The Whispers and the Web

Friday, a day imbued with hope.

At Wenlu Academy, Friday symbolized the final stretch before the weekend holiday, promising a bright respite once the day was endured.

Yet, for Jiang Li, this particular Friday had unexpectedly become exceptionally difficult to bear.

She couldn’t quite grasp what was happening, only noticing that ever since she entered the classroom, her classmates kept casting strange glances her way.

Given Jiang Li’s reserved nature, she wouldn’t proactively inquire, forcing her to suppress the burgeoning confusion within her.

However, the situation only escalated.

Not only were people staring at her with peculiar expressions, but they were also whispering amongst themselves, their words indistinct.

Just as Jiang Li’s patience began to fray, she and Xi Yao were summoned together to the homeroom teacher’s office.

The homeroom teacher’s office was a private room, not particularly spacious, but more than ample for accommodating a few people.

Xi Yao, without a hint of hesitation, settled into a chair opposite the desk.

“Lao Ban (TL Note: A common informal term for ‘homeroom teacher’ in Chinese schools), we heard you were looking for us?” she asked.

Lao Ban’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

Jiang Li had initially intended to sit, but seeing Lao Ban’s expression, she remained standing.

“Never mind, you sit down too,” Lao Ban eventually instructed her.

“I called you both here today because I have a question.”

Xi Yao sat upright, adopting a demure posture, and replied, “Please ask, Lao Ban.”

Jiang Li also took a seat beside her.

Lao Ban’s gaze swept over the two girls, and after a moment of contemplation, she slowly inquired, “Are you two… dating?”

“What?!”

Xi Yao recoiled in shock, leaning back in her chair. “Of course not! Lao Ban, why would you ask such a thing?”

Jiang Li mirrored her surprise; though she uttered no words, her face clearly conveyed, ‘What on earth are you talking about?’

Lao Ban observed them carefully, a flicker of understanding crossing her features.

“I see,” she stated, her tone shifting. “In that case, I hope you both won’t be swayed by outside interference.”

“Instead, focus diligently on your studies.”

Xi Yao blinked blankly.

“Alright, you may both return to class now,” Lao Ban said, waving a dismissive hand.

Upon leaving the office, Xi Yao scratched her head in confusion.

“What exactly happened today? It was so bizarre. Jiang Li, do you have any idea?”

Jiang Li appeared pensive but offered no words, simply walking back with her head down.

“Hey, wait for me! Don’t walk so fast!” Xi Yao called out, hurrying to catch up.

Returning to the classroom, the strange glances persisted, accompanied by even more uninhibited whispers.

This time, Jiang Li finally managed to discern the content of their hushed conversations:

“Look at her, look at them. It must be true.”

“Leaving together, returning together. Ugh.”

“I didn’t believe those things on the forum initially, but seeing this situation… I can only say that not all rumors are baseless.”

“You really can’t judge a book by its cover, or perhaps all geniuses have their quirks?”

The forum…

A sudden realization struck Jiang Li; she quickly pulled out her phone and navigated to the campus forum, where a full page of posts immediately confronted her:

[Shocking! The Second-Year Top Student and Her Busty Roommate Share *This* Kind of Relationship!]

[Cold and Unapproachable, Barely Speaking a Word to Others, Yet Inseparable from Her Deskmate?]

[Unveiling the Secrets of Second-Year Top Student Jiang Li! Prepare to Be Astounded!]

[Classes, Meals, Dorm, Sleep, Shower – Inseparable. What Kind of Relationship Do You Think They Have?]

[According to eyewitnesses in the girls’ dorm bathhouse, Jiang Li and her busty roommate used the same shower stall, bathed together, and left together. They couldn’t be any more glued at the hip!]

[The Seemingly Strong-Willed Top Student is Actually a Love-Struck Fool Who Can’t Function Without Her Roommate?]

What, this, why.

Jiang Li’s mind exploded with a sudden roar, her ears ringing.

****

At Wenlu Academy’s high school division, within a teahouse nestled beside the ornamental pond, several students leisurely sipped their tea.

The leading girl, a hint of shadow across her face, inquired, “Is everything taken care of?”

“It’s all handled, Sister Yun,” a person beside her quickly assured.

“We contacted a few veterans on the forums and some individuals to spread the word in real life. You can rest assured.”

Yun Caiyi scoffed. “Of course, they’ll handle it reliably when paid. I spent a considerable sum, after all.”

“Indeed, with Sister Yun’s intervention, the position of president is as good as yours,” the other person flattered.

“Now, the only one who could potentially threaten you is too preoccupied to even consider it.”

“Hmph, naturally. After spending so much, do you think I’d let a second-year student snatch it away?” Yun Caiyi took a sip of tea.

“Juniors should know their place and observe how their seniors gain experience.”

“Exactly, Sister Yun,” the subordinate agreed.

“Just one more month, and then we’ll close the net and secure it!”

Amidst the flattery of her subordinates, Yun Caiyi couldn’t help but feel a little complacent.

However, she quickly regained her composure, her brow furrowing. “Still, we need to keep a close eye on things. Not a moment can be relaxed.”

A month was still a long time; delays could lead to complications.

If only the election could be announced this weekend, just like the university division.

****

Back in their dorm room, the two girls finally pieced together the situation.

“What should we do, Xi Yao?” Jiang Li asked, biting her lip.

“Why do they all think that? Do I… do I really act like a…?”

The girl was agitated, losing her usual composure.

“Don’t panic, don’t rush,” Xi Yao soothed, then calmly analyzed.

“So many posts suddenly appeared in such a short time, and so many people are talking about it in real life. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s clearly someone orchestrating a smear campaign.”

Jiang Li grew even more anxious, a hint of grievance in her voice. “But I haven’t offended anyone! I barely spoke to anyone last year!”

“Just calm down for a moment, I…”

As Xi Yao offered comfort, the dorm’s broadcast system suddenly crackled to life:

[Students, please prepare for the student council’s routine dorm inspection. Kindly tidy your rooms, ensure no small items are left haphazardly, and place your student IDs on your desks, awaiting the student council…]

‘A routine dorm inspection?’

It seemed there was such a thing, especially since it was Friday, marking the start of the weekend holiday.

Xi Yao and Jiang Li temporarily set aside their previous conversation and began tidying their belongings.

With ample personnel, the student council members quickly ascended to the fifth floor.

Several girls in uniform entered the dorm room, surveying their surroundings.

One of the girls, holding a list, asked, “Jiang Li and Xi Yao?”

“That’s right,” Xi Yao nodded.

The girl turned and spoke a few words outside, and soon, a senior with golden hair stepped inside.

Xi Yao’s eyes lit up, and she couldn’t help but think to herself, ‘What a beautiful girl!’

She possessed silky golden hair, a tall figure, and a proud physique that had developed far beyond her peers, even beneath her uniform.

Her long, slender legs were clad in white stockings, the cuffs adorned with a delicate lace trim.

“You all may leave first,” she commanded the other girls as soon as she entered.

Every step, every gesture, exuded an aura of ‘elegance.’

This was the most aristocratic-looking beautiful girl Xi Yao had seen since her rebirth.

After the others departed, she gently closed the door and turned to face Xi Yao and Jiang Li.

“A pleasure to meet you both. Allow me to introduce myself,” the golden-haired girl stated gracefully.

“I am Aileen, the Permanent Secretary-General of the Student Council.”