The seven-day leave had come to an end, and Jian Yiling was heading back to school.
It was Monday.
Meanwhile, the hottest topic on the campus forum of Shenghua High School remained the post about Jian Yunnao's injury, which hinted that Jian Yiling might be the culprit. Since Jian Yiling had been absent from school for an entire week, students began to speculate whether she had been expelled.
"On the seventh day since Jian Yiling's disappearance, it seems her chances of being expelled have increased."
"If I were her, I wouldn't even want to show my face at school."
"Seriously, even her own brother was harmed by her. Someone like that doesn't deserve to live. It's a pity for Jian Yunnao, such a talented young man; I was looking forward to hearing him play the piano at the school's cultural evening!"
"The Jian family has siblings who are all outstanding; I really don't know how Jian Yiling turned out this way."
"The Jian family's disgrace—like a mouse dropping spoiling a pot of porridge!"
On her way to school, Jian Yiling sat in the back seat of the car, her laptop resting on her lap as she briefly scanned the campus forum messages. Suddenly, a new notification popped up on her screen.
"Dr. F.S., when are you available to meet? We're very interested in the content you provided. But as you know, we can't fully trust online communication."
Jian Yiling quickly typed a response: "I'm currently unavailable. If you have questions, please contact me online. I've already submitted the related paper to CNS."
Moments later, the other party replied: "CNS takes at least three months from review to publication, which is too slow. If you can provide us with other means of proof, it could save a lot of time."
It was clear that they were quite anxious. If Jian Yiling was indeed the talent they needed, they would want to establish offline contact immediately to recruit her directly.
Jian Yiling replied: "Sorry, I have other matters to handle right now."
After a brief silence, they sent another message: "Let's keep in touch online then."
At least their online communication wouldn't be interrupted.
"Okay."
Once she finished her message, Jian Yiling closed her laptop and stuffed it into her backpack.
The driver dropped her off at the school gate, and Jian Yiling stepped out of the car. The autumn sun shone warmly on her, and she walked toward the school with her backpack slung over her shoulder.
As soon as she appeared on campus, she drew the attention of her fellow students. After the pushing incident, Jian Yiling had become widely known as the "malicious sister" at Shenghua High School.
People's expressions were strange as they noticed her, with some casting inquisitive or hostile glances her way.
Around the same time, Mo Shiyun got off the bus and was immediately approached by some classmates.
"Shiyun, Shiyun, Jian Yiling is back at school! You're close to Jian Yunnao. Do you know why she can come back to school so calmly after pushing her brother down the stairs? Doesn't the Jian family care?"
Mo Shiyun smiled lightly. "Sorry, I don't know about that. But if I were in the Jian family's shoes, I'd want to downplay the situation as well."
The classmates found her perspective reasonable and nodded in agreement.
"You're right. I heard before that the Jian family spoiled Jian Yiling more than her brother. Now it seems true; this constitutes intentional harm, and she's still able to return to school unscathed."
As whispers circulated around her, Jian Yiling walked through the school gate, steeling herself against the scrutiny. The path ahead would not be easy, but she was determined to face whatever came her way.