Chapter Forty-Eight: Who? Who Hit Me!

Early the next morning, under Xiao Ye’s guidance, Chen Long and his sister packed up their belongings and set out together for the school.

At the same time, outside the front gate of Jianghai City Second Experimental Middle School, a crowd of people in suits stood waiting, their faces filled with anticipation. These formally dressed figures were none other than the teachers of the Experimental Middle School.

“Listen up, all of you! Last night, I received orders from higher authorities—a prominent figure is coming to inspect our school at any moment!” declared a middle-aged man at the school gates, addressing the group of teachers. “Everyone must be prepared and take this seriously. Not a single mistake is allowed! Otherwise, don’t blame me for firing you all!”

He was the principal, and he knew only that the visitor was someone with formidable influence, unaware that it was Xiao Ye. Had he known it was the Duke visiting, he might have fainted on the spot.

“Principal, do you know why this distinguished guest is coming today?” a heavily made-up female teacher stepped forward, her eyes glinting with excitement. She was not alone; the other teachers’ eyes sparkled as well. If they could establish a connection with this important figure, a meteoric rise in their careers would surely be within reach.

“This matter has nothing to do with you. Just focus on your respective duties and make sure you don’t offend him,” Principal Chen Hua replied, a sly smile on his face. His gaze shifted toward a voluptuous female teacher among the group. “Xu Jiaojiao, step forward. When the guest arrives, you’ll accompany me in welcoming him.”

The other teachers’ expressions immediately flickered with disdain. Xu Jiaojiao was the most attractive among them. However, Chen Hua’s choice was not solely based on her looks; even more, it was because the two shared a relationship that could not be spoken of in public. All the teachers in the school knew something was amiss between Chen Hua and Xu Jiaojiao—otherwise, she would not have become a department head after only a few years at the school.

Upon hearing Chen Hua’s instructions, Xu Jiaojiao stepped forward with a smile, discreetly winking at him. “Don’t worry, Principal. I’ll make sure our guest is well taken care of.”

“Excellent! If you impress him and he’s pleased enough to authorize a batch of supplies, our school’s standing will surely rise another notch!” Chen Hua beamed, already indulging in fantasies. Perhaps after today, he would no longer have to remain here as principal—he might even be promoted several ranks higher.

Just then, a car slowly pulled up on the sidewalk not far from Second Experimental Middle School.

“Duke Xiao, it’s rush hour now and the road to the school is blocked. I can only drop you off here,” Red Dragon said from the driver’s seat.

“That’s fine. Wait here for me. Black Eagle, come with me,” Xiao Ye instructed, and Black Eagle, Chen Long, and his sister got out of the car.

“Red Dragon, just stay put in the car!” Black Eagle made a face at Red Dragon, who grumbled and hurried her out. When not on assignment, Xiao Ye rarely interfered with his subordinates’ activities—after all, they needed time to relax too.

“Sister, from now on you’ll be able to study at Second Experimental Middle School. Are you happy?” Chen Long asked, smiling as he led his sister toward the school. It was something he had never imagined possible.

“Don’t worry, A Long,” Xiao Ye replied with a gentle smile.

Chen Long nodded without hesitation. With Xiao Ye around, not just at Second Experimental Middle School—even all of Jianghai City would not dare to touch him.

“Jiaojiao?”

“A Long, what are you doing here?” As Chen Long approached the school gate, he looked up and spotted Xu Jiaojiao. Surprise flickered in his eyes.

Xu Jiaojiao was even more startled, especially as her gaze swept over Chen Long’s injured, limping leg, a look of disgust appearing in her eyes.

“So this is your former girlfriend?” Xiao Ye asked Chen Long, standing at his side.

Xu Jiaojiao heard Xiao Ye’s words and her expression immediately turned sour. “What are you saying? There’s nothing between us anymore. Don’t spread nonsense!” she snapped, turning away with a look of utter disdain.

Chen Long’s body trembled—he could hardly believe Jiaojiao would say such words. She had been his first girlfriend after graduation, but now, seeing her attitude, it was clear she wanted to sever all ties.

In an instant, Chen Long’s eyes lost their light; it had all been wishful thinking on his part. In truth, he and Xu Jiaojiao were already strangers.

“I... I’m just here to bring my sister to enroll,” Chen Long said quietly.

“What? Bringing your sister to enroll?” Xu Jiaojiao’s expression grew even colder. “When did your sister transfer here? Did you complete the paperwork?”

“Well...” Chen Long hesitated. Xiao Ye had said his sister could study here, but whether the formalities had been handled, he did not know.

“So? Without proper paperwork, she can’t attend school here, can she?” Xu Jiaojiao’s icy demeanor was starting to irk Xiao Ye, who replied coldly, making her face darken further.

“Without the proper paperwork, of course she can’t enroll here. Otherwise, people will think our school lets in any stray cat or dog!”

“Who are you calling stray cats and dogs?” Chen Long shielded his sister, his face flushing with anger.

“What, did I say something wrong? Chen Long, don’t think I don’t know—your family ran out of money ages ago. Where would you find the funds to send your sister to our school?” Xu Jiaojiao sneered, her words turning Chen Long’s face ashen.

“You think I don’t know? I saw you picking up trash on the street myself. Honestly, you’re not even as good as a dog!” Xu Jiaojiao mocked.

Her words made Chen Long’s face turn even darker.

Suddenly, a shadow appeared before Xu Jiaojiao and struck her hard across the face, sending her flying.

“My face!” Xu Jiaojiao clutched her swollen cheek, tears streaming from her eyes. She had put on her best makeup today, hoping to impress the distinguished guest—now, after that slap, all her cosmetics had been wiped away.

“Who was it? Who hit me?” Furious, Xu Jiaojiao scrambled up from the ground, her gaze sweeping over toward Xiao Ye.