"Lü Qingqing, Guan Jinsong, and the last one, Tong Meng!"
When Tong Hua announced Tong Meng's name, the entire classroom erupted.
"This is unfair, why her?" Zhou Fengjiu was the first to stand up in protest.
"Teacher Tong, you're not giving her this opportunity because she's your sister, are you?" Cai Xiaojuan's tone was clearly mocking.
"Who among us isn't more qualified than her?" everyone clamored.
Lü Qingqing knew that many weren't necessarily vying for the opportunity itself, but rather they resented someone who had only been there for a day or two taking up a spot.
Lü Qingqing lowered her head. Was this the true purpose of Tong Meng's sudden inclusion in the study group?
Lü Qingqing suddenly had a bold idea.
Someone was afraid she would investigate the "269" matter, so they specifically found someone who clashed with her to compete for the chance to investigate "269."
Therefore, whoever recommended Tong Meng to investigate the case was likely connected to the shooting incident back then.
"Classmates, I understand your confusion, but I am merely an intermediary for superior orders. Protesting to me is futile."
"Teacher Tong, since you know we won't understand, perhaps you can help us to understand," Lü Qingqing spoke up. "We demand that the school publicly disclose the selection process. Who recommended us? What were the reasons for their recommendation? Was there a vote? And what were the vote counts?"
As Lü Qingqing finished speaking, everyone joined in, demanding to retrace the recommendation process.
"Qingqing, I know you dislike me, but this opportunity is equal for everyone. It's true I'm a newcomer, but that doesn't mean newcomers are less capable than you." Tong Meng stood up, her eyes welling up with tears, her voice so soft that Lü Qingqing got goosebumps.
"Are you going to ostracize me just because I've spent three months less time with you?"
As she spoke, Tong Meng wiped away her tears. "I just want to study well, I just want to improve my abilities, I just want a chance to prove myself."
"But I never expected to hurt so many people. I'm truly sorry! I am willing to give up this opportunity now and let a more deserving classmate have this spot."
Tong Meng's rapid-fire speech instantly silenced the classroom.
Zhou Fengjiu glanced at Lü Qingqing. Their eyes met, and Lü Qingqing understood what Zhou Fengjiu meant.
"Damn, this woman's acting skills are impressive."
"Of course, she's mastered it to perfection, surpassing any Shanghai film empress."
Lü Qingqing silently awarded Tong Meng the Best Actress award in her mind.
"Um. Classmate Tong Meng, we didn't mean it like that, we just..." A male student from the class stood up, shyly persuading Tong Meng not to cry. "Actually, none of us are studying criminal investigation, and we don't lack this opportunity. If you want to go, then go."
As expected, under Tong Meng's tears and gentle plea, a large group of the class's straight men changed their tune.
Zhan Ruoxuan pouted speechlessly. These men were indeed not cut out for criminal investigation; a few words of feigned weakness from a woman had them completely disoriented.
Lü Qingqing's eyes darted to Zhou Fengjiu, and the woman immediately understood.
"Since Classmate Tong Meng is so generous, then Teacher Tong, you can reconsider this spot."
"Indeed, Classmate Tong Meng has a kind heart. We shouldn't let her good intentions go to waste."
Hearing Zhou Fengjiu speak again, Cai Xiaojuan joined the chorus.
They knew that Lü Qingqing found it difficult to say these things, but it was fine; they were Lü Qingqing's second spokespersons.
"Xiaojuan, you're studying forensics. You don't need to compete for it," a male classmate said.
Cai Xiaojuan smiled. "Of course, I don't need to compete. Such an opportunity should only go to someone who can bring glory to our freshman class. Fengjiu studies criminal investigation, and so does Zhan Ruoxuan. Either of them would be suitable for this spot."
It had to be said that Cai Xiaojuan's redirection was masterful. The discussion had been about Tong Meng getting a spot, and in the blink of an eye, they were debating who should get it.
While everyone was heatedly discussing, Lü Qingqing played her trump card. "Alright, everyone, stop arguing. We've been talking for so long, but Teacher Tong hasn't agreed to retract Tong Meng's spot."
As expected, upon hearing this, Teacher Tong's expression changed.
This woman was indeed sharp.
She said it neither too early nor too late, but precisely when the discussion was most intense and enthusiastic.
If he still refused to retract Tong Meng's spot at this point, he would surely incur the wrath of the entire class.
However, he managed to compose himself. "Rest assured, since Classmate Tong Meng has already offered to relinquish this spot, I will certainly respect her decision. I will immediately report this to the school leadership."
With that, Tong Hua left without looking back.
He only returned after the entire class had reached a consensus.
The final outcome was that the spot Tong Meng relinquished went to Zhan Ruoxuan. Additionally, Tong Meng, for her noble gesture, would be granted a special participatory status by the school.
At once, the students in the class erupted in cheers.
Most of the male students were happy for Tong Meng, feeling that they hadn't harmed this kindhearted girl.
Only Lü Qingqing's lips curved into a cold smile. It seemed she had underestimated her opponents. That "special participatory" spot might have already been decided for Tong Meng all along, and they had simply not announced it.
They deliberately announced Tong Meng's official spot first, and when the students expressed dissatisfaction, they announced the special spot.
This way, not only would the students' anger be effectively suppressed, but it also earned Tong Meng a reputation for noble conduct.
Brilliant.
Truly brilliant!
Lü Qingqing also knew that with her current reputation and capabilities, it would be difficult for the school to revoke her participation.
Since they couldn't revoke it, they would add one of their own to increase the difficulty for Lü Qingqing.
After school that evening, Lü Qingqing met Hu Jia and doted on him. "Our school will be sending me out to investigate a case. I won't be home for the next two days."
"Investigate a case? Does the study group investigate cases?" Hu Jia sounded confused.
"Yes. We'll just be accompanying them to broaden our horizons; the actual investigation will be handled by the police."
Lü Qingqing had thought this through on her way back. Since Huayan was still a distance from the city, one day wouldn't be enough for a round trip.
She would be staying out, and Hu Jia would definitely ask questions. To prevent him from knowing she was investigating something related to the shooting, it was better to preemptively create a plausible reason.
"That's good. Be careful when you're out alone," Hu Jia cautioned.
"Yes, I will." Seeing his expression, Lü Qingqing couldn't help but take Hu Jia's hand. "I'll leave Duo Bao to you for these two days."
The touch of their fingertips felt like an electric shock, a tingling sensation coursing through Hu Jia's entire body.
Then, after a second or two of dizziness, he seemed to see a fleeting image: Lü Qingqing holding his hand, saying, "This man is mine."
...
At the dinner table, Tong Hua's demeanor was arrogant. "Director Li, you handled this beautifully. Master Liu said he will credit you for this."
"Then I thank you for speaking well of me, Brother Tong," Li Hongjiang solicitously refilled Tong Hua's wine glass.
"It's nothing. As long as you diligently serve Master Liu, he will not treat you unfairly."
"Then, regarding my son..."
"Director Li should know that his safety is in your hands."
"Yes, yes, I understand." Li Hongjiang wiped the sweat from his forehead, forced a smile, and raised his wine glass again.