Courtyard House: Drunk and tipsy, the whole courtyard exposed at the start.

Yang Yibai's smile froze on her face.

Old Zhou continued, "This collaboration was facilitated by Changchun Film Studio, lyricist and composer Zhang Dabiao, and our school. The specific requirements for the choral version are clearly stated in the contract, in black and white."

He pointed to a spot on the contract with his finger.

The end credits state: Chorus version, Department of Music Performance, Beijing Art Academy. Lead singer: Mu Wanqing. Original singer: Mu Wanqing. Lyrics and music: Zhang Dabiao.

Old Zhou read the words aloud, one word at a time, then raised his head and looked directly at Yang Yibai.

"These are the contract terms, and they are legally binding. The lead singer is student Mu Wanqing, who was jointly appointed by Changchun Film Studio and Comrade Zhang Dabiao, and was also agreed upon by our school when signing the contract. Therefore, there is no room for any 'negotiation'."

The color drained from Yang Yibai's face in an instant.

She couldn't believe her ears. From childhood to adulthood, whether in the compound or at school, everyone around her would fawn over her and flatter her whenever she spoke. When had she ever been so decisively and openly rejected to her face?

Her voice rose an octave uncontrollably, trembling sharply: "Why?! Director Zhou, I'm the school's pillar!"

"In every major performance representing the school, which one wasn't me? Mu Wanqing... what makes her better than me? Is it just because she has an affair with Zhang Dabiao? This is using her position for personal gain!"

"presumptuous!"

Old Zhou slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. Although he was just a clerical worker, the imposing aura he exuded at that moment made Yang Yibai tremble with fear.

"Yang Yibai! Watch your words!" Old Zhou's face darkened completely, his gaze sharp as a knife. "What do you mean by 'using public office for private gain'? The lyricist and composer of the song 'Ode to Heroes' is Comrade Zhang Dabiao, and the original singer is Comrade Mu Wanqing. They appointed the original singer as the lead singer for the chorus version—it's perfectly reasonable, justifiable, and legal! What's the problem?"

"This collaboration isn't just a school arts performance; it's a formal project with a national-level film studio! Everything must be done according to the rules and the contract! The contract is the absolute rule!"

"This is a matter of collective honor for the school, not a stage for you to show off! If you can't understand this, it only shows that your ideological awareness needs improvement!"

Old Zhou pointed to the door, his tone leaving no room for argument: "This matter ends here. You can leave now; I have work to do."

In Yang Yibai's view, every stroke of the calligraphy and painting with the words "Teaching and Educating People" hanging on the office wall was now full of irony.

She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, causing a sharp pain. But this pain was nothing compared to the humiliation and frustration she felt at that moment.

The humiliation of being rejected, the embarrassment of being reprimanded in public, and the bewilderment of the sudden loss of her previously invincible "privilege" felt like two cold, large hands gripping her throat, leaving her speechless.

She felt like a peacock displaying its feathers in front of everyone, only to be pointed at and told that her feathers were fake, and then mercilessly plucked them off one by one.

Yang Yibai suddenly stood up, the chair legs scraping against the ground with a piercing shriek.

She glared at Director Zhou with a look full of resentment and bitterness, then turned and stormed out of the office without a word.

Outside the door, several girls who were following her were so frightened by her appearance that they didn't dare to breathe and quickly followed behind her.

Yang Yibai walked quickly down the corridor, her small leather shoes clicking rapidly on the terrazzo floor, as if venting the anger that had nowhere to go in her heart.

All the students who walked towards her felt her icy aura that kept strangers at bay, and they all gave way.

Since the school route is not an option...

Since the rules and the contract are both biased towards that despicable couple...

Then don't blame me for not following the rules!

A crazy idea sprouted in Yang Yibai's mind, which was burning red with jealousy.

Zhang Dabiao... Mu Wanqing...

You just wait!

------------

As Yang Yibai left the department head's office, the fire in her chest not only didn't die down, but burned even brighter.

She rushed out of the office building and arrived at the playground. Everyone around her turned to look at her, but when they saw her gloomy face, which looked like it could drip water, they were all frightened and quickly looked away.

"Yibai, what's wrong? Director Zhou... didn't agree?" a follower asked cautiously.

Yang Yibai didn't answer, but squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: "Where is Mu Wanqing?"

"She went straight home after her singing practice. You know, she doesn't really hang out with us."

"Where are Zhao Weiguo and the others?"

Zhao Weiguo, the class monitor, also came from a family with ties to the Yang family.

"The class monitor... should be playing ball with someone over on the playground."

The younger brother of the family lives close to the school. During summer vacation, he likes to go out and wander around, go fishing, or play ball at school. He also goes to the music room or karaoke room to chat with the female classmates who stay on campus during the summer. They happen to be there today.

"Call him here! And Liu Yuanchao and Zhu Hongqi too! Tell them I have an urgent matter!" Yang Yibai's voice was cold and hard, brooking no argument.

Liu Yuanchao is the Youth League branch secretary, and Zhu Hongqi is the life committee member. These three are the core cadres of the class and the backbone of the children of the compound in the class.

Soon, Zhao Weiguo and his two companions, who were covered in sweat, were summoned over.

"Yibai, what's the matter that's so urgent? I was halfway through playing this game..." Zhao Weiguo asked while wiping his sweat.

Yang Yibai stood up, glanced at the three of them, and got straight to the point: "Come with me."

"Where are we going?" Zhu Hongqi asked, looking completely bewildered.

"Courtyard No. 95".

The moment those three words were uttered, the expressions on Zhao Weiguo's and the other two's faces changed instantly.

"What...what are you going there for?" Zhao Weiguo stammered, his smile freezing on his face.

No. 95 Courtyard, Zhang Dabiao!

This name is now practically a taboo in their circle of children from high-ranking military compounds.

Last time, Zhang Mingyuan and Tian Yiming from the Fine Arts Department were "exiled" to Saihanba to dig sand and plant trees because they offended this guy.

From then on, an unwritten rule circulated in their circle: it's better to mess with Chief Chen of the police station than to mess with Zhang Dabiao of No. 95 Courtyard.

"Yi Bai, calm down!" Zhao Weiguo was the first to react. He grabbed Yang Yi Bai's arm, his face full of trouble. "I know you're upset, but this matter... can we discuss it further? Zhang Da Biao is not someone to be trifled with! Really not someone to be trifled with!"

"Yes, Sister Yibai," the Youth League secretary, Liu Yuanchao, was almost in tears. He inwardly groaned, "My goodness, have you lost your mind? That's a formidable woman who can take on seventeen men single-handedly! She dared to predict the deaths of Kennedy and Nehru in front of the entire compound, and she was right every time!"

"Are we going to break up your fight or just throw our lives at him? It's true your dad is a leader, but Zhang Dabiao holds positions in several departments, and even the head of the foreign trade department protects him. Your dad can't control him!"

Most importantly—

We really can't beat him!