Chapter 1848 - 1848: Spread Rumors and Cause Trouble
Wu Duo found it hard to defend himself. After all, it was true that he was an underprivileged student, but what they said was true about his watch too.
Every year, the school would allocate five spots to each faculty to assist underprivileged students. The government and the school would co-pay for the tuition fees and accommodation expenses of these students. They only needed to pay for their meals at school and the rest of their expenses would be reimbursed. This was also the reason why Wu Duo had applied to be on the list of underprivileged students.
At that time, his main intention was to help his family save some money so that they would not feel so stretched and his father would not have to work so hard. He did not expect that decision would cause him to be caught in his current predicament.
“Say something! Tell everyone why you can apply to be on the list of underprivileged students! Did you do something behind the scenes! Or did you pull some strings!” Xie Jing shouted as he pointed at Wu Duo.
It would be even better if this matter involved Qiao Mei. This way, he could easily complete the task which Tan Jing had given him.
Qiao Mei walked over from the back of the crowd and said, “What’s the matter?”
Wu Duo lowered his head in silence. He did not know how to explain the situation to Qiao Mei. At the same time, he did not want to cause trouble for her. The people around them were making a lot of noise. Even though Qiao
Mei was not present just now, she could roughly guess what had happened.
“l thought it’s about something major. So it’s just about the list of underprivileged students? Have you forgotten that your father came to cancel your application last week? Your father even specially came to the school to explain to the principal about why you’re giving the spot to someone who needs it more,” Qiao Mei said as she looked at Wu Duo.
“Oh right… I’ve been too busy for the past two days. I really forgot. Can you believe my memory!” Wu Duo said as he touched his head in embarrassment.
Xie Jing had not heard of this. Even Cui Hua did not manage to find out this piece of news. Could Qiao Mei be lying to them?
“Do you have any proof? Are we supposed to believe you just because you say it’s true?” Xie Jing pointed at Qiao Mei and questioned her.
“You’re the one who says that Wu Duo took one of the spots for underprivileged students. However, Wu Duo’s family has run into some good luck and we’re giving this spot to someone who needs it more. You should go and investigate this matter yourself and see if it’s true. If it’s not, then you can come and question me, instead of spreading rumors and causing trouble here,” Qiao Mei said to Xie Jing expressionlessly.
“I’m not spreading rumors!” Xie Jing said firmly.
“Since you’re not spreading rumors, then show me the proof that Wu Duo is still on the list of underprivileged students!” Qiao Mei crossed her arms and looked at Xie Jing with some interest.
“Then can you provide proof that Wu Duo is not on the list!” Xie Jing asked.
Qiao Mei was amused by what Xie Jing said. She looked at Xie Jing and said, “Schoolmate Xie, you’re the one questioning whether Wu Duo is still on the list of underprivileged students. Since you’re the one who’s questioning that fact, you have to prove that Wu Duo is still on the list. If you can’t prove that Wu Duo is on the list, then you’re spreading rumors. We can make a police report about this.’
“That’s right! Show us the proof that Wu Duo is still on the list! Other than lying to everyone, what else can you do!” Li Xue panted as she made her way through the crowd with a document in her hand.
Li Xue whispered into Qiao Mei’s ear, “l hope 1 1 m not too late… I don’t even run so fast for the physical fitness test. I’m so worried that I can’t get here in time.”
“You have come at the right time,” Qiao Mei said with a smile as she patted Li Xue’s shoulder.
“I…I… I heard it from someone else,” Xie Jing said weakly.
“Is that so? It seems that nowadays anyone can slander another person after hearing things from other people. I have a document here with the principal’s signature which can prove that Wu Duo has given up his spot on the list. If any of you still don’t believe me, you can come here and take a look.” Qiao Mei raised the document in Li Xue’s hand high for everyone to see.
Everyone saw with their own eyes the document with the principal’s signature and the exact reason for Wu Duo giving up the spot. Wu Duo’s father had even helped to repair many old machines at the engineering faculty. The principal had even penned down his words of thanks to Wu Duo and his family on behalf of the entire school.
“So we have misunderstood Wu Duo.’
“Wu Duo’s father is really amazing. His father actually repaired that broken down machine at the engineering faculty! I had thought that it’s nothing more than just a piece of scrap metal!”
“l didn’t expect this entire matter to be just a rumor. We have been wrong about Wu Duo.’
“How can Xie Jing do such a thing?”
“l don’t have any idea that Xie Jing is such a person after all these years.. He even goes around spreading rumors!”