128: Wang Siling framed Yu Chen, the end of the mad dog - The Rich Second-Generation Villain With No Morals

"Hey, Siling Jie, look what I brought for you." In the woods, Qi Lin opened a black bag to show Wang Siling its contents. A slight smile played on his lips as he glanced knowingly toward the place where Yu Chen was hiding. Seeing the bundles of cash inside the bag, Wang Siling realized Qi Lin had completed his part of the arrangement; now, it was her turn to act. "Wow, thank you for the gift, Qi Lin Gege! I love it," Wang Siling exclaimed, her face full of happiness as she leapt onto Qi Lin, clinging to him like a koala. He responded with a kiss. The two kissed in the woods, unaware—or perhaps uncaring—that Yu Chen watched from the shadows, his eyes red with jealousy. The girl he once cherished as a childhood friend was now freely kissing another man, a reality too bitter for anyone to easily accept. "Traitor! Wang Siling, you little traitor! You used to act so aloof in front of me, and now you're throwing yourself at Qi Lin, claiming you're not a gold-digger, just one who shuns the poor and courts the rich?" "The bag Qi Lin gave her—is surely a gift for her." "Damn, being a second-generation tycoon must be fantastic! If I had that kind of money, Wang Siling wouldn't have been snatched away by Qi Lin." Yu Chen gritted his teeth in the darkness, silently cursing Qi Lin and Wang Siling. After watching the two finish kissing and begin to leave, Yu Chen quickly ducked down, hiding in the undergrowth. Only after they had completely left did he dare to emerge. "I'll get to the bottom of what Wang Siling received from Qi Lin's hands, and I'll find a way to swipe that black bag." "Once I have it, I'll confront Wang Siling; let's see if she dares to deny it then." With a cold smile flashing across his face, Yu Chen turned back towards the classroom. The next class was the sophomore fourth year's physical education course. During the break, everyone left for the playground, waiting for the gym teacher to arrive. Wang Siling stayed behind, focused on her homework, only getting up two minutes before the class started to head to the field. Yu Chen didn’t have much time. The classroom was empty. He swiftly ran to Wang Siling's desk and took the black bag from her table. "Ding ding ding~" Just as Yu Chen thought of opening it, the class bell rang. "Damn it, couldn’t Wang Siling have left earlier? There's no time to check it now." Frustrated, Yu Chen decided to stuff the black bag into his own drawer for later. As the PE class ended, students from the sophomore fourth year returned to their classroom. But then, the school’s PA system blared with an announcement: "Attention, please. A sum of data fees collected by the finance office has been stolen today. We urge those involved to immediately relinquish the funds and return them to the finance office. The school promises leniency for first-time offenders, marked by a mere disciplinary warning. However, should the stolen funds not be returned and the school uncovers the thief’s identity, consequences will be severe, including potential expulsion or dismissal. We advise everyone to consider carefully." "Additionally, those who notice suspicious behavior or have any leads are encouraged to report to the administration, assisting in recovering the stolen funds." The broadcast resonated with shock through the entire school populace. It was the first time such a financial theft occurred since the school’s establishment. Who would dare such a bold act? As the vice principal, Hu Bing was held considerably accountable for school security lapses. Upon hearing the news, he frantically led the school security in a sweep of all classrooms. Should the finances not be recovered, his position as vice-principal was at stake. After unfruitful searches through several classrooms, Hu Bing arrived at the fourth-year classroom. "Stealing school property is a crime," he addressed the class sternly. "You all are promising students destined for greatness. There's no need to jeopardize your future for temporary riches." "The school’s offer still stands: if the errant student confesses and returns the stolen money, punishment will be minimal—a warning and a written apology. But if you continue to resist and are accused by evidence, expulsion is certain. I hope you understand the gravity of this." "For anyone witnessing suspicious activities, or having information relevant to the incident, you may report now. The school values your honesty, and incentives may be provided based on individual circumstances." While Hu Bing spoke, he scanned the faces for any signs of guilt. Yu Chen, having swiped Qi Lin's gift to Wang Siling, felt a spike of anxiety but reassured himself: it was not the school’s stolen funds; what was there to worry about? With newfound confidence, Yu Chen looked defiantly toward Hu Bing. Taking him in briefly, Hu Bing's gaze glided past, sparing him further attention. But just then— "Mr. Hu, I have something to report," Wang Siling, looking nervously, bravely stood up. "Oh? This student, do you have any information?" Hu Bing’s eyes lit up as he quickly encouraged her. "Go ahead; don't worry about threats. Your teacher will stand by you." Having scoured for the thief to no avail, Hu Bing seized eagerly on a promising lead. Cold hostility flickered momentarily in Wang Siling's beautiful eyes, but outwardly she maintained a façade of nervousness as she spoke, "I... I just saw Yu Chen acting suspiciously, running out from the finance office. Even though Yu Chen is my neighbor and friend, I can’t allow him to err without intervention at this turning point, so I must report him." The classroom trembled with shock as her words sliced through the air. Yu Chen stared in disbelief at her accusation. Wang Siling, sweet and gentle, had turned against him with no warning, fabricating lies! Could this really be the Wang Siling he knew? "Liar! When did I ever go to the finance office, let alone steal any money? Qi Lin must have put you up to this!" Yu Chen counterattacked, his voice tinged with pain. "Why deceive with Qi Lin’s lies, Siling? You used to be so kind." Wang Siling bit her lip, continuing, "I’m not lying. I just saw you put something into a black bag and hide it in your desk." Her words caught Hu Bing's ear, eyes gleaming at the lead. Yu Chen, though not without reasoning, looked crestfallen and panicked as his mind leapt to conclusions. Why had Wang Siling seemed so cautious before leaving the classroom? Meanwhile, Hu Bing barked orders for guards to inspect Yu Chen's drawer posthaste. Despite his attempts to prevent it, the security team swiftly uncovered a mass of cash hidden within the black bag—right in front of the class. Gasps erupted as disbelief engulfed the room. Money! So much money! How could a student possess such wealth? The truth loomed large and undisguisable: Yu Chen must be the culprit who stole from the school’s finance office. "Yu Chen, what explanation do you have for this money?" Hu Bing demanded, his gaze turning icy. Faced with reality, Yu Chen felt cold sweat bead on his forehead, the cunning trap he’d overlooked now dawned on him—because of Qi Lin and Wang Siling’s machinations. Abruptly, he pointed at Wang Siling, accusingly saying, "That isn’t mine—it’s from Wang Siling’s desk! I saw her in the woods with Qi Lin, kissing him; after that, Qi Lin handed her the package." "Mr. Hu, I’m reporting Wang Siling for early romance and conspiring with Qi Lin to steal school funds, framing me." Yu Chen’s wild accusations were met with a piercing chill in Wang Siling’s eyes. Yet she kept up an act of innocence, timidly arguing, "I... I never did those things, nor have I seen that bag before. Yu Chen, I won’t blame you for slandering me, but please, don’t persist in wrongdoing. You’re my best friend, and I don’t want to see your life ruined." Yu Chen almost choked in outrage at her portrayal of innocence, distressed by the deception. Wouldn’t classmates see through such an act? "Yu Chen, stealing and then blaming others? Why should Siling—so kind and shy—ever want to do that? But you? Lately, you've seemed more like a creep, always glaring at her with hatred." "A friend like Yu Chen is not one I'd want to keep; I’d walk away from anyone ruinous." "But Yu Chen, I feel sorry for you as a classmate. You’ve made us all disappointed." These words struck Yu Chen like blows. Yet amidst this turmoil, one individual remained alert—Hu Bing—held a skeptical eye on the foreseen trickster, Qi Lin, whom he had faced before. Thinking over Yu Chen’s confrontation with Qi Lin amid forest cover, Hu Bing’s suspicions grew ever-against the obvious might of Qi Lin’s sinister game. Hu Bing had long wanted to take down Qi Lin, and with such a perfect opportunity at hand, he couldn't help but smirk as he turned to a nearby guard. "Go fetch Qi Lin from Class 36. I need to question him about what's going on." Hearing Hu Bing’s command, Yu Chen felt a wave of relief wash over him, thinking the administrator wasn’t easily fooled. Yet, a flicker of panic coursed through Wang Siling’s eyes. "If they seriously investigate, others might have seen me leaving the woods with the black bag. What if my lie gets uncovered?" "This can’t drag Qi Lin down. If the truth comes out, even if I have to confess, Qi Lin must be protected," she resolved, her eyes steeling with determination. You couldn’t call Wang Siling foolish for her thoughts. Blackened female protagonists were often far more astute than their peers. Though Wang Siling was hopelessly enchanted by Qi Lin, resembling someone afflicted with Stockholm Syndrome, she was aware that their fates were entwined. One's rise, the other's fall. Even if he were expelled, as long as she protected Qi Lin, he wouldn’t abandon her. She’d remain his protégé, and he would continue to shield her. Betraying Qi Lin was inconceivable, fraught with unimaginable consequences. Qi Lin, summoned to the office, arrived with the same unbothered demeanor, showing no hint of anxiety. His nonchalance sparked a burning resentment in Hu Bing. "Qi Lin, Yu Chen claims the money in his drawer was part of a scheme by you and Wang Siling. Do you have an explanation?" Hu Bing questioned coldly. "Hu Bing, how did you become the director of Unit 537? Sometimes I wonder if your brain is functioning properly." Qi Lin mocked. "Shouldn’t there be surveillance in the finance office? Just check the footage—there’s plenty of ink to spill there." Indeed, since 22 years ago, surveillance cameras hadn’t been universally adopted. At Huashida, surveillance was limited to the finance office; even classrooms lacked it. As technological relics, they required constant memory card changes and periodic formatting, which older teachers dismissed easily. Consequently, the theft, though textbook in simplicity, had sat unresolved. Qi Lin’s suggestion momentarily left Hu Bing speechless. Indeed, the finance office had cameras. They should definitely check. "Yes, yes, check the surveillance. It’ll prove my innocence," Yu Chen interjected gleefully, staring at Qi Lin as if he were a fool. He believed his innocence would be revealed once the footage was reviewed. Ten minutes passed. "How? How is this possible? I've never been to the finance office! Why would I appear on screen?" Yu Chen's voice quivered as he stared at the incriminating footage, his body going numb. Hu Bing, equally embarrassed by the turn of events, stayed silent. In the footage, Yu Chen's theft was undeniable. There was no longer any need to implicate Qi Lin. "Although Yu Chen did steal, let’s consider his youth and willingness to amend. A severe warning and penalty should suffice," Hu Bing suggested. "The money has been returned—let's not ruin a good seed." "Yu Chen, inform your parents to come tomorrow for the school-wide review session preparations." Ordinarily, Yu Chen's actions warranted immediate expulsion, but seeing an opportunity to irritate Qi Lin, Hu Bing lowered the consequences, allowing Yu Chen to escape relatively unscathed. Relief swept over Yu Chen; he’d fallen into Qi Lin's ploy and expected expulsion. Yet, the administrator aided him, helping him escape severe punishment. Catching Hu Bing's provocative gaze, Qi Lin couldn't help but smirk slightly, counting down silently, three, two, one. "Wow~Wow~Whee~Whee~" Police sirens suddenly blared outside, and Qi Lin's smirk vanished. Zhiling, the lead officer, entered, addressing the room. "Who called the police?" Casually, Qi Lin raised his hand. "Sorry, that was me. Someone slandered me, attempted to frame me. I needed to clear my name." "We received a report suspecting a student of stealing thousands worth of school materials, prompting this examination," Zhiling explained. "Who authorized you to call the police without my consent?" Hu Bing demanded, stunned by the unfolding events.