Chapter 52: The Principal’s Address and a Brave Citizen’s Award

“Esteemed students, the reason I’ve called you here today is quite simple. It’s not for an old man’s rambling, nor for trivial matters. Rather, it concerns the bright future of our school…”

The assembly finally began in the gymnasium, marked by the Principal’s delayed arrival.

Yet, the opening ceremony, as always, featured the Principal’s speech, imbued with its peculiar hypnotic power.

Below the hastily erected podium, students listened to the Principal’s address, utterly bored and feeling increasingly drowsy.

While escaping classes was a joy, standing still to endure such soporific words proved to be an arduous challenge.

“Why does the Principal always ramble on for so long? I’m practically dying of boredom. Let’s chat quietly; no one will notice anyway.”

“Shhh, quiet down. I heard someone important is coming today!”

“Important? Are they handsome~?”

“Girls are so superficial. My ears are practically calloused from listening.”

Within the formation of Class 6, Grade 11, a group of girls whispered, their deliberately lowered laughter occasionally echoing, much to the annoyance of the boys standing nearby.

Enduring the Principal’s droning was already painful, but now they had to tolerate the girls’ incessant chattering—a double torment indeed!

At such times, one needed to gaze upon something beautiful, something to cleanse the soul.

With these thoughts, the boys’ eyes involuntarily drifted towards Su Yao.

There stood Su Yao, unlike the other chattering girls, silent and still.

Her graceful posture and exquisitely alluring figure were enough to make any man’s nose bleed.

Yet, her beautiful face held a hint of innocence, radiating a purity untouched by the world.

It was this harmonious coexistence of two contrasting temperaments that created such captivating allure, making it impossible for the boys to tear their eyes away from her.

While the boys furtively admired Su Yao, she, in turn, suppressed her inner anticipation, patiently awaiting the main event.

The mere thought of Lin Qing’s surprised expression at the commendation ceremony filled Su Yao with immense delight, making her eager to see him.

Though a few unexpected hitches had occurred, they posed no significant problem.

All it required was for a student to subtly mention the Director of Discipline to the Principal, and the subsequent events would unfold precisely as planned.

‘Only I can tease Lin Qing; no one else dares to lay a hand on him.’

‘However, my previous prank made Lin Qing turn off his phone. He might be angry.’

‘Should I do something to cheer him up?’

‘Perhaps, kiss him again…’

‘Once might not be enough.’

Recalling the events of yesterday in the changing room, Su Yao’s lips couldn’t help but curl into a smile.

She adored the sensation of kissing Lin Qing.

Only then could she truly control him.

Ordinarily, even when Lin Qing remained silent, his actions subtly conveyed refusal.

Her beauty seemed to have no effect on him whatsoever.

‘He truly is a stubborn fellow.’

‘But it’s precisely that stubbornness that makes him all the more intriguing!’

She yearned to do more with Lin Qing.

To watch him slowly let down his guard.

When that moment arrived, it would undoubtedly be an exquisite feeling, utterly irresistible.

“Brother Liu, another girl contacted me yesterday, saying she wanted to meet you.”

As Su Yao’s mind was consumed by thoughts of Lin Qing, Zhou Lin, standing beside her, suddenly spoke.

He glanced at Liu Hong, who stood next to him, his gaze almost permanently fixed on Su Yao, looking utterly captivated—a sight Zhou Lin found somewhat pitiful.

‘There are plenty of fish in the sea.’

‘Why fixate on a single flower?’

Brother Liu possessed a decent family background and good looks; countless women desired to date him.

Pursuing Su Yao, however, was an incredibly arduous task.

Moreover, Su Yao had rejected Brother Liu multiple times; anyone with eyes could see he had no chance whatsoever.

Instead of lingering by Su Yao’s side, he would be better off finding someone else.

The school had many pretty girls; even if none were half as stunning as Su Yao, at least they were attainable!

‘Don’t hang yourself on one tree!’

“Reject them.”

Upon hearing Zhou Lin’s suggestion, Liu Hong’s reply was succinct.

He wouldn’t meet them.

Ever since high school, Liu Hong had been smitten with Su Yao at first sight, and from then on, he could no longer control his heart.

Even though he had once considered giving up and pursuing other girls for fun.

Su Yao’s face, however, constantly reappeared in his mind.

Her sweet and charming smile, her gently blinking eyes.

So pure and lovely, as adorable as a little rabbit.

Every single feature was something he adored.

Such a woman was simply impossible to give up.

Thus, he could only persist.

“Alright, I believe all students are quite curious about the reason for this assembly. In fact, the police department has come specifically to our school to present the Brave Citizen Award!”

As the students below the podium grew increasingly sluggish, the Principal’s rambling finally ceased, and without warning, he directly launched into the main topic.

Upon hearing the words “police department,” the students’ drowsiness was instantly dispelled.

They immediately looked at the podium with curiosity, wondering what exactly was happening.

‘A Brave Citizen Award?’

‘What could a student from their school have possibly done?’

It was said that this award was not easily obtained, requiring a truly significant contribution.

After all, it could add ten points to their college entrance examination score.

“Our school’s Lin Qing, a student from Class 6, Grade 11, assisted the police in solving a major serial murder case. Due to the confidential nature of the case, I won’t elaborate further here. Let us welcome student Lin Qing to the stage.”

Aside from his initial rambling, the Principal’s subsequent words were remarkably concise and clear.

As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately led the applause, his face beaming with a joyous flush, prompting the students below the podium to follow suit.

Their eyes, filled with curiosity, focused on the podium, wondering if the Lin Qing the Principal spoke of was the same Lin Qing they knew.

The one who had nearly been stabbed by Li Dong.

Subsequently, as Lin Qing ascended the stage to receive the award, it confirmed to everyone that it was indeed *that* Lin Qing!

‘Well, I’ll be.’

‘Out of sight for a moment, and Lin Qing has become so formidable, helping the police solve a case?’

“Hello everyone, I’m Lin Qing. I am deeply grateful for this award from our nation.”

However, contrary to everyone’s shock, Lin Qing’s acceptance speech was remarkably brief.

Having spoken, he promptly handed the microphone back to the Principal, clearly intending to say nothing further.

This left the Principal momentarily stunned, utterly unprepared for Lin Qing’s unconventional approach. The spectacular shifts in his facial expression caused the students below the podium to erupt in laughter.

In the midst of the crowd, Su Yao finally couldn’t help but break into a brilliant smile.

The moment she smiled, it was as if ice and snow had melted, and a hundred flowers had bloomed, drawing forth the joyful chirping of birds.

Simultaneously, her eyes, fixed on Lin Qing, sparkled brightly, as if continuously emitting light.

She resembled a girl experiencing her first love, finally seeing the other half that captivated her.

Witnessing this, Liu Hong, who had been watching her intently, couldn’t help but clench his fists, a new wave of suspicion rising in his heart…