Chapter 1528 - 1517: Avenging My Sister

Chapter 1528: Chapter 1517: Avenging My Sister

The next day, the news that Li Zhihua plagiarized and caused the suicide of one person once again set the internet ablaze, with netizens transforming into agents of justice, demanding strict action from the police and A University against her, causing quite a stir.

Ye Qiu removed her hands from the computer. If not absolutely necessary, she wouldn’t have wanted to exploit the netizens’ sympathy; however, with the Li family being so influential, if the matter wasn’t blown up, it might be covered up by them.

But even with the urging of netizens, Li Zhihua was released on bail. Initially, the conclusion for Zhan Yao was suicide, so it couldn’t implicate her, especially since Zhan Yao’s guardian chose not to pursue it, thus eliminating any reason to detain Li Zhihua. As for the plagiarism issue, it was deemed an economic dispute that required a lawsuit before compensation could be awarded.

This outcome naturally dissatisfied netizens, but with the law being what it is, they had no grounds for argument, merely grumbling that the punishment was too lenient, continuing to leave comments under A University’s official account, strongly urging A University to handle Li Zhihua solemnly.

Soon, pressured by public opinion, A University responded, stating that Li Zhihua’s conduct was disgraceful, violating the university’s rules and regulations, and decided to expel her.

Seeing A University not cowering to power and resolving the issue swiftly and effectively, public sentiment towards A University began to improve, with netizens praising it as a true prestigious institution, accepting that individuals of poor moral conduct exist everywhere and it’s unrealistic to screen every new entry. Being able to handle issues promptly was already commendable.

After reading netizens’ comments, the principal finally breathed a sigh of relief and instructed the operating teacher to release another message, which expressed a deep apology to both Zhan Yao and Ye Qiu for being wronged and reversed the previous penalties imposed on them. They were also awarded the title of Honorary Students and granted Honorary Scholarships. As Zhan Yao had passed away and the guardian declined the money, A University distributed this money among students from the Fashion Design Department who had won awards externally, among whom was Ye Qiu.

When the public learned of this decision from A University, the approval and praise returned stronger than before the incident with Li Zhihua, further enhancing A University’s reputation.

Subsequently, Jian Lifan issued a statement applauding A University, posting a picture of Ye Qiu serving him tea—clearly indicating that he had taken Ye Qiu under his wing.

Before being accepted as a disciple, Ye Qiu hesitated for a moment and decided to disclose to him how she had previously used him against Li Zhihua.

Jian Lifan looked at her and sighed, as if he had already surmised it, and gently asked, "Can you tell me what Zhan Yao meant to you?"

"She was my sister, my biological elder sister," Ye Qiu confessed truthfully without hiding.

Although he previously suspected a relation between Ye Qiu and Zhan Yao, Jian Lifan was still surprised by this revelation, his mouth hung open in astonishment, then he asked in confusion, "So, since you now suspect that Li Zhihua was involved in your sister’s death, why did you give up the investigation so easily back then? I inquired with the police records, and it stated that Zhan Yao’s family chose not to pursue, which concluded the case so quickly."

"My parents divorced early; I grew up with my mom, while my sister stayed with my dad. My sister’s matter was handled solely by my dad, and we weren’t informed of her passing until everything had been settled."

From Ye Qiu’s account, Jian Lifan could envision the situation in their family, indicating the root of the issue likely lay with her dad.

"Have you asked your dad about it afterward? What did he say?"

"After handling my sister’s matters, he went abroad, notifying me just through a phone call. He hasn’t returned since, so I’ve had no chance to ask him, but I discovered something during my investigation."

"What did you find?"

"His second wife is Li Zhihua’s biological aunt."

Jian Lifan now fully understood, becoming increasingly suspicious that there were indeed hidden facts surrounding Zhan Yao’s death. As a designer, he knew magnificent designers inject their thoughts into their designs. Zhan Yao’s final series, although appearing dark, nonetheless conveyed an upward and vigorous spirit. This was evident from the simple yet exquisite green and red embroidery patterns, and the overall style exuded a cool, proud demeanor, unmistakably not the work of someone disillusioned with the world.

"What do you plan to do? Your sister’s case is closed, and if your dad isn’t inclined to pursue it, it might be challenging to find compelling evidence again."

"I won’t give up," Ye Qiu asserted with steely resolve in her eyes. "I won’t spare that family either. My sister said that the Fenghua gown was a gift for me, and also mentioned that when I went to college, she would move out to live with me. I can’t let her die without justice."

"So you enrolled at A University to investigate the truth behind your sister’s death? Enrolled in Fashion Design? Worked hard to interact with Li Zhihua?"

"Yes," Ye Qiu admitted, bowing her head in shame, "Teacher Jiang, I’m sorry, I concealed the truth from you about exposing Li Zhihua and used you."

"Can you now become my disciple?" Jian Lifan asked with a smile, looking at her.

Ye Qiu widened her eyes in astonishment, "Teacher Jiang, I approached you with intentions, and yet you still want me as your disciple?"

"Though you entered this circle with intentions, you possess great talent, and you didn’t really exploit me. As a member of the fashion world, it’s my duty to expose someone like Li Zhihua. Honestly, your contribution in providing crucial evidence for the clarity of this circle is invaluable," Jian Lifan was appreciative of talents, and her and her sister’s stories further touched him. He thought if these events had happened to him, he probably wouldn’t have been as calm as Ye Qiu in exposing them.

Seeing no blame from Jian Lifan, Ye Qiu was so moved that she immediately bowed and acknowledged him as her mentor, leading to Jian Lifan’s Weibo post.

Netizens happily celebrated the occasion, with one gaining a talented student and the other apprenticing under a renowned master, a joyous event for all involved.

Yet there was more joy to come. Several celebrities, after seeing Ye Qiu’s dress designs, sent requests to borrow them, some even from leading luxury brands.

Ultimately, a top-tier film actress directly approached Jian Lifan’s studio, hoping Ye Qiu could lend or sell her the final embroidered Phoenix dress.

Selling it wasn’t something Ye Qiu planned on doing, but lending it was possible. Moreover, this actress had an outstanding reputation, with her latest film garnering both box office success and critical acclaim. She mentioned wanting to wear the gown for a red carpet award ceremony.