Chapter 97: Double Compensation
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The next day, the brother and sister embarked on their respective paths.
One headed towards Yihong Courtyard, while the other made their way to West Mountain College.
As the examination day drew near, the atmosphere around the gate of West Mountain College was serene. Students were engrossed in their studies, making a final push before the big day.
At around 11 a.m., a wagon with pink curtains came to a halt in front of West Mountain College.
Qin Zhenzhen remained vigilant, keeping a close watch on the wagon.
A young woman, adorned with cosmetics, stepped out of the wagon, cradling an object in her arms covered with a cotton cloth. With delicate steps, she made her way towards the college gate.
Qin Zhenzhen focused her attention on this woman.
Based on her affected appearance, it was evident that she was not of good character. Qin Silong had described Honglian’s appearance and demeanor to Qin Zhenzhen, and this woman seemed to match the description.
Furthermore, the bag in her hands resembled that of a book.
Qin Zhenzhen took action. She approached the woman and accidentally caused her to drop the items she was holding.
The woman with cosmetics cursed, “Are you blind? How could you bump into someone so big?”
Qin Zhenzhen quickly apologized, “Sister, please forgive my clumsiness. It was because you are so stunningly beautiful that I accidentally collided with you.”
“Do you really think I’m beautiful?”
Upon hearing Qin Zhenzhen’s flattery, the woman’s mood lifted, and she ceased her cursing.
“Beautiful? Of course?”
Qin Zhenzhen continued with her pretense. She helped the woman collect her belongings and purposely jostled the package, causing the book to fall out. It was indeed an Analects bag.
“I apologize for staining your book. Let me help you clean it up.”
While picking up the book, Qin Zhenzhen seized the opportunity to glance at the second page, where she saw the name “Su Bin” written in an extravagant manner.
Books held great value in ancient times, and students took great care to keep them neat and well-preserved. To prevent theft, students would often inscribe their names on the second page of their books.
Supporting the woman on her back, Qin Zhenzhen retrieved the damp handkerchief she had prepared and intentionally rubbed the name “Su Bin.”
In ancient times, ink was commonly used for writing, and when smeared with a wet handkerchief, the ink would become smudged and illegible.
However, Qin Zhenzhen believed that this was not enough, so she exerted more force and tore the DaDer slightly.
Now, Su Bin’s name was unrecognizable.
At last, Miss Honglian became aware that something was amiss. She snatched the book from Qin Zhenzhen’s grasp.
Witnessing the destruction of Su Bin’s name, Honglian’s face turned green with anger. “Who asked you to help? Look at what you’ve done to the book—it’s ruined!”
Qin Zhenzhen suppressed her laughter and feigned embarrassment. “I apologize. I am rather rough, and I used too much force. I didn’t expect the book to be so fragile…”
“Shut up! You must have done it deliberately!” Honglian fumed, her anger driving her to strike out at Qin Zhenzhen.
Swiftly evading the blow, Qin Zhenzhen pleaded, “Please, sister, don’t hit me! I didn’t mean to cause harm. I am willing to compensate you for a new book!”
Faced with Qin Zhenzhen’s offer to compensate her, Honglian’s rage subsided slightly.
“You can’t afford it! I will beat you to death!”
Qin Zhenzhen displayed a larger sum of money. “Look, I can afford it. I am willing to pay you double the amount. Will that suffice?”
As the scene unfolded, passers-by and curious onlookers began to gather around, drawn by the commotion. Among them were the college students who had just finished their classes and were preparing for lunch. They emerged to see what was unfolding before them..