As the end of the semester approached, Chen Lishu also entered a period of intense revision. Apart from classes, she spent most of her time in the library.
“Yuwei, what’s going on with this newspaper? They’re going too far! Look at the picture, only your side profile is visible, while Chen Lishu is captured clearly. And the text doesn’t even mention your name.”
As soon as she arrived at the classroom that day, Sun Ling, indignant, took out a newspaper and showed it to Jiang Yuwei. She hadn't paid much attention to the matter before, only discovering it by chance when she casually flipped through a newspaper on her family's desk.
They had all attended the trade fair together. Why was only Chen Lishu featured, and Jiang Yuwei wasn't even named? As a good friend, Sun Ling rushed to inform Jiang Yuwei.
Jiang Yuwei’s fingers gripping her pen tightened, then slowly loosened after a while. She stared at the book in front of her and said nonchalantly, “Forget it. It’s because she has good connections with the newspaper reporters. As long as we know the truth, it’s fine.”
She had actually seen the newspaper in Sun Ling’s hand long ago and was naturally upset. She hadn’t contributed any less than Chen Lishu and had silently endured the poor conditions. But just because she was in a bad mood and took a day off…
Jiang Yuwei’s fingers gripping her pen tightened again. If Chen Lishu hadn’t loved to show off and always wanted to be in the spotlight, she wouldn't have done what she did and been looked down upon by everyone. When had she ever suffered such grievances? Her parents had wanted to inquire about the situation after seeing the report, but she had persuaded them against it. However, she wouldn’t let this slight go unavenged; she would pay them back sooner or later.
“Good connections with the newspaper? You mean that reporter surnamed Zou?” Sun Ling felt as if she had discovered a significant secret. Seeing Jiang Yuwei nod, a malicious smile crept onto her lips.
Less than two days later, it was rumored within the class that Chen Lishu and Jiang Yuwei had attended the Yangcheng Trade Fair, but only Chen Lishu was featured. The reason was that Chen Lishu was having an ambiguous relationship with that reporter.
“You really can’t judge a book by its cover. Isn’t Chen Lishu already married? Is she doing this just for fame?”
“You don’t understand. That was the Yangcheng Trade Fair, and it was reported in the newspaper. It would be quite beneficial for future job applications. Also, I heard that the quotas for studying abroad have increased this year. Who knows when our school will be allocated spots? These are all bonus points.”
“That’s true. She’s someone without power or influence, and she’s from the countryside. Even if her academic performance is outstanding, she can’t compare to Jiang Yuwei. She has to resort to other means.”
The few girls were engrossed in their conversation, completely unaware of the group of people entering behind them.
Zhang Xue, hearing them getting more outrageous, rushed forward indignantly. With a loud bang, she slammed her hand on the table. The sudden noise startled the unprepared girls so much that they almost fell out of their seats. The scolding words they were about to utter died on their lips as they saw Chen Lishu behind Zhang Xue.
“You’re all supposed to be educated people. Are you worthy of the country’s investment in you? Your academic performance isn’t outstanding, but you’re all masters at gossiping behind people’s backs.” Zhang Xue scanned them and spoke curtly.
One girl, unwilling to back down, retorted, “Of course, we don’t have Chen Lishu’s skills. She’s good at both studying and networking.”
When women clash, and coupled with Chen Lishu’s consistent excellence in everything, some people naturally develop envy over time. They are more willing to believe what they think, which makes them feel more balanced.
“Who told you I have an improper relationship with Reporter Zou?” Chen Lishu asked, her expression calm, revealing no hint of emotion.
Since they were badmouthing someone behind their back, and now they were confronted by the person concerned, the girls were not as bold as they had been towards Zhang Xue. They all lowered their heads and remained silent.
“It’s fine if you don’t say anything. Spreading rumors about classmates, fabricating baseless stories to damage my reputation – I’ll go to the teacher right now and see how he handles this.”
“Hey, we actually heard it from Sun Ling. We were just speaking carelessly, Chen Lishu, please don’t take it to heart.”
“Lishu, let it go. They’ve realized their mistake, and we’re all classmates. There’s no need to make things too awkward,” Yang Lili whispered, trying to pacify her as she saw Chen Lishu’s displeased expression.
How could Chen Lishu not take it to heart? In this era, where marriage certificates were required even to stay in a guesthouse, and holding hands on the street would get you drowned in spit, they were slandering her with another man. Their intentions were malicious! “One is not envied only if one is mediocre. I can understand your feelings, but I believe that those who can attend university should have a decent IQ and at least the ability to distinguish right from wrong. I study well, look good, and am married to an excellent husband. Do you not find it ridiculous to suggest I would get involved with a reporter just to get into the newspaper?”
Chen Lishu looked down at the two girls, her eyes turning cold.
The girls felt ashamed under her gaze.
This was the first time Zhang Xue had seen Chen Lishu so assertive, and she looked at her with a degree of admiration.
Indeed, as she said, Chen Lishu was not only good at academics and appearance but also married to such a handsome and dashing soldier. Unless someone was blind or had water in their brain, who would think of such a thing? “Then why was your name in the newspaper, but Jiang Yuwei’s wasn’t? And that photo, your face is clear, but she only has a side profile?”
Sun Ling and Jiang Yuwei had just entered the classroom and heard Chen Lishu’s words. Ignoring Jiang Yuwei’s attempts to stop her, Sun Ling immediately stepped forward and questioned her aggressively.
“Sun Ling, if you’re still babbling, anyone with a normal mind wouldn’t ask such a childish question.”
Chen Lishu turned back, looking at Sun Ling with a smile that wasn't quite a smile. “Let’s talk about the photo first. They were candid shots, not posed. I couldn’t control who was facing forward and who was in profile. As for the names, over twenty people went this time. Do they have to list everyone’s name? As for the rest, I think giving Jiang Yuwei a simple ‘wait’ was already being very polite. Someone knows best what they’ve done. Everyone is giving you face; if you insist on throwing it on the ground, I don’t mind stepping on it with you.”
Chen Lishu said the last sentence while looking at Jiang Yuwei. She didn’t believe this was solely Sun Ling’s doing. If Jiang Yuwei hadn’t intentionally led her, how could Sun Ling be so certain?
Jiang Yuwei had remained silent since entering the room. Hearing Chen Lishu’s words, she suddenly looked up. “Chen Lishu, don’t go too far.”
“I’m going too far? Did I say anything?” Chen Lishu smiled. “We went to Yangcheng together at the time, and we lived and ate together. You know the specific situation best. Why don’t you tell everyone what exactly my relationship with Zou Liang is?”