Chapter 44

Chapter 44

The controversial comment was buried among others, but aside from Ning Yuyi's and Xie Yiezhou's fans who took offense, it didn't stir up much on Weibo.

However, that evening, someone used the comment to start a thread on the Rabbit Forum.

The thread quickly became a hot topic on the forum. Xie Yiezhou and Ning Yuyi's fans accused the original poster of being a troll. Other bystanders earnestly dug into Ning Yuyi's pre-debut past.

Since it didn't cause a large-scale debate, Fenghua Entertainment wasn't aware of this thread.

Not until Zhou Erhe scheduled an interview program for Ning Yuyi.

The interview was to be recorded live in an open space recording studio at Fenghua Entertainment.

Ning Yuyi arrived at the company early to prepare—getting his makeup and hair done, and changing his outfit. Then, he discussed the upcoming interview with Zhou Erhe in hushed tones.

"Are these the only questions?" Ning Yuyi asked, holding the list of prepared questions from the interview team.

"No, they’ll throw in a few unexpected ones to enhance the live broadcast. This show is popular precisely because of its unedited live format and these impromptu questions," Zhou Erhe explained.

Zhou Erhe wouldn’t have accepted this interview for Ning Yuyi if it wasn’t a popular show that could solidify his core fan base.

"We'll adapt as necessary then," Zhou Erhe said, rising from his chair and straightening out his clothes. "Let's go, it's almost time to start."

"Hmm."

The company had chosen a pure white shirt for Ning Yuyi, which, when worn, accentuated his slender physique.

Although Ning Yuyi wasn't quite 1.8 meters tall, he had excellent body proportions. The combination of the white shirt with black trousers gave an immediate, striking impression.

Seated on the couch set up for the interview, Ning Yuyi smiled at the male and female hosts opposite him.

The female host gently inquired if he was ready. Once Ning Yuyi gave a nod of confirmation, the live broadcast commenced.

Almost immediately, the previously gentle female host shed her soft demeanor, revealing a much sharper persona.

Initially, the questions posed were the ones given to Ning Yuyi in advance, allowing him to answer with ease.

However, once the listed questions were exhausted, Ning Yuyi noticed both hosts sharing a brief, knowing smile.

It was as if they were signaling... the real show was about to begin.

Shortly after, the duo began launching a barrage of more pointed questions.

"Do you have an ideal type? Given that same-sex marriage has been legal in our country for years, do you have a gender preference for your future partner, or does compatibility matter more?"

This was the first time anyone had so bluntly inquired about Ning Yuyi's preferences, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.

"Uh... I don’t currently have an ideal type." He pondered the latter part of the question, "Regarding a future partner, I'll see when the time comes. I believe I'm still young and don't need to think about it now."

The underlying message was clear: Please don't press me on this; I haven’t given it much thought and don’t know how to respond!

[Male fans represent! Is there a chance for us too? (SuddenlyExcited.JPG)]

[Ah! He's still a child! Please, hosts, stop your probing!]

[Ning's ears turned red! He's so shy, hahaha!]

[Checking in as a female fan, kept hoping, only to end up disappointed.]

[Please don't tease him hahaha, I'm dying of laughter. Ning Yuyi's fans are the best!]

Riding on Ning Yuyi's response, the male host probed further, "Have you ever considered someone from your fan base? I recall Mr. Fan admitting he’s one of your fans."

Can they please stop with the questions?

Zhou Erhe, watching through the glass, had sweaty palms from the tension.

Then he heard what seemed to be a soft chuckle from Ning Yuyi.

"Hmm, it's possible. Everything is uncertain, after all."

Zhou Erhe: ...

[Whoa, did I just hear the sound of budding hope?]

So I'm capable of having affections too? I'm so thrilled!

I need to get up immediately, wash my face and brush my teeth. I was still lazing in bed, but now I'm determined to rise and shine. I have to be worthy of my dreams!

Once accustomed to the styles of the two hosts, it became much smoother for Ning Yuyi.

Until the very last question.

The male and female hosts exchanged glances and posed the question, "Now, for the final question, which many fans are very curious about."

"Having watched 'Old Friends', it's evident that you possess impressive culinary skills, and you're quite familiar with old-fashioned stovetops. Did you prepare in advance for the show?"

The question was astutely phrased. If Ning Yuyi admits to preparing, critics will accuse her of creating a facade for the show. But if she denies, it would seem odd.

How could a celebrity, often mingling with the elite, be so adept with such things?

Ning Yuyi subconsciously clenched the edge of the sofa, but her face, visible to the camera, tried hard to remain composed.

The host is surely stirring things up. The spectators are eagerly awaiting the drama.

This host must also be from the fan community. I was feeling bored, but now I'm suddenly alert.

Casual viewers should avoid spreading negativity. Are they even viewers if they're busy critiquing and not watching Ning's interview?

Ning Yuyi took a deep breath and finally spoke softly.

"I grew up in an orphanage. The conditions there weren't the best, and until the age of ten, we cooked on traditional stovetops. I often stayed beside the headmistress, watching over the fire, which made me familiar with it."

The two hosts seemed unprepared for this answer, falling silent for a moment before concluding the session.

Once the cameras were turned off and the live stream ended, Zhou Erhe rushed in, pulling Ning Yuyi behind him, turning to address the hosts.

"You are currently on a live interview with Fenghua."

"Ahem, weren't we just trying to create a hot topic?" The male host bent over, apologizing profusely to Zhou Erhe. "I'll remember next time."

"There won't be a next time. Ning won't be participating in this interview again," Zhou Erhe replied coldly, pulling Ning Yuyi out of the studio.

"Don't be upset. It's not something we needed to hide," Ning Yuyi said, grabbing Zhou Erhe's arm. "I'll treat you to lunch, are you coming?"

Zhou Erhe knew that Ning Yuyi's past wasn't a secret, but he truly empathized with her early life struggles and didn't want it to become online gossip.

Victims of school bullying not only suffer from direct harm but also from verbal abuse, which adds to their trauma.

Since Zhou Erhe started managing Ning Yuyi, he'd been trying to keep the company from using her past as a promotional angle.

He didn't expect that after protecting her for so long, this interview would expose everything in front of the public.

As Zhou Erhe sulked, Ning Yuyi sighed. Just as she was about to comfort her truly caring manager, he suddenly pulled her closer.

"You can't treat me to a meal anymore." Zhou Erhe said, looking straight ahead.

"What?" Ning Yuyi didn't understand the meaning of his words. Looking up, she noticed Fan Zhongchuan standing not far away.

"I'll send you a red envelope." Ning Yuyi let go of Zhou Erhe, turned around leaving that remark, and jogged towards Fan.

Zhou Erhe thought, "Hmph, I'll go find my boyfriend too."

Watching the two embrace, Zhou Erhe decided not to be a third wheel and went to the elevator alone, heading upstairs to find Ying Jin.

"Why are you here?" Ning Yuyi, trying to contain her excitement, asked him.

"Picking up my boyfriend from work." Fan Zhongchuan said, ruffling her hair. "Let's go eat."

"Alright."

Ning Yuyi quickly sent Zhou Erhe a generous red envelope, trying to comfort her manager.

Engrossed in chatting with Zhou Erhe, Ning Yuyi didn't notice the person already in the elevator when she stepped in.

Until a hand landed on her shoulder.

Startled, Ning Yuyi almost dropped her phone. Before she could see who it was, she heard a familiar voice.

"Ning Ning." It was Xie Yezhou's voice, coming from behind her.

"Sec... Second brother." Images of 'It's over' filled Ning Yuyi's mind as she turned and clung to Xie Yezhou's arm. "Did you also come to the company today?"

"I came to pick you up for dinner. The housekeeper prepared your favorite dishes." Xie Yezhou cast a glance at Fan Zhongchuan, who stood silently aside. "Have you two been talking?"

The most critical question had been asked.

Ning Yuyi felt Xie Yezhou's arm being withdrawn from her embrace. He pinched her cheek, "Flaunting affection in the elevator? Aren't you afraid someone from the company might see and post it online?"

It seems the second brother... isn't too angry.

Ning Yuyi sighed in relief and instinctively glanced at the elevator's surveillance camera.

"Be more cautious next time," Xie Yezhou said with a hint of resignation, ruffling her hair. "Dinner at home?"

What about Fan Zhongchuan if we go home for dinner?

Seeing where Ning Yuyi's gaze was directed, Xie Yezhou could guess her thoughts.

He sighed, lamenting that his once-close brother had been 'stolen' away.

"Let's all go eat together."

"Great!"

Just as Ning Yuyi finished answering the last question, the live stream's comment section went momentarily blank.

Ning Yuyi's fans were mostly sympathetic, but the formerly neutral fans, often referred to as "passersby", became even more fervent in their discussions.

On the fan forum, a previously buried post surged to the top, generating many new threads of discussion.

Title: Li Tao, Ning Yuyi came from an orphanage. Why is he so highly regarded by the big names?

Main post: Is he truly a plaything of the elite?

1L: I didn't believe it at first, but now...

2L: Maybe it's his personal charm? Xie Yezhou treats his assistant well too. Haters, don't pretend to be neutral here. I feel bad for Ning Yuyi; why does he have so many detractors?

3L: He's become popular recently, seemingly backed by big names. If I were an influential figure, I'd support him too. Good looks, good temperament, and great acting - bound to be a hit. Perfect for endorsement deals.

4L: I agree with the above. Pessimists will always see the worst in everything.

5L: It's natural for Fenghua to have resources. All the top names under Fenghua have abundant resources. But Ning Yuyi? Apart from the "Jiandao" project and the "Old Friends" show, what else? No magazines, no endorsements. Where's the resource explosion? In dreams?

6L: "Jiandao" wasn’t given by Fenghua; Ning Yuyi secured it himself.

7L: What do you mean?

8L: Referring to a question asked during a press conference. Zhang Xueyong mentioned he was captivated by Ning during college, tested him out, and confirmed him. Ning then used this project to sign with Fenghua.

9L: So, the only resource Fenghua provided Ning Yuyi was the "Old Friends" show?

10L: Let's break this up. Nowadays, anyone is blamed for having resources. My Ning is truly pitiable.

……

Ning Yuyi's fans actively clarified the misconceptions in the thread and reported the haters who were spreading negativity. Soon, there were fewer posts about this issue on the fan forum.

Author's note: Expect a second update before midnight.