A week later, Song Xi was discharged from the hospital.
Her breakup text message had vanished into the void, and it seemed that Zhang Qi, grounded and confined, couldn't even touch his phone.
Song Xi didn't know whether to feel relieved or worried, but fortunately, this mood didn't last long, as worse things were yet to come.
The incident where Shen Heping had caused a scene at the theater, resulting in Zhang Qi slapping her in front of everyone, was still a hot topic of gossip.
Song Xi felt annoyed, especially when she learned that someone had gossiped about it to the teachers again, leading to her being called in for a talk.
"Song Xi, there have been rumors circulating at school lately about your poor conduct and chaotic personal life. Initially, the teachers didn't want to get involved, but it's now affecting the graduation production. We can't let your personal issues delay everyone else. Therefore, we've made a collective decision: you will withdraw from this production for now."
"Teacher!"
Song Xi tried to explain, "Things are not what you think, please listen to me..."
"This decision has been made. Anyway, there are two more graduation productions before you graduate, so you can make the most of those opportunities."
With that, she waved Song Xi away from the office.
Song Xi bit her lip, feeling incredibly dejected. However, as soon as she stepped out, she ran into Yi Xiaoling, who deliberately blocked her path with an arrogant demeanor.
"You still dare to come back? Aren't you afraid of gossip?"
Song Xi glared at her, a gut feeling prompting her to ask, "Did you tell the teacher?"
"So what if I did?"
Yi Xiaoling admitted it readily and continued, "Am I not speaking the truth? How clean can someone working at Weiyin be? You, on the other hand, have deceived all of us. I bet... Zhang Qi doesn't know yet? What will you do if he finds out?"
Song Xi's face turned pale, and she clenched her fists tightly.
Yi Xiaoling seized the opportunity, leaning close to Song Xi's ear and threatening her, "Don't worry, we're roommates after all. If you kneel down and beg me, I'll definitely help you keep your secret."
Believing she had the upper hand and had won this round, she didn't expect Song Xi to fall silent for a moment, then raise her head with a cold smile.
"Do you dare?"
Yi Xiaoling retorted angrily, "Why wouldn't I dare!"
Song Xi took a step forward. Her eyes were calm but exuded a chilling coldness. In a voice only they could hear, she said, "Don't think I don't know you and Zhang Qi have been involved for a long time. Even if I'm at my worst, my reputation is still better than that of a mistress. What do you think?"
Yi Xiaoling's face changed drastically in shock.
Song Xi patted her shoulder, "Keep your mouth shut. Otherwise, if we both go down, I don't really care, but I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it."
After speaking, she turned and left without looking at Yi Xiaoling's reaction.
...
A month passed in this quiet manner, until the second graduation production.
She focused on studying the script for this play. The lead female role didn't quite suit her, so Song Xi considered it for a long time and decided to aim for the second female lead.
Everything was proceeding smoothly, and the previous rumors had faded considerably. But fate intervened with Zhang Qi's reappearance.
He had a buzz cut and was dressed head to toe in designer brands, looking rather ostentatious.
He maintained his usual disregard for others, kicking open the theater door and walking straight onto the stage, ignoring whatever was happening inside, and dragging Song Xi away.
Hundreds of eyes fixated on them. Song Xi saw Yi Xiaoling sitting in the audience with an incredulous expression.
Her blood ran cold. She wanted to resist, but his single word, "You dare," froze her limbs.