Speech

The loud clicking of heels against the cement floor disrupted the uproar among the students.

"She is..."

"The one from the rumor!"

"That bitch? Wow, so bold!"

"I can't believe she can walk so confidently..."

"Like I told you, it's just a rumor. People like to gossip way too much. It's because you guys are like this that you're failing!"

The last one who spoke was a young college student on an internship. He was a proud young man in his twenties with an attractive face. Unfortunately it did not do justice to his flaming personality.

He had nearly turned red from the remark. And because he had a higher authority over the students, everyone who whispered in fervor had quietened down. Everyone knew that teachers are people who would pave the way for their student's future.

In this case, who would dare to disrespect them in Hua Institute? Where character came before competence.

Jiang Shen had a blank look on her face, not a single crease to be seen. She could feel the gazes of her peers. Whether it be full of malice and spite, or curiosity and admiration.

She took in all of it.

As she walked up to the podium where the student union president had stood, Ling Wenzhen gave a reassuring pat on her back as he stepped aside.

The eyes of the students were all on her as she felt the tension and nervousness. Her palms were sweaty and she felt like running away. Nevertheless, she forced down the unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach and began her introduction.

"A pleasant morning to each and every student of Hua Institute. I am thankful that we are allowed to continue our education in such a prestigious school where all of us have the chance to show our talents and let our potential grow.

It is my honor to be able to pursue my education in such a place full of wonderful people. Now, many of you may not know the Institute's motto. A motto that has been followed since the founding of our school.

Character before competence."

She made sure to heavily emphasize the phrase. There was a long pause that hung in the air like a thread teetering on the edge of being snapped, just like her reputation.

Then she took a deep breathe and continued on. "This phrase can be attributed to the current rumor posted on the student forum about myself. A rumor with evidence that had nearly destroyed my reputation.

As you all might know, I am a student recognized by both the student union and the institution. It is well within my responsibilities to act in a way that will not affect the integrity and pride of our school.

... but sadly someone had spread a malicious rumor about me. Pictures taken in questionable angles in high definition that led students by the nose that I am more or less — a slut."

The vulgarity of her words made everyone gasp, even the teachers present. Yang Mu, who was together with the others, had his eyebrows furrowed while he listened to her speech.

Bold and confident, taking an assertive tone which left everyone practically speechless. It was a refreshing experience for him to see her in a different light.

"But then I ask you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Someone had take photos of me secretively. It is well within my rights that my privacy should be protected, something that the culprit or culprits — had failed to address.

Who could be so bold as to act like my stalker, waiting and lurking in the shadows just to ruin my reputation? Who would knowingly violate my privacy just to take pictures of me in the dark?"

A wave of emotions flooded the crowd. But everyone had the same thought. They had been led by the nose. The majority of the students almost had an uproar while the smart ones shook their head at the revelation.

"Which leads me to another point — the person who had been caught in a photo with me."

Everyone turned to find where Yang Mu was at. Unfortunately he was backstage with the others, cheering at her moving speech.

"I can confirm with you all that we are friends. Friends are allowed to touch each other intimately as friends do. It shouldn't be limited to the same sex, but also to the opposite sex."

A few of Yang Mu's fangirls grumbled in protest, but her next words made them quiet down.

"But in what age and era are we at now? It is the 21st century! Times have changed and so have we. We shouldn't conform ourselves to the past generation's thinking. The same applies to everything. It is my right, as well as all of yours, to be able to act freely without being conscious of others.

In these photos that have been posted, yes I have been acting quite intimate with him. You can confirm these for yourselves. But that is because he is my friend. And as a friend I am allowed to hug him without having others think that I am flirting with him or seducing him."

The girls felt embarrassed. What she said was true and they could definitely relate. There was no way they could confidently face their idol now.

"The rumors are not true. And they never will be. This is all just a plot to ruin my reputation and lead all of you by the noses. So everyone, remember this well.

A tongue may weigh little, but it can crush a man.

That is the end of my speech. I expect that nobody has any questions?"

Nobody spoke up. Of course they wouldn't, what else would they ask? She was practically the embodiment of a great leader that there was no way anyone remained unconvinced.

As for the culprits, in this day and age it would be easy to find out. The culprits better be ready to drown in the spit of more than a thousand students.

With that, Jiang Shen politely bowed her head and went backstage, leaving an angry crowd out for blood.