Chapter 122: Self-righteous
As Zheng Xinyi recounted, Ling Feng also understood what had happened.
Today was Christmas, and it was also the last Christmas before Liu Tingyu and her classmates graduated, so at the suggestion of their thesis advisor, their research group organized a gathering.
Since the thesis advisor had organized it, although Liu Tingyu didn't want to participate, she had no choice but to attend! And when Zheng Xinyi learned about this, she hastily called Ling Feng.
Ling Feng was somewhat amused and incredulous, "Isn't that quite normal? It's very common for them to organize a gathering, aren't you making a fuss over nothing?"
Zheng Xinyi was silent for a long time before she exhaled and said with difficulty, "Ling Feng, I'm sorry, there's something I haven't told you! I used to be kept by Ting Yu's advisor, and he told me back then that he really liked Liu Tingyu and was determined to get her into bed! Although I have broken off relations with him now, I still… I'm worried he might harm Ting Yu!"
The ease on Ling Feng's face disappeared, "Where are they? Give me the address, I'm going over now!"
...
At this moment, in a KTV private room, five or six Yan University students and a man in his forties were gathered together.
"Teacher Liu, thank you for your tough guidance all these days. 'Grateful Heart' is dedicated to you and all the classmates present!" said a male student with glasses as he stood up.
Then, following the familiar melody, the male student sang with emotion.
The male student's voice was quite good; when the song ended, everyone clapped and cheered.
Subsequently, someone sang a series of nostalgic songs such as "Don't Say Goodbye" and "Those Years We Chased Together After Girls."
The atmosphere in the KTV was a bit lively, but Liu Tingyu, sitting on the side, merely smiled faintly and was not affected by the ambiance!
Among the other students present, some had secretly defamed her, others had handed her love letters but were rejected, and throughout these years, she had always rented a place outside, so she didn't feel too nostalgic or reluctant about her classmate relationships.
Their advisor, Liu Xin, was all smiles, looking the picture of virtue, but no one noticed the burning light and barely concealed desire in his eyes when he looked at Liu Tingyu!
"Today might be the last time we all get together, so let's open our hearts and not be too reserved!" Liu Xin said with a smile, "But you can't just do whatever with your thesis, now Tingyu's first draft has already been handed in to me, and the rest of you haven't finished your first drafts yet, have you?"
"Teacher Liu, bringing that up in such a lively atmosphere really is a buzzkill!" A girl giggled and said, "Right, Teacher Liu hasn't sung a song yet, let's pick one for Teacher Liu!"
Liu Xin declined, "I really can't sing, just have fun yourselves!"
The girl's eyes gleamed, "Aside from Teacher Liu, only Liu Tingyu hasn't sung yet. Why don't the two of you sing a song together, you can't be the exception, can you?"
Liu Tingyu's brows furrowed. The girl, Zhang Ying, was usually not on good terms with her, having spoken ill of her behind her back on more than one occasion. Liu Tingyu instinctively felt averse to her suggestion.
"I'm sorry, my throat is a bit sore today, so I can't sing," said Liu Tingyu indifferently, "Why don't you sing a duet with Teacher Liu instead? It's well known that you have a voice for singing."
A glint of triumph flashed through Zhang Ying's eyes, "What a coincidence that is, truly a pity. We were actually looking forward to hearing your singing!"
Liu Xin waved his hand and said, "Let it be, if Ting Yu's throat is uncomfortable, don't force her. It's getting late, and you should head back early, even though it's Christmas, you can't get too wild, understand?"
"Alright, we got it!" The other students reluctantly put down the microphones and started to head out one after another.
"Ting Yu, wait a moment!" Liu Tingyu was walking out last, and Liu Xin asked her to stay.
"Teacher Liu, is there something you need?" Liu Tingyu asked nonchalantly.
"I've finished the first draft of your dissertation and I've already marked some issues. Everyone was having a good time just now, so I didn't mention it. Let's find a coffee shop, and I'll go over the issues in your dissertation that need attention!"
Liu Tingyu hesitated for a moment, as it was getting late.
"It won't take much time!" Liu Xin said with a smile, "I'm attending a university symposium tomorrow, and I might not have much time for the coming month. Coincidentally, your dissertation was the first one submitted, so I do have some time to correct it for you!"
At that point, Liu Tingyu knew she should show her gratitude, so she gave a slight bow, "Thank you, Teacher Liu, for taking the trouble!"
Ten minutes later, the two were in a coffee shop.
"Two cups of Blue Mountain Coffee, please!" Liu Xin ordered from the waiter.
He then took out a stack of documents from his briefcase, "Here's your edited manuscript. There are some areas that need to be reworked a bit. Take a look first!"
Liu Tingyu took it and saw that indeed, her original draft was filled with red marks.
"Thank you, teacher!" Liu Tingyu said gratefully. It was evident from the review draft that Liu Xin had indeed put a lot of effort into her paper.
Liu Xin said with a smile, "Your dissertation is of high quality; it's just lacking in some details and perspective. I've marked them for you. Once you revise them when you get back, I'll try to nominate your paper for the Outstanding Student Paper!"
Liu Tingyu nodded slightly and then focused on the revision of the dissertation.
Liu Xin looked on at Liu Tingyu's profile indifferently. Her bright contours and elegant temperament exuded her unique charm! For a moment, Liu Xin was almost mesmerized.
"Sir, your coffee!" The waiter soon brought over their coffee.
Liu Tingyu put down the paper, "Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom!"
Since the evening gathering, Liu Tingyu hadn't been to the restroom yet. A smile played on Liu Xin's lips; it was about time for her to go!
As Liu Tingyu's figure disappeared, Liu Xin took out a packet of powdered substance from his bag and, while no one was looking, sprinkled it into Liu Tingyu's coffee.
The powder dissolved instantly in the coffee, leaving no trace.
Three minutes later, Liu Tingyu returned, apologetically saying, "Sorry about that!"
"Not at all!" Liu Xin said as he gently sipped his coffee, "Try the Blue Mountain Coffee here; it's quite authentic!"
Without any suspicion, Liu Tingyu took a light sip and then went back to scrutinizing the dissertation.
In less than five minutes, Liu Tingyu felt dizzy.
"Ting Yu, if there's anything you don't understand, just ask! We should have a thorough discussion tonight!" Liu Xin said with a smile as he noticed Liu Tingyu swaying slightly.
A sense of alarm flashed through Liu Tingyu's mind—that something was wrong with the coffee!
But at that moment, she hardly had any strength left, not even enough to shout loudly!