Gu Xiaoer and Ai Le, who were huddled in their beds, stared at each other in confusion. Why was the principal looking for someone in the girls' dorm?
This doesn't make sense!
The next moment, a cacophony of clanging and dinging erupted from Room 312.
"Xiao Er, you haven't put away your clothes yet!"
"Lele, never mind that for now, let's just get dressed quickly!"
"Ouch, and what about the trash on the desk?"
"There's no time for that, just shove everything under the bed!"
...
After greeting the dorm supervisor, Principal Wang headed straight for Gu Xiaoer's room.
His considerable presence passing through the dorm corridors caused any girl who saw him to freeze in place, her face turning pale with fright.
Was the principal conducting a dorm inspection?
This was everyone's first thought. After all, male teachers were generally not allowed in the Nanyi girls' dorms except under special circumstances, and even lead inspections would have been announced in advance so students could prepare.
But this time, Principal Wang's unannounced arrival had caught many off guard.
Many began to speculate, and some even followed the principal up the stairs to join the commotion.
The dorm supervisor paved the way, nodding and bowing, her many wrinkles becoming more pronounced with her smile, while Principal Wang strode forward without a sidelong glance.
Ascending to the third floor, the crowd following the principal grew larger, with people sharing their thoughts with one another.
"Hey, I heard the principal is looking for Gu Xiaoer. I bet it's because of the rumors recently. He's come to settle the score with her!"
"I think it's because of last night's video. The principal is coming to catch Gu Xiaoer in the act himself!"
"Look at how upset the principal looks. Someone's in for some bad luck!"
Two minutes of chaos passed by.
Gu Xiaoer and Ai Le stood obediently at the dormitory door, awkwardly "enthusiastically" welcoming Principal Wang's arrival. Ai Le caught sight of a long sock blatantly lying on the ground and swiftly kicked it inconspicuously toward the wall.
"Hello, Principal."
They bent at a ninety-degree angle, and upon straightening up, they froze.
How… how come there are so many people?
"Principal, what's... what's going on?" Gu Xiaoer asked, puzzled as she looked at Principal Wang's grim face and then at the motley crew of girls standing behind him.
Some were in pajamas, some with messy hair, some even carried basins and bowls along with them.
It looked like Principal Wang had a cheer squad, albeit a comical one.
With barely hidden expressions of eagerness to see a spectacle, some whispered, "Look, the principal really came to settle the score with her!"
Gu Xiaoer was bewildered. What had she done wrong?
Before the principal could speak, an abrupt voice cut in.
"Principal, I've got a scoop — Gu Xiaoer didn't return to the dorm last night!" Xu Yanyan from the neighboring room finally seized the opportunity; no matter how formidable Gu Xiaoer was, could she really outdo the principal?
"Principal, I've also got a scoop — Gu Xiaoer is a complete gold-digger!" Zhu Li didn't want to be outdone.
Having said their piece, the two crossed their arms, leaned back on each other, and looked forward with smug satisfaction, eagerly anticipating the drama to unfold.
Strike while the iron is hot, go for the kill!
Let's see how much longer you can parade around, Gu Xiaoer!
Pfft, what nonsense!
Ai Le cast a sharp glare, "What are you spouting nonsense for!"
"Whatever we say, Gu Xiaoer knows what's in her heart!"
"Right, we are speaking the truth in front of the principal!"
Xu Yanyan and Zhu Li puffed out their chests defiantly, with the principal there, what did they have to fear!
"Everyone shut up!" Principal Wang cast a cold glance at Xu Yanyan and Zhu Li, "Anyone who spreads more rumors will be kicked out of Nanyi!"
Shh—
The dimly lit corridor felt chillier in the May air, causing people to shiver.
It was dead silent.
"Xiao Er," Principal Wang's stern face suddenly fell, as he looked at Gu Xiaoer with excitement, taking two steps forward, "Xiao Er, there's something you absolutely must help the principal with!"