Chapter 102: Attempted Rumors
Jiang Chuchu tapped on the table. “Calm down. This is just a preliminary inference. It still needs further confirmation.”
However, deep down, she believed that this inference was very likely correct.
According to the logic of those four people, Class 3 was praised because the entire class’s performance improved quickly, with a high average score.
If they could prove that Class 3’s results were problematic, then Class 3 would be dragged to the bottom.
Moreover, in terms of individual scores, many students in Class 3 had very similar scores across different subjects.
Since the students were seated in separate exam rooms, it was impossible for them to collaborate in cheating, so they would have to use another method to frame them.
—First, Class 3 allegedly obtained the test papers and answers in advance.
As for why they didn’t get full marks, it could be explained that some questions were too difficult to memorize the answers.
Of course, to Jiang Chuchu, this was a complete joke.
Qin Yue sat back in his seat, fuming.
“In any case, we continue to gather information about their plan,” Jiang Chuchu said, rubbing her temples. “I’ll report the situation to the homeroom teacher.”
“Actually, isn’t it easy to clear up this kind of slander? Just do better on the next exam,” Xie Xiangxue suggested.
“The next major exam isn’t until the end of the term, around mid-January. Because of the December Christmas party, both students and teachers need to prepare performances, so the next monthly exam was canceled,” Jiang Chuchu explained.
“Debunking rumors is all about timing. Celebrities trend on social media over three hundred days a year, with countless fans helping to explain things, yet many ordinary people still believe the rumors. What chance do students like us have?”
“If it drags on too long, the entire school will form a negative impression of Class 3 as ‘cheaters,’ and that would be terrible.”
“Then what if we prove it by doing a test on the spot?” asked Xu Xinghe.
Ming Xiaolan vetoed the idea: “No, this isn’t just about one or two people. Last time everyone scored so well purely by coincidence; doing it again might not have the same effect.”
This is the so-called self-proof trap.
When others are suspicious, anything can be questioned. But for the accused to defend themselves is extremely difficult.
Class 3 involved many people, so self-proof would be even more troublesome.
More importantly, these were scores they had worked hard to earn—why should they be doubted?
Jiang Chuchu frowned, replayed Jiang Youwei’s teachings in her mind, took a deep breath, and calmly said: “We won’t prove ourselves. We’ll just fight back directly.”
“If someone accuses us of cheating, just scold them!” Jiang Chuchu slammed the blackboard, her tone becoming fierce. “Say they’re jealous, that they’re trying to drag others down because their own studies are poor.”
“If the accuser has good grades, throw the question back at them. Ask if they suspect the test setter leaked the answers, and drag them to the teacher’s office to argue directly.”
“If that doesn’t work, rebound the accusation: directly accuse the other party. Use phrases like, ‘Just because you cheated doesn’t mean we did too,’ forcing them to prove themselves.”
“You can even treat the whole thing as a joke,” Gu Qinghuan interjected. “Laugh a little first, then look at them with pity and say, ‘If thinking that makes you feel better, go ahead.’ This tactic works best with outsiders present—the more people who hear it, the better.”
“This is good!” Xu Yue jumped up immediately—he loved this kind of dismissive attitude!
“Everyone bring recording equipment,” Jiang Chuchu reminded them. “When a third party gets involved, it will prove that they started it.”
Everyone nodded: the strategy was simple—fight back! If they wanted to make a scene, Class 3 would make it bigger.
Jiang Chuchu then made some adjustments to individual assignments, and everyone continued working.
When Chen Zelin heard Jiang Chuchu’s latest report, his hair almost stood on end in anger: “What kind of people are these?!”
Did they know how hard his students had been studying? The kids had suffered a great injustice!
[We’ve already discussed how to handle it and wanted to inform you so you have an idea.] Jiang Chuchu typed.
Chen Zelin acknowledged and hesitated for a few seconds before asking: [Do you need me to do anything?]
Jiang Chuchu replied: [Uh, just keep an eye on your phone?]
If it came to confronting the teachers directly, homeroom teacher Chen Zelin would need to back them up. This would also allow Class 3 students to remove themselves from the conflict, shifting it to Chen Zelin and Shen Mingzhe.
So Chen Zelin had to ensure he could respond immediately, ideally dragging Shen Mingzhe along.
Chen Zelin: …feeling a bit helpless.
He pinned the chat with Gu Qinghuan and Jiang Chuchu to the top, enabled message notifications with vibration, and put on his smartwatch to ensure he’d know instantly.
It had to be said—Yang Xiao and the others were reckless.
Just like before, when they impulsively ran to Class 3 to spray the blackboard, this time they thought framing for cheating was a good idea. They inquired about the test setter and tried to post rumors on the school forum.
However, the post wouldn’t go through. After multiple attempts, their account was banned for a week.
Forum admin: “No clear evidence. Do not spread rumors.”
They were furious, wanting to smash their phones.
The school forum was managed by the Student Council’s publicity department. Gu Qinghuan had already arranged in advance so that such posts wouldn’t be published.
There were three forum admins; this time, the contact was a senior student in the same grade.
Senior: “You guessed right—they did try to post. I’ve already muted them for seven days.”
Gu Qinghuan: “Thanks, senior!”
Senior: “No problem. That snack you recommended last time was good. If you have more, send them next time.”
Gu Qinghuan immediately sent four product links, put her phone away, and continued studying quietly.
Seeing the forum blocked, Yang Xiao and the others turned to submit to the Mingde confession wall instead.
Confession wall: “Dear, this submission is rejected—suspected of spreading rumors. We don’t want the wall banned [crying emoji].”
A senior in the third grade nodded approvingly and messaged Bao Qingsong: “Done.”
Bao Qingsong replied immediately: “Thanks, senior!”
Senior: “No problem. I’ll be leaving at the end of this semester, and the confession wall will be handed over to you.”
Bao Qingsong: “Okay! I’ll take good care of it!”
Unable to act online, Yang Xiao and the others would have to resort to offline methods.
Class 3 students rubbed their hands in anticipation. If it weren’t for wanting to avoid seeming too deliberate, they would have gone straight to confront Yang Xiao and the others.
Opportunities to settle scores face-to-face were rare. Miss this chance, and it might never come again!
“Who goes first?” Jiang Chuchu glanced around.
The students all raised their hands excitedly; Jiang Chuchu could barely look at them.
Finally, she thought for a moment and pointed: “Xie Xiangxue, you go.”
Other students might not know Yang Xiao and the others, but Hong Yi and Cui Loulan certainly knew Xie Xiangxue. Previously, Yan Zhengqing had brought them to Class 3 to pick a fight.
Xie Xiangxue understood Jiang Chuchu’s intention. She hesitated briefly, then nodded firmly: “Okay, leave it to me!”
It was perfect timing—she also wanted to settle the score from last time!
