Chapter 46
On Monday morning, the sky was a clear, bright blue, as if it had been washed clean, and the air itself seemed to have a transparent quality.
When Xie Qingyan entered the classroom, Jiang Ci was already there.
He sat by the window, the morning light outlining his slender profile like golden threads.
His face was still pale, but the gloom that had lingered between his brows for so long had vanished without a trace.
Instead of textbooks, what lay open on his desk was a meticulously printed "Compilation of Circumstances and Evidence".
"Good morning." Jiang Ci looked up, his voice steady.
"Good morning." Xie Qingyan sat down beside him, her gaze falling on the striking bold text on the document's title page:
This material is submitted to the relevant authorities, the school involved, media oversight bodies, and judicial organs to clarify the facts, pursue legal responsibility, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of citizens.
Jiang Ci had already signed his name at the bottom. His handwriting was in his usual sharp style, powerful and penetrating, each stroke carrying a resolute determination.
"Are you all ready?" Xie Qingyan asked.
“Hmm.” Jiang Ci pushed the document over. “Wen Heng stayed up all night to help with the final technical appraisal appendix, and attached the original data package that can be publicly verified.”
"The reporter Qin, whom Mr. Shen contacted, will arrive this afternoon. On the lawyer's side, all the materials for the defamation lawsuits against Chen Jingming, Zhou Long, and the other three main rumor-mongers are ready and will be sent out after the meeting this afternoon."
Xie Qingyan opened the document, which was over thirty pages thick.
Inside, there are clearly arranged pixel-level comparative analysis of the forged chat records from that year, notarized copies of Tang Li's suicide note, handwritten explanations and statements of understanding from Tang Li's parents, records of Jiang Ci's psychological diagnosis and treatment over the past two years, and new evidence of doubts in the materials related to Chen Jingming's admission process.
There was even a screenshot of a bank statement obtained by Wen Heng through special channels, showing transfers from Chen Jingming's father's company to the account of a relative of a review committee member.
“You’ve barely slept.” Xie Qingyan noticed the obvious dark circles under his eyes.
"I slept for more than two hours." Jiang Ci paused, looking at the camphor tree outside the window, her voice softening, "but I slept very soundly. I dreamed of Tang Li."
He did not describe the content of the dream, but Xie Qingyan could tell from his expression that it was probably not a nightmare.
After Jiang Ci finished speaking, he let out a soft, long sigh of relief.
His breath was long and steady, as if he had expelled two years' worth of pent-up filth from his lungs. A sense of relief—this word was embodied in his expression for the first time.
Before the bell rang for morning reading, Teacher Mo appeared at the classroom door again and gestured to Jiang Ci.
When Jiang Ci returned this time, he was not carrying a simple note, but two formal documents stamped with a bright red official seal.
"What is this?" Xie Qingyan asked.
Jiang Ci spread the documents out on the table, and the title of the first one made Xie Qingyan's eyes narrow:
[Letter from Shenzhen No. 9 Middle School urging Experimental High School to reopen the investigation into Jiang Ci's related historical events in accordance with the law and to provide full support]
The document is formally and forcefully worded, clearly stating that No. 9 Middle School, Jiang Ci's current school, has obtained new evidence suggesting that the investigation conducted by Experimental High School two years ago may have had significant oversights. It formally urges the other party to establish a joint investigation team, and No. 9 Middle School is willing to provide all materials proving Jiang Ci's conduct at school, including psychological evaluations, and will send personnel to participate. The document is signed by the principal of No. 9 Middle School and bears the school's official seal.
The second one is:
[Notice from Shenzhen No. 9 Middle School Regarding the Establishment of a Special Working Group for Campus Anti-Defamation, Anti-Cyberbullying, and Mental Health Support]
Effective immediately, the school will establish a long-term mechanism, including regular legal education and the establishment of reporting and counseling channels.
“The principal spoke with me personally this morning.” Jiang Ci tried his best to control his excitement. “He said that No. 9 Middle School may not be able to give you the best teachers, but at least it will give you a present that is not dragged down by past injustices, and the confidence to face the future.”
Xie Qingyan clenched her fist.
This is not just a simple receipt; it represents the Ninth Middle School's clear stance. Its significance far outweighs any personal support, and it carries a deeper meaning.
The news spread faster than anyone could have imagined after these two documents were released. During the first break, the atmosphere in the classroom was already different. Those once undisguised looks of disdain had mostly transformed into a complex mix of prying eyes and apprehension.
"Have you heard? The school sent a letter directly to the Experimental High School!"
"It seems that Tang Li's parents have provided written proof..."
"The stock of Chen Jingming's dad's company plummeted as soon as the market opened today, everyone in the group is saying it..."
"That technical analysis article on the forum has been reposted to many places..."
Whispers fermented and collided in the air.
Li Ming and his group gathered in the back row of the classroom, speaking in hushed tones and glancing in Jiang Ci's direction from time to time, but no longer daring to openly mock him.
Liang Ying's actions were even more direct. Holding a printed copy of the anonymous article, she earnestly explained in a low voice, "Look at the image edge detection algorithm here, and the encrypted verification method for the timestamps—they weren't generated by the same phone at all. These can all be replicated using professional tools..."
A dozen or so girls in the class surrounded Liang Ying, listening and nodding in agreement from time to time.
Faced with irrefutable evidence and official statements, public opinion began to tilt.
At 12:30 pm, the air in the school's small meeting room, which was rarely used, was so heavy it felt like you could wring ice water out of it.
On one side of the long table sat Jiang Ci, Xie Qingyan, Wen Heng, and Mr. Qin, a retired reporter with eyes as sharp as a hawk. Beside them sat the principal of No. 9 Middle School and Mr. Mo, the solemn-looking homeroom teacher.
On the other side of the long table sat Chen Jingming and Zhou Long, their faces grim, along with their fathers, each with a different expression. Chen's father tried to remain calm, his sharp suit unable to conceal the gloom in his eyes; Zhou's father appeared anxious and uneasy, constantly wiping his forehead with a tissue.
Seated at the head of the long table were, besides the academic affairs director of No. 9 Middle School, three representatives from Experimental High School: a vice principal, a director of the academic affairs office, and the grade leader of the year Jiang Ci attended. Their expressions were the most complex, a mixture of embarrassment and reluctance.
"Everyone's here, so let's begin." The principal of No. 9 Middle School spoke in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally landing on the face of the vice principal of Experimental High School. "Principal Li, today's meeting is not only to clarify the facts, but also to give our two schools an opportunity to work together to solve the problem."
Jiang Ci stood up. He was wearing that light gray shirt today, and his figure was slender and upright. He didn't start playing the PowerPoint presentation immediately, but instead picked up the thick document and slowly walked to the three teachers from the Experimental High School, placing copies in front of them one by one.
"Principal Zhang, Director Wang, Teacher Liu," he addressed them in turn, his voice clear and calm, without anger, only a heavy calm. "It's been two years. These materials should have been on your desks after Tang Li jumped off the building and before I was forced to transfer schools."
The vice principal of the experimental high school twitched his lips but did not reply.
Jiang Ci walked back to his original spot and turned on the projector. The first image that appeared was not cold, hard evidence, but a photo of Tang Li laughing heartily on the basketball court, sunlight streaming down his young face.
“Tang Li,” Jiang Ci’s voice echoed in the quiet conference room, “my deskmate, my best friend, an ordinary person who loved astronomy and basketball. Two years ago, unable to bear the baseless cyberbullying, he jumped off the roof of the Experimental High School’s teaching building at the young age of seventeen.”
Chen Jingming lowered his head, and Zhou Long began to fidget restlessly.
"Today's meeting is primarily for him." Jiang Ci switched slides, displaying a technical analysis chart. "This is the identification of traces of chat log forgery from back then. Inconsistent pixels, differences in font rendering engines, conflicting system log timestamps. Each item is supported by publicly verifiable data."
He looked at Wen Heng. Wen Heng nodded knowingly and turned a laptop towards the other side: "All raw data packets and verification tools are ready and available for third-party technical audits at any time."
Next came a magnified photo of Tang Li's suicide note. "This is Tang Li's last message left in the encrypted folder, clearly pointing out the source of the rumors and clarifying things for me." Jiang Ci paused, his voice slightly hoarse, "The password is my birthday."
The grade leader of the experimental high school suddenly raised his head, his face drained of color.
Next came a high-resolution scan of Tang Li's parents' handwritten statement, complete with their signatures, fingerprints, and contact information. "This is Tang Li's parents' stance. They lost their only son, but choose not to harbor resentment, only to seek the truth and justice."
Finally, there was the most fatal screenshot of the transaction records, and the comparison between the "scientific and technological innovation achievements" section of Chen Jingming's application materials and the publicly available patents.
When the last piece of evidence appeared on the screen, Mr. Chen could no longer remain seated. He abruptly stood up, his finger trembling as he pointed at the projection: "Defamation! This is malicious defamation! I'm going to sue you!"
The reporter, Qin, who had been silent all along, slowly picked up his teacup and blew away the foam.
Reporter Qin's voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the entire conference room: "Mr. Chen, we have already conducted a preliminary verification of this bank statement screenshot through cross-source verification. Bank statement systems have unique anti-counterfeiting codes and generation logic; you should know better than I do the difficulty and risk of forging them. Of course, we welcome and suggest that you immediately apply for forensic authentication, as this will be a very important part of the report."
Like a rooster with its neck being choked, Mr. Chen's mouth was agape, his face turning from red to green, before he finally slumped back into his chair, his chest heaving violently.
In that instant, Jiang Ci felt a strange sense of exhaustion.
He had prepared for two years, imagining countless confrontations and rehearsing all the anger and accusations. But when his opponent actually crumbled before him, what welled up in his heart was not pleasure, but a vast, chilling calm.
It turns out that the end of revenge is not a triumphant and exhilarating experience, but rather the utter silence after the dust has settled.
Seeing this, Zhou Long's father quickly put on a fawning smile to smooth things over: "It's a misunderstanding, all caused by the children's youthful ignorance! We apologize, we sincerely apologize! We'll compensate what needs to be compensated and make amends, please don't let this go to court and ruin the children's future..."
"Apologize?" Jiang Ci suddenly turned to look at him, his eyes sharp as knives. "Uncle Zhou, when your son was spreading rumors in more than a dozen groups, spamming 'good riddance' on forums, and leading the isolation of Tang Li in real life, did he ever think that he was ruining someone else's future, or even his life?"
Zhou Long's father was speechless.
“We’re not sitting here today to accept an apology that’s two years overdue.” Xie Qingyan calmly stood up, walked to Jiang Ci’s side, and stood shoulder to shoulder with him. His voice was clear and resolute, carrying an undeniable rationality. “We’re here for three things: First, to thoroughly clarify the facts and clear Tang Li’s name; second, to hold all those involved in spreading rumors accountable, no matter who they are; and third, to promote the establishment of relevant mechanisms to prevent the emergence of another Tang Li.”
He operated the computer, switched to the last slide, which contained several clear requests:
Based on the Law on the Protection of Minors, the Cybersecurity Law, the Civil Code, and relevant regulations of the Ministry of Education, we put forward the following demands:
1. The Experimental High School immediately established a joint investigation team composed of school officials, parent representatives, and third-party legal and educational experts to conduct a comprehensive, open, and transparent review of the Tang Li incident and the Jiang Ci defamation incident, and will release a detailed investigation report and handling results within one month.
2. Chen Jingming and his legal guardian must publish a verified public apology letter on major platforms within three days of the announcement of the investigation results, and proactively explain the situation to the relevant universities and apply for the revocation of the admission qualification obtained due to his improper behavior.
3. Zhou Long and other main rumor-mongers must make a public apology and deeply reflect on their actions within the scope of their respective schools (No. 9 Middle School and Experimental High School), and the relevant records will be filed in accordance with regulations.
4. The two schools jointly pledged to take this opportunity to establish and implement a long-term campus anti-defamation and anti-cyberbullying education and intervention mechanism, and to regularly publish the implementation status to students and parents.
Each demand is like a carefully crafted wedge, firmly driven into reality.
The meeting lasted for nearly two hours in a tense atmosphere. Finally, through the mediation of the principal of No. 9 Middle School and under the subtle pressure from reporter Qin, a preliminary written summary was reached:
The vice principal of the Experimental High School promised on the spot that a joint investigation team would be established within a week, and representatives from No. 9 Middle School could attend the meeting; Chen Jingming's side agreed to issue an apology letter after the investigation reached a clear conclusion; Zhou Long and others should be dealt with seriously in accordance with school rules and make a public apology; the two schools will jointly discuss the establishment of a special mechanism.
However, Jiang Ci and Xie Qingyan did not back down at all when it came to the most fundamental issue of legal accountability.
"We will proceed with the defamation lawsuit as planned." Jiang Ci made his final statement at the end of the meeting, his gaze sweeping over Chen Jingming, Zhou Long, and the teachers of the Experimental High School. "It's not about how much compensation I receive, but about leaving a legal record. I want everyone to know that in the internet age, every irresponsible rumor, every malicious attempt to incite trouble, can become a weapon. And those who wield that weapon will ultimately be judged by the law and pay the price they deserve."
The meeting ended. Mr. Chen practically dragged the distraught Chen Jingming away, his face ashen. Mr. Zhou tried to argue further, but a cold glare from Reporter Qin froze him in place.
As they left the meeting room, Wen Heng whispered to Jiang Ci, "I received information that the admissions office of the university where Chen Jingming is currently working has taken notice of the public opinion and is very likely to initiate a qualification review process."
Jiang Ci nodded, his expression unchanging. He turned to the window at the end of the corridor, where the afternoon sun streamed in intensely, bathing him in its warmth and casting a warm glow on his pale face.
The sun was shining brightly. But what it illuminated was a road paved with too many tears and blood.
When school let out in the afternoon, the area in front of the school bulletin board was crowded with people.
Two notices, bearing the official seal of a government document, were posted side by side there:
On the left is a solemn statement from Shenzhen No. 9 Middle School urging and assisting Experimental High School in restarting the investigation.
On the right is the announcement from Shenzhen Experimental High School regarding the establishment of a joint investigation team and the handling of related matters (No. 1).
The two notices were posted in prominent places. They not only declared the attitudes of the two schools, but also symbolized a confrontation with the scars.
On the school forum, the post containing the lengthy technical analysis was pinned to the top by the administrator, with a prominent note next to the title: Major development in the incident: The two schools have launched an official joint investigation. Please discuss rationally and await the final conclusion.
Faced with irrefutable evidence and official actions, public opinion has completely reversed.
As Xie Qingyan and Jiang Ci walked out of the teaching building side by side, many eyes turned to them, but the meaning behind those eyes had changed. Curiosity remained, but there was also a hint of inquiry, admiration, and even a subtle sense of apology.
Liang Ying caught up from behind, her cheeks slightly flushed, and handed a simply packaged little box to Jiang Ci: "Jiang Ci, this is just a small token of our appreciation. Everyone hopes you get better soon."
Jiang Ci took the box.
Inside the box was a silver-gray metal fountain pen, its smooth lines gleaming subtly in the setting sun. Engraved on the barrel were delicate yet clear characters: "The pure remain pure, the impure remain impure."
He held the pen, feeling the cool touch of the metal and the subtle indentations of the engravings on his fingertips. He opened his mouth, but the word "thank you" stuck in his throat.
This sudden act of kindness left him even more bewildered than the previous malice. He was used to fighting malice with thorns, but he hadn't yet learned how to properly handle kindness.
After a long silence, he lowered his head and uttered the two words softly but clearly: "Thank you."
Then, he carefully placed the pen into the inside pocket of his school uniform, right next to the warm "Seal of Action" stamp. He placed this warmth alongside Xie Qingyan's vow.
——
In the evening, the aroma of tea wafted through the Moyunzhai studio.
Mr. Shen rarely brought out his treasured rock tea, and Reporter Qin, holding her teacup, sighed with emotion.
"This matter will be published in the education section of the provincial newspaper the day after tomorrow, taking up half a page."
He looked at Jiang Ci, his gaze deep: "Child, after the reports are published, you will be in the spotlight, and you may face new criticism and even pressure. Are you sure you're prepared?"
Jiang Ci put down his teacup, the ceramic cup bottom lightly touching the wooden saucer, making a crisp sound.
His gaze was calm and composed: "Teacher Qin, when Tang Li jumped off the building, no one asked him if he was prepared. I don't need to be prepared now either."
His voice was steady, yet carried immense power:
"I just want to use your pen to tell everyone two things: First, Tang Li was a good person, and he shouldn't be forgotten like that, nor should he have died so unjustly. Second, no matter how much time has passed, those who hide behind the internet and kill with rumors should not and cannot remain at large forever."
Reporter Qin stared at him for a moment, then slowly nodded, a look of almost relief on her face: "Good. Then this report will be a tribute to Tang Li, and also a solemn coming-of-age ceremony for you young people who are willing to take things seriously and dare to seek the truth."
As I left the bookstore, the night wind was chilly, but looking up, the night sky was clear, the Milky Way hung low, and its brilliance was breathtaking.
Jiang Ci suddenly stopped in his tracks: "Xie Qingyan, come with me somewhere."
"good."
Instead of going home, they returned to the school playground.
The playground was deserted in the night, with only the dim, yellowish glow of the distant streetlights. The wind whistled past my ears, carrying the crisp chill unique to early winter.
Jiang Ci walked to the center of the playground and slowly raised his head. The city lights created a hazy light pollution on the horizon, but a few of the brightest stars stubbornly pierced through it all, shining with a cold and eternal light.
He took out his phone, opened the familiar astronomy app, pointed the screen at the night sky, and slowly moved it, as if searching for a specific coordinate.
"Tang Li," he spoke softly, his voice so small yet so clear against the empty playground and the vast starry sky, "Did you see it?"
"Those upside-down truths are being set right."
"Those who have hurt us are about to pay the price for what they have done."
"I received your letter."
He paused, turned his head, and looked at Xie Qingyan, who had been standing quietly beside him. In the night, Xie Qingyan's eyes reflected the faint starlight, clear and warm.
“Moreover,” Jiang Ci’s voice was softer, but with an unprecedented certainty, “I am not alone anymore.”
Xie Qingyan reached out and firmly grasped his slightly cool hand. Their palms pressed together, their warmth passing between them in the cold night, like two faint flames that cautiously approached each other and finally nestled together.
“Jiang Ci,” Xie Qingyan also looked up at the unchanging starry sky, her voice sounding distant in the wind, “Do you remember that night when we watched the stars with Wen Heng? You said that what matters is not the starry sky itself, but who you watch it with.”
“I remember,” Jiang Ci replied.
“Now I want to say,” Xie Qingyan turned his head, starlight falling into his eyes, reflecting a microcosm of the entire Milky Way, and also Jiang Ci’s figure, “what matters is not just who you look at this starry sky with, but whether, after seeing the deepest darkness together, you still dare to continue walking side by side without hesitation in every ordinary tomorrow.”
Jiang Ci stared at him.
Under the starlight, Xie Qingyan's profile was clean and soft, but his gaze was as firm as a deep well, as if it could contain all his past and future.
He recalled Tang Lixin's tearful words of advice, his father's cold threats and arrangements, and the countless nights he had spent tossing and turning in self-loathing and despair over the past two years.
Then, he remembered the night Xie Qingyan appeared under his window with warm porridge, the weight of the seal engraved with "Xingzhi" when it was placed in his palm, and the words "I am your innocence".
It turns out that there really is someone who can pierce through all the fog and cross incredible time and space, just to come to your side.
After a long while, Jiang Ci smiled very softly.
That smile was as faint as ripples on the surface of water, yet it emanated from the deepest part of his eyes, carrying a clarity and gentleness that came after the removal of all artifice.
"dare."
He turned his hand around and gripped Xie Qingyan's hand even tighter, their fingers slowly interlocking until their knuckles turned slightly white, as if he wanted to entwine their destinies together so firmly that they would never be separated again.
"With you here, I dare to face any danger, no matter how difficult, I'll brave every tomorrow."
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