Damn it, I'm surrounded by childhood sweethearts
Chapter 790 529: Rumors End with the Wise (Part 2)

"Hey, did you hear that? Ruan Wen said she's a dog," Xu Qingfan shrugged to his group members.

"Brother Chou Fan, if I were the class president, I'd knock your head off," Wu Shichong rolled his language book into a stick and handed it to Xiao Ruawen like he was passing on the trouble.

"Ruan Wen wouldn't bear to hit me; people are saying we're in love," Xu Qingfan was quite grateful to the rumor spreaders, as they inadvertently helped him out.

Xiao Ruawen rolled her eyes disdainfully, took the book baton and gave him a knock, then moved her desk and chair a bit further away from him.

"Hahaha, serves you right!"

"Got hit, huh? Haha!"

Wu Shichong and Lai Chenglang clapped and cheered, and many classmates' glances subtly turned towards their group. After all, anyone with eyes could see that the "X" referred to Xiao Ruawen.

Surely no one would think it's Wang Xuan's "Xuan," right?

Wang Xuan kind of wished it was, but unfortunately, ever since she added Xu Qingfan on WeChat, they hadn't chatted even once, not even exchanging an emoji.

"You guys don't understand, this is called 'hitting is affection, scolding is love,' right, Ruan Wen?" Xu Qingfan propped his elbow on the desk, resting his chin on one hand, and looked at her with interest.

If it were back in middle school, with Xu Qingfan joking like that, Xiao Ruawen might have thought it was fun and replied, "My dear husband is right, my dear husband is reasonable."

But now, she's genuinely nervous!

"You're the dog, boring!" Xiao Ruawen fiercely glared at him, she read her book for a long time without realizing it was upside down.

Wu Shichong and Lai Chenglang didn't dare to speak for a while; they felt like Xiao Ruawen was really angry.

Xu Qingfan didn't mind; he helped pull her desk back and then fixed her upside-down language book.

Xiao Ruawen: ...

Xiao Ruawen was so embarrassed that she wanted to curl her toes into the ground; it was too socially awkward!

"Ahem... focus on morning reading!" she said sternly with a serious face.

[Who could have fabricated all that on the forum, knowing so many details? Could Brother Chou Fan have staged it himself?]

Xiao Ruawen gave Xu Qingfan a sideways glance and immediately turned her gaze back to her textbook.

It wasn't a big deal; she just needed to clarify that everything on there was a rumor.

But, unfortunately, many things on the post, Xiao Ruawen had actually done!

For example, she agreed to keep an eye on Brother Fan for Xia Xiaoxiao; she agreed.

For example, someone said they saw her and Brother Fan hugging at the lab building. Although they didn't kiss, they did hug.

Also, the rumor that Brother Chou Fan actually preferred "X," but Xia was his childhood betrothed. Xiao Ruawen snorted at the latter, but for the former, Brother Chou Fan really told her that!

If this was all guessed rather than directed by Xu Qingfan himself, Xiao Ruawen would be genuinely panicked.

Who said it was a secret known only to heaven, earth, you, and me? Who installed a surveillance camera on her!

[I need to find a chance to ask this Brother Chou Fan!]

[And never go to the lab building with him again!]

...

In Wu Lingyu, Lin Wanning, and Zhang Yiyi's class, a similar scene played out.

However, the three used the excuse Xu Qingfan persuaded them with last night to satisfy the curious classmates.

"It's an agreement; every time I perform on stage, if Brother Qingfan gives me flowers, I'll kiss him!"

"Of course, it's not a relationship, we don't plan to date in high school."

"Ruan Wen doesn't even like Brother Fan; the post contents are completely fabricated!"

...

Perhaps it was because it was Friday, but during the two morning classes, the students were full of energy. Naturally, it could also be because they enjoyed last night's drama.

With the students lively, the teachers' lectures were naturally filled with energy too.

In such an atmosphere, the first two classes quickly passed.

The sports march played over the broadcast above, and classmates sluggishly walked out of the classroom, lining up in the hallway.

"Brother Chou Fan, remember not to deduct points from Class 15, we agreed on this," Wu Shichong reminded before leaving.

"I say deducting points is better—when she asks, you get a chance to chat with her more," Lai Chenglang left while patting him on the shoulder, imparting some girl-chasing wisdom.

"Damn! Makes sense, Brother Chou Fan, do me a favor and deduct a few more points from Class 15!" As he reached the door, Wu Shichong turned his head to shout.

Xu Qingfan waved him off to "scram" quickly. With the flu spreading in winter, the student council had an extra duty of checking each class's hygiene during the big break every day.

Deduct points for no ventilation, deduct points for any odors, deduct points for dirty floors, and similarly, deduct points if the trash bin is not empty.

After the crowd in the hallway dispersed, Xu Qingfan picked up the small score notebook, patted Xiao Ruawen on the arm, and stood up, "Let's go, time to work."

Xiao Ruawen glanced up at the camera in front; unsure whether it was on or not, she decided to save her words for after they went out.

Their own class naturally scored full points. After giving his own class full marks in every item, Xu Qingfan took the pen and left alongside Xiao Ruawen.

Scoring was basically just a formality—stand at other classes' doors, sniff for odors, check if the windows and doors are open, see if the floor is clean. As long as the trash bin isn't overly full, points generally wouldn't be deducted.

This simple task really only required one person, but as vice president, Xu Qingfan considerately arranged for everyone to have a slacking-off buddy.

"You didn't post that thread on the forum, did you?" Xiao Ruawen leaned against the wall, looking at him with some suspicion.

"?" Xu Qingfan looked at her incredulously, his eyes widening, his face puzzled at her words. "Why would you even think that? Do you think I'm posting about myself on the forum for nothing?"

Xu Qingfan turned to head to the next class, with Xiao Ruawen trailing behind, talking as they walked: "Then why is there so much similar content in that thread? There's no way someone could guess so accurately just by chance, right?"

"Uh... I also find it quite ridiculous." After stopping to think, Xu Qingfan could only say this.

"It wouldn't be ridiculous if you used a small account to post it. Don't think I don't know what you're thinking, Brother Fan, there's no chance!"

Xiao Ruawen stepped back, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

Xu Qingfan reached out, intending to poke her forehead, but she dodged, "Maybe someone saw us when we went to the lab building. After all, the school is so big."

Seeing his indifferent demeanor, Xiao Ruawen got annoyed: "It's all your fault! What if she took photos? What if Xiaoxiao saw? I'm asking you, what then!"

Xu Qingfan really wanted to say: If she saw it, then it's just the right time!

Clearly, Xiao Ruawen needed comforting at the moment, and saying that would definitely get him hit.

He calmed down and said sincerely, "It was so dark there, even if a phone captured something, it wouldn't be clear. If there was a flash, I would've noticed it long ago. Relax."

Xiao Ruawen thought for a moment, feeling it made sense, and her anxiety decreased a lot.

"What did you and Xiaoxiao do for so long last night?" she asked, sounding a bit jealous.

They had finished checking the fifth floor classes. At the stairwell, Xu Qingfan handed her the notebook.

Xiao Ruawen instinctively took it, and in the next moment, she found herself pushed against the wall by Xu Qingfan.

"What are you doing?" she asked, trying to sound composed.

"I really wish everything the post said was true." The jerk tried to squeeze out a tear, but failed. Still, he spoke with deep affection.

Flustered, Xiao Ruawen stammered, "You, you... I, I don't know what you're talking about."

Xu Qingfan looked into her eyes, sighed, and walked away without a word, leaving her with a lonely silhouette.

"Hey."

The sound of sighing seemed magical, echoing and re-echoing in Xiao Ruawen's ears.

She bit her lower lip tightly, gazing at Xu Qingfan's back and feeling the urge to call him back, but another voice in her heart held her back.

[Ah, so annoying!]

Xiao Ruawen stomped in frustration before quickly catching up.

...