After Being Wrongly Accused of Plagiarism by My Best Friend

Shannon stared at me for a while as if trying to see something unusual on my face. After a long time, she spoke, "Maybe it's just a coincidence. I... Well... It's just a misunderstanding. Can you help me clarify it? Everyone is pointing fingers at me now."

She sounded so righteous. How come I didn't realize before that Shannon was so disgusting?

Brian smiled and quickly helped Shannon up, "Shannon, don't worry. Gina will definitely help you. You are her best friend."

6

Suddenly, Brian's face overlapped with the one from my previous life.

In my previous life, when the media reporters blocked my door for an interview, Brian protected me in his arms and said desperately at the top of his lungs, "Even though Gina is at fault, you can't do this. No one is perfect. You should give her a chance."

Since my rebirth, I had always been concerned about the plagiarism matter, and I didn't realize that though it sounded like Brian was speaking up for me at that time, in a way, he was also admitting my guilt on my behalf.

Thinking of this, I nodded. "But how can I help you?"

Seeing that I had a calm expression, Brian breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "It's easy, Gina. You just need to admit that you plagiarized. Say that this unfinished piece of music you posted is also Shannon's work. That way, she won't be criticized."

Shannon looked at me expectantly. "Gina, only you can help me. If I'm labeled as a scammer, my life will be ruined."

I found it ridiculous and did not agree. I said, "Shannon, I have already posted this piece of music online a long time ago. This is just a slight addition. If I help you clarify now, it will only make things worse. So, I have come up with a solution for you that can make everyone forget about your scamming incident today."

Shannon looked at me blankly. "What is it?"

I took out a poster. "This is the National Original Music Production Competition. As long as you make a better new song, who will care about this?"

Shannon didn't answer and glanced at Brian, who immediately understood. "Gina, are you going to participate in this competition?"

I nodded. "Of course."

If I didn't, Shannon wouldn't.

If she didn't, how could I let her suffer and embarrass herself?

7

Shannon and Brian talked to me for a long time, but no matter what, I just wouldn't clarify. Instead, I forwarded a tweet, accusing Shannon of being biased and gullible and expressing my intention to participate in the competition.

Shannon had no choice but to leave with a grievance. Before leaving, she looked at Brian. The two of them exchanged affectionate glances as if no one else was present. How stupid was I before that I didn't notice the betrayal of my boyfriend and my best friend?

After Shannon left, Brian's expression changed again and again. Finally, he said affectedly, "Gina, I have faith in you. You will definitely win first place. I'm sure you'll nail it."

I looked at him mockingly. "If I win first place, how can Shannon prove her ability and cover up her scandal? I want to casually make a song so that she can win. In such a way, everyone will only remember her talent and forget about this embarrassing incident."

Brian had calmed down and realized that he said a lot of things he shouldn't have. He smiled awkwardly, "I just don't want you to regret it. After all, Shannon... Shannon is your best friend. You are so kind, and I'm sure you wouldn't want her to be criticized. But you still have to work hard. Don't slack off. Or you'll let down all your fans."