Chapter 305: Isolated by the Students

Chapter 305: Isolated by the Students
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
As soon as Song Zhi finished speaking, the people around Xia Wan were left in a state of astonishment.
Turning to Xia Wan, they inquired, “Is what Song Zhi said true? Xia Wan, are you acting as a sugar daddy?”
Xia Wan shook her head. “No, it’s all baseless speculation.”
Song Zhi sneered, taunting Xia Wan, “Xia Wan, when you were buying jewelry, wasn’t that guy footing the bill?”
The three girls directed their gaze at Xia Wan, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Xia Wan responded with a soft chuckle. “Perhaps I assisted him in some way, and he was expressing his gratitude.”
When Chen MO had presented her with the jewelry that day, he had indeed crossed paths with Song Zhi and Zhou Chen. Chen MO had indeed covered the expenses.
However, Chen Mo’s motive had been his appreciation for her assistance in helping Chen Shui lead a normal life. This was why she maintained that she had extended help to him initially. The gift from Chen MO was founded on genuine gratitude.
Song Zhi sneered again and eyed Xia Wan with a condescending look. “You helped him? Why would a wealthy individual like him require your aid? Xia Wan, your appearance is your only asset to lure men. Since you couldn’t capture Zhou Chen’s attention, you’ve resorted to seducing other men.”
Addressing the others, Song Zhi declared, “Everyone, distance yourselves from Xia Wan. People of her ilk don’t excel academically; their minds are mired in deceit. Following her will only drag down your grades.”
Song Zhi meticulously cultivated a following within the class. He leveraged his family’s standing in the county to dispense favors such as snacks, drinks, and advice on enjoyable county activities.
Previously, Xia Wan had been prone to dozing off or chatting with her desk mate during class. Her strong performance in junior high had led teachers to overlook her in favor of more promising students. Though she outwardly acquiesced to their decision, she continued her nonchalant behavior. Gradually, the teachers gave up on her.
Given these circumstances, Song Zhi’s words found a receptive audience, leading everyone to side with his narrative.
In time, a growing chasm emerged between Xia Wan and her peers. She found herself subject to curious and reproachful gazes.
“We don’t possess Xia Wan’s alluring looks. We’d do well to focus on our studies. The teachers emphasize that only through education can we change our fortunes.”
“I had believed Xia Wan had transformed, but it seems she still relies on men.”
Xia Wan regarded them icily, holding her gaze until their chatter subsided. Calmly, she spoke, “After years of schooling, don’t you possess any critical thinking?”
“You took Song Zhi’s claim that I’m being kept by someone at face value?” “Just because a man occasionally covers my expenses?”
“Allow me to ask, which among you can confidently say you’ve never benefited from a man’s financial assistance?”
Her gaze swept across the entire classroom as she spoke.
They appeared disgruntled at her assertion. “Your argument lacks logic. Family is different; they’re supposed to support us. You can’t compare that with a stranger. You don’t know that guy’s intentions. How can you equate our experiences?”
A wry smile touched Xia Wan’s lips. “I’m merely addressing your earlier remarks. I’ve never leaned on a man financially.”
“If my response has elicited frustration, it signifies my counterargument has struck a chord. ”
“Relatives can provide, so why can’t benefactors?”
“Ultimately, you defend what you deem right. If you perceive it as correct, it’s logical. If you judge it as wrong, it’s unethical.”
“However, we live in a society governed by laws, and adherence to the law is paramount.”
Fixing her gaze on Song Zhi, she added, “Should you possess evidence of my supposed misconduct, submit it to the school. Let them deduct my grades and expel me if warranted.”
“However, should your claims be baseless, founded solely on seeing someone pay for my expenses, then I reserve the right to counter-sue.”
In uttering these words, Xia Wan exuded an unshakable resolve, unsettling Song Zhi for reasons he couldn’t quite fathom..