They both arrived at the dean office 5 minutes ago. When the dean asked them to come in, he already with his phone, thus Chen Rou Jiao and Yu Yao did not saying much. With Mr. Zhu permission, they settled at the long sofa in the middle of the small office, facing the walnut coffee table and a dark green wingback in front of it.
The office room was not like a typical dean room with only used dark expression in and out. It was designated to brighten anyone feelings every time they entered. With the wall painted with light green, the sunshine they received from the wide window and also everything was put in order, such a cozy and calming place to relax.
Chen Rou Jiao had the opportunity to came to the dean office twice in the 4 years she studied here. First was when the stealing case last year and today was the second time she set foot in it. Though she was the top student, there was no way she able to come to this great place with her achievement. Therefore, due to the healing atmosphere inside the office, she able to calm herself a bit, from the case, and also the situation at the dorm earlier.
Her heart still pounding nervously, but in minimum rate. Chen Rou Jiao clasp her sweaty hands together, praying for nothing bad will happened. She wanted to graduate smoothly in this university. She choose this place because this was her late mother's Alma mater. She wanted to liven up the memories of her mother here.
Yu Yao who sat next to Chen Rou Jiao noticed her uneasy behaviour or maybe because he was watching her since the beginning so he caught every change from her. Yu Yao hesitated to pat her in which way, afraid if his crush might think he wanted to do something unpleasant, thus he only smiled and smiled. Like an idiot.
"What are you thinking?" he asked suddenly.
"Hm?!" Chen Rou Jiao lifted her gaze toward Yu Yao.
"What are you thinking? You look like just saw a ghost."
"Oh. Nothing. Don't mind me." she forced herself to smile, although it turned out to be a plain one.
Yu Yao giggled. "Don't worry. You will be fine."
"Hmmm.." Chen Rou Jiao nodded weakly. "I hope so."
"Aiya. Sorry for keep you waiting."
Chen Rou Jiao and Yu Yao shifted their attention to Mr. Zhu. That old dean clamp off the button on his coat before took a seat on the wing back. He sit straight while rested his arms on the leather armrest.
Chen Rou Jiao shook her head, smiling bitterly towards the dean. "It's okay, sir. I know you are busy."
"Yes. I am busy because of your case." he said nonchalantly, while giving a meaningful gaze.
Chen Rou Jiao's eyes widened for a few seconds before she lowered her lashes and nodded once, softly. She felt the words stuck in her throat, no sign to come out from it.
It was true her case made everything turned upside down, though she did remember that that day, not only her was caught. Around five other students get arrested, positive drug tests, and will be prosecuted next week, but only her got dean attention.
"But Rou Jiao is innocent. She can take the exam, right? Mr. Zhu?" Yu Yao looked at Mr. Zhu with hope, so did Chen Rou Jiao. She lifted her gaze towards Mr. Zhu just to caught his sour expression.
Mr. Zhu cleared his throat, fixated his rectangular shape spectacle before he opened his mouth. "This case is crucial one. Not to mention this is the second time you involved in police case. First, the stealing case last year. Now this."
"But, I was proven innocent at both cases." Chen Rou Jiao tried to fight for her justice. She could not stay quiet when her future was on stake.
Mr. Zhu nodded. "True, but at what cost?" he took a deep breath. "Students started to think we covered your cases because you are the top student in this college."
"But it is not!" Chen Rou Jiao unintentionally raised her voice. She just frustrated with those close-minded people. Who could not separate between the truth and false.
"I am sorry, Mr. Zhu." she spoke politely after got a sharp stare from Mr. Zhu. Yu Yao also stunned with her change of behaviour but somehow he proud for her determination.
The brown wrinkled eyes, once staring firmly towards Chen Rou Jiao, now softened to sympathy but, he needs to deal this matter strictly. Seeing Chen Rou Jiao stayed unspoken, he exhaled deeply. "After a meeting with the board members yesterday morning, we concluded to give you two options to choose."
Chen Rou Jiao and Yu Yao paid attention to what the dean wanted to convey about their decision.
"First," he put up his thumb, "we will resolve all your cases, meaning you do not have criminal records, you are clean. But, you must instantly dropped your study and leave this college, today."
"Pardon?" Yu Yao knitted his brows. His heart burning hearing that. Chen Rou Jiao patiently listened what the dean saying next, thus she ignored Yu Yao's reaction.
"Second," now he put up his point finger. "You can still continue your study here until the final exam, but your case will be ongoing, we will never take part on your case any longer. Meaning, even if you get perfect score in your exam, your criminal records might trouble you when you in job searching."
Chen Rou Jiao bit her lips. That option was worst than other. Her mind went blank, and she could not uttered a word. Only Yu Yao argued with Mr. Zhu about the board members' decision.
"It did not make any sense. Rou Jiao is free. What more she need to settle?" Yu Yao question their dean, suppresing his anger.
"The fact of drug found in her possesion is still in question. Police want to investigate her because of that. But it is all your decision, Chen Rou Jiao. I...."
TOK! TOK! TOK!
All eyes except Chen Rou Jiao directed to the door.
"Come in."
The door was slowly opened and a young lady who was Mr. Zhu's secretary entered carefully.
"Mr. Zhu, someone here want to meet you. He says it is important matter."
Mr. Zhu getting ready to stand up, but he reminded Chen Rou Jiao in an instant. "I hope you come up with good resolution."
He left Chen Rou Jiao in a dilemma. Meanwhile Yu Yao still perplexed with it and could not stay composed in his place.
"What the....?" Yu Yao grunted. He turned to Chen Rou Jiao. "Don't worry Rou Jiao. I will talk to Mr. Zhu right now. This is not making any sense for you." Yu Yao did what he said. He left Chen Rou Jiao in the office and chased after their dean. Tried to consult him about the options.
Chen Rou Jiao did not response to that. She only sat silently, facing the floor. Listening to the dean and board members' agreement made her world collapsed upon her head, like she was thrown into an abyss. No way out. Her chest feel like compressed with something heavy, made her difficult to breath. She wanted to cry. Really. However, no matter how hard she forced herself to cry, the tears seems hold still in her swollen eyes.
She clenched her fists tightly. She did not know what to do. The options she had were both threatening. She must choose whether dying by drinking poison or dying because of being eaten by predators. What a life she just face right now?
"Is this the karma for everything I did in the past?" She asked herself.
Not long after Yu Yao left, he returned to the office, with a concerned face. He sat silently at his original seat, lowered his head. Chen Rou Jiao also said nothing. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that he failed his attempt to convince their dean.
It was not a problem for Chen Rou Jiao as she already made her decision. She confirmed she will not regret about it ever.