Xianyu And Protagonist A Are Together Chapter 22
byChapter 22: What Other Secrets? Offline
“Sister Li, listen to me!” Song Xue shouted anxiously when the call connected.
The voice on the other end was cold and merciless. “Listen to you?”
She sneered. “Listen to you say what? That you failed and almost dragged me down with you? You think you can turn things around with that pig brain of yours? I’m telling you—you did this yourself, don’t involve me!”
Song Xue instantly collapsed onto the floor, the words of pleading stuck in her throat. She was speechless for a moment, the veins on her forehead bulging even more prominently.
“Sister Li, that’s not right. We did this together. After all, without you, how could an artist like me have such power? Now you want to abandon me? Dream on!”
Song Xue’s eyes were dark, concealing an intense, unresolvable gloom. She spoke in a chilling tone. Want to throw me away? No chance!
The curtains in the room were tightly drawn, and the lights were off. The alternating light and shadow fell across her face, obscuring her usually delicate features.
“You want to threaten me? Ridiculous!” Sister Li let out a disdainful scoff. She lowered her voice and threatened, “Xuexue, you are truly naive. Why do you think I’ve signed so many artists, and yet when they explode with scandal, I’m completely untouched?”
Her breathing grew heavy. Song Xue gasped, a bead of blood welling up on her lower lip, sticking there after it burst.
After a long silence, Sister Li laughed, a loud, harsh, and contemptuous sound. “Xuexue, I knew you were the most sensible one. After all, choosing between mutual destruction and walking away with money—you know how to choose, right?”
Song Xue gasped sharply, clenching her hands tightly, her nails digging deep into her flesh. After a long time, she heard herself say, “I know.”
Sister Li appeased her with satisfaction. “That’s right, that’s the only correct option.” Then her voice turned cold. “Alright, now go publish a statement saying it was all your idea. I will transfer the money to you later.”
A series of beeps echoed in the empty room, the sound reverberating repeatedly.
Song Xue felt a ringing in her ears; she couldn’t hear anything except the static of the phone line.
The phone slipped onto the carpet, making a dull thud.
Her eyes were vacant and dull as she stared at the carpet, lost in thought. Tears silently streamed down her cheeks.
After a long time, she picked up her phone and logged into her personal account. After such a huge scandal broke, all her fans had left. A solitary “zero” flashed on the page.
But the forums below were already flooded, with new information updating every moment.
Song Xue typed out the statement word by word and published it.
Song Xue: This incident was indeed caused by my jealousy toward Ms. Wen Mian. No one else was involved. I have deeply recognized my mistake and have decided to retire from the industry to reflect and make amends for my wrongdoing. I hope everyone can take this as a warning and avoid maliciously slandering others out of resentment.
Simultaneously, Song Xue’s company quickly issued a statement, announcing that they had terminated their contract with Song Xue and were completely unaware of her actions.
Zhong Li also followed up with a statement, saying that Song Xue would no longer participate in the subsequent recording and that they would find another guest. Furthermore, her liquidated damages had been transferred to Ms. Wen Mian as emotional compensation, and any further legal action would be at Ms. Wen Mian’s discretion.
Finally, she mentioned her own mistake in not monitoring the internet sooner, which resulted in Ms. Wen Mian suffering for an extended period.
Wen Mian had anticipated Zhong Li’s announcement and glanced through it without much concern.
Xu Qing’s call came in, and Wen Mian casually answered, “Yes?”
Her voice was lazy, carrying a hint of allure, like rich, mellow red wine echoing in the ear.
Xu Qing rubbed her ear uncomfortably. Seriously, why did it feel like Wen Mian had become more and more charming since joining the dating show?
Shaking the thoughts from her mind, Xu Qing spoke, “You accepted the liquidated damages?”
Wen Mian scrolled through the comments and replied casually, “Yes. Since they offered it, why shouldn’t I accept?”
Xu Qing couldn’t help but worry a little. “But… now that you’ve accepted, how will you deal with Song Xue later? If you still pursue legal action, won’t netizens think you are too heartless?”
As she spoke, she angrily slapped her thigh. “That move by Song Xue was vicious—retreating to advance. I just wonder what benefits that person promised her to make her willingly take all the blame?”
Wen Mian’s fingers paused, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. She continued, “Sister Xu, remember—the liquidated damages weren’t given to me by Song Xue, but rather compensation from the production team. However—”
She paused slightly. “No matter how many benefits she was promised, if she can’t enjoy them, won’t she get anxious? If she gets anxious, then we might get to watch a good show.”
Xu Qing’s eyes lit up, and her voice unconsciously lowered. “Are you suggesting?”
Wen Mian gave a faint “Mm” and continued, “Then I’ll trouble Sister Xu to continue following up.”
“Of course!” Xu Qing agreed immediately, without hesitation.
“But Sister Xu, someone helped me behind the scenes with Song Xue’s matter today, right?” Although it was phrased as a question, Wen Mian’s tone was certain.
Xu Qing paused, trying to change the subject. “Uh… well, about that… Mian Mian, why don’t we talk about the show instead?”
Hearing Xu Qing’s response, Wen Mian had her answer. There really was someone…
Her thoughts shifted, and she stated confidently, “It’s someone in my family.”
“Ha… haha…” Xu Qing laughed awkwardly, then simply confirmed Wen Mian’s guess. It wasn’t like she said it; Wen Mian figured it out herself.
“It was President Pei. She arranged for people to handle it.”
Wen Mian said, “So that’s it… I understand. I’ll hang up now.”
Xu Qing quickly agreed. Who knew what else might be exposed if they kept talking.
After hanging up, Wen Mian couldn’t help but think of that family photo. President Pei? The one who looked very much like her?
It seems the gathering won’t be easy. Wen Mian mused.
Placing her phone on the bedside table, Wen Mian slowly drifted off to her afternoon nap. The curtains fluttered in the breeze, and the rustling of leaves accompanied the sleeping Wen Mian.
Meanwhile, various things were happening outside the room.
Gu Man was on the phone with her Agent Wang Fei.
“Man Man, the matter is completely resolved…” Wang Fei said.
Gu Man looked down at her computer. “I know. If you have anything else to say, just say it directly.”
Wang Fei sighed inwardly. “I knew I couldn’t hide it from you. While I was investigating, I discovered that another group of people was also searching, and they were the ones who leaked that video.”
Gu Man clicked the mouse, then slowly raised her head to look out the window. The towering trees were lush with dense foliage, swaying gently in the breeze.
“It’s fine, you don’t need to worry about it,” Gu Man finally said.
“I understand,” Wang Fei replied.
Pressing the hang-up button, Gu Man’s gaze remained fixed on the trees. Wen Mian, what other secrets are you hiding?
After issuing the statement, Song Xue didn’t dare look at her phone again. She threw it far away, hugging herself in fear, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Retire? What can I do if I retire?