Zhao Shucheng was almost irritated by this brother and sister, but when he saw their genuine puzzled expressions, he finally realized that Zhou Xiaoyu had only said that her ideal partner was Pei Zheng, and she did not directly admit that she was with Pei Zheng. She might have mentioned Pei Zheng at that time in order to make him give up.

In other words, Pei Zheng was not with Zhou Xiaoyu.

But you know that this incident did not make Zhao Shucheng very happy, because what is more infuriating than your enemy snatching your beloved girl is that he got something that others wanted but could not get without even having to do anything and even without knowing it.

This time, Zhao Shucheng really hated Pei Zheng in his heart, but at the same time, he didn't dare to argue with Pei Zheng openly. Pei Zheng was too good at fighting. If the teacher hadn't been there to block him, Zhao Shucheng wouldn't have dared to provoke Pei Zheng like this.

To make matters worse, Zhou Xiaoyu came.

Zhao Shucheng was no longer sure whether he wanted Zhou Xiaoyu to prove that she was with Pei Zheng, or to deny that she was with Pei Zheng.

Zhou Xiaoyu is a pretty girl with a bright face. She is the kind of person that people subconsciously think is pretty at first glance. She has slightly wrinkled brows and is very serious.

Zhou Xiaoyu looked very reluctant when she came. Anyone who rejected a male classmate who confessed to her would be told that she was involved in a fight between male classmates. She would not be happy if rumors about herself and the two male classmates spread everywhere. She did not hide and was able to testify at the scene. This showed that Zhou Xiaoyu was exceptionally strong and supported the justice in her heart.

The crowd spontaneously made way for Zhou Xiaoyu, allowing her to walk to the center of the storm.

Lu Nong and Pei Zheng also saw Zhou Xiaoyu. Lu Nong gave Pei Zheng a look: Do you know this girl? Is she your romantic debt?

Pei Zheng: I don’t know him.

Lu Nong originally thought that it was ridiculous that Pei Zheng was in love with a young girl. No matter who was in love, Pei Zheng would never do that, and he had no idea at all. Now he heard that he still didn't recognize her when he saw her, he was shocked. He was worthy of being the male protagonist of a time-travel novel. He must abide by the male ethics. Except for the female protagonist, all other women, no matter how beautiful, were nothing but clouds.

"Teacher, I am Zhou Xiaoyu," Zhou Xiaoyu bowed slightly to the teacher, "I already know about the fight between Zhao Shucheng and Pei Zheng."

The teacher adjusted his glasses and asked the question that everyone was most concerned about. "Zhao Shucheng said that you and Pei Zheng are dating. I would like to ask if this is true? This concerns Pei Zheng's reputation. Please tell the truth, Zhou."

"Don't worry, I understand," Zhou Xiaoyu said seriously, "There is nothing innocent between Pei Zheng and me. We have never been in a relationship or had a date, and we have never even spoken to each other. Pei Zheng doesn't even remember who I am. Zhao's behavior today is a rumor. It not only hurts Pei Zheng, but also damages my reputation. I hope the teacher can deal with it seriously and give me an explanation."

After saying that, she glanced at Zhao Shucheng with disdain, but her expression when she looked at Pei Zheng was much more complicated. It seemed that Pei Zheng didn't know who she was, which shocked her greatly.

After listening to this, Lu Nong couldn't help but applaud in his heart. This girl spoke clearly and her attitude was neither humble nor arrogant. The key was that she knew how to express her attitude by safeguarding her own rights and interests and clarify the rumors about herself, Pei Zheng and Zhao Shucheng.

After Zhou Xiaoyu finished speaking, Zhao Shucheng's body softened, realizing that he had lost both his face and his love today.

It only took a moment for love to turn into hate. Zhao Shucheng was irritated by Zhou Xiaoyu's last contemptuous look. He stood up angrily and said, "Why are you pretending? If you hadn't told me that Pei Zheng was your ideal partner and hinted that you and Pei Zheng were together, why would I have bothered Pei Zheng?"

After hearing this, the crowd roughly understood the whole process of the incident. Zhao Shucheng showed his affection to Zhou Xiaoyu, but Zhou Xiaoyu refused and told Zhao Shucheng that her ideal partner was Pei Zheng. Zhao Shucheng mistakenly thought that Zhou Xiaoyu and Pei Zheng were dating, so Zhao Shucheng was angry and made trouble for Pei Zheng.

As a result, he failed to beat the person and was beaten instead. When he arrived at the Academic Affairs Office, Zhao Shucheng was still not honest. In order to clear himself of the mistake of hitting people first, he slandered Pei Zheng, saying that he had had affairs with Lu Nong and Zhou Xiaoyu respectively. However, the two women refuted their accusations one by one, proving Pei Zheng's innocence.

After all, Zhou Xiaoyu was a girl who cared about her reputation. After hearing what Zhao Shucheng said, her face turned red and she didn't even dare to look at Pei Zheng.

Only then did she understand that the root cause of this disaster was her own reckless words. Pei Zheng was the one who was implicated by her, and her way of rejecting Zhao Shucheng at that time was indeed inappropriate. She should not have mentioned Pei Zheng when rejecting Zhao Shucheng, as it had nothing to do with Pei Zheng.

Seeing her like this, the crowd of onlookers understood that she probably really liked Pei Zheng, and they began to whisper to each other.

Zhao Shucheng was very proud of the situation and said, "If I'm not good, none of you will have an easy life!"

If the conversation stops here, Zhou Xiaoyu will have a restless life in the future. Everyone will talk about her liking Pei Zheng in private. She said in front of others that she wanted to date Pei Zheng, but Pei Zheng didn't know her.

Lu Nong had a good impression of Zhou Xiaoyu and didn't want such a clear-headed girl to be killed by rumors. Besides, what's wrong with liking someone?

The teacher cleared his throat and said, "Now that the truth has been revealed..."

"Student Zhao Shucheng, I want to know if Zhou Xiaoyu has ever told you in person that she and Pei Zheng are dating? You repeatedly mentioned that 'Zhou Xiaoyu said Pei Zheng is her ideal partner'. I guess Zhou Xiaoyu only said this to you about Pei Zheng, right?"

Zhao Shucheng was silent. Zhou Xiaoyu suddenly raised her head and looked at Lu Nong with red eyes. She didn't cry when others were whispering just now, but when Lu Nong spoke for her, she couldn't help crying.

Zhao Shucheng didn't say anything. Zhou Xiaoyu wiped her tears and said, "Yes, I just said that I wanted to find someone to study and progress together, like Pei Zheng."

"Okay," Lu Nong nodded, "So what Zhao Shucheng said, 'Zhou Xiaoyu hinted that Pei Zheng was dating her', was just Zhao Shucheng's imaginary statement."

"Imagine that there is something fishy between Pei Zheng and me, and that there is something fishy between Pei Zheng and Zhou Xiaoyu. I imagine that Zhou Xiaoyu hinted to you that she and Pei Zheng are dating. I want to know what else is left in Zhao Shucheng's life besides imagination? Do you live on imagination?"

"Student, I suggest you see a doctor as soon as possible."

"You!" Zhao Shucheng glared at Lu Nong angrily. Pei Zheng, who was standing next to him, stood in front of Lu Nong and glared back. Zhao Shucheng had to hold back the glare.

His nature of bullying the weak and fearing the strong was evident, and even several teachers beside him shook their heads.

"Pfft..." Some people around couldn't help but laugh.

Everyone came to their senses and realized that, yes, this absurd rumor was actually caused by Zhao Shucheng's imagination.

Lu Nong took advantage of the situation and continued, "Let's take a step back. Even if Zhou Xiaoyu and Pei Zheng were really together, you said that you went to Pei Zheng to cause trouble because Zhou Xiaoyu told you about this, and you put all the blame on Zhou Xiaoyu. Isn't there something wrong with the causal logic?"

"The reason you went to fight with Pei Zheng was because you liked Zhou Xiaoyu, but she rejected your suggestion and you got angry. Zhou Xiaoyu didn't force you to fight. You put the blame on Zhou Xiaoyu, which only makes you look cowardly, selfish and hypocritical."

Indeed, everyone nodded. The fight between Zhao Shucheng and Pei Zheng was essentially his own fault, but he pushed the blame onto a woman, which was disgusting.

"Finally, everyone has the right to admire and like others, just like you have the freedom to admire and like Zhou Xiaoyu, and Zhou Xiaoyu has the freedom to admire and like Pei Zheng. Is admiring and liking someone something that should be condemned?"

Although Lu Nong was looking directly at Zhao Shucheng, his peripheral vision was always focused on the people who were whispering. Seeing that they all lowered their heads, he turned to ask Pei Zheng, "What do you think about Zhou Xiaoyu's admiration for you?"

Pei Zheng thought for a moment and said calmly, "I think Zhou Xiaoyu has a good eye, and I admire myself too."

Lu Nong: “…”

Onlookers: "..."

Fortunately, Pei Zheng finally got his way and said loudly, "Of course, I also admire outstanding female comrades like Zhou Xiaoyu. I hope to work hard with Zhou and everyone else to make progress together in the future."

The open ending brings everything back to the friendship of common progress among classmates. Even Pei Zheng, the person involved, expressed his admiration for Zhou Xiaoyu. This admiration was not mixed with love between men and women, and effectively eliminated the bloody gossip between the two of them that "she loves him, he doesn't love her". No matter how much other people gossip about her, they can no longer look down on Zhou Xiaoyu.

Zhou Xiaoyu was so moved that she cried and laughed and said, "Yes, we must study hard and make progress together!"

Only then did Lu Nong feel slightly satisfied. He looked at the teacher, blinked, and said, "Teacher, now the truth is finally out. You can make the judgment now."

Teacher: “…” You’ve already said everything, what else can I say?

"Ahem," the teacher cleared his throat again. "After the confrontation between the parties involved, the truth has come to light. Zhao Shucheng slandered and spread rumors about good classmates and comrades, damaging the reputations of Pei Zheng, Lu Nong, and Zhou Xiaoyu, and causing adverse and serious consequences. In order to serve as a warning to others and prevent future generations from following suit, I will report this matter to the principal and the school committee, and will handle it seriously and give an explanation to the three innocent students who were harmed."

"Student Zhao Shucheng, you don't have to go to class for the time being. Go home and ask your parents to come to school."

Zhao Shucheng was completely depressed, and at the same time, he was a little panicked. He asked his parents... would he be fired? No, he couldn't ask his parents!

"Teacher, I was wrong. Please give me another chance. I promise I won't make the same mistake again..."

Lu Nong was too lazy to watch Zhao Shucheng slide to his knees and walked out of the Academic Affairs Office. Pei Zheng followed him out, and Zhou Xiaoyu gritted her teeth and followed him out.

"Student Lu Nong, Student Pei Zheng, wait a moment." Zhou Xiaoyu called the two of them.

Pei Zheng turned around, frowned and asked, "What's the matter?"

Although he finally followed Lu Nong's words and defended Zhou Xiaoyu's reputation, he did not have any special feelings towards Zhou Xiaoyu. He was even a little annoyed. If she and Zhao Shucheng had not mentioned him, what happened today would never have happened.

Zhou Xiaoyu smiled apologetically and sincerely apologized to Pei Zheng, "I'm sorry, Pei Zheng, I want to say sorry to you. It's all my fault for speaking without restraint and involving you in the dispute between me and others, which led to the situation getting out of control today. I will remember this lesson and be careful with my words and actions in the future."

Pei Zheng's expression was calm, and he said nonchalantly, "It doesn't matter. The truth is finally revealed anyway."

Zhou Xiaoyu turned around and said to Lu Nong, "Lu Nong, thank you for speaking for me today. Otherwise, I don't know how I will face my future life. It will be really terrible."

Lu Nong smiled and said, "No need to thank me. Thank you for your courage. You showed up here to prove Pei Zheng's innocence instead of hiding. Good people should be rewarded."

After Zhou Xiaoyu left, Lu Nong threw her schoolbag to Pei Zheng and said, "Let's go. I'm tired. Let's go home early today."

Pei Zheng: “…”? ?

Pei Zheng looked down at the schoolbag in his hand and was speechless. So you treat me as your servant? I am no longer a security guard! !

He caught up with Lu Nong and wanted to say something to her, but when he thought of how Lu Nong had first helped him clear the charges, then spoke up for Zhou Xiaoyu, and in the process stepped on Zhao Shucheng, he kept silent.

Today is another day that I realized that my stepmother is not easy to deal with.

Forget it, let her be proud for once, next time, I will definitely fight back!

On the way, Lu Nong asked Pei Zheng, "What's the matter with your classmate Zhao Shucheng? I think he is a talkative person with no brains and can only talk nonsense. How did he get into college? Did he spend all his IQ on cultural knowledge?"

It's not impossible. Lu Nong had met such a person in his previous life. He was very stupid in his behavior and actions, but his learning ability was good.

Pei Zheng frowned, "I don't know how he got admitted. I never saw him study during normal times. He couldn't answer even the most basic questions the professor asked him in class. We'll have to wait until the final exam to see the truth."

Lu Nong nodded thoughtfully, hoping that he wasn't going to school for someone else.

Today, the two of them took the bus home. Pei Ji'an and Xiao Zhou didn't have time to pick them up. When they arrived at the gate of the compound, the soldiers on guard saluted without hesitation. Pei Zheng greeted the soldiers and said, "Brother, thank you for your hard work. I'll get you some water later."

The soldier blinked at Pei Zheng and mouthed "thank you".

Lu Nong smiled and entered the courtyard with Pei Zheng.

Not long after walking, I saw Wang Hongmian standing at the entrance to Pei's house, walking back and forth with an anxious look on her face, constantly looking in the direction of the compound gate.

After seeing Lu Nong, Wang Hongmian's expression lit up with joy, and she hurried to Lu Nong and Pei Zheng.

Pei Zheng: "Aunt? What are you doing here?"

Wang Hongmian forced a smile at Pei Zheng and said, "Xiao Zheng, can you go home first? Your aunt has something to discuss with your mother."

Pei Zheng looked at Lu Nong, and Lu Nong nodded, "Okay then, I'll go back first."

After Pei Zheng left, Wang Hongmian stopped talking.

This was the first time Lu Nong had seen the Shen family since leaving Pei's parents' home. Although Wang Hongmian was still dressed elegantly and appropriately, one could still tell from her dark circles that she had not had a good rest recently.

Seeing that they were not having a good time, Lu Nong felt relieved.

"What's the matter?" Lu Nong asked calmly.