Chapter Eighty-Nine: A Stroke of Bright Red
While Zhang Qiu was contemplating how to deal with the tricky problem posed by Zeng Fan, Zeng Fan was equally preoccupied with the same issue. The difference was that Zhang Qiu was thinking about how to resist Zeng Fan, while Zeng Fan was focused on how to make Zhang Qiu's situation worse.
Several people who usually followed Zeng Fan gathered around him, discussing strategies to deal with Zhang Qiu.
"Wang Zhen gritted his teeth and said, 'Fan Shao, let’s do it the old way. Just call him to the restroom and each give him a punch until he can't even crawl away.'"
Wang Zhen was able to return because of Zhang Qiu's influence. Zhang Qiu intended to bring back Gao Zhi and his brothers, but Director Zhao called Wang Zhen and the others back as well. This misunderstanding led Wang Zhen and his group to end their reflection period, and unaware of the truth, Wang Zhen thought it was due to Fan Shao's family connections. As a result, he became even more obedient to Zeng Fan upon returning.
Wang Zhen's suggestion received support from several others, especially those who had caused trouble for Zhang Qiu after evening study sessions. They had always been arrogant but ended up being humiliated by an unknown student. Wang Zhen felt particularly unfortunate; he had intended to bully someone oblivious to danger for some glory but instead encountered a tough opponent. Not only did he fail to gain any prestige, but he also lost face, which left him constantly thinking about regaining that lost pride.
"Fan Shao, you decide," everyone looked at Zeng Fan. He did not rush to respond but tilted his head slightly, deep in thought. After a moment, he said, "That would be too easy on him. He made such a big deal out of beating our people that the whole school knows about it. Now when I walk outside, I can feel others talking about me." Anger surged within Zeng Fan as he slammed his fist on the table with a loud bang. "We need to hit him hard so that everyone knows this school still belongs to me, Zeng Fan!"
Zeng Fan's words stirred up the atmosphere; his brothers were gritting their teeth and cracking their knuckles in anticipation. Wang Zhen stepped forward and patted his chest, saying, "Fan Shao, just give the orders. Whatever you say, I, Wang Zhen, will follow without question."
Zeng Fan nodded in satisfaction and looked seriously at Wang Zhen and the others. "Let’s do it! You all prepare yourselves. Since Zhang Qiu organized an Annual Major Event, we’ll organize something even bigger." With that, a wicked smile crept across Zeng Fan's face. This oblivious fool wanted to challenge him? No way!
Zeng Fan and his group were shouting loudly in the classroom; not only did no one intervene, but many students were also eavesdropping with great interest. Recently, the most talked-about event in school was how Wang Zhen led a large group to fight one night after self-study. They had numerical superiority but ended up getting beaten badly instead. Surprisingly, during the fight, a group of masked individuals wielding baseball bats emerged from nowhere. These attackers struck fiercely with their bats, creating loud thuds as they hit their targets. The already disadvantaged Wang Zhen and his group fled in panic.
At first, people only talked about how Wang Zhen and his group were beaten up; later on, rumors began circulating that Zeng Fan was also present that night. When some questioned why Zeng Fan wasn't injured, classmates explained that he had seen things going south and took the opportunity to slip away. This explanation further tarnished Zeng Fan's tough image as "Fan Shao." Who doesn’t envy heroes? Who doesn’t hold grudges?
Zeng Fan heard all sorts of rumors; otherwise, he wouldn't be so furious now. If last time he dealt with Zhang Qiu because he was helping Liu Xiaolong, this time it was purely a personal vendetta between him and Zhang Qiu.
Zeng Fan and others were speaking loudly, their intermittent words overheard by nearby classmates. Gradually, the rumor spread from one person to ten, then to a hundred, and soon the entire Senior Year, even the whole Beiluan No. 1 High School, was buzzing with talk of an inevitable showdown between Zeng Fan and Zhang Qiu.
The situation escalated beyond Zhang Qiu's expectations, but she was pleased. Because of this incident, Zhang Qiu's reputation soared, and many people came to see her in Class Eighteen of the senior year. She took this opportunity to make several new friends. While the relationships weren't particularly deep, at least she became a familiar face. Zhang Qiu quickly emerged as a representative figure of a new force at Beiluan No. 1 High School, subtly positioning herself as a rival to Zeng Fan. Furthermore, with such high attention surrounding her, Zhang Qiu believed that Zeng Fan would likely address the issue in a more organized manner, alleviating her concerns about any underhanded tactics.
Zhao Pingchuan took the matter seriously and approached Zhang Qiu, saying, "Brother Qiu, it seems Zeng Fan is planning something big; we need to prepare early."
Zhang Qiu nodded and replied, "I've been considering this too. Zhao Pingchuan, what do you think they will do?"
Zhao Pingchuan furrowed his brow and thought for a while before saying, "Brother Qiu, after thinking it over, they will probably try to lure us out like last time. But this time, they won't be as careless as before. They might invite us to the restroom and block the entrance; if that happens, no matter how capable we are, it will be hard to escape."
Zhang Qiu pondered for a moment and shook her head.
"Brother Qiu, isn't that likely?" Zhao Pingchuan looked at Zhang Qiu.
Zhang Qiu replied, "I don't think so. I know they like to fight in the restroom. But why should we just follow them? If they dare to come after us, I'll catch them off guard on the way."
"That makes sense," Zhao Pingchuan acknowledged Zhang Qiu's reasoning. "So Brother Qiu, what do you think they will do?"
Zhang Qiu smiled and said, "If I remember correctly, it's almost time for us to go home."
"Brother Qiu, I understand now," Zhao Pingchuan instantly grasped Zhang Qiu's meaning.
Zhang Qiu smiled and said, "Get ready."
The news released by Zeng Fan also reached Song Weidong's ears. Song Weidong sat leaning on the desk, lost in deep thought.
In the Senior Year office, several homeroom teachers had already learned through class leaders about the potential conflict between Zhang Qiu and Zeng Fan, and they were discussing countermeasures. Zhao Guohong felt particularly embarrassed, as it involved students from her class. Although the teachers maintained a facade of calmness, they couldn't help but privately think that she was lacking in management.
There were significant differences among the homeroom teachers regarding how to handle the situation. Some believed it was merely a baseless rumor, a product of students' wild speculation. Others felt it was serious enough to warrant immediate reporting to the grade level for action. After intense debate, the homeroom teachers of the graduating class ultimately agreed to closely monitor the restless students in their classes until the situation was clarified, aiming to extinguish any potential issues at their roots. Zhao Guohong felt overwhelmed, constantly sighing.
The previously quiet Senior Year suddenly became turbulent; some were happy while others were worried. However, many others were eager for an exciting event to break the monotony of their review life, even if it meant witnessing a splash of bright red chaos.
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