“Alright, I’ve said it before, I’ve already broken off the engagement with Zhao Yao,” Chen Anlin said, frowning. He continued, “Now, spread the word that Xiao Chen harbors demonic entities and is entangled with Zhao Yao…”
He wanted to stir negative public opinion against Xiao Chen.
“Haha, Brother Chen, there’s no need for me to say anything; this is already the talk of the town,” Wang Dahu laughed as he pulled out a copy of the Great Zhou Daily from his storage pouch.
The Great Zhou Dynasty’s newspapers were widely circulated. While newspapers might seem out of place in this otherworldly setting, they weren’t unheard of—even during ancient times on Earth, similar forms of publications had existed, such as during the Tang Dynasty.
Chen Anlin glanced at the headlines:
“Shocking! The Truth Behind the Broken Engagement: A Third Party?”
“Scandalous! Chen Family’s Devoted Young Master Is Allegedly... Inadequate?”
“Rejected by His Fiancée for a Pauper: The Tragic Tale of the Chen Scion.”
“Thousands of Girls Rally for Justice for the Heartbroken Young Master, Besieging the Zhao Family Estate.”
Chen Anlin’s eye twitched. “The authors of these articles must’ve reincarnated from Earth as sensationalist tabloid writers!”
He activated his Heavenly Eye Orb, allowing him to listen to the gossip among the academy students.
“Who would’ve thought Xiao Chen could charm Zhao Yao? Isn’t she engaged?”
“Chen Anlin is clearly more outstanding. What’s Zhao Yao thinking, juggling two men at once?”
“If Chen Anlin pursued me instead, I wouldn’t play hard to get,” a female student sighed wistfully.
“But seriously, Zhao Yao’s playing with fire by sticking with Xiao Chen when he’s harboring demons.”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
---
Ding!
“Xiao Chen and Zhao Yao’s reputations have taken a hit. 500 Luck Points acquired.”
Chen Anlin grinned. He hadn’t even needed to lift a finger to spread rumors; the public had done it for him.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chen and Zhao Yao were hiding out with Teacher Zhou Tong, unable to face the public.
That morning, Zhao Yao had explained to Xiao Chen that Su Menghan was the real informant, clearing up their misunderstandings. Feeling elated, Xiao Chen had even picked wildflowers for Zhao Yao by the lake.
But as they entered the academy, students greeted them with strange looks. Only after reading the newspaper did they realize the gravity of the situation. Embarrassed, they sought refuge in Zhou Tong’s office.
“Teacher, this is all Chen Anlin’s doing! That scoundrel is despicable!” Xiao Chen fumed, his anger threatening to explode.
His reputation as a principled and determined man was now in shambles.
Zhao Yao, her eyes red and swollen, clearly had been crying. “Why is this happening to me? My family only accepted his gifts out of courtesy, yet now we’re accused of wrongdoing?”
Even her family’s business dealings were falling apart, leaving her father’s position as head of the family in jeopardy.
---
“I’ll confront Chen Anlin!” Zhou Tong declared, slamming her desk.
“Teacher, let me go with you,” Xiao Chen said with a menacing glint in his eye.
---
Chen Anlin, meanwhile, was reading the newspaper, which also carried news about northern border conflicts with barbarians.
“Chen Anlin!”
A clear, feminine voice rang out.
“Teacher Zhou? What brings you here?” Chen Anlin asked.
Zhou Tong, dressed in flowing robes, looked both dignified and imposing. Her figure, however, drew attention as it swayed with her movements.
“I see you’ve read the papers,” Zhou Tong said.
“Indeed,” Chen Anlin replied nonchalantly.
“Then I’ll get straight to the point. I know about the situation between you and Xiao Chen. He doesn’t harbor demons, and the rumors about him and Zhao Yao are baseless. These allegations have caused them immense harm. I urge you to clarify the matter and put an end to this.”
“How can you be so sure it’s baseless?” Chen Anlin retorted, smiling coldly.
“I know Xiao Chen’s character. He’s upright and destined for greatness. You shouldn’t tarnish his reputation,” Zhou Tong replied.
“So, it’s acceptable for him to tarnish mine?”
“Enough, Chen Anlin! Don’t make me lose all respect for you. Everyone knows you’re the one orchestrating this smear campaign!” Zhou Tong accused.
Chen Anlin sighed. Truthfully, while he had intended to spread rumors, the situation had spiraled on its own—proof that public perception was astute.
“You seem biased, Teacher Zhou. Xiao Chen’s faults are ignored, while I’m vilified? You’re unfit to teach,” Chen Anlin said dismissively.
“Even if Xiao Chen made mistakes, you aren’t blameless either,” Zhou Tong argued, her voice rising with emotion.
“Blameless? How exactly am I at fault?”
“You use your wealth to coerce others, forcing gifts onto Zhao Yao. Isn’t that abuse of power?” Zhou Tong countered.
“Forget it. Leave,” Chen Anlin said, waving her off.
“Clarify the rumors in the papers! If you do, I guarantee Xiao Chen will repay you someday,” Zhou Tong insisted.
“I don’t need his charity,” Chen Anlin scoffed.
Frustrated, Zhou Tong couldn’t understand how Chen Anlin had changed so drastically after the broken engagement.
Finally, Chen Anlin smirked. “I’ll clarify on one condition: Xiao Chen kneels before me and begs. Then, I’ll consider it.”
“That’s impossible!” Zhou Tong exclaimed. “His pride and martial spirit would be shattered!”
Zhao Yao, unable to hold back any longer, burst into the room. “You’ve ruined my reputation, Chen Anlin! You’ve gone too far!”
“And what will you do about it?” Chen Anlin asked, unfazed.
“Chen Anlin, you’ve sealed your fate!” Xiao Chen declared, stepping forward with fury in his eyes.
---
To be continued...