Chapter 632: Yang Lanying’s Indignation

Tan You chuckled. "I just missed you all and wanted to talk."

Teacher Tang’s heart suddenly softened. "Alright, then try to come during your lunch break from now on. That way, it won’t interfere with your studies."

Tan You nodded. "Okay. Let’s set a time. How about I try to come during lunch on Mondays?"

The other teachers nodded as well. "That works."

Having arranged their next meeting, Tan You got up gracefully. Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, so she prepared to head straight back to her dorm. Before leaving, she had told Cao Haiyan not to worry about packing her schoolbag for her today.

In front of the academic building was a large, concrete sports ground. Students usually did their exercises there during the long break between classes and would also run a couple of laps around it in the morning.

Since Tan You had left a bit early, there were very few students on the grounds. She wasn’t in a hurry, simply walking toward the school gate at a relaxed, even pace.

As she was walking slowly, she suddenly heard the sound of hurried footsteps behind her. Tan You sensed something and glanced back, only to see Yang Lanying rushing toward the school gate.

She had, of course, seen Yang Lanying when she entered the office, but she hadn’t paid her any mind. After that incident, Tan You had quietly distanced herself from Yang Lanying. Now, however, it seemed Yang Lanying was unwilling to let it go.

’But what does she have to be unwilling about? Yang Lanying was the one who listened to biased accounts and believed them. What does that have to do with me? I was the one who was slandered and wronged, and no one stood up to speak for me back then.’

Tan You knew her past self had been awkward and quiet, not one for flattery. She even understood that she had possessed the arrogance of a top student.

But even knowing she wasn’t particularly likable, Tan You never felt that being bullied and wronged was her fault. That was a classic case of victim-blaming. No matter who a person was or what their personality was like, they had the right to walk openly in the light of day.

’Seeing Yang Lanying like this... what could she possibly want to say to me?’ A small smile played on Tan You’s lips. She suddenly found the scene rather amusing.

When she reached the school gate, Tan You couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. "What are you all doing here? I’m pretty sure we just saw each other earlier today."

She was, of course, referring to Tan Lin. Tan Lin, Cheng Wenhui, and Tan Yue were all standing by the gatehouse. Tan Lin was deep in an enthusiastic conversation with the P.E. teacher on duty, chatting about everyday trifles.

Cheng Wenhui was holding Tan Yue’s hand. When Tan Yue saw her coming, she tugged Cheng Wenhui forward a couple of steps, then ran over to take Tan You’s right hand.

"Sis!" Tan Yue bounced on her feet. "Your teacher called Dad about your grades, so Mom wanted to come see you."

Tan You smiled. "It’s just one monthly exam. It’s not a big deal."

’She remembered Cheng Wenhui coming after the last placement test, and now she was here again after the monthly exam results. Is she going to come after every single test from now on?’

Cheng Wenhui was in an excellent mood. One reason was Tan You’s good grades; the other was the live play-by-play Tan Lin had given her that evening about how he and his daughter had teamed up to drive Tan Desheng over to Tan Deji’s house.

Of course, Tan Lin had surely exaggerated his own contribution. In any case, pure joy radiated from the corners of his eyes. After all, he had spent years trying to curry favor with Tan Desheng only to get nothing but scoldings in return.

Now that he finally felt vindicated, every strand of Tan Lin’s hair seemed to radiate satisfaction.

Cheng Wenhui was also quite pleased. Before, their family was struggling and had no one to rely on. No matter how awful Tan Desheng was, when Tan Lin went to suck up to him, Cheng Wenhui had to follow suit.

But now she had something to depend on, so she no longer had to grovel before Tan Desheng like she used to. This psychological relief was what pleased Cheng Wenhui the most, which was why she was smiling so brightly when she saw Tan You.

Tan You glanced at her smile. "Coming here so late will affect your work tomorrow. And you’re all making such a big fuss. People will think I’ve gotten arrogant and let it go to my head."

Cheng Wenhui said, "I know you won’t. I don’t have time to see you during the day, and losing a little sleep at night is no big deal. I’m still young."

Tan You looked at her outfit, all pieces she had made for Cheng Wenhui earlier. "Those clothes really suit you."

Cheng Wenhui’s smile widened instantly. "When I was at work the past few days, President Yang even asked if I would sell the design for these clothes. I told him we shouldn’t bite off more than we can chew, and he didn’t ask again after that."

"But I think Master Ding, she seems to want to make a set for herself."

"Let her," Tan You said nonchalantly. "If she can make it herself, it’s no big deal. It’s good to have a skill. You can just make whatever you want to wear. It’s very convenient."

Both Cheng Wenhui and Tan Yue had sharp eyes. While talking to Tan You, Cheng Wenhui’s gaze fell on Yang Lanying. She greeted Yang Lanying with a broad smile, "Teacher Yang, long time no see."

Yang Lanying seemed a bit stunned. "Long time no see, Tan You’s parent."

In her memory, Tan You’s parents were always dressed in drab, dusty clothes. They had the typical look of migrant workers, and poverty seemed to seep from every corner of their beings.

But now, the Cheng Wenhui standing before her wore a delicate gold chain around her neck, the end of which was tucked into her collar, out of clear view. The clothes she wore were also very well-made and looked like they were bought from a major department store.

Even her hair was adorned with an iridescent barrette. Under the light of the gatehouse porch, Yang Lanying felt her eyes were being dazzled.

Tan You had no intention of letting Cheng Wenhui know about the conflict between her and Yang Lanying, nor did she want more people to know about the darkest period of her life. That was all in the past. She had walked through her most painful moments all by herself.

And now, she had no need for any of this belated guilt or concern.

So Tan You just smiled and said, "Let’s head back to the dorm. Even from this far away, I can smell the delicious food in the container Dad’s holding."

Cheng Wenhui’s smile grew even wider. "Okay. Your dad’s been helping you out at home during the National Day holiday and learned quite a few dishes from you. Tonight he made braised chicken feet in a clay pot. He knows you like them tender and flavorful, so he cooked them for an extra long time."

"Where are your friends? Ask them to come along. I just came from your dorm; I steamed a pot of rice for you all."

Tan You waved behind her, and Yin Xiu and the others, who weren’t far away, came running over. From a distance, Tan Ying watched the group surround Tan You as they headed toward the dormitory, while she was left to the side.

It used to be her leading a group and leaving Tan You behind. But now, everything was reversed. She was the one being left behind.

Even if Yang Lanying wanted to say something to Tan You, this wasn’t the right time. She knew that if a parent found out their child had been wronged and slandered at school, they would never let it slide.