Chapter 37: Who Plagiarized Whom?

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The teacher-in-charge felt a sense of unease in his heart, sensing that something was about to go wrong. He immediately ordered the live broadcast to be cut off, unaware that this only made the situation more suspicious. The online viewers in the live chat had confirmed that Shen Jing’s painting was indeed plagiarized! The expressions of the people present at the scene changed as they looked at Shen Jing. From the initial admiration, it turned into doubt.

Shen Jing stood on the stage, calmly looking at Qiao Boyue. “What are you talking about?” she asked.

“Shen Jing, even at this point, you still refuse to admit your mistake?” Qiao Boyue sneered. “Then I won’t be polite! Ladies and gentlemen of the judging panel and esteemed teachers, the artwork that Shen Jing submitted is actually a copy of my master, the renowned Chinese painting master, Chen Yusheng’s work!” Saying that, Qiao Boyue raised her phone and opened the chat conversation with Chen Yusheng. “Everyone can see that my master told me half a month ago that he was working on a piece, and two nights ago, he finally sent me the finished product. This finished piece is identical to what Shen Jing is displaying now. If this isn’t plagiarism, then what is it?”

The professors on the judging panel looked over, seeing an image on Qiao Boyue’s phone screen that was identical to the artwork Shen Jing had won first place with. Their expressions changed as well. Could it be that Shen Jing really plagiarized someone else’s work?

“Chairman Qin, you have always been fair and just. I believe you won’t tolerate plagiarism,” Qiao Boyue said, looking at Qin Mu and speaking with righteous indignation. She knew that Qin Mu detested plagiarism the most, and by exposing Shen Jing’s despicable behavior on the spot, she might be able to make a good impression on him.

Qin Mu first glanced at Shen Jing and then said, “It’s not allowed.” Then he snorted and looked at Qiao Boyue with an ambiguous gaze. “So, your name is Qiao Boyue?”

Qiao Boyue was overjoyed that Qin Mu knew her name. “Yes, I’m Qiao Boyue. Chairman Qin, I didn’t want to bring up this matter in such a situation, but Shen Jing plagiarized so shamelessly…”

“Since you’ve done it, don’t act like you’re being wronged, as if someone is forcing you to reveal the truth.,” Qin Mu coldly interrupted Qiao Boyue. Then he casually flipped through the documents in front of him and found Qiao Boyue’s name, which was already on the membership list. They were here to select talents, and the top three would have the opportunity to become reserve members of their National Chinese Arts Department. Without much expression, Qin Mu drew a cross over Qiao Boyue’s name.

After he was done, Qin Mu said calmly, “Qiao Boyue, call your master and ask him to come over. This matter needs to be clarified face-to-face.” He wanted to see what this Chen Yusheng had to say. After giving the order, Qin Mu waved his hand and said, “Someone, bring a chair for Student Shen Jing to sit and wait.”

Everyone was focused on the issue of Shen Jing’s plagiarism and didn’t notice that Qin Mu’s tone towards Shen Jing was unusually intimate.

“Brother, it seems like your wife is in trouble,” Mu Sinian said while looking like he was waiting for a good show.

Fu Linyuan glanced at Mu Sinian and said, “You have ten minutes to find out what’s going on. If you can’t find out, I’ll talk to Uncle Mu regarding your marriage arrangement.”

Mu Sinian was speechless. This was unfair. Brother had so many capable people under him, and he was quite powerful himself, yet he was being tasked with the investigation!

At the same time, Mu Tong, Old Master Mu’s personal assistant, reported to Old Master Mu, “Master, it seems that Miss Shen Jing has encountered some trouble.”

Old Master Mu frowned. “Go and investigate.” He didn’t believe that Shen Jing would plagiarize, nor did he have a good impression of Qiao Boyue. Her moral character was seriously lacking.

Five minutes later, Mu Sinian returned to Fu Linyuan’s side. “Brother, I’ve found out everything.”

Fu Linyuan looked through the information Mu Sinian had gathered expressionlessly. Then he sat up straight, his thin lips curving, but there was no trace of a smile.

Chen Yusheng had been waiting nearby, so when he received Qiao Boyue’s call, he arrived in less than fifteen minutes. “Chairman Qin, esteemed fellow teachers, good afternoon,” he greeted politely.

Qin Mu was very impatient. “I’ll ask you one question: your disciple Qiao Boyue said that this painting is your original work. How do you explain that?”

At the mention of this, Chen Yusheng showed a somewhat sorrowful expression. “Qiao Boyue has already told me about the matter on my way here, saying that someone has plagiarized my new artwork, and it’s a university student.”

Qin Mu slammed his pen heavily on the table.

Chen Yusheng had some reputation in the Chinese art circle, and no one believed he would lie. In an instant, everyone’s gaze at Shen Jing became different.