Chapter 39: The Storm Subsides
On the morning of July 13th, the popular influencer “Entertainment Warrior” on the MicroWave platform broke the news:
According to reliable sources within the industry, the recent scandal involving a certain female celebrity with the surname Jiang was, in fact, meticulously orchestrated by her company, with the aim of paving the way for her new album release in October...
The article, running over a thousand words, offered a comprehensive analysis of the “predicament” Jiang Yan currently faced—declining popularity, an imminent album release, mounting pressure from competitors—thus, she resorted to all possible means, even fabricating a scandal, to attract attention.
The revelation ignited a firestorm online!
“No wonder—I’ve always felt there was something fishy about this.”
“Exactly! A star who’s never had a scandal, and suddenly one breaks out just before her new album drops? Anyone with a brain can see something’s off!”
“I said all along this was just hype, but people cursed me for it. Where are those people now? Are their faces hurting?”
“So, does that mean Jiang Yan’s thing with that man is fake? But there’s a video!”
“Acting, don’t you get it? The whole entertainment industry is full of actors.”
“Phew! That explanation actually makes me feel better.”
“…”
A wave of “prophets” was the first to jump into the fray online, using their “predictions” to grab attention, and soon, the comments section followed their lead.
Other entertainment accounts quickly started sharing the news.
On the afternoon of July 13th, “Entertainment Warrior” released a second exposé:
There’s something even funnier—the original intent of this Jiang celebrity was to stir up attention with a scandal, but she ended up being used by her opponent...
With a mocking tone, the article ridiculed Jiang Yan and her company, implying that their cunning plan had backfired. They wanted to pull off a clever trick, but instead, their opponent turned the whole affair into a farce, damaging Jiang Yan’s reputation in the process.
With the release of this piece, the comments section took on an air of secrecy.
“Is the opponent referring to XSy?”
“Who’s XSy? Can someone spill?”
“Use your head—Jiang Yan only has a few rivals!”
“Check the comments, someone already dropped the name!”
“What’s up with XSy? Did they hire trolls to attack her?”
“I think so too. Otherwise, Jiang Yan can’t be so dumb as to plan a scandal with an old man, can she? LOL.”
“The entertainment industry is this ruthless? One move and it’s a deadly blow! You’d never guess it from XSy!”
“Don’t be naïve. If someone climbed to B-list in just a few years, she can’t be simple.”
“…”
The sense of mystery quickly spread from the comments to other media accounts.
All public opinion began to point toward Xi Siyuan.
Because he was following the news closely, Su Chen saw the exposé almost immediately.
Nicely done!
Rather than telling the public the answer outright, it’s more effective to give them a clue and let them guess!
That way, the conclusions they reach themselves are much harder to shake.
And the facts proved it was highly effective.
The initial objective had already been achieved!
On the evening of July 13th, Jiang Yan’s MicroWave verified account officially released a statement:
“In light of the recent rumors circulating online about me, I would like to respond as follows:
1. The content captured in the video was a misunderstanding...
2. The rumors about orchestrating a scandal are untrue; I would never seek attention in such a way.
3. Regarding the online defamation, I reserve the right to take legal action to protect myself. Lawyer’s letters have already been sent to bloggers such as ‘Entertainment Warrior.’ Expect court subpoenas soon—malicious rumor-mongers will pay the price.
4. I hope everyone shifts their attention to the children in disaster-stricken areas. I have donated one million Huaxia yuan and will continue to contribute to charity.
5. I apologize for occupying public resources.”
Within an hour of its release, her statement had over 100 million views.
“Entertainment Warrior” was quick to respond: Waiting for proof!
After that, Jiang Yan’s MicroWave account fell silent.
In the comments:
“Heh, go ahead and send your lawyer’s letter!”
“I don’t believe a word of this statement. The truth is always the opposite!”
“I declare, everything Entertainment Warrior posted is basically confirmed!”
“Guys, I found something—if you look closely at the video exposing Jiang Yan’s scandal, the man actually breaks character and laughs!”
“Where? Where?”
“I saw it too! Hahaha, this is hilarious!”
“Did any of you notice? The man’s silhouette looks just like someone I’ve seen in tons of online videos.”
“Professional actor, obviously!”
“…”
When someone is convinced of something, they’ll find a thousand reasons to keep believing.
They’ll even come up with the most absurd “discoveries” to justify their judgment.
Phew!
Seeing the shift in the online narrative, everyone let out a long sigh of relief.
In just one day, the situation had been turned around!
Incredible!
But the facts were plain to see—impossible to deny.
Though there might be some negative impact, it was extremely limited.
On the contrary, because of this clever maneuver, even if other incriminating evidence turned up, it would no longer matter.
After all, everything could be chalked up as part of the scandal “plan.”
Thus, the scandal storm was finally brought under control.
-------------------------------------
“Little brother, you’re amazing!”
With the problem resolved, Jiang Yan was the first to message Su Chen, showering him with unreserved praise.
Su Chen received her message and replied casually:
“Oh? What’s so amazing?”
Jiang Yan giggled to herself and sent a shy emoji.
“/Shy, you’re amazing in every way!”
Su Chen could easily picture her affected, coquettish expression.
“So, how do you plan to reward me?”
Almost instantly, Jiang Yan replied:
“How about next time I’m back in Jiang City, I make you noodles?”
Dirty-minded turtle!
Fujoshi!
No wonder you don’t have a boyfriend!
All talk and no action—serves you right for staying single!
Suppressing his irritation, Su Chen grumbled inwardly.
“Forget it then!”
“My noodles are delicious—I’ll make you some next time!”
Seeing Su Chen’s reply, Jiang Yan’s face flushed, as if she’d thought of something embarrassing.
“Little brother, you’re not being honest!”
Su Chen rolled his eyes. Was she trying to turn things around on him?
Changing the subject, he asked casually:
“Do you have some history with Xi Siyuan?”
“Oh? So concerned about your big sister?”
Jiang Yan’s reply was still flippant, leaving Su Chen speechless.
He was about to drop the conversation when a new message popped up from Jiang Yan, this time much more serious.
“It’s not really a personal grudge—just business competition. She’s an artist launched by Dynasty Entertainment as a rival to me, so naturally there’s competition between us.”
“I don’t mind it much, but she’s always targeting me.”
Su Chen nodded quietly. It matched his own deductions.
It also fit with the way Xi Siyuan conducted herself.
“I heard from Jiang Jing in the group chat that your new album is set to go head-to-head in October?”
“If you need any help, just let me know!”