Chapter 138 The Trap
Liu Ran stood on the stage, seeing Wu Yuqing's confident smile, and a tremor suddenly ran through her heart. She felt as if she had fallen into a trap.
As expected, Principal Li Chenghui from the judges' stand stood up. Li Chenghui's expression was stern, his eyes filled with anger and reproach.
He picked up the microphone and his voice boomed, "Student Liu Ran, you have truly disappointed me. I thought the punishment the school gave you four years ago would have taught you a lesson and made you repent."
"But I never expected that after four years, you would once again commit such a bottomless and shameful act, an error that disgraces everyone. Don't you know that by doing this, you make me, your principal, feel utterly incompetent?"
"I have cultivated a student like you. Despite your talent, your character is simply not suited for the design industry. You... alas..."
Li Chenghui shook his head and sighed. He then walked to the edge of the stage with the microphone and spoke loudly, "Everyone, regarding the matter of Liu Ran and Wu Yuqing's design works being too similar, I have already inquired thoroughly. Student Liu Ran claims she completed it alone last night. However, I had already seen Wu Yuqing's design a week ago."
"Student Wu Yuqing did indeed cheat. Because she knew a week ago that the Qingzhou University centennial anniversary would involve a redesign of the school emblem, she created that emblem a week ago and showed it to me then. At the time, I was astounded by its brilliance."
"Therefore, even though I knew Student Wu Yuqing had broken the rules, I still allowed her to submit that design for today's competition. And the facts prove her design is indeed outstanding."
"But I never expected that student Liu Ran would once again have a design so strikingly similar to another student's work! This makes it impossible not to suspect!"
As Li Chenghui's words fell, the entire hall erupted in a buzz. This time, everyone was completely convinced that Liu Ran was the plagiarist.
After all, Wu Yuqing had already finished her design a week ago, while Liu Ran claimed she had drawn it last night.
Furthermore, with Principal Li Chenghui himself testifying, it meant there was only one thief, and that was Liu Ran.
Hearing Li Chenghui's words, Liu Ran's hands trembled. She could barely hold the microphone. This time, even the students from the design academy behind Liu Ran began to doubt her.
Although they knew Liu Ran was talented and they believed in her character, with Principal Li Chenghui vouching for Wu Yuqing, they had no choice but to suspect that Liu Ran had indeed plagiarized.
Wu Yuqing then raised her microphone and shouted at Liu Ran, "Liu Ran, you have nothing to say now, do you? I admit I broke the rules, but you are the real plagiarist."
"Moreover, four years ago, you were expelled from Qingzhou University for plagiarizing another student's work. You should never come back to Qingzhou University again, and after you leave, don't tell anyone you are a graduate of Qingzhou University, because you truly don't deserve it."
At this moment, countless shouts echoed through the auditorium.
"Get out, get out!"
"Make Liu Ran leave."
"Plagiarists are not worthy of being our alumni."
The alumni waved their fists. Even though Liu Ran was beautiful, and even though she had won the 'Bonfire Star' last night, she had violated the most fundamental principle of a designer.
Plagiarism and then slandering the original author – such behavior was too much.
Liu Ran stood there, her body trembling like a sieve. She suddenly realized that four years ago, she hadn't been able to explain her grievances clearly. Even though she had knelt before the school leadership and the faculty, she was still expelled, her graduation and degree certificates were revoked, and she became a complete loser.
And now, four years later, she had once again become a plagiarist in everyone's eyes. But she hadn't done it! Why did things always turn out this way?
Liu Ran's heart turned completely cold, and tears welled up uncontrollably. Although she tried hard to hold them back, the injustice, the sorrow, the lonely darkness of four years ago, the feeling of being trapped in a swamp with no way out – it all overwhelmed her, and tears poured down her face.
Seeing Liu Ran's expression, Wu Yuqing on the opposite side felt even more triumphant. She knew she had won today. Even though her thunder was stolen by Liu Ran last night, and even though Liao Meili's actions had gone unexpectedly, it didn't affect the outcome today.
Liu Ran would be scorned wherever she went. She would find another time to crush Liu Ran into the dirt again, stomp her into the dust, and ensure this woman would never rise again in her lifetime.
Li Chenghui extended his hand and signaled to the security guards, about to have them escort Liu Ran out, when suddenly, with a loud bang, the conference room door was pushed open.
Then, a group of middle-aged people in suits strode in.
There were seven of them, all middle-aged.
They exuded an air of importance. Although their attire was ordinary, their presence was formidable. Seeing the seven people enter, Li Chenghui immediately bowed and hurried forward to meet them.
Because he instantly recognized the person at the forefront of the group as Consultant Zhou Sinian.
Zhou Sinian held an exceptionally high status in Qingzhou City. Not only was he the highest-ranking administrator in Qingzhou City, but he was also the heir of the Zhou family in Jiangsu Province.
It could be said that Zhou Sinian enjoyed immense prestige and authority in Qingzhou City. Although Qingzhou University was a provincial-level institution, its location in Qingzhou City meant it had to accept Zhou Sinian's jurisdiction.
Li Chenghui hurried forward, smiling at Zhou Sinian, "Consultant Zhou, I didn't expect you to have time to attend our Qingzhou University's New Year celebration! Your presence truly brings glory to our university. Please, please, come up to the stage and be seated."
Zhou Sinian's expression was cold, and he spoke little. After reaching the stage, he first surveyed the scene in the hall, and finally, his gaze fell upon Liu Ran.
Seeing the tear tracks on Liu Ran's face, Zhou Sinian's heart skipped a beat, and he trembled involuntarily. Of course, he recognized Liu Ran. He knew she was Chen Yang's wife.
And here, these bastards like Li Chenghui had driven Master Chen's wife to tears, fear, and trembling. If Master Chen were to blame him, he would be finished.
His peculiar illness and his pregnant wife – they might truly never be cured.
With this thought, Zhou Sinian hesitated no longer. He turned abruptly and, with a loud "slap," struck Li Chenghui across the face.
This slap instantly silenced the entire hall. All eyes turned to Zhou Sinian and Li Chenghui.