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The large conference room was packed tightly with people, leaving only a vacuum of space around Wang Yedan. Director Zhang had a few individuals sit behind the office desk, resembling a courtroom scene, and addressed Wang Yedan, saying, "We have roughly investigated the matter regarding Luben. His suicide is largely related to you; do you understand that?"
Zhao Xiu interjected from the side, "It's not just largely; she is the one who caused my son's death."
Under everyone's scrutiny, Wang Yedan felt like an animal trapped in a zoo, exposed for all to see. Her face flushed with embarrassment as she pleaded, "I've already discussed this with the police. They said I have nothing to do with it. What do you want me to do? Should I accompany Luben in death?"
Old Shao noticed Wang Yedan's rising agitation and spoke up, "Wang Yedan, please calm down. Let's sit down and discuss this properly. Legally speaking, you bear no responsibility for this matter. Different people have different moral standards; that's something you all need to discuss afterward."
Wang Yedan glanced at Old Shao but fell silent.
Director Zhang continued, "Wang Yedan, you were indeed with Luben yesterday afternoon, right? After that, he committed suicide. This incident is somewhat connected to you. When your parents arrive later, we need to discuss compensation for Luben's parents; that's the main reason we called you here today."
"Why?" Wang Yedan had just pulled out a chair to sit down when she heard Director Zhang's words. She immediately stood up again. "Why should we pay? I feel sorry for Luben's death, but I did nothing wrong! What does this have to do with me?"
At that moment, a chubby guy in the crowd sneered, "Hmph! You caused our brother Luben's death and now don't want to pay a dime. Hand over the money your lover gave you; then we can forget about it. Luben bought you quite a few things before, didn't he?"
Hearing his words, Wang Yedan retorted, "How can you say I was supported? Don't spread rumors! I've returned everything of Luben's that could be returned. If it weren't for you all forcing me to accept them, I wouldn't have kept anything! Even those I couldn't return—I bought gifts in return!"
"Still materialistic," a girl chimed in. "Aren't you just looking down on Luben's gifts? I brought you so many presents before, and you always acted disdainful and wanted me to return them. Why haven't you returned gifts from others? Those high-end cosmetics and designer clothes!"
"Those were all bought by me! They weren't gifts!" Wang Yedan explained.
"Who believes that?" the girl continued. "Aren't your parents businesspeople? How could they give you so much money?"
It seemed this aggressive girl was Zhao Yan. Standing at about five feet tall and weighing around one hundred thirty pounds, she was much shorter than Wang Yedan but spoke with an intensity that dwarfed her counterpart, as if she were ready to devour Wang Yedan whole.
"You think you're so noble?" another girl chimed in. "Look at everyone in our dorm; who has a good relationship with you? You must know in your heart."
"I..."
Wang Yedan had not yet had the chance to retort when the person continued, "What do you mean 'I'? We all know about you. We often see you getting into those middle-aged men's cars. We are well aware of how you get your money. We don't associate with you simply because we don't want to be dragged down with you, hmph."
Director Zhang nodded as he listened and said to Wang Yedan, "Wang Yedan, you're very pretty. You're tall, have a good figure, and a nice face. I know that girls your age can be quite vain, but there should at least be a bottom line. Just wait until your parents arrive; we will have a good talk."
"How about this," Director Zhang continued, "the rest of you students are good kids who care about your classmates. However, regarding Luben's suicide, it's best not to spread it around. The school is already coordinating to delete those videos from social media, so please be mindful and don’t let it get out of hand. That’s all for now; you can head back to your dorms."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Zhang Jun said, "Uncle and Auntie, Luben was our Good Brother. We've raised some money for him; although it's not much, it's the thought that counts. Here’s a thousand yuan for you."
Zhao Xiu took the red envelope and held Zhang Jun's hand, saying, "I know. Luben was often taken care of by everyone in the dorm. Thank you all so much."
"Take care of yourselves, Uncle and Auntie," Zhang Jun said as he left the office with the others.
Teacher Zhao shook his head and said, "Wang Yedan, look at Zhang Jun and the others. Even though their grades are at the bottom of the class, they have no issues with their character. Don't you think you've done something wrong?"
Wang Yedan shook her head firmly and gritted her teeth, saying, "I don't understand why they treat me like this. I really don't get along well with my dormmates; I don't like watching dramas or playing mobile games with them. My home is nearby, so I often go home and walk further away from my dormmates. But how could they treat me like this!"
Teacher Zhao replied, "Your home is nearby? Why haven't your parents come? Are they so busy with business? Do you think your parents are entrepreneurs?"
"Enough," Old Shao interjected, unable to watch any longer.
Earlier at the police station, Wang Yedan had driven herself there. What kind of business allows someone to drive their daughter who just started her sophomore year? Moreover, everything Wang Yedan wore and used was branded. This was certainly not something an ordinary business family could afford.
Zhao Xiu and Lu Wei were aware that Wang Yedan had a car, but they might not know the value behind it. However, Teacher Zhao and Director Zhang probably hadn't investigated Wang Yedan's family; they simply took what other students said at face value.
Wang Yedan said, "I contacted my parents. They might be a bit late; they run their own business and are indeed busy."
Old Shao handed a freshly printed sheet containing the students' ID numbers to Guan Deng, saying, "Look into these people's family backgrounds and what their parents do for a living."
Guan Deng didn't know what Old Shao intended to do but began investigating each one nonetheless.
Director Zhang glanced at Zhao Xiu and Lu Wei and said, "We were also surprised and saddened by Luben's death. Out of the school's care for Luben, we, the leadership, along with some teachers' assistance, have gathered a total of thirty thousand yuan as compensation for your son's death."
Director Zhang continued, "With all due respect, you are both in your forties and still have the chance to have another child. Additionally, whatever Wang Yedan's family compensates will also be pursued on your behalf. You should find this arrangement satisfactory."
Lu Wei nodded, but Zhao Xiu spoke up, "I understand, but if it weren't for that girl, my son wouldn't have died. Thirty thousand is enough; that's a lot of money. I don't want a penny from her family; I only have one request."
This surprised everyone. Old Shao initially thought Zhao Xiu was there just to demand money, but he didn't expect her to accept the thirty thousand yuan compensation so readily while refusing any money from Wang Yedan's family. Of course, whether Wang Yedan gave anything or not would be morally acceptable. However, if Zhao Xiu only wanted thirty thousand yuan, Wang Yedan might agree without hesitation and without needing to involve her parents.
"What is your request?" Director Zhang asked curiously.
Zhao Xiu pointed at Wang Yedan and said, "My son was blind to see this vixen. He jumped off a building because of her. But as parents, we only want our children to be happy; that is the best outcome. Since my son liked her and even died for her, I want her to be my son's wife."
"Be your son's wife?" Xu Yiman exclaimed in shock. "Are you suggesting that you want this girl to accompany your son in death?"
Zhao Xiu shook her head and replied, "Look at this police officer; even if I lack education, I know that killing is against the law. My son may have committed suicide, but she is not blameless in this matter. I don't want her life; if she has any conscience left, she should marry my son in a ghost marriage."
The mention of "ghost marriage," an ancient term, left everyone astonished.
"Yes," Zhao Xiu said. "There's no need for her to die; it's just a matter of marrying my son. After the marriage, she can do whatever she wants and go wherever she pleases. We won't interfere. But this is to fulfill my son's wish, and I only have this one request. Otherwise, this matter will not end between me and her!"
Upon hearing this demand, Wang Yedan's face turned pale. She pointed at Zhao Xiu and said, "Impossible! I won't do such a thing; this isn't my fault. I have thirty thousand yuan too; I can give you sixty thousand yuan, but please don't harass me anymore."
Teacher Zhao couldn't bear to watch any longer. "Sister, you're being unreasonable here. This is all feudal superstition, which is unacceptable. I think we should find a compromise. Wang Yedan, you still don't realize your mistake. How can you be so thoughtless? Here's what we'll do: you can bow twice to Lu Wei's parents and pay them thirty thousand yuan as compensation. That should suffice."
"Absolutely not!" came the voices of both Zhao Xiu and Wang Yedan in unison.
Wang Yedan exclaimed, "I haven't done anything wrong! Why should I bow to them? I've never even bowed to my own parents."
Zhao Xiu added, "No way! I don't want money; I only have this one request."
Teacher Zhao shook his head and said to Wang Yedan, "I'm giving you an opportunity to step down, but you're refusing it. I'm done with you; handle it yourself. You haven't even bowed to your own parents who raised you. You're truly bringing trouble upon them. Just wait for your entrepreneur parents to come over."
At that moment, the door was pushed open, and a middle-aged couple appeared at the entrance.
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