The System Of Beauty
Chapter 36. Confession

Elsewhere, Ryan is happy enough with Zee's success to find out and uncover the truth about his defamation case. But he wondered why Zee had not acted decisively and made a legal report to those who were scheming to take him down through social media.

"I'm happy to see Zee uncovering the truth about his defamation case. But it's kind of weird for me why doesn't he take legal action against people who try to take him down in sneaky ways on social media?"

This statement came, because Ryan did not know what the reason for Zee, because he knew that Zee was very hit with the news yesterday.

"Maybe Zee chose not to involve due process for some reason" he murmured after thinking.

"Possibly Zee, avoiding confrontation or wanting to focus on recovering her good name without too much distraction."

That was the end of it, the conclusion that Ryan had drawn. Everyone does have a different approach to a Zee-like situation, especially if it's easy.

In addition, Ryan thinks that it's possible that Zee considers the long-term impact of engaging the legal process.

Legal proceedings can be a long and expensive process, and can cause additional stress and discomfort. So according to Ryan, Zee prefers to focus her energy on more positive and productive things rather than getting caught up in a time-consuming legal battle.

"If it was me, it might have had a different approach in a situation like this. But of course, Zee has her own considerations."

Sometimes, people also choose not to proceed with the legal process because of the evidence that is quite difficult to present in court or because of the risk of failing to win in the case. So, Ryan did not blame Zee who had a different view of him.

It is certain that there are more in-depth considerations that encourage Zee not to take legal action.

"But ... Shah should have realized his mistake, instead of being relaxed and sacrificing those stupid girls!"

Yes, Ryan thinks that Ella and her two best friends are stupid people, because they are not aware of having been used by the Shah.

Ryan finally decided to go back to acting like before, even though he was actually observing carefully the behavior of the Shah. He realized that there were some things that might be hidden behind the Shah's behavior.

If the Shah decides to go back to doing harm, Ryan has the intention to expose those things as a precautionary measure.

"But you can't just walk away, Shah. Every mistake has consequences, even if it's not immediate."

***

In a cozy cafe to hang out in, Ryan, Shah, and Karma sit around a small table. A cup of coffee and tea accompanied them in a relaxed atmosphere.

Initially, their chatter was light and full of laughter, discussing various topics ranging from socializing to weekend plans.

However, the atmosphere changed suddenly as the Shah proudly turned to the topic of social media. With a faint smile, he revealed something he shouldn't have talked about.

"You know, I actually have a knack for manipulating data and information on social media. I once made someone look so bad with a ruined image only through clever manipulation."

Ryan and Karma were of course surprised by this confession. Ryan looked at Shah with a serious look pretending to be serious because he knew nothing.

"But why did you choose to do such a thing? That's not of course not good, Shah." Ryan gave a response

"Oh, hahaha .. relax, Ryan. It's just a way to entertain yourself and teach a lesson to those who pretend to be perfect in cyberspace." She answered with a relaxed laugh.

Karma, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up. Although he also knew what the Shah was doing out there.

"But is it harmless to damage someone's reputation simply because of our personal pleasure or judgment? Is it not better to give criticism or feedback constructively?" tanya Karma gave her a look.

"Who cares? The world is harsh, and everyone does their own tricks. I'm just running the same game."

Ryan and Karma still looked doubtful, only able to look at each other. Although all three of them were close and popular with badboys, at least it was only for Shah.

Karma, which has been closest to the Shah, seeks to provide advice and questions.

"But what are the consequences if such an action is exposed? Is this really something that makes us, satisfied? What if I end up legally stumbling?"

Question after question asked Karma, hoping that his friend realized if it could be someday he hit the stone.

"God, do not need to nyinyir cake granny or mothers complex. Hahaha ..."

"Yes, it's up to you."

"Ck, just a joke ah!"

After some tension in the conversation, the Shah finally dodged and quickly clarified that he was actually just kidding. However, despite the clarification, Ryan still felt there was something deeper in this situation. He has a strong feeling that Shah is the mastermind behind the events that made Zee go viral lately.

'I'm not sure, but it looks like that strong conjecture was indeed done Shah '

While the Shah insisted that everything was just a joke, Ryan still felt there were a lot of nonsensical things. He thought to himself about the possible evidence and whether he should reveal it someday.

"Dad, I know you're trying to be funny, but there's something I can't believe in all this."

In the same cafe, the atmosphere still felt tense even though the Shah had already clarified that it was just a joke. But Ryan looked at Shah with a serious look.

Shah raised his eyebrows with a plain look, "What do you mean, Ryan? I'm just kidding, and it's a regular joke."

Karma tries to defuse the situation, "Maybe Ryan thinks so because of the current situation. Given what Zee's been through lately."

Ryan nodded, "Rubber, Karma. It was so strange to me how Zee could so quickly go viral. Suddenly there was so much negative information and content about him. It's not just any thing."

"You are too much. Zee must have an enemy out there trying to take him down. But not me."

Shah shook his head quickly, trying to provide as much information as he could.

Ryan looked at Shah in a different way, like he was weighing something. He was the most silent, but observant in seeing the situation.

"Dad, I just want to make sure everything's okay. If there's something you actually know or do, it's better to say it now."

She looked a bit nervous, but then returned smiling casually. I hope this will reduce the suspicions of both friends.

"Ryan, you're always too serious. It's just a casual conversation. There's nothing to worry about."

"But we need to remember that our online actions can have a huge impact in real life. Maybe we should be more careful with what we throw into cyberspace."

Karma added, because this one teenager does not really like to share his activities on social media.

"Whatever! I don't care, the important thing is life is fun!" shah is like having no burden.