Chapter 39: The Winds Have Shifted

"What do you want?"

The call connected, and Li Ruonan's tone was icy.

"Come downstairs. Keep me company while I buy something."

"You think I'll come just because you told me to?"

"Suit yourself."

Lin Bai, feeling irritable, hung up the phone abruptly.

On the other end, Li Ruonan stared at the disconnected line, her mouth agape. "I... Hmph! What a complete scumbag!"

Still fuming, Li Ruonan rolled over. Just as she went back to scrolling through videos, she received a message from the class monitor, Wang Peichuan.

"Ruonan, are you free this weekend? A new bar opened near campus. I heard it’s quite good. Let's go check it out together."

Seeing the message, Li Ruonan’s first instinct was to refuse, but thinking of something else, she decided to agree.

"Sure, that works."

...

Lin Bai went to the computer mall alone.

The endless brands and models left him dizzy. Ultimately, he chose to trust a domestic brand, spending 3,200 yuan on a Honor laptop.

Lin Bai didn't play games or edit videos, so he didn't need high-end specs; he didn't buy anything expensive. Besides, his current savings wouldn't allow for it anyway.

Back in the dormitory, his three roommates were sound asleep. Lin Bai turned on the laptop, went through the setup process, downloaded the necessary software, and then logged into the school forum with his account.

Below his only post, the comment count had reached 1,330. Lin Bai scanned them briefly; they were almost entirely insults directed at him.

Lin Bai shook his head, indifferent.

That evening, Lin Bai had dinner with Qin Ruowei. As he touched the bruise on her face that had yet to fully fade, his eyes were terrifyingly calm.

The next day was the usual routine of classes.

After the last class of the afternoon, Lin Bai returned to the dorm, opened his computer, accessed the forum, and published his second post.

It featured a handsome photo of him making a V-sign. On his wrist was the Blancpain watch Qin Ruowei had given him, paired with a sunny smile—he looked dashing.

The caption read: "What is it you want me to say?"

The post caused an immediate stir. The abuse and slander were as rampant as ever, but for those watching closely, a few different voices began to emerge amidst the vitriol.

"Honestly, I think it's normal. Who wouldn't love such a wealthy and handsome guy? I know I would."

Though this comment was quickly buried by abuse, the truth remained: comments could be silenced, but thoughts and trends would not be!

Though the number of clear-headed people was still small, Lin Bai was convinced.

A single spark can start a prairie fire!

...

The only thing giving Lin Bai a headache was the task involving Li Ruonan.

She was his classmate, but throughout the entire day of lectures, she had completely ignored him, leaving him no opportunity to make a move!

There were only three days left!

After three days, he would be a goner!

"Ah!" Lin Bai cried out to the heavens, at a total loss.

...

Wednesday passed in the usual rhythm of classes. After the final afternoon session, Lin Bai posted as usual, accompanied by another handsome photo.

Thursday was the same.

By Friday, however, the situation had shifted.

Under Lin Bai's post, while abuse and slander were still the main theme, there were noticeably more comments supporting him.

"Lin Bai, I support you. Explain things to everyone. I believe the truth isn't like this."

"Yeah, Lin Bai, tell everyone the truth. It breaks my heart watching them bash you..."

These comments made up about a third of the total—a weak position, but far better than on Monday.

Lin Bai didn't reply to a single comment, nor did he offer the explanation they requested. Instead, he sent a message to Brother Luo.

"It's time, Brother Luo. Light the fuse."

Brother Luo replied with an "OK" gesture.

Soon after, a new post appeared. It contained many photos: Lin Bai working part-time at a milk tea shop before inheriting the system, Lin Bai hiding in a corner eating instant noodles alone, and Lin Bai working part-time moving books. Every photo was crystal clear.

The title: "Speaking up for Lin Bai."

The post was about two thousand words long, detailing Lin Bai’s diligent and hardworking life while working at Brother Luo’s shop.

Brother Luo’s post didn't attack Chen Shuya at all; he didn't even mention her name, focusing entirely on Lin Bai’s personal experience.

The post hit like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating massive waves!

Especially since it was Friday—the start of the weekend—the number of students browsing online was at its peak. This was exactly what Lin Bai had planned.

"Wait, is that guy in the photos Lin Bai? The difference is huge!"

"Yeah, he looks so thin in those. He looks so pitiful yet so motivated. I love him, boo-hoo..."

The post immediately attracted all sorts of comments, mostly sympathetic in tone.

"Why would he do such hard, exhausting work when he's this rich?"

"Yeah, why? Can some expert explain? I'm so curious."

...

"Lin Bai isn't even explaining himself, it's so frustrating!"

Lin Bai just smiled as he read the comments.

By now, his goal had been achieved.

The rest would be uncovered by the students themselves, including Chen Shuya's cheating and her gold-digging ways—it was only a matter of time.

What Lin Bai didn't expect, however, was a follow-up post.

Just reading the title shocked him.

Title: "Chen Shuya! You shameless, bitchy woman!"

Beneath the explosive title was even more explosive content! Numerous photos—all private shots of Chen Shuya, even some from bed!

Though they were pixelated, it didn't hinder the impact.

"Holy cow!! I thought Brother Luo was invincible, but who is this?"

Chen Zhe, lying in bed, sat bolt upright when he saw the post.

Lu Xiaobin and Zhao Fangting immediately jumped onto the school forum to join the drama.

With its shocking title and shocking images, the post soared to the top of the list, views skyrocketing.

Lin Bai shook his head. He guessed who had posted it—it could only be Li Yu.

This wasn't part of his plan, but the results seemed excellent.

"Damn! What kind of stupid things have I been doing these past few days?"

"So, while Chen Shuya was out on trips and sleeping with other guys, Lin Bai was working part-time at school? And she didn't even break up with him! Boo-hoo, Lin Bai is so pitiful..."

"I'm going to find Lin Bai and apologize! No, tell me which class and dorm Chen Shuya is in! I can't take this anymore!"

"How could Jiangcheng University have such a scumbag woman? It's laughable that we pitied her and helped her bash Lin Bai!"

"Exactly! Look at Lin Bai, enduring such grievances without saying a word. Lin Bai, come here for a hug, don't cry."

In short, the tide had completely turned.

[Beep! Congratulations to the Host, side mission "Fortune Follows Misfortune" is complete.]

[Mission Reward: Huaxing Yunkai. Current share price: 3.87 yuan. Estimated peak: 10.32 yuan. Please seize the opportunity, Host.]