Wei Ying was quite sleepy when Lan Zhan woke him up the next morning. He had spent the previous evening finishing the rest of his homework and studying, not going to bed until one o'clock. He knew that Lan Zhan was not pleased about that, but he was still somewhat behind in his classes and needed to catch up.

The latter fixed a cup of strong tea for him at breakfast, however, as he always did when he stayed up late. They had to eat quickly; Lan Xichen would be escorting them to the college. He preferred to drive them, but Lan Zhan told him no. He didn't want anything to happen to his car while they were away. He had already risked it last night as it was.

"I hate that we have to do this. It sucks! I wish that Wang Lingjiao had just left us alone," Wei Ying complained as he grabbed his backpack.

Lan Zhan pursed his lips. "So do I. And I do not like it either," he remarked. "But it is the way it has to be until everything settles down."

"I know," he sighed. "Will you be asking Mr. Lai to keep an eye on the house for us again?"

"Mn, but not until later. He is more than likely asleep still."

"Yeah."

Lan Xichen arrived just after seven thirty, beeping his horn with two short blasts. Lan Zhan received a text message from him right after that, letting him know that it was safe for him and Wei Ying to come out. There was no sign of Wang Lingjiao or anybody else associated with Wen Chao anywhere nearby.

The former and Meng Yao waved to them as they left the house. After doing the same in return, they got in the car and buckled up.

Lan Xichen drove up until he was level with his brother's window. "I will be in front of you until we are at the school, didi. Follow me. If anything happens on the way there, I want you two to get away immediately if it is possible," he said firmly.

"Mn," Lan Zhan grunted with a nod. "What about Meng Yao? Do you want him to be with us instead? It may be safer, and he will not be late if we run into trouble."

They looked torn at this question. As much as they wanted to be with each other, they also knew that it would be best if Meng Yao did. Lan Xichen did not want him to be harmed.

In the end, Meng Yao kissed him and reluctantly chose to ride with Wei Ying and Lan Zhan. The latter trailed after his brother as they made their way through town, then, watching their surroundings closely.

A good number of the students were milling around outside when they finally reached the college. Lan Zhan parked his car in the lot, then got out to open the door for Wei Ying. Lan Xichen put his own vehicle in neutral so that he could talk to them for a moment.

"Hello again," he greeted Wei Ying and Lan Zhan, embracing them. "I have to make this brief. You know Shufu will not be pleased if I am late."

They did, all too well.

"I probably do not have to say this, but be careful. Try to enjoy your classes and look after each other," he went on.

Lan Zhan nodded a second time. "We will do that, Xiongzhang. Please get to work safely. Tell Shufu I said hello. I will call you later."

Meng Yao hugged and kissed him after that. "I love you, Huan-ge. Let me know when you are on your way home."

"I will, A-Yao. I love you too. See if you can get a ride after your classes."

"Okay."

Wei Ying smiled a little. "Bye, Er-ge. Don't work too hard, and don't worry about us too much either."

Lan Xichen chuckled. "I'll try not to. Good-bye, everybody."

And with that, he left. They waved to him before making their way over to the main building.

They found Jiang Cheng sitting on the steps with Nie Huaisang, Wen Qing, Wen Ning, and Jin Zixuan. They were talking amongst themselves, but looked up when they noticed them.

"Hi guys. We thought that was you driving in a few minutes ago," Nie Huaisang observed.

"Did you get here okay?" Jiang Cheng asked next.

Wei Ying nodded. "Yeah. Nothing happened, so we're all right," he replied.

"Good. Was that your brother with you, Lan Wangji?"

"Yes. He escorted us here out of concern for our safety."

Wen Qing hummed. "It was thoughtful of him to do that. How is he? I haven't seen him since last week."

"He is fine. Thank you for asking about him."

Jin Zixuan glanced at his watch. "We ought to be going soon. It is almost time for our first classes. Oh, and...Meng Yao..."

He rose an eyebrow. "Yes?" he inquired somewhat stiffly.

"Father, er...needs to speak to you at the Koi Manor soon. He has something important to discuss with you, but he did not tell me what it was," he responded.

Everyone there knew that Meng Yao was his half-brother, and one of their father's - Jin Guangshan - many illegitimate children. They rarely talked about it, though. Neither of them liked it being brought up, especially since their relationship was a tense one.

The former was obviously aware of what the conversation would entail, however. His eyes lit up as he nodded once. "Okay. Thank you. But you're right. We should head inside."

Lan Zhan took Wei Ying's hand as they followed the others. They were halfway up the stairs when something hard struck the latter in the face.

"AAAHH!" he yelled in pain, clutching his cheek and swaying. When he removed his hand, he saw blood on it.

"What is it? What happened?" Lan Zhan demanded urgently as everyone else turned to him in alarm. He took a handkerchief out of his pocket.

He winced. "Something hit me!"

"And it serves you right, you no-good liar!" a voice shouted.

They pivoted to find Xue Yang on the lawn nearby, staring at them with a twisted grin. Like Wen Chao and those associated with him, he often broke the law himself. Or used to until he was somehow enrolled at the college. He was more sadistic than them, but in a different way.

Wei Ying scowled. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

His smile broadened. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. In fact, I'm pretty sure just everybody in town knows how you got Wen Chao arrested by now. His girlfriend has a pretty big mouth, you know. Plus, she told me so herself."

Wei Ying felt the bottom dropping out of his stomach. Wang Lingjiao had spoken to him about what happened?! And what did he mean that everybody knew?

Xue Yang snorted at the horror in his expression. "You're pathetic. You're sick in the fucking head for telling the police a story that you know isn't true. Wen Chao would be crazy to have anything to do with you. You need to be thrown in the psycho ward." Then he turned to Lan Zhan. "And you deserve to be, too. How you can stay with him when you know he's lying is anybody's guess."

At this, Wei Ying practically flew down the stairs. He would teach that motherfucker to throw things at him and call him a liar! Lan Zhan was right after him, his eyes blazing with fury. He didn't care about what Xue Yang said about him; he wanted to thrash him for hurting Wei Ying. He was not going to let anyone get away with that ever again.

However, before they could reach him, Xue Yang's friend A-Qing suddenly appeared and punched him in the head.

"OWWW! Fuck! A-Qing, what the hell?!" he roared at her.

She glared at him. "Don't 'what the hell' me! I saw you throw that rock at him, stupid asshole! What did you do it for?! Wei Wuxian did nothing to you!"

"He's a liar! And I'm not going to let him tarnish my friend's good name!"

Their arguing back and forth did not stop Wei Ying and Lan Zhan from attempting to beat the shit out of Xue Yang. Their friends quickly surrounded them to prevent them from doing so.

"No! Let it be!" Wen Qing exclaimed as she, Jiang Cheng, and Nie Huaisang grabbed his arms.

"Don't do it!" Jin Zixuan pleaded, standing in front of Lan Zhan. Everyone else was holding him back since he was the stronger of the two, trying to reason with him. "You will both be expelled if you fight him!"

"It's not worth it," Wen Ning added.

Wei Ying struggled. "I don't care! He shouldn't have thrown something at me! Let me go!"

Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan, who had also seen what happened, rushed over to diffuse the situation too.

"Come on, son. You do not want to this. You do not want to throw away your education for him. As your friend told you, it isn't worth it. Please calm down," the former said to Wei Ying, laying a hand on his shoulder.

Knowing that he was right, he gradually managed to somewhat, though he still wanted to kick Xue Yang's ass. He really didn't want to be kicked out of school. Not in his junior year. Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu would kill him.

The latter took this chance to escape, dashing into the main building's other entrance with one last smirk. The crowd around Lan Zhan surged forward; he tried to go after him. But they were able to stop him in time.

"No. Just let him go. He's already inside," Song Lan noted. "Go to the Head of Security and report him. If you want to have Xue Yang dealt with, he is the person you should speak to."

Wei Ying walked over to Lan Zhan. "He's right, sweetheart. Listen to him."

He gently pulled himself away from the group. "Fine. Let's go," he snapped.

Jiang Cheng placed a hand on Wei Ying's arm. "Do you want us to come with you to the office? You might need us as witnesses."

"No. You'll be late for your classes."

"Well...yeah..."

Meng Yao patted his back. "Let me know what happens, then. I actually do need to go. My teacher is having an important lecture."

"So is mine. Plus, you know that Da-ge would kill me if he found out I wasn't on time," Nie Huaisang added.

"Okay. See you guys later," Wei Ying said.

Wen Qing and Jin Zixuan also had to leave for their classes, so they followed them inside. Jiang Cheng and Wen Ning wanted to go with Wei Ying and Lan Zhan, but they wouldn't let them.

"It is best if you don't. You two may end up in trouble, although you were trying to stop us from fighting Xue Yang. You are already doing community service; you do not want your punishment to be added to," the latter pointed out.

Jiang Cheng opened to argue, but Wen Ning shook his head. "He's right. We really shouldn't."

"Fine," he sighed. "But we might get in trouble anyway. You know that the Head of Security will look at the footage of us trying to stop the fight. I don't see why we shouldn't join them."

Lan Zhan inclined his head. "I understand that, and what you said is true. But Wei Ying and I will take care of this. You two should go. You will be make it on time if you hurry."

"All right. We'll see you at first break. Let us know what happens then."

"Mn."

Wen Ning handed him his first-aid kit after that. He always carried it with him since he was rather accident-prone. "Here, Wangji-xiong. You can borrow this. There is a cream in there you can apply the cut on Wei Ying's face. You know how long the nurse takes, and using this will be quicker."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Lan Zhan was still fuming as he guided Wei Ying to the security office after they rushed off to their classes. He didn't understand how Xue Yang was able to get away with what he did. Why wre the campus security guards not around? They were usually at the entrance and on the grounds at this time. If they had been where they were supposed to be, he would have been detained immediately.

Meanwhile, Wei Ying sulked as used the handkerchief he gave him to wipe the blood off of his face. Just what he needed, a cut on it along with other injuries he had. Xue Yang was lucky that he had ran, or he would have beaten the shit out of him. It was ironic that he threw a rock at him; he must have been channeling Wang Lingjiao.

At least A-Qing punched him for it. That was some consolation.

The head security guard - Chief Hu - was attending to other matters, so it wasn't until shortly after their first period began when they were able to speak to him. Lan Zhan squeezed Wei Ying's hand softly before they entered the office.

"No matter what, be honest with him, baobei. We will likely be punished for admitting that we were both going to fight Xue Yang, but if we lie, He will easily find out about when he reviews the footage, as your brother had mentioned. Because you know he will do that," he murmured.

"Yeah. I just hope that we won't be kicked out, Airen."

Lan Zhan kissed him. "So do I."

Chief Hu was writing on a form at his desk, but immediately stood when Wei Ying and Lan Zhan approached him. He knew that something had to be wrong if they were there. One, because neither of them ever were. (The latter didn't cause problems at all, and the former never did anything bad enough to be in trouble with the security.) And two, Wei Ying's cheek was bleeding, which was definitely a concern.

"Good morning, Mr. Wei and Mr. Lan. Is there a problem?" he queried in a voice rough with age after exchanging bows. He gestured for them to sit.

Lan Zhan nodded once they had. "Yes, Chief. Xue Chengmei threw a rock at Wei Ying and hit him in the face not twenty minutes ago," he responded.

"Xue Chengmei? Where were you when this happened?" he demanded.

"Outside, by the main entrance," Wei Ying replied this time. "We were just about to go inside for our classes when he did. I'll admit that we both tried to beat him up for doing that, but he ran into the other entrance while our friends were holding us back."

"I noticed that there were not any security guards nearby while this occurred. They would have intervened or stopped him from getting away otherwise," Lan Zhan added.

Chief Hu frowned. "None at all?"

"None."

He bobbed his head curtly. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will certainly look into the matter and find out why. And while I understand that you wanted to confront Xue Chengmei, you both know that fighting is against the rules. Punishable up to expulsion."

They also nodded.

"We do, and we apologize," Wei Ying murmured.

Chief Hu then waved to a security guard who just appeared. "Please find out what class Xue Chengmei is in and have him brought here. I need to have a serious discussion with him," he stated.

He pursed his lips. "There is no need to do that, sir," he remarked.

"What? Why not?"

"Xue Chengmei has already been found, but the only discussions he will be able to have is with a doctor."

"What do you mean?"

The security guard patted his walkie-talkie. "Officer Ngo told me that he fell down the stairs leading to the gymnasium and broke his left arm right before classes started, sir. Chang Laoshi was rolling his projector cart past the landing at the same time and crushed the pinky of that same left hand by accident. He was in a rush and didn't see him. The ambulance is on its way."

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan exchanged stunned glances. Neither of them could hardly believe it.

Karma was certainly in their favor if it had struck this quickly.

Chief Hu scowled again. "And how did that happen?"

"Officer Ngo didn't say, nor did Xue Chengmei, as far as I know. Perhaps he had lost his footing. It is likely since there were many other students going up and down that stairwell."

"I see. Well, I will figure out what to do from here. Thank you, Officer."

Chief Hu took them up to the dean's office and informed him of the situation. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan explained in detail what happened after that. Chief Hu also told him why Xue Yang was not there. Once he and Mr. Yan - the dean - watched a video of the altercation on an iPad, which confirmed what they had told them, the latter folded his hands and deliberated on everything.

Wei Ying tried not to squirm in his seat. Was he planning to suspend him and Lan Zhan? Or expel them? Again, he prayed to every god above that they wouldn't be thrown out. Lan Zhan had a clean record, but he had been in trouble before. However, the incidents were minor. The worst he had to do were push-ups on one occasion.

Mr. Yan eventually cleared his throat, his mind being made up. Wei Ying took Lan Zhan's hand and waited for the blow.

"I know I do not need to say that this behavior is unbecoming of either of you," the former stated. "Nor will I tell you that fighting, or attempting to fight anyone, is prohibited. I am sure that you are aware of that also."

They bobbed their heads.

"Even though I understand the reasons behind your actions, they are still inexcusable. You will both be put on Disciplinary Probation until the end of the semester. I will also send a letter to your guardians. Be aware that this will be on your record. You must not be late or absent for your classes unless it is strictly necessary, and neither of you are allowed to attend the festivities or games here. However, if you manage to behave, you may join in the Lunar New Year's party we are having on the last day. But if you do not, I am afraid that I will have to suspend you.

"As for Xue Yang, he will be summarily dealt with before he returns. I will also make sure that he does not bother either of you again. And you must stay away from him as well," he concluded.

Mr Yan filled out two Disciplinary Probation forms, which he then asked them to sign. After they read and handed them back, he glanced at his watch. "First period is over. I will send your teachers an email asking them to excuse your absences from class. You may go now."

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stood up and bowed.

"Yes, Mr. Yan. Thank you for allowing us to remain here," the latter stated.

He nodded. "You are welcome. And Mr. Wei, please have that cut taken care of as soon as possible. You do not want it to become infected."

"I will, sir. Thank you," Wei Ying mumbled.

He couldn't help but feel relieved as they left the office. He could stomach Disciplinary Probation. Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu would still be upset, as would Lan Qiren, but not as much as they would have been if they had been suspended or expelled.

Lan Zhan took his head again, distracting him from his thoughts. "Come on, baobao. Let us go to the bathroom so I can help you with that cut."

"All right."

Once they were there, Lan Zhan took out the first-aid kit and set to work right away. He cleaned the cut thoroughly, relieved that it was not a deep one. The cream that he used afterwards stung a little, but Wei Ying tried not to grimace. He didn't want to mess him up.

"There we are. Good as new," the former announced when he was done.

Wei Ying looked in the mirror. The bandage would be visible even if he moved his hair in front of it. Great. People were going to stare at him more than they would be already, if what Xue Yang said was true. Dread clenched his insides, and he was pissed. He still couldn't fathom how everyone learned about what happened.

I wouldn't blame anybody if they did stare. Even without the bandage, you are uglier than you ever were before. And I hope that every person there is thinking that you lied. You had it coming to you for having me arrested, Wen Chao's voice hissed in his thoughts.

Curling his lip in frustration, Wei Ying adjusted his book bag. "It's not, but it doesn't matter. Let's go. We should find Wen Ning and give his first-aid kit back," he muttered.

And before Lan Zhan could say anything, he stormed out of the room. The former exhaled deeply and trailed after him.

Author's note: Here it is, chapter 13! Please don't come after me with torches and pitchforks. I'm just as angry at Xue Yang as all of you are. Still, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I hope to start writing the next one soon. Until then!

Oh, and did you see what I did there with Professor Chang?