"Excellent!" Qi Shengwen and Qi Chengyan strode in from outside.
Cheng You felt that her backing had arrived, while Song Qinglan felt embarrassed.
It was utterly humiliating, fighting at her age.
She lowered her head, silent, cursing Cheng You countless times in her heart.
Ruan Xianglian quickly rose, "Commander."
Qi Shengwen waved his hand, "Where's Political Commissar Tang?"
Ruan Xianglian replied, "Someone has already been sent to fetch her."
"Summon Old Song as well!"
The "Old Song" he referred to was the Director of the Political Department, Tang Jing's husband, and Song Jingtang's father.
He rarely bothered with family matters and naturally wouldn't have come with Tang Jing to cause trouble.
"Yes, I'll have someone fetch him now."
Qi Shengwen sat down with a decisive air. "Everyone sit. Today, we'll lay everything bare! Those who should be disciplined will be, those who deserve compensation will receive it. We must clarify who is right and who is wrong."
Ruan Xianglian mused that this matter likely couldn't be smoothed over easily.
With Qi Shengwen present, Zhang Yuling and Tang Jing dared not make a scene anymore and could only obediently wait for their husbands to arrive.
Qi Chengyan, as if no one else were there, gently touched the scratches on Cheng You's face.
"Does it hurt?"
His asking made Cheng You feel a burning sensation.
Cheng You pouted, "A little. They attacked for no reason; I couldn't defend myself."
Zhang Yuling and Tang Jing, who had been beaten worse: "..."
That was utterly unreasonable!
Cheng You and Song Qinglan had wicked hearts, aiming their blows at places that couldn't be seen by outsiders.
The atmosphere fell quiet for a moment before someone entered.
"Political Commissar Tang and Director Song have both arrived."
They had heard some of the situation on the way and rushed in.
Seeing that no one was seriously injured, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The Qi family was not to be trifled with, so even though they had reservations, they had repeatedly warned not to trouble Cheng You.
Yet, Zhang Yuling and Tang Jing had dared to be so bold.
Qi Shengwen gestured for them to sit.
"Since everyone is here, let's sort this out."
Song Jianyuan smiled, "Old Qi, it's all a misunderstanding. A few apologies exchanged, and we can put this behind us."
"Exchange apologies?" Song Qinglan slammed the table, the clink of her bracelet against the surface echoing her displeasure.
"Why should I apologize? From beginning to end, this situation doesn't warrant an apology from us! Song Jianyuan, we've known each other for years. You're not going to tell me you think what Tang Yu did was honorable, are you?"
Impersonating someone for enrollment was a serious matter.
If the school truly pursued it, it could leave Tang Yu with a lifelong stain.
Song Jianyuan had never felt so in the wrong.
How many times had he told them not to provoke Cheng You, but Tang Jing wouldn't listen.
Zhang Yuling clutched her chest and hysterically retorted, "My daughter even attempted suicide! What more do you want? If Cheng You hadn't reported it, would Tang Yu have cut her wrists?"
Cheng You scoffed, "I'll say it again, I did not report it! Does suicide justify her actions? Does it make it right for her to impersonate someone for enrollment? She's not dead, she's perfectly fine, so what is she doing here trying to gain sympathy?"
"Tang Yu was foolish, and it turns out it's because she has such foolish parents. A bunch of senile old fools!" Song Qinglan pointed at them and scolded.
Qi Shengwen coughed twice and pulled Song Qinglan's hand.
They needed to be more tactful.
Ruan Xianglian found it troublesome, unsure how to proceed.
In her opinion, it was best to keep the peace.
She glanced at Qi Shengwen and asked, "Commander Qi, what do you think about this matter..."
Qi Shengwen waved his hand, "I am here only as a family member and will not interfere in this matter. Tang Yu's impersonation for enrollment was inherently wrong, and the school's punishment was in accordance with regulations. It cannot be erased just because she attempted suicide. Your coming to trouble Cheng You over this is utterly absurd and foolish. However, Cheng You stated that she has nothing to do with this. I suggest we report it to the Disciplinary Inspection Department and let Secretary Yang investigate."
Reporting was one thing, but posting the report publicly and escalating the situation clearly showed malice.
Qi Shengwen hit the nail on the head: "I believe this matter was not directed at Tang Yu, but at Cheng You."
A case of using a borrowed knife to kill.
Using Tang Yu's situation to turn the tables on Cheng You.
Qi Chengyan's expression turned cold, "I've already had someone investigate that report, but it has been destroyed."
Without the report, handwriting comparison was impossible, making the investigation much more difficult.
Qi Shengwen delivered the final word: "First, report the matter to the Disciplinary Inspection Department."
Qi Chengyan's icy gaze swept over Tang Jing and Zhang Yuling, "I hope when the truth is revealed, you can apologize for your actions!"
Tang Jing flinched under his gaze, her heart beginning to regret.
Zhang Yuling, consumed by the grief of Tang Yu's suicide, paid no heed.
With the matter handed over to the Disciplinary Inspection Department, all they could do now was wait.
On the way back, Song Qinglan covered her face.
She had always prided herself on her elegance, yet she had ended up fighting like a shrew.
Within a day, people would surely come to mock her.
Cheng You smiled, her lips pursed, "Auntie, thank you for helping me fight them."
Song Qinglan immediately denied it, "Who helped you? I just couldn't stand it!"
Cheng You shrugged. If she wasn't going to admit it, so be it.
"I'll send you a few cans of hair growth pills later. They're great for conditioning the body. Guaranteed to make you look years younger."
Song Qinglan gave her a sideways glance, "Who cares? I'm already young. You should focus on conditioning yourself and give me a granddaughter soon."
Cheng You: "..."
Song Qinglan huffed and strode away.
Qi Shengwen was truly enlightened today.
How much did Song Qinglan care about her reputation? In front of outsiders, she always maintained a dignified demeanor.
Yet now, she had fought for Cheng You.
He looked, then looked again, and then looked once more.
He confirmed it was indeed his wife.
"What are you looking at!"
Qi Shengwen chuckled, "I thought you didn't like Cheng You."
Song Qinglan rolled her eyes and said with a huff, "Of course I don't like her. She has a temper like chili, always picking fights with everyone."
The first time she had ever felt defeated was at Cheng You's hands.
Cheng You had cleared Qi Chengyan's name and healed his leg.
For that alone, he could treat her like a revered ancestor in their home.
"Alright, let's go home. Few families in the compound haven't had disagreements. What's so big about a fight?"
Song Qinglan glared at him, "It's nothing for others to fight, but I, Song Qinglan, shouldn't be fighting. Just you wait and see, someone will be here to mock me later!"
"Alright, alright. Whoever dares to mock you, I'll throw them out," Qi Shengwen coaxed her gently.