Chapter 110: Holding Back

Sister Wei had been so anxious these past couple of days that she’d broken out in a cluster of blisters at the corner of her mouth, so severe that not even foundation could conceal them.

“Mr. Mo said, ‘Hold back, don’t act rashly,’” Sister Wei lifted her weary eyes to glance at Zhai Chao.

Zhai Chao paused for a moment, but Sister Wei patted his shoulder again, “Go home and rest for now. Stay out of this matter.”

Mo Wuxie had connections in the capital, and deep down, she still trusted him.

Zhai Chao pressed his lips together in silence.

The scandal had erupted across the city, and he wondered how Shen Qing was holding up.

Sister Wei had her assistant drive over; the two of them left the company together, only to be swarmed by a flock of reporters who had been lurking outside for hours.

“Zhai Chao, is the rumor about your MV’s leading lady true?”

“Zhai Chao, is Shen Qing as the internet claims?”

“Has Spring Autumn Entertainment abandoned Shen Qing?”

“Mr. Zhai, do you regret working with Shen Qing? Someone like her could ruin your career—will you move to Stardust Entertainment instead?”

“Please step aside, everyone,” Sister Wei spoke up, “My artist needs rest. We won’t be accepting interviews or answering any questions.” Several security guards emerged from inside, shielding Zhai Chao.

“Mr. Zhai—”

The security guards pushed through the crowd, escorting Zhai Chao into the van. As the door was about to close, Zhai Chao hesitated, then spoke, “Shen Qing is a good person—she’s not what you say she is. I hope you’ll wait for real evidence before making accusations.”

“There’s already plenty of evidence! Why do we need more? If you’re so protective of her, is there something improper between you two?” A woman rushed forward, holding the car door open.

Sister Wei shot Zhai Chao a glare—what trouble was he stirring up at a time like this!

“Miss, please refrain from groundless speculation, or we’ll have to send a legal notice,” Sister Wei said coldly, and the security guards quickly dragged the woman away.

“Hey! Let me go! Can’t take the truth, so you bully people?” The woman struggled, while Zhai Chao’s car sped away.

Zhai Chao’s confrontation with the reporters soon went viral, and many of his female fans renounced him.

[It’s so easy to profit off fans’ money! Get lost, scum!]

[Disgusting! Shen Qing’s reputation is rotten, but someone still speaks up for her. If those two haven’t slept together, I won’t believe it!]

[Take a look at your idol—bootlicker, trash.]

[I’m a Zhai Chao fan. Today, I officially quit. Campus bullying is unforgivable!]

[Oh my god! How could my darling like someone like her? I’m dead…]

[Zhai Chao is just…]

[Please clarify, darling!!!]

In less than an hour, Zhai Chao’s social media was flooded.

Sister Wei, her face ashen, scrolled through a few comments. In just that short time, Zhai Chao had lost a hundred thousand followers.

“You, you…” Sister Wei pointed at Zhai Chao, but seeing his bloodless face, she moved her lips and said nothing.

“Don’t worry. It’ll pass,” Zhai Chao managed a smile at Sister Wei after a while, but it was no better than crying.

**

Monday, just past midnight, the account “Flying Pig” released another explosive video. In a certain five-star hotel, a woman was nestled in a man’s arms as they entered a suite. They stayed inside for a day and a night before leaving. In the zoomed-in details, it was clear—the woman was Shen Qing!

Bullying, seduction, illegitimate birth, poor grades… All these labels were slapped onto Shen Qing, and Zhai Chao’s public clash with the reporters the day before only confirmed her reputation as a temptress.

Calls for Shen Qing to leave the entertainment industry grew ever louder and more vicious.

Meanwhile, the woman at the center of the storm was leisurely enjoying her breakfast.

“Want a pan-fried dumpling?” Gu Ting picked up a plump dumpling, its skin golden and crisp, not burnt at all.

“Mm.” Shen Qing had just gotten up, her eyes still sleepy.

Gu Ting smiled gently at her and placed two dumplings in her bowl.

Buzz—

The metal gadget on the table vibrated.

Shen Qing glanced at it—it was Xia Mang’s call. She quickly got up to answer, moving to the window.

“What’s up?” she said, annoyed at being interrupted during her meal.

Xia Mang tucked a pistol into her tall boots, threw a black trench coat over her shoulders, took a look at her reflection—beautiful and dashing—and smiled.

“What else? How come you’re so down lately? You’re infamous all over the internet, Egghead. Without your big sister around, you’re really hopeless, aren’t you?”