Chapter 13: Accusation and Friendship

Chapter 13: Accusation and Friendship

As Long Tian and the others were about to get out of the car, he suddenly stopped.

"Wait," Long Tian said.

This sudden shift brought confusion to the others, including Li Guowu.

"What's the matter?" Li Guowu asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

"Just keep quiet," Long Tian answered, his gaze focused on the scene unfolding in front of them.

Ahead, Qin Chen was approaching a youth of his age. he looks handsome and neat, clearly a rich kid.

Long Tian recognized the youth. He immediately opened the car window slightly and enhanced his hearing.

"Good morning, Brother Qin," the youth greeted, his voice airy and light.

"Good morning, Brother Wang," Qin Chen returned the greeting.

Wang Lin seemed in a good mood this morning, but he raised an eyebrow upon seeing Qin Chen's less-than-pleasant expression.

"Did something happen, Brother Qin?" he inquired, concern evident in his voice.

Qin Chen remained silent for a beat, his eyes studying Wang Lin who was nonchalantly chewing gum. He exhaled a weary sigh, a look of doubt on his face.

"Brother Wang, I want to ask you something," he finally said, his voice firm yet soft.

"Go ahead and ask. I'll answer," Wang Lin replied, continuing to chew his gum in a casual manner.

"A week ago, you and I went to a flea market and bought some items, right?"Qin Chen queried, his tone measured.

"Yes," Wang Lin confirmed, his nod devoid of any hesitation.

"One of those items was a treasure map," Qin Chen revealed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Did you take the treasure?" he asked curiously.

"What? No, I didn't. I don't even know where the treasure you're talking about is," Wang Lin defended himself, a hint of surprise in his tone.

"Brother Wang, you are one of the smartest students with a remarkably sharp memory. Just admit it, and don't worry, I won't be mad. I just want to know the truth," Qin Chen said earnestly, his eyes pleading for honesty.

Wang Lin's expression soured instantaneously. "Brother Qin, I didn't expect you to accuse me of stealing your treasure. After our friendship all this time, do you still doubt me?" His voice carried an undercurrent of disbelief.

"Do you remember that you were able to buy that treasure map because I lent you 3000 Yuan? And is this your repayment? You're accusing me?" he added, his tone rising.

Hearing this, Qin Chen was rendered speechless. A pang of guilt washed over him. He hadn't expected his accusation to invoke such a strong response from Wang Lin.

His accusation wasn't baseless. It stemmed from his discovery of a gum wrapper, the same brand that Wang Lin habitually chewed, at the treasure site.

He barely knew Wang Lin, yet he was aware of his fondness for that specific brand of gum. The wrapper he discovered in the Tianzhou forest was identical to that.

He sighed, "Brother Wang, forgive me. I might have been influenced by my evil thoughts and ended up accusing you without clear reason. It was because when I arrived at the treasure site, I found this," he said, handing the gum wrapper to Wang Lin.

Receiving the wrapper, Wang Lin furrowed his brows, a mix of surprise and confusion coloring his face. "Brother Qin, I understand why you suspect me. However, I genuinely didn't take your treasure. This could simply be a coincidence. This brand is quite popular, isn't it?" He said, a calm and clear attempt to defuse the tension.

"I trust you, Brother Wang. This must be a misunderstanding. I'm also sorry for having accused you unjustly," Qin Chen said genuinely, remorse evident in his words.

Wang Lin offered a conciliatory smile, patting Qin Chen on the shoulder. "It's alright, Brother Qin. I understand how valuable that treasure was to you. Let's pretend this never happened," he suggested, his words sincere.

"Thank you, Brother Wang," Qin Chen responded, a relieved smile gracing his face.

"Alright then, I should be going. My girlfriend awaits," Wang Lin said, leaving Qin Chen standing there.

Watching Wang Lin's departure, Qin Chen sighed. He almost destroyed his friendship with Wang Lin.

It's better to lose that treasure than to lose a friend. Besides, he also believed that the one who took the treasure was not Wang Lin. It might just be pure misfortune.

As he prepared to leave, he felt an unexpected presence behind him. Turning, he found Long Tian standing alone.

His expression changed to displeasure. "What do you want?" he asked coldly.

Long Tian raised an eyebrow,"What do you mean? I just want to go to class," he answered nonchalantly.

Without waiting for Qin Chen's reaction, he walked towards the classroom.

But Qin Chen suddenly blocked his path.

"What's the meaning of this?" Long Tian said, his voice turning cold.

"Where's Li Yue'er?" Qin Chen demanded.

"Li Yue'er? Don't worry about her, I'm treating her well," Long Tian answered, a smirk playing on his lips.

Qin Chen's expression darkened. He stepped forward, gripping Long Tian's collar. "Tell me! You didn't lay a hand on her, did you?" he asked, his voice simmering with anger.

"Who knows?" Long Tian grinned.

"Bastard!" Qin Chen bellowed, landing a punch on Long Tian.

Bang!

Long Tian staggered a few steps back from the punch.

"Long Tian, you bastard! I will..."

"Stop!" Qin Chen's words were interrupted by someone's yell.

He looked to the side and saw a teacher approaching.

"What are you doing? Fighting in the school area? How daring!" The teacher said angrily. n-.o/)V/-E(-l-.B.-1))n

As he approached, his expression turned to shock upon realizing the victim was Long Tian.

He immediately looked at Qin Chen angrily. "You! Follow me to the principal's office!"