Jiang Yuekai didn't believe it. "It's definitely impossible. As long as you take the initiative, no one won't be moved." This was probably the highest compliment.
Lin Jingchu was silent for a moment. "Are you too?"
Jiang Yuekai didn't think seriously, taking it as a joke. She said without hesitation, "Of course."
Lin Jingchu saw she wasn't serious and didn't dwell on the matter.
The rumors continued to circulate in the department, and Qin Wen showed no intention of apologizing for days.
That afternoon, the School of Economics and Management happened to have a lecture, which everyone in the school attended in the university's auditorium.
Chen Ao, the Vice President of the Student Union, was responsible for the lecture's coordination. After discussing with Lin Jingchu, they decided to clarify Jiang Yuekai's situation before the lecture began.
Chen Ao was, of course, extremely supportive. However, Jiang Yuekai was unaware of this plan. Before the lecture started, she was a bit surprised to see Lin Jingchu go on stage.
The reactions of others were similar to Jiang Yuekai's. What Lin Jingchu said next was even more astonishing: "I'll take up everyone's time for a moment. Regarding some malicious remarks that have been circulating in the School of Economics and Management recently, I'd like to take this opportunity to clarify."
"First, I want to apologize to Yuekai. This matter started because of me."
The audience immediately began to whisper. They had all heard the rumors, but how could it have started because of him?
Wasn't it because Jiang Yuekai was too promiscuous and got caught?
Unlike the discussing crowd, Qin Wen's face turned pale, her palms almost bleeding from being pinched.
Although Lin Jingchu had warned her that morning to apologize, she hadn't considered that path. Without evidence proving she was responsible, why should she admit it?
If she admitted it, wouldn't she become a laughingstock of the department?
But she hadn't expected Lin Jingchu to be so ruthless!
Lin Jingchu stood on the stage, bending closer to the microphone, and continued, "Classmate Qin Wen is Yuekai's roommate. She asked Yuekai to help her pursue me before, but Yuekai refused. Qin Wen held a grudge and spread these rumors to maliciously slander her."
As soon as he said this, those who knew Qin Wen looked at her. Qin Wen's face flushed and paled. The gazes of the crowd made her feel utterly ashamed.
"Qin Wen likes Senior Lin?"
"Did Qin Wen really do it? Is she sick? Jiang Yuekai is so wronged!"
"I get it, it's jealousy! Jiang Yuekai has good grades and is beautiful, so she's unbalanced!"
Discussions and mockery, every word fell into Qin Wen's ears.
She had always cared about what others thought of her. Hearing these discussions, she broke down. She covered her ears and stood up, looking in Jiang Yuekai's direction, and screamed, "Jiang Yuekai, why are you doing this to me?"
Although Jiang Yuekai hadn't expected Lin Jingchu to speak so openly, she didn't think Lin Jingchu had gone too far. Hearing Qin Wen's questioning, Jiang Yuekai found it somewhat amusing.
She also stood up, her posture composed. "What have I done to you? Elaborate."
Her question stumped Qin Wen. She truly couldn't say what Jiang Yuekai had done to her because Jiang Yuekai had never taken her seriously.
The other two roommates, who were close to Qin Wen, stood up to defend her. "Qin Wen did the wrong thing, but do you have to retaliate against her in this setting? She can apologize to you privately!"
"Exactly, Qin Wen has apologized. Jiang Yuekai, don't be too much of a bully."
"Apologize my foot!" Zhou Nian also stood up. "She apologized? If this hadn't blown up, she wouldn't have admitted to spreading the rumors!"
Jiang Yuekai wasn't as angry as Zhou Nian. She looked at the dejected Qin Wen and asked her, "How does it feel to be pointed at by everyone?"
Qin Wen couldn't answer, but like everyone present, she suddenly understood. What she was experiencing now was exactly what Jiang Yuekai had gone through recently.
The difference was that Qin Wen had spread rumors about Jiang Yuekai, while what Lin Jingchu said were facts. Everyone was just speaking the truth and commenting on Qin Wen, and she couldn't handle it.
Jiang Yuekai said, "I don't care what others say about me. My value won't change because of their evaluations, but I don't accept any form of rumor-mongering. Spreading rumors about a girl's private life is the most despicable behavior."
What happened before this lecture was more exciting than the lecture itself.
Qin Wen, unable to bear the shock, couldn't continue listening to the lecture and left in tears. Her other two roommates followed her out.
Zhou Nian sat down, drank some water, and said to Jiang Yuekai, "Senior Lin is really supportive. Qin Wen brought it upon herself. Let's see if she dares to speak carelessly again."
Jiang Yuekai chatted with Zhou Nian for a few sentences and then sent a WeChat message to Lin Jingchu: "Thank you."
Although Lin Jingchu was very accomplished, he wasn't someone who liked to be in the spotlight, so Jiang Yuekai cherished his effort.
After thanking him, Jiang Yuekai felt that their relationship was too formal, so she added, "You looked so handsome just now~"
Lin Jingchu's lips curved up when he saw the message.
Jiang Yuekai didn't pay much attention to the lecture, her mind replaying the scene of Lin Jingchu speaking on stage, her heart beating a little faster...
It was strange, like the feeling of falling in love. When she looked at Lin Jingchu before, she also thought he was handsome, but she didn't have this feeling.
Zhou Nian saw Jiang Yuekai zoning out and, as if reading her mind, asked with a grin, "Are you still immersed in Senior Lin's handsomeness and can't extricate yourself?"
Jiang Yuekai readily admitted, "Yes."
Zhou Nian then asked, "Are you smitten?"
Jiang Yuekai couldn't answer. The idea of having feelings for Lin Jingchu was a very new concept in her world.
Zhou Nian was very curious. "You and Senior Lin have been childhood friends for so many years, and he's so handsome. Have you really never been smitten?"
At Zhou Nian's question, Jiang Yuekai suddenly remembered the incident last time when she was frothing milk at Lin Jingchu's house. Recalling that brief physical contact, her face suddenly turned red, including her earlobes.
Zhou Nian acted as if she had discovered a new continent. "Damn, Yuekai, your face is red!"
Jiang Yuekai pressed her hand, "Keep your voice down!"
"You like Senior Lin, don't you? I told you, with such a handsome guy around, who wouldn't be smitten." Zhou Nian encouraged Jiang Yuekai, "Hurry up, you two should start dating."
Jiang Yuekai was amused and exasperated. "I need to confirm it first."
Her feelings for Lin Jingchu were different from her feelings for Gu Jiang before.
With Gu Jiang, her feelings started from admiration. She thought Gu Jiang had a good personality, was mature, and they could talk well. After evaluating these conditions, she fell for him.
But the strange feeling she had towards Lin Jingchu just now was completely different. She couldn't even be sure if it was a conditioned reflex from being captivated by his good looks, or actual romantic affection.
She couldn't help but ponder Zhou Nian's words. With such a handsome guy like Lin Jingchu around, why would she be so foolish as to date someone else?