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?”
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.