3:00 p.m., Room 604, East Wing of the Teaching Building.Students gradually filtered into the classroom, taking their seats one by one.
The course was Logic and Critical Thinking, a general elective open to the entire school. Attendance was high, not just because of its popularity, but because of its infamous lecturer: Professor Qin, also known among students as Old Ironface Qin.
Whenever his name was mentioned, it was often followed by a nervous gulp.
"Don't be fooled by the course title," one boy in the front row whispered."Old Qin calls on students every class. Say something dumb and you're socially dead on the spot."
Lu Chen walked in and took a seat toward the back. His textbook was secondhand, corners curled, clearly read many times.
He flipped it open, glancing silently at the professor.Professor Qin was short, wore reading glasses, and had hawk-like eyes that missed nothing.
Today's topic: Appeals to Authority – A Logical Fallacy.
As Professor Qin scrawled examples across the blackboard, he suddenly called out:
"Zhao Qi. Explain what's wrong with this statement."
Zhao Qi, who had been lounging and scrolling through his phone, jerked upright.
"Uh… this one, right… um… well, it kinda… sounds reasonable?" he stammered."I mean… it makes sense, doesn't it?"
A ripple of quiet laughter spread through the room.
Professor Qin let out a cold snort.
"Logic is not based on what sounds nice. Sit down. Zero."
Zhao Qi's face froze. He looked like he wanted to sink into the floor.
"Lu Chen," Professor Qin called again.
The classroom instantly fell silent. Every eye turned toward the quiet figure in the back row.
Lu Chen looked up, calm and composed.
"Yes, Professor?"
"Analyze this statement: 'I believe this claim because my father told me, and he's the chairman.' Is this logical?"
Lu Chen paused briefly. Then he answered with quiet clarity:
"At first glance, it may seem reasonable. But in fact, it's a textbook example of an appeal to authority. The credibility of a statement should come from its content, not the speaker's title or position. Even if the speaker is a chairman, that doesn't make his claim automatically true."
Professor Qin nodded slightly.
"Go on."
"In rigorous logical reasoning, evidence must be verifiable. Simply saying 'because he said so' shows a lack of independent thinking—it's a form of intellectual laziness."
The room fell completely silent.
Even Su Qingyu, seated in the middle rows, looked up in surprise. Her eyes flickered with something unspoken.
Zhao Qi clenched his jaw, muttering under his breath:
"What a pretentious act… broke bastard playing philosopher."
But Professor Qin either didn't hear or ignored him. Instead, he nodded again—an uncommon gesture for him.
"Good. Independent thinking. You'll lead the group discussion next class."
Lu Chen didn't object. He simply nodded in response.
When the bell rang, students filed out in small groups. Many stole glances at Lu Chen for the first time—this "poor student" they'd always overlooked… might not be so simple after all.
As Su Qingyu gathered her books, she seemed distracted.When Zhao Qi approached her again, she brushed him off coldly.
"I've got something to do."
Without another word, she walked straight over to Lu Chen and spoke softly:
"Your analysis earlier… was impressive."
Lu Chen blinked, then gave a small smile.
"It's just a logic class. Pay attention and it'll make sense."
She nodded, then hesitated—before speaking again:
"Are you free tonight? I'm working on a student forum presentation. I need a partner for the case study section."
Lu Chen raised an eyebrow.
"You sure you want me?" he asked quietly.
Su Qingyu looked him in the eyes.
"I just know I want a partner who doesn't rely on bragging about his background."
Lu Chen didn't answer right away. He studied her face for a long moment.Then nodded.
"Alright. I'll help."
—
Outside the classroom, Zhao Qi stood motionless, gripping his book tightly. His face was as dark as a stormy sky.
For the first time, he realized—That guy might not just be a "broke loser" after all.
He might be… a threat.