56 : Zhang shu

 On the third day after Song Shi woke up, someone came to see him. He was quite familiar with that person; it was someone from Song Jinming's side. That day, he had also seen what Chen Zhoumu was hiding.

The competition class had already started, but Song Shi had postponed it for a few days due to his health. The notice of being kicked out of the competition class last time had been nipped in the bud before it was even issued, so not many people knew about it.

Recently, Chen Zhoumu had become very busy. He would rush from the hospital to school in the morning, and Song Shi would spend his one-hour break at noon and in the afternoon here. Song Shi repeatedly said that he was fine.

But Chen Zhoumu seemed to have never listened. Now, he would stay on the sofa in the ward at night. The competition class started at 6:30 in the morning, but fortunately, the journey from here to the affiliated middle school was not long.

On the afternoon of the third day, after Chen Zhoumu left, he packed his things to complete the discharge procedures and met that person on the way.

Given Song Jinming's personality, he would definitely handle his own affairs personally rather than sending someone else, so a doubt began to linger in Song Shi's mind.

Of course, upon seeing Song Jinming, his doubts were dispelled. The other man stared at him with half-open eyes, his malice undiminished, and the recording device beside him started ringing loudly upon Song Shi's arrival.

The person who had led him here tactfully left and closed the door.

Song Shi looked at the man's current state. The person lying in the ward had swollen eyes, with only the right eye forcibly opened a slit, barely allowing any vision. One leg was bandaged, and the other foot was more seriously injured, with a cast and some bloodstains.

A brace was in place around his neck, and his hands rested on the edge of the bed as if they were useless.

Song Jinming slowly calmed down; his voice was still fine, so he could speak clearly.

"Are you... are you satisfied now? Once I'm better, I'm done with you. I originally wanted to let you go, but after thinking it over, you've made me like this. We can never be truly separated. Don't forget I'm your father."

Song Shi looked at the person on the bed expressionlessly. "Are you done? I'm leaving."

"I've provided for your needs, what more could you want? If I hadn't hooked up with your mother, do you think you'd have this kind of life?"

"Aren't you the same?"

Song Jinming's facial muscles twitched slightly. "What did you say?"

Song Shi slowly approached, looking at this man who usually cared so much about his appearance, now swollen and disfigured. "I said, aren't you the same? If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been able to rise to power, would you?"

"Song Jinming, you've been afraid your whole life. You're afraid that everything you have will vanish like bubbles. You're afraid that I, your son, will take away everything you control now. So, do you think I don't know anything about what you've done to me?"

"Whether it's the Zhu family's affairs or the Zhang family's affairs, you're behind it all, aren't you? But you can't believe how resilient I am, surviving every single time."

Song Jinming watched the man approach, then reached out and adjusted his breathing tube. Hearing the man's words, his pupils dilated: "What Zhang family? What Zhu family? Song Shi! No matter what, I'm only afraid you'll take over the Zhang family, but damn it, I'm your father! You're my son!"

"Who would be so heartless as to harm their own son?"

"Shut up! I'm not your son!" He punched the wall, making a dull thud. The man lying on the bed was startled, and before he could recover, the man in front of him walked out.

As he left the ward, the man who had brought him there called out to Song Shi: "Young Master, his legs and hands are crippled. The Zhang family has recently become chaotic. Do you want to come back?"

Song Shi hesitated for a moment, then exchanged contact information with the man, deciding to wait and see.

He didn't intend to tell Chen Zhoumu about his meeting with Song Jinming or what he knew about these things. Even if Song Jinming hadn't done these things, Chen Zhoumu would have done them later; Chen Zhoumu had just brought it forward. So, he would handle the rest.

Judging from Song Jinming's appearance, he probably didn't know about those things, but who was it? He hadn't expected a second person to try and crush him. Whether it was the Zhu family or the Zhang family, it seemed like a scheme specifically targeting him, with a hand pushing everything forward.

But the fog was too thick; Song Shi couldn't see the owner of that hand.

The next morning, Song Shi took a day off because it was the anniversary of his mother Zhang Shu's death. To accompany him, Chen Zhoumu also took a day off, and the two set off early.

Along the way, Chen Zhoumu held his hand. Lately, he seemed somewhat insecure. Song Shi didn't reject his dependence, treating him as usual as if he hadn't noticed.

A light mist hung over the cemetery in the morning, quiet and nearly deserted. Song Shi led the way, holding the hand of the person behind him. After walking for a short while, they stopped in front of a tombstone.

Chen Zhoumu stood behind, watching Song Shi place the flowers he was carrying before the black tombstone. There were many flowers there, fresh and withered, neatly arranged in various sizes and wrapped.

Looking up, he saw a black-and-white photograph. They were right; Song Shi resembled his mother, and it wasn't hard to tell she was a very beautiful woman.

He had heard some things about Zhang Shu, and anyone would feel sad that such a person had passed away so hastily. But then he thought, if Zhang Shu were still alive, he might never have met Song Shi in this lifetime.

On the way back from the cemetery, Song Shi looked at his vibrating phone, then told Chen Zhoumu to go back first. The other man gave him a deep look, and although he didn't speak, Song Shi knew what he wanted to say.

After Chen Zhoumu left, Song Shi stood there watching his departing figure. He then took out his phone again to look at the message. He hadn't been in touch with Chen Zhoumu often; the last message was before he fainted. This message was even shorter:

【Something came up.】

Song Shi turned and walked in another direction. Yangcheng No. 1 Primary School looked the same, but it felt like he hadn't been there in a long time. Even though it had only been half a year since he left, it felt like much longer.

It was the weekend, and there weren't many people on campus. He followed his memory and walked towards the rooftop of the teaching building.

When he pushed open the heavy iron gate, someone was already waiting for him. The person had their back to him and didn't turn around after hearing his voice. When Song Shi saw where the person was standing, his pupils contracted sharply.

He rushed forward, grabbed the other person's waist, and pulled them down. The other person then looked up at him, getting back to their feet. "You're really back."

Song Shi gasped for breath. "Didn't you promise to live a good life? I'll handle those things..."

"Why did you come back?! Why! Why did you come back? Wasn't it better to stay in Xia City?" The other person's voice suddenly became distorted and shrill.

"Why did you come back? Are you satisfied now that you're involved in this again? Do you want to see me die?"

Song Shi looked at the other person, somewhat at a loss. He lifted the other person's lowered head. "Look at me, look at me, Gao Ting, I'll handle it. You don't need to get involved..."

"No, no, no!! It's all because of me! It's all because of me! I'm sorry, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me, this wouldn't have happened to you at all... They're

right, I'm a menace!" "Please believe me, I'll handle this well."

Gao Ting's face was covered in tears, her vision blurred as she looked at the other person: "Do you blame me?"

Blame me? If she hadn't encountered this on the rooftop that time, if she hadn't met Gao Ting, she wouldn't have gotten involved in this, she wouldn't have had any connection with Zhang Su, and she wouldn't have gone to Xia City.

Song Shi didn't answer her question, only offering words of comfort: "Don't think so much. How's Xiao Guai? Is it alright now?"

The initially agitated person gradually calmed down: "It...it's fine. It's gained a lot of weight now."

Then Gao Ting loosened her grip on his hand. The wind on the rooftop began to pick up, like summer weather. The wind dried her tears and carried her words to Song Shi's ear: "I know some things, Song Shi. Zhang Su has been up to something lately. You must be careful of him. If there's really no other way, then expose what happened to me."

"I have a way to deal with him. Don't worry about this for now."

“There’s another person who’s joined in now. His name is Shen Huai. He’s been working for Zhang Su lately, but I don’t know what he does.”

Song Shi ran into someone he didn’t want to see as he left the teaching building. Zhang Su and his men blocked his way. “Hey, who’s this? Are you from our school?”

Zhang Su’s anger flared up at the expressionless man. He grabbed Song Shi’s collar. “Song Shi, are you satisfied with what happened last time? I didn’t know you had such abilities, just like your father who’s good at seducing people.”

"You've bewitched Chen Zhoumu too. Like father, like son, but you're even more powerful than your father; you've bewitched every man."

Song Shi punched him in the face, Zhang Su's face turned to the side, and he touched his slightly flushed cheek, laughing, "Hahaha, hit! Good hit, Song Shi. You'd better catch the surprise that follows; it won't be in vain that I've prepared for so long."

Soon, Song Shi knew what Zhang Su's last trump card was: the reason he left Xia City. This matter had caused quite a stir back then, but Song Jinming, for the sake of his reputation, hadn't investigated it thoroughly.

Instead, he hastily used money to suppress the matter. If Song Shi wanted to get away with this, he would have to expose Gao Ting's affair; otherwise, he would have to admit to everything.

Whether it was hitting Zhang Su or what Zhang Su had done, it would all be attributed to him, and his reason for hitting Zhang Su would be twisted, no longer because of Gao Ting,

but because he couldn't stand Zhang Su and had bullied him for a long time.

The incident quickly attracted the attention of the school and parents. Given the recent stringent enforcement against bullying, a sensitive issue, the school promptly convened a meeting. The

information leaked online was comprehensive, making it almost impossible to convict Song Shi without further investigation.

Song Shi's name was thrust back into the spotlight, his previous homosexuality resurfacing. A few days later, the school decided to hold a public committee meeting regarding Song Shi's bullying activities, open to parents and students.

This move was intended to make an example of him, responding to directives from above and demonstrating to leadership. Furthermore, Song Shi's family background, particularly those from modest means, further highlighted the school's integrity. They couldn't afford to miss this opportunity.

Therefore, the public meeting was a grand affair; they didn't care about the student's well-being, only about securing the opportunity. This would propel both the affiliated middle school and Yangcheng No. 1 School to new heights of fame and recognition.

The weather was gloomy that day, with a significant drop in temperature, almost threatening rain. Despite this, a large crowd had gathered, parents and students alike discussing the incident.

"Tsk tsk, I heard he used to be a student at the same school, how could he be so vicious?"

"Terrible! My child used to be in the same class as him. If a child this young is already like this, what will he be like when he grows up? He might even commit murder or arson."

"Have you seen the photos online? He showed no remorse and even hit that classmate on the other side of the head."

"How did this child's parents raise him?"

"I heard his mother died young, and if it weren't for their wealth, he would have been in juvenile detention long ago."

Soon, the meeting began. Chen Zhoumu listened to the surrounding people with a grim face, observing their ugly expressions. However, he couldn't do anything yet; he hated being unable to help.

Under everyone's gaze, the protagonist of their discussion was led onto the stage. The principal of the affiliated middle school picked up the microphone, looking at the person in front of him with undiminished greed in his eyes. This person was simply a springboard for his career, a free stepping stone.

"Song Shi, have you done these things? Confess and you'll be treated leniently; resist and you'll be punished severely. If you admit it, we can give you a lighter punishment since you're a student of this school."

After a long pause, Song Shi finally spoke: "No."

"Song Shi! Stop making pointless explanations! The evidence clearly points to you, why are you still trying to deny it?"

"Demon! Demon! Get out of Yangcheng!" Some parents below couldn't stand it anymore and started jeering.

One person opened their mouth, and those around them, either watching the show or pretending to be righteous, began to chime in with their own gesticulations.

Soon, the situation below was brought under control, and the principal looked at Song Shi again: "Song Shi! If you admit it, you still have a way out..."

Song Shi chuckled: "Fine, then I have a video I want everyone to see."

Although they didn't know what the person on the stage wanted to do, no one objected for a moment, and the video began to appear on the big screen.

Soon, Zhang Su, sitting below, slowly opened his eyes wide. He had destroyed everything he could record that day, but he had forgotten that Song Shi had actually recorded it.

The video was filmed very clearly, but the person being bullied wasn't shown at all; the victim, Zhang Su, was clearly captured on video.

The bully's face and words were clearly heard by everyone in the video, which quickly finished playing.

"I want to ask, I have videos of bullying others, but is there any evidence pointing to me as the bully?"

"If the school judges this matter based solely on one side's story, is that fair and just?"

Chen Zhoumu and Zhang Jingxiao, sitting below, exchanged glances for a moment, then he stood up and shouted, "Where's the evidence? Simply relying on written evidence is far too hasty!"

Zhang Jingxiao also stood up: "Yeah! Are they treating us like fools? If there's no evidence, is Song really the bully?"

People around them started standing up: "I used to be Song's classmate, I don't believe he's a bully! He's very helpful, I can vouch for him!"

"Me too! I was his classmate next door, he's quiet, but I don't believe he bullies others!"

"The school probably hasn't investigated these things, right? If you go to Class 1, Grade 11 at Yangcheng No. 1 Primary School and ask around, of course they won't believe those things!"

"To be honest, it's not certain if there are other bullies." Many eyes glanced towards Zhang Su.

"Quiet! Quiet!"

Seeing the situation was getting out of control, the principal turned to Song Shi: "You're a student! How dare you question the school! Inciting the crowd—is this your upbringing?"

"Then tell me what kind of upbringing the Zhang family has!"

This question didn't come from the stage, but from below—a steady, not-too-loud female voice, carrying a hint of seriousness and suppression.

People's gazes turned towards the source of the voice. A woman slowly stood up from below, removing her large hat, revealing her face.

Then, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she walked onto the stage. Although she wasn't wearing anything particularly flashy, she radiated an irresistible brilliance.

Song Shi stared blankly as the woman approached, his vision clearing, the face slowly merging with the one he remembered.

Zhang Shu looked at the principal, whose eyes had widened in disbelief: "My son is not to be judged by others."

"Th-th-that's...Zhang Shu!" "

Wasn't the head of the Zhang family long ago dead? How come he's still here?"

The atmosphere shifted dramatically with her appearance, and the school leaders all fawned over her. Even though she hadn't appeared in public for a long time, everyone instinctively tried to flatter and fawn over her.

Some members of prominent families still knew she existed, so they were shocked to see her in public.

"Yes, yes, the Zhang family's education is of course top-notch."

"You...you're back?"

Zhang Shu ignored their words and straightened the collar of the still-dazed man: "Shizi."

"Mom?" Song Shi heard himself speak in a dry voice.

"Yes, Mom's here."

Everything was resolved after Zhang Shu's appearance. If power couldn't settle everything, then it wasn't high enough. In the face of absolute power and people, everything, whether black or white, had to side with her.

The parents also began to turn to Song Shi. This was no longer a meeting about bullying or being bullied; it was the perfect opportunity to get close to Zhang Shu.

"Someone jumped!"

someone screamed, drawing everyone's attention.

Song Shi's phone, in his pocket, began to ring.

[Xiao Guai is gone.]

[It was hit by a car and died.]

[They all say I saved it, but it actually saved me.]

[I shouldn't have dragged you into this.]

[Xiao Guai wasn't the only one who saved me that day; you were too.]

[I uploaded all those things. Don't be sad for me; it's what I deserve.]

His pupils constricted, and he ran frantically towards the location, which was already surrounded by security personnel. Song Shi still recognized who it was.

Song Shi stood to the side, his head patted. He turned to look; Zhang Shu was still smiling lightly, but Song Shi felt a chill.

“Baby, if you can’t solve something, Mom will. Sacrificing one or two people along your path of growth is no problem at all.”

He stared blankly at Zhang Shu, tears streaming down his face. So

that’s why he felt a sense of familiarity; no wonder he could never find out who the last person was, no wonder the clues always went cold at the very end. It turned out that the last person was his mother.

“I won’t allow the person I’ve personally nurtured to be more outstanding than me.”

“So, don’t blame me.”

He heard his mother say these words.

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