The Beautiful, Strong, and Tragic Female Lead is Mine [Transmigration Into a Novel] - Chapter 107

Meng Qiang’s words were like a boulder dropped into water, stirring up layers of turbulent waves on a calm surface.

It took Xie Zhitian a few seconds to process the information, but she was immediately struck with a sense of “so that’s it.” They had often wondered if the series of incidents in Area B were part of some kind of conspiracy against Area A. To hear Meng Qiang confirm it, while unexpected, also felt entirely logical.

“What nonsense! That’s just preposterous!”

Xia Fufeng slammed her chopsticks on the table and spoke furiously. “I knew those people from Area B were up to no good. No wonder it’s been so quiet lately—they were just waiting for this.”

Tang Zhuoran patted her back, signaling her to calm down, and turned to Meng Qiang. “Dr. Meng, I need to confirm something first. You have no connection to this, right? I personally trust you, but I hope you can state your position directly.”

“No connection. I know nothing about this. I would never do such a thing, please believe me.”

Meng Qiang’s voice was uncharacteristically anxious. “Ever since I arrived at the base, I’ve been completely absorbed in my work. Managing and maintaining the robots takes up all my time; I don’t have the energy to think about anything else. As for the rest of my team, it’s also impossible. The computers at the base simply don’t have the configuration to hack into Area B’s system.”

Luo Yang asked, “If the computers really can’t hack it, is it possible to use this point to explain things to the public?”

Meng Qiang’s expression was grim. “I’m afraid not. The underlying principles are very complicated. Even with a lengthy explanation, ordinary people wouldn’t understand or be able to make a judgment.”

“That’s true,” Xia Fufeng mused. “And even if we explained it, Area B could just slander us, claiming we secretly have better computers. It would be an endless argument.”

“Dr. Meng, please don’t worry.”

Xie Zhitian composed herself and asked gently, “Who told you about this?”

Given their understanding of Meng Qiang, they knew she wasn’t the type to engage in petty schemes that could lead to others’ deaths. Born into a scholarly family, Meng Qiang was proud and capable, and she wouldn’t stoop to such underhanded methods. This kind of behavior was much more in line with Fan Yu’s style.

What was reassuring was that after spending time with them, Meng Qiang was now willing to seek their help in a crisis. This meant she considered them trustworthy, and they needed to live up to that trust.

Meng Qiang lowered her head, her fingers twisting anxiously in her lap. “This morning, during a break from work, I overheard some staff members discussing it. I didn’t think much of it at the time, believing that the truth would eventually come out. But just now, I received a message from District 53 saying the situation isn’t good.”

“The rumor has been spreading all day. It’s already moved from Area B to District 54, and the public is talking about all kinds of things. District 53 said they’ll hold a meeting to discuss this and that I should pay close attention to any messages they send. If things continue to develop like this, I might need to cooperate with an investigation and make a public statement. They told me to protect myself and be ready to respond.”

She looked up, her eyes filled with confusion. “I… I don’t know what to do.”

Xie Zhitian saw Meng Qiang’s helplessness and felt a pang of sympathy. She seemed like a girl who had been well-protected, living in a utopia and doing the research she loved. She hadn’t experienced great hardship or the evils of the human heart. Being suddenly targeted with such slander had completely flustered her.

Xie Zhitian asked, “So, even though it’s gotten so much attention, it’s all just a rumor with no evidence, right?”

Meng Qiang nodded. “Yes.” She paused, then added in a low voice, “But I’m very troubled and worried. If it continues, I don’t know what will happen.”

Luo Yang asked, “Dr. Meng, what are the attitudes of the people at our base and the citizens in both districts toward this rumor?”

The group had been resting all day and were completely unaware of what was happening. Without internet communication, information was slow to spread. This was a blessing, though. If this had happened in the age of the internet, countless rumors would have already been flying around.

Meng Qiang replied, “Guan Qin sought me out and said that the soldiers and workers at the base are very angry, insisting that I’m not that kind of person and that I’ve been framed. But the staff from District 53 told me that while things are fine in their district, there are many different versions of the story circulating in District 54.”

“What are they saying in District 54?” Tang Zhuoran asked.

“All kinds of things,” Meng Qiang said. “For example, that I came here from the beginning with a secret mission to cause damage under the pretense of being responsible for Area A’s robots. Or that I’ve run out of talent and became jealous of Area B’s progress, which is why I did this. Or even that I’m inherently dark and twisted and love to play tricks on people, and that I deliberately let Area B get ahead of Area A before striking…”

“What in the world is this nonsense? It’s too absurd!”

Xia Fufeng’s eyes widened in disbelief. She cut Meng Qiang off when she saw her about to continue with the vicious rumors. “Dr. Meng, we have a good grasp of the situation. That’s enough.” Hearing such hurtful things from the victim herself was like a second injury. It was also remarkable how Meng Qiang remembered every detail, reciting the insults she’d only heard once without a single stutter.

Tang Zhuoran contemplated, “For the rumors to spread so quickly, someone must be fanning the flames.” With no internet, news was relatively slow. For the rumors to be spreading in Area B and District 54 in just one day was clearly not normal.

“It must be Fan Yu, using his people,” Luo Yang said.

Even without her saying it, everyone knew. This kind of brazen slander was very much in line with Fan Yu’s character.

Meng Qiang bit her lip, looking anxious. “What should I do now?”

Xie Zhitian thought for a moment before replying, “Dr. Meng, my advice is, for now, you should do nothing.”

Meng Qiang was taken aback. “Do nothing?”

“Yes. They have no evidence, and they can’t do anything to you. No matter how big a rumor gets, it’s still just a rumor. With time, it will fade. When a more attention-grabbing story comes along, it will be completely forgotten,” Xie Zhitian analyzed seriously. “Look, although the rumors are all over the place, our base and District 53 are supporting you. Most people won’t believe something without solid proof. So, we’re not at the point where you need to stand up and clarify things. If you don’t say anything, District 53 will eventually ask you to step up. It’s better to just proceed as normal and observe the situation.”

Meng Qiang looked thoughtful after hearing this. “You’re right. I don’t need to do anything for now.” Although they had only helped her analyze the situation, her heart was beginning to calm down. For her, this was a rare and wonderful feeling.

“No matter what methods he uses, Fan Yu has only one goal: to take control of the mining area,” Tang Zhuoran said. “He’s fabricating these rumors and slandering you to disrupt your work and get you pulled from your position. So, the more he does this, the more we need to do the opposite.”

Meng Qiang looked at her. “What do you mean?”

Tang Zhuoran smiled. “He wants you to be thrown into chaos, but you’ll show him that you’re completely unaffected. You won’t change any work plans, and you’ll ensure the mining area continues to operate smoothly. If you do that, he’ll be the one to get anxious.”

Luo Yang added, “Dr. Meng, if things do escalate to the point where you need to make a statement, you don’t have to worry. We’ll be there with you, and we’ll help you prepare what to say beforehand.”

Meng Qiang was so resistant to normal social interactions that facing a crowd was probably a terrifying prospect for her. Although Luo Yang couldn’t fully understand her psychology, she could at least guess at her fears.

Meng Qiang’s eyes flickered, filled with a complex mix of emotions. But she quickly composed herself and said in a low voice, “Thank you. I’m sorry to trouble you.”

“Trouble? It’s no trouble at all,” Xia Fufeng said with a cheerful smile. “We’re just happy you came to us to talk about it.” She brought the little fox in her arms over to Meng Qiang and changed the subject. “Don’t think about anything unpleasant. Pet this little one; it’s very calming.”

Meng Qiang hesitated, but she reached out and stroked the fox’s head. The warm, soft touch was surprisingly relaxing—a strange new feeling.

“It’s getting late,” she said softly. “I’m feeling much better. I won’t bother you any longer.” She picked up the fox and returned it to Xia Fufeng before standing up.

Xie Zhitian also stood. “Alright, I’ll walk you back.”

Meng Qiang had been busy all day and had to deal with the rumors; she must be exhausted. A good rest would do her good.

Meng Qiang shook her head. “There’s no need. The base is safe. And after talking with you all, I’m okay now.” As if to prove her words, a faint, shallow smile touched the corners of her lips. “You’ve all had a long day, too. Get some rest.”

Seeing that her mood had improved, Xie Zhitian didn’t insist. For someone who loved solitude, the right amount of distance and personal space was essential. After communicating with the staff from District 53 and talking so much with them, Meng Qiang had probably reached her social limit for the day. So, Xie Zhitian agreed to her request and, with the others, walked her to the gate before stopping.

The night was now completely dark, and the air was frigid. A thin layer of frost covered the muddy path. The lights in most of the houses had gone out, and the cold white moonlight cast a desolate glow on the withered branches of the trees.

As they parted ways, Xie Zhitian said with a smile, “Dr. Meng, get some rest.” Then she added, “If you need help, contact us anytime.”

“Okay, I will. You all rest early too.”

Meng Qiang replied, about to leave, but her steps faltered. She turned back and looked at the girls. “I… I think I’ll be troubling you again.” Meng Qiang pursed her lips, her eyes shrouded in a faint shadow that hid her expression. “I have a feeling… this is just the beginning.”

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