

Lin Meng gasped, secretly startled by how calmly this man spoke such ruthless words. He couldn't help but tremble inside, thinking to himself, "What if I fail to escape and he catches me..."

She shuddered suddenly and then her face changed.

He saw her, reached out and hugged her, whispering, "What's wrong Scared"

She was startled, a little afraid that her thoughts had been detected by him, because this man, he was simply as cunning as a fox!

"Don't be afraid!" He kissed her cheek and smiled. "That was just my competitor, business is like a battlefield, so I had to act that way. But you are different, I would never do that to you!"

Her long, dark eyelashes fluttered, and she murmured a soft "hmm."

He held her, a seductive curve playing at the corner of his lips, before kissing her again.

She, however, grew even less confident in her escape plan!ulled the quilt over her to keep her from getting chilly. She moved slightly, like a little animal, letting out a soft "hmm" sound. Her eyes, closed moments before, slowly opened like clam shells, rev...