Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Ning Yuyi stumbles upon a promotional account and after thoroughly watching the video...

Ning Yuyi: "They posted it this quickly?"

Zhou Erhe: "?"

Zhou Erhe: "Post what? We're still editing the text. That promotional account is so obsessive, they won't post until they craft what they consider the perfect caption."

Ning Yuyi: "[Screenshot]"

Ning Yuyi: "[Video]"

Ning Yuyi: "Take a look at this."

Zhou Erhe: "This isn't from our company..."

Zhou Erhe: "I'll check it out."

Ning Yuyi once again watched the video and recalled the situation from that day on the red carpet, confirming that the location from the video was not filmed by any known camera.

But this angle... it seems to capture mostly her own fans.

Have her fans started to fight back?

The video was taken by Huang Yumeng.

She had taken an afternoon nap, only to wake up to a barrage of messages from her best friend, Ping Tongxin. After watching the video, she was infuriated and directly sent the original video to a promotional account editor she had a good relationship with, asking her to post it.

Zhou Erhe quickly responded, sharing his findings with Ning Yuyi.

Zhou Erhe: "It's from your fans. The editor from that account even asked if they could get an autograph from you. [Screenshot]"

Ning Yuyi: "Sure thing. Get the address, I'll send over two autographs, one for my little fan too."

Zhou Erhe: "Ok!" (Attached: PandaOk.JPG)

Upon receiving feedback from her editor friend, Huang Yumeng let out a scream and jumped out of bed.

……

After the original video was released, the previously instigated rational fans began to calm down. Apart from a small number of radical fans still causing a commotion on both forums, the situation had significantly improved.

It appears that the more aggressive the fan, the weaker their fighting power.

Ning Yuyi revisited her own forum, noticing that her fans were now capable of holding their own against the remaining aggressive fans, not only matching them but even gaining the upper hand.

That user, “Yi Yie Zhi Zhou,” who recently posted the video, seems the most provocative, claiming that despite her edits, the truth remains: Ning Yuyi disrespects her seniors and constantly rides on their popularity.

In her room, Yao Yao finished all the desserts, all while observing this “Yi Yie Zhi Zhou.”

She's familiar with almost all of Xie Yezhou's major fans, but this Yi Yie Zhi Zhou seems to have emerged only recently. She had no recollection of them before this incident.

So, she delved deeper into Yi Yie Zhi Zhou's profile, finding mostly posts about Xie Yezhou's merchandise and a recent promotional event video, all primarily from the past couple of weeks.

Something felt off.

Yao Yao continued scrolling, finally spotting an inconsistency in the comments on one of the oldest posts.

Following the trail, she compiled her findings into a grid of screenshots and posted them on the fan forum.

Shaking her head, she wrote: “I always found this Yi Yie Zhi Zhou suspicious, especially when they led the hate campaign against Ning Yuyi. After digging all night, I found out. Turns out it's that super-active fan of Zhang Yang, a professional fan, linked with BingHuo Corp., receiving kickbacks from fan fundraisers. Are they now trying to profit from Xie Yezhou’s fans?” [Images]

[Oh my God, so that's what happened!]

[I'm so sorry, Yao Yao! I was so dumb not to see through that heavily edited video.]

[After seeing the clarification video, I'm out. But I still want to curse myself for being so naive.]

[I sincerely apologize here. Maybe I was upset seeing him being taken advantage of for so long, but it seems like he's always been willing.]

[Drunk on this drama. Thankfully, I noticed something was wrong and stopped my little sisters. Even more surprised you directly posted on the forum.]

……

The next morning, Ning Yuyi was awakened by the alarm. Groggily, he packed his bags, ready to head back.

Xie Yezhou entered to help with the luggage. Seeing Ning Yuyi's drowsy appearance, he pinched his cheek, “Didn’t you go to bed early last night? Why are you still so tired?”

“Not really early. I was on the forum till late.” Ning Yuyi responded, yawning.

“You didn't sleep?” Xie Yezhou pinched him harder, flicking his forehead, “Then why didn’t you answer when I knocked last night?”

“Knocked?” Ning Yuyi was confused, “Don't we have a doorbell? Why the old-fashioned method, brother?”

“… I didn’t want to disturb your sleep.”

Yao Yao was the last to leave the hotel. She looked even more exhausted than Ning Yuyi, yawning nonstop.

“I uncovered the truth about Yi Yie Zhi Zhou last night. They're a professional fan, likely here to profit from Xie Yezhou's fans.” Yao Yao managed to say, interrupted by consecutive yawns.

"Whose fan is this?" Xie Yezhou inquired.

"Zhang Yang."

"Issue a legal notice. Sue for defamation." Xie Yezhou's words carried a chilling edge.

"Understood."

……

The plane touched down at Haimarket Airport. Ning Yuyi, having slept the entire journey, was still groggy when escorted off the plane.

Fan Zhongchuan had already inquired about Ning Yuyi's flight and arrived early to greet him.

Upon seeing Xie Yezhou assisting Ning Yuyi out, someone approached with an outstretched hand, their intention clear.

Seeing Xie Yezhou's reluctance, Fan Zhongchuan spoke in a relaxed tone, "Your fans are still up front. It'll be even harder to manage if they see this."

"So it becomes easier if they see me with Ning Ning?" Xie Yezhou wasn’t swayed by the implicit threat, "Yao Yao, take Ning Ning away."

"No need for Yao Yao. I can walk," Ning Yuyi, awakened by their confrontational exchange, stretched lazily to wake herself up.

Only then did Xie Yezhou and Fan Zhongchuan cease their "war", taking positions on either side of Ning Yuyi.

The trio had barely stepped out when they were immediately surrounded by fans from both sides.

After answering a few questions and signing some autographs, Ning Yuyi finally managed to break free. Once in the car, she quickly lowered the temperature by two degrees.

Xie Yezhou promptly turned it back up without hesitation.

"Sudden changes in temperature can cause a cold." Facing Ning Yuyi's pitiful look, Fan Zhongchuan didn't indulge her either.

Rejected by both, Ning Yuyi could only sit and sulk, taking out her phone to vent to Zhou Erhe.

In return, Zhou Erhe sent her a photo.

The picture showed the three of them walking side by side out of the airport. Zhou Erhe demanded an explanation for their joint appearance.

Ning Yuyi explained that Fan Zhongchuan had come to pick them up. This earned her a slew of "meltdown" emojis from Zhou Erhe.

Zhou Erhe - Fans are now asking in the forum who Director Fan is? Do they think he's a new assistant? How should I respond???

Ning Yuyi took her time saving the emojis to her favorites before replying to Zhou Erhe's message.

Ning Yuyi - Hang in there. I've ordered extra takeout for you.

Zhou Erhe - ??? Go away!

Zhou Erhe - Honestly, the romance I have with Ying Jin is purely confined to the office. We literally date only in the office 🙂

Ning Yuyi - Stay strong. I ordered a meal for two.

Zhou Erhe - 🙂 (forced_smile.JPG)

In the end, Xie Yezhou couldn't manage to take Ning Yuyi home, as he received a call from his manager about another commitment halfway.

After Xie Yezhou left, Fan Zhongchuan became even more brazen.

Holding Ning Yuyi's fingers, he commented, "Why are they still so thin?"

"That's not true," Ning Yuyi frowned and pulled her hand away, "I've gained a lot. Brother Zhou says if I gain any more, I'll have to go on a diet."

Hearing Ning Yuyi's words, Fan Zhongchuan's displeasure deepened. He turned to retrieve a bottle of cheese yogurt from the car's mini-fridge, placing a straw to Ning Yuyi's lips.

Ning Yuyi wrapped her lips around the straw and took a generous sip.

The rich taste of the cheese yogurt filled her mouth, causing her to close her eyes in satisfaction.

"Have a bit to settle your stomach before we have lunch."

"Alright."

The car pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant where Ning Yuyi first met Xie Yezhou. Both Ning Yuyi and Fan Zhongchuan entered through a side door and headed straight to a private dining room.

After ordering their meal using a tablet, they handed it back to the waiter.

The waiter left, leaving only Ning Yuyi and Fan Zhongchuan in the room.

"This is where we first met," Fan Zhongchuan remarked, removing his suit jacket. He sat in a silver-gray shirt, and upon closer inspection, one could see the hint of muscles on his shoulders.

"Yes," Ning Yuyi remembered the scene from that day and smiled.

Back then, she hadn't anticipated the surreal developments that followed.

"Do you know what I was thinking the first time I saw you?" A smirk appeared at the corner of Fan Zhongchuan's mouth.

Feeling a sense of impending mischief, Ning Yuyi replied, "I'd rather not know."

"I was thinking... How can you be so adorable?"

No man truly likes being called cute, and clearly, Ning Yuyi was no exception.

Rolling up the sleeves of his t-shirt to expose his arms, he flexed his muscles, "You should be calling me handsome!"

Fan Zhongchuan suppressed a chuckle.

The deep, rich laughter seemed to flood her ears.

Ning Yuyi relaxed her arms, feeling a tingling sensation around her ears.

Just then, there was a knock, and the waiter came in with their dishes.

After arranging the dishes, the waiter left, thoughtfully closing the door of the private room behind him.

Having had only a bottle of cheese yogurt since morning, Ning Yuyi was immediately distracted by the food, immersing herself in the culinary delights.

After the meal, Ning Yuyi nibbled on hawthorn berry sweets for digestion, occasionally glancing at the room's decor.

Seeing Fan Zhongchuan put down his chopsticks, she quickly swallowed her bite, "You're done eating?"

"Mhm," Fan Zhongchuan placed his chopsticks at the edge of his bowl.

Just as Ning Yuyi was about to ask when they'd head home, a napkin landed near her mouth.

Fan Zhongchuan wiped away the sugar crumbs from Ning Yuyi's lips and, after discarding the tissue, continued to touch the corner of her mouth with the pad of his finger.

"Haven't you finished yet?" Ning Yuyi involuntarily shrank back, blinking her large eyes, appearing a tad pitiful.

"Hmm." Fan Zhongchuan's gaze was inscrutable. After what seemed like an eternity, he withdrew his finger, "I'll take you home."

"Okay QAQ."

Fan Zhongchuan escorted Ning Yuyi to her villa's entrance. After she entered, she poked half her body out from the door, waving goodbye.

After finishing his tasks, Xie Yezhou, without a break, was dragged home by Xie Yinan.

Once home, he saw Xie Lou and Lin Yiyue sitting on the sofa, competing to praise someone while watching TV.

"Hey, I've watched this scene several times, but I must say, Ning Ning's performance is outstanding," Lin Yiyue pointed at the TV, "I remember at his age, Ahzhou was still criticized by haters for lacking acting skills, right?"

Xie Yezhou: "..."

Realizing that even his father was joining in to praise Ning Yuyi at his expense, Xie Yezhou quickly interjected, "Dad, Mom."

"You're back." Lin Yiyue turned upon hearing him, her face betraying no sign of the previous teasing, "There's hangover soup warming in the pot. Go have some."

Xie Yezhou had been at a director's gathering earlier, where he'd had a few drinks.

"No need, I had some before coming back," Xie Yezhou sat down, "Why was I suddenly called back home?"

"It's about last night's incident," Lin Yiyue shared her concerns, "Is Ning Ning alright?"

"He's fine. He doesn't let outsiders' opinions bother him," Xie Yezhou massaged his temples, slightly aching from the alcohol.

Xie Yinan, having parked and entered the house, overheard this and nodded in agreement.

Recalling an incident where Ning Yuyi had instinctively apologized in front of him and Xie Yezhou, Xie Yinan had consulted a psychologist.

The psychologist suggested that Ning Yuyi had a deep-seated lack of psychological security.

This lack of security wasn't shaped by outsiders, but rather by those close to him.

In the face of public opinion, Ning Yuyi seemed unfazed, even joyously browsing the web, never viewing himself as the subject of discussion.

Yet, in front of people like Xie Yinan and Fan Zhongchuan, he exhibited self-doubt, internalizing mistakes, and, while outwardly normal, felt intensely insecure.

Later, Xie Yinan delved into Ning Yuyi's childhood experiences. With a rough understanding, he felt a mix of anger and sympathy.

Xie Yinan hadn't yet shared this with Lin Yiyue, but he suspected Xie Lou had guessed.

When Xie Yinan went to see his father, Xie Lou's face didn't show any sign of worry, as if he'd known all along that Ning Yuyi wouldn't be overly distressed by external matters.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Lin Yiyue's hand rested on her heart, "As long as you're alright."

"By the way, I visited a car show a few days ago and saw a car perfect for young people like you," Lin Yiyue said excitedly, clapping her hands, "There are three colors available. You can each choose one."

"Let's decide tomorrow." Exhausted from his continuous work over the past few days, Xie Yezhou sank into the sofa, unwilling to get up.

Lin Yiyue draped a blanket over his legs, "We're not exactly relying on the money you earn from filming. Why push yourself so hard?"

Xie Yezhou leaned into the couch, gazing up at the living room's crystal chandelier, emitting a barely audible sigh.

"Ning Ning is also in the entertainment industry."

"I'll pave a smoother path for him."

Author's Note: Best big brother in China.

My dorm has been so noisy lately, it's been impossible to concentrate on writing. I've been wearing headphones so much, I feel like I'm going deaf QAQ.