Chapter 939: Pressure of Public Opinion
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“So?” Ye Leng’an spread her hands and spoke coldly, “Since you’ve already admitted your mistake, shouldn’t you be figuring out a way to make amends?”
“Ye Leng’an, I truly regret my actions.”
Zhou Cui’an took a step forward, reaching out to grab Ye Leng’an’s hand, but she evaded her grasp. Undeterred, Zhou Cui’an continued, “I won’t refuse anything you ask of me. But please, don’t press charges against me. My future will be ruined if you do.”
As the cla.s.s had just ended, and in a crowded cla.s.sroom, many onlookers had gathered. The incident between Ye Leng’an and Zhou Cui’an had become the talk of the school. After all, it was rare for someone like Ye Leng’an to resort to legal action over a forum post.
Many were eager to see what the outcome between them would be. Witnessing Zhou Cui’an’s plea to Ye Leng’an didn’t surprise anyone.
“Zhou Cui’an, instead of pleading here, why don’t you think about your next steps?” Ye Leng’an sneered. “If you truly regret your mistake, then such a display wouldn’t be necessary.”
“No, it’s not like that.” Zhou Cui’an shook her head repeatedly. “I genuinely want to apologize to you, Ye Leng’an. Please forgive me this once!”
Hearing Zhou Cui’an’s seemingly sincere apology, Ye Leng’an smirked. “But what am I to do? I have no desire to forgive you!”
Zhou Cui’an was taken aback by his response. Clearly, she hadn’t expected such a reply.
Watching Ye Leng’an’s unwavering demeanor, Zhou Cui’an felt desperate. Unsure of what to do, she bit her lip, took a step forward, and knelt before Ye Leng’an.
“I beg you, Ye Leng’an. I can’t afford to go to court,” Zhou Cui’an pleaded, tears streaming down her face. “If I do, my life will be ruined. We’re cla.s.smates, roommates. Must you be so ruthless? I’ll kowtow to you, please spare me this once!”
With that, Zhou Cui’an began kowtowing to Ye Leng’an in front of everyone. Each bow was earnest, devoid of any pretense. Within moments, her forehead was crimson, on the verge of bleeding.
Ye Leng’an’s expression remained unchanged, unaffected by Zhou Cui’an’s distress. She stood there quietly, showing no signs of softening.
The incident between Ye Leng’an and Zhou Cui’an had become so widespread in the school that few remained oblivious to it. Initially, many believed that while Ye Leng’an’s actions might have seemed extreme, she was, after all, the victim, so her response was understandable.
After all, in this matter, Zhou Cui’an was the one at fault. Without any evidence, she had slandered a girl for gold-digging, causing significant damage to the girl’s reputation.
However, witnessing Zhou Cui’an kneeling on the ground, crying and kowtowing, many couldn’t help but feel that she was also quite pitiful.
A girl spoke up, “Actually… Zhou Cui’an has acknowledged her mistake. Ye Leng’an, why not give her another chance? We’re all cla.s.smates and there’s no need to be so harsh!”
Originally, everyone was just spectators, though they felt some sympathy for Zhou Cui’an, they hadn’t intended to speak up. However, once the first person broke the silence, others followed suit, one after another. Soon, everyone began urging Ye Leng’an to settle the matter amicably.
“Ye Leng’an, we’re all cla.s.smates. There’s no need for such extremes. Just let Zhou Cui’an off this once!”
“Exactly! It’s not a major issue, and you haven’t suffered any real harm. Why blow it out of proportion?”
Almost everyone sided with Zhou Cui’an.
Now, Ye Leng’an stood resolute, while Zhou Cui’an knelt, her face stained with tears and blood. Human nature was inclined towards sympathizing with the underdog. In this stark contrast, Zhou Cui’an garnered widespread empathy.
Despite knowing Zhou Cui’an was at fault, and Ye Leng’an was the victim, people couldn’t help but side with Zhou Cui’an.
Furthermore, they deemed the issue trivial. Although Zhou Cui’an had slandered Ye Leng’an on the forum, it was hardly a significant matter. Such posts were common on the school forum, often serving as outlets for momentary emotions.
Now, Ye Leng’an had actually called the police just because of a post on the forum, and now she even wanted to sue Zhou Cui’an for defamation. This was indeed making a mountain out of a molehill.
Zhou Cui’an continued to kowtow, but in a place where no one noticed, a triumphant smile crept onto her lips.
Although she was furious about kneeling before Ye Leng’an in public, she couldn’t help but feel relieved at this outcome.
With almost everyone on her side, Zhou Cui’an doubted Ye Leng’an could withstand the pressure and persist with her lawsuit.
As Ye Leng’an listened to the pleas around her, her lips curled into a cold smile. Surveying the crowd, she retorted, “This matter concerns only Zhou Cui’an and me. What business is it of yours? If you truly have goodwill, use it for good, not to condemn me, the victim.”
Upon her words, those who had spoken for Zhou Cui’an reddened in embarra.s.sment and frustration. Their glares at Ye Leng’an were anything but friendly.