Chapter 138
Chapter 138 - Attack
Even though Ye Hao hadn't known Tang Pianpian for very long, he was certain of her character. Therefore, he was convinced that the photos circulating on the forum were fakes.
”Has this caused a lot of trouble?” Ye Hao inquired.
“Tang Pianpian is considered the belle of Riverdale College. The rumors of her dating you upset some of the guys, but it wasn't serious enough for them to resort to defamation,” Zhang Lan explained gravely. “However, now that there are photos circulating of her with several boys, her reputation among them has been completely destroyed. As a result, they've been relentlessly smearing her on the forum.”
“I'm aware of the situation,” Ye Hao replied, ending the call. He immediately rang Ning Xuan.
“What's got you calling me out of the blue?”
“I need a favor.”
“Go ahead.”
Ye Hao briefed her on Tang Pianpian's predicament.
“What exactly do you need from me?” Ning Xuan's tone grew icy.
A woman's reputation is at stake when she's maligned in such a manner.
“I'm aware that you're a special consultant for the National Intelligence Department, so I was hoping you might have contacts within the Internet Supervision Department.”
Fifteen minutes after their conversation, a new post appeared on the Riverdale College forum's homepage. The administrator had pinned the post, which provided a technical restoration of the photos in question. It was then that the students realized they had been duped, as the original photos were revealed. They had no choice but to accept the truth.
A line was added beneath the post, serving as a stark reminder: The Internet is not a lawless realm.
While the students were still processing this, a bombshell dropped at the University of Weyphia. The Internet Supervision Department, after careful investigation, identified and tracked down the individuals behind the malicious posts. Subsequently, Zhong Sifang, Meng Yongyan, Han Bin, Nianping, and Guo Zhi were apprehended by the Public Security Department.
This development sent a wave of shock through the student body, who never anticipated such serious consequences for their online actions.
”All five of these individuals bore a grudge against Ye Hao.”
“Who would have imagined that simply posting online could lead to police intervention?”
The internet has given many the freedom to express their opinions, but we must act with morality. Shouldn't someone who defames a girl face consequences?
“I seem to recall that I defamed her as well. I need to find and delete those posts.”
“Is my goddess just someone that people can defame at will?”
“I remember you were the one defaming her before.”
“What are you talking about?”
When the forum exposed the accounts of Zhong Sifang and others, along with the links to the posts slandering Tang Pianpian, they were struck by a crucial question: Who created the fake photos of Tang Pianpian and several boys at the hotel? That person was the real mastermind.
Seeing the situation with Tang Pianpian settle down on the forum, Zhang Lan couldn't help but smile. She was aware of the close relationship between Tang Pianpian and Ye Hao, but she didn't want Ye Hao to be distressed by the ordeal.
“Everything has finally come to an end,” Zhang Lan murmured.
“Yes, it's over,” Bai Hehua replied, lying in bed.
“Bai Hehua, who do you think was behind those photos?” Zhang Lan asked with curiosity. “The police say the person's skills are top-notch, akin to a master's.”
“I have no idea,” Bai Hehua responded, just as her phone began to ring.
Seeing an unfamiliar number, a look of anxiety crossed her plump face.
“Bai Hehua, aren't you going to answer that?” Zhang Lan asked, puzzled.
Taking a deep breath, Bai Hehua pressed the answer button.
“Bai Hehua, it's me.”
“Ye Hao?” Bai Hehua gasped in surprise.
“Why did you Photoshop Pianpian's photos?” Bai Hehua froze upon hearing this. She hadn't anticipated the police would trace it back to her.
The thought of being taken away by the police sent her into a panic. In a flustered voice, she confessed, “Yes, I altered Tang Pianpian's photos with software because that was the only way I thought I could have you.”
Ye Hao was equally taken aback by this revelation.
Bai Hehua had feelings for him?
With a heavy sigh, Ye Hao said, “Do you realize the impact your actions have had on Pianpian? Can you even imagine what she's been through today?”
“I don't want to know, and I don't need to know. All I know is that I like you,” Bai Hehua declared emphatically.
“You're being too selfish,” Ye Hao said before abruptly ending the call.
Once the line went dead, tears streamed down Bai Hehua's cheeks.
It was then that she noticed Zhang Lan standing before her, her face etched with astonishment.
Zhang Lan stared at Bai Hehua, her expression one of disbelief.
For a moment, Bai Hehua was at a loss for words.
“Liking someone shouldn't be like this. Your love is too extreme, too domineering,” Zhang Lan spoke calmly. “But don't worry too much. I'll have a proper talk with Ye Hao.”
With that, Zhang Lan left the room.
She returned shortly after.
“Ye Hao said he doesn't want anything like this to happen again,” Zhang Lan relayed, causing Bai Hehua's heart to sink with dread.
Her hysteria was born out of fear.
Bai Hehua certainly didn't want to be taken away in public. If that happened, her decade of effort would be for naught, and her reputation would be tarnished beyond repair.
“Tang Pianpian has dropped out of school,” Zhang Lan announced.
Bai Hehua's face paled. “Has this situation affected Tang Pianpian that much?”
“Put yourself in her shoes. If it were you, do you think you could continue at Riverdale College?” Zhang Lan asked, her tone edged with irritation.
Bai Hehua opened her mouth to respond but found herself speechless.
At the police station, Zhong Sifang, Meng Yongyan, and three other students were confronted by the head of the school's administrative office.
“You all have made a grave mistake,” the administrator said, his voice heavy with disappointment.
Zhong Sifang and the others bowed their heads in shame, having not foreseen the consequences of their actions.
”Sir, are we at risk of being expelled?” Zhong Sifang inquired tentatively.
“If you can secure Tang Pianpian's forgiveness, the police will be lenient,” the administrator mused. “If the police handle this according to the regulations, the school won't expel you.”
“We'll reach out to Tang Pianpian immediately,” Meng Yongyan and the others promised, eager to make amends.
“No need,” Ye Hao said as he approached.
Upon seeing Ye Hao, the director was struck by an uneasy feeling.
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