Just then, Ji Fei spoke up, “Are you apologizing because of pressure? Afraid of being retaliated against by the director and producer? You seemed pretty sincere in that video.”

The crowd watching was stunned. Ji Fei’s words hit home.

In situations like these, wasn’t it common to find a scapegoat?

Maybe the young woman really was telling the truth.

Yu Rouyin felt as if an arrow lodged in her chest had been pulled out. She stared at Ji Fei, astonished.

The fog was lifted.

“No, I was just... just talking nonsense, really...” The girl was flustered, completely lost. Should she admit it or deny it?

What she didn’t realize was that once certain words were spoken, they were like water spilled from a bucket—even if it evaporates, it’s gone forever.

At first, the director and producer thought Ji Fei’s relentless questioning indicated she suspected them of being involved with Yu Rouyin.

But as they looked around and saw the various expressions on people’s faces, they finally understood what was off.

Even if the person spreading the rumor admitted it, people wouldn’t necessarily believe it! And given how exaggerated tonight’s drama would become when shared, it was a problem.

The director and producer were now seething with anger.

They couldn’t help but glance at Yu Rouyin—could the past rumors about her in the industry have been like this too?

At this moment, the director and producer stopped focusing on the embarrassment and trouble Ji Fei had brought them and felt relieved that the issue had come to light.

At least in this case, unlike other situations, they could fully clear their names.

The producer didn’t even bother to explain himself; he gestured for an experienced cameraman, “Old Zhang, tell everyone if something like this could really happen.”

Old Zhang sighed, “This is definitely false. But maybe the newcomers don’t know—our producer is the director’s brother-in-law! How could they possibly do something like this together? Not only would they not do it, but the producer also makes sure to keep other women away from the director! That’s why our director hasn’t had a single scandal for years. He’s a henpecked husband! And the producer? Total sister complex. They’re so attached—”

Old Zhang’s enthusiastic rant was quickly muffled by the director and producer covering his mouth.

“Enough, enough, that’s proof enough of our innocence with Teacher Yu, right?”

The crowd was stunned, caught between shock and amusement.

Internally, Ji Fei was laughing uncontrollably.

*I only wanted them to bring up their relationship to clear themselves of any involvement in the rumors, but who knew they’d spill so much tea? That’s not on me.*

Pei Mingxuan and Qin Zhao, who were aware of the context, knew that the scale of the show was due to the powerful woman backing them.

Qin Rong, hearing this for the first time, couldn’t help but break into a radiant smile. This should finally prove Teacher Yu’s innocence.

Qin Rong looked over and saw Yu Rouyin staring blankly at Ji Fei. Her usual masked, sultry smile was gone, replaced by a youthful, bewildered expression.

She looked like a prisoner who couldn’t believe that good fortune was finally smiling on her.

Noticing the expressions around her, Ji Fei knew her goal had been achieved and decided to end it.

“If that’s the case, then I believe it,” she said, adding a final jab, “But what about what you said about Teacher Yu seducing your boyfriend…?”

The girl looked as if she’d been struck again, unable to hold it in, “I was wrong, I really was! My boyfriend only glanced at Teacher Yu from a distance, it was all nonsense!”

“Wow, how could you do that? Poor Teacher Yu! You should be going after your boyfriend, not her. Women shouldn’t make things harder for each other,” Ji Fei sighed, turning to Yu Rouyin with a smile. “I almost misunderstood you, Teacher Yu. I apologize.”

Yu Rouyin reacted immediately. “No, it’s me who should thank you, Teacher Ji. Really, thank you.”

Her tone was so different that even those who knew her couldn’t help but look. Her emotions were barely contained, though her professional demeanor remained intact, with a radiant smile now highlighted by a subtle sparkle in her eyes.

She wondered, was Teacher Ji’s willingness to help her a sign that their company was considering signing her?

“Thankfully, everything was laid out. Misunderstandings only clear up when everything is brought to light. This way, there are no further misunderstandings,” Ji Fei said, shifting her gaze to Mrs. Zong. “For Teacher Yu, this was an undeserved ordeal. In the end, the truth remains true, and lies can’t become reality.”

People around them understood the underlying message.

Ji Fei had used this situation to give Mrs. Zong one last warning, showing her firsthand how easily false accusations could be pinned on someone like Yu Rouyin.

They all picked up on it, and hopefully, Mrs. Zong did too. The hope was that she would think twice before using rumors to vent her frustration on an innocent person.

But as the situation wrapped up and Yu Rouyin’s husband rushed to comfort her, Mrs. Zong’s eyes were still filled with rage.

Unexpectedly, Yu Rouyin approached her.

Up until now, Yu Rouyin had avoided Mrs. Zong, aware that the wives’ group was collectively targeting her and trying to sabotage her performance. But this stage was her biggest gamble—the chance to build a career she was starting to love and a way to cover her grandmother’s medical bills. She couldn’t let anything go wrong.

“Mrs. Zong, I think there might be a misunderstanding between us. Whatever concerns you have, I’m willing to explain them clearly,” Yu Rouyin said sincerely.

Although she had done similar things many times in her first three years in the industry, she was only ever met with insults and slaps. She had stopped trying to justify herself, letting people think whatever they wanted. After all, her situation never changed.

But today, she wanted to argue.

However, the eyes staring back at her were filled with resentment. “A misunderstanding?”

Yu Rouyin’s expression darkened. “I’ve never tried to seduce Mr. Zong or ruin your marriage. I clearly rejected him. If you don’t believe me, I’m willing to confront you both.”

Mrs. Zong laughed, her face twisted. Confrontation? Did she want to hear her husband talk about divorcing her to marry this woman?

Seeing Mrs. Zong’s disbelief, Yu Rouyin continued, “I swear, after this performance, I won’t work with Mr. Zong again. Will that convince you I never tried to seduce him?”

“You expect me to believe that?” Mrs. Zong shook with anger. “Lies! If you hadn’t tempted him, why would he be here, supporting you on this show? You’re just using this opportunity to prove yourself and climb higher at his expense, aren’t you?”

“This show was arranged by the company. I haven’t spoken to Mr. Zong since finishing the drama,” Yu Rouyin said through gritted teeth. “You can check all my message records.”

“Then you shouldn’t have come! Coming here was already a signal!”

Tears welled up in Yu Rouyin’s eyes. She didn’t know why the company had given her this chance, but once she realized it was the best path for her future, why should she forfeit it? Her life didn’t have room for such choices.

“Why should I suffer because of your problems?” she bit out, knowing it was futile.

“I swear on my grandmother’s health that I never gave Mr. Zong any indication.” Yu Rouyin’s tears threatened to spill; the pain of defending herself after so long was overwhelming.

“Oh, you’re so filial, aren’t you? Your grandmother must have been cursed to death by you countless times.”

Yu Rouyin’s face darkened immediately. “You can insult me, but you cannot talk about my grandmother!”

The sharpness in Yu Rouyin’s voice made Mrs. Zong pause, stunned.

But soon, Mrs. Zong spoke again, “I know why you came to me. But forget it. You ruined my marriage, and I won’t forgive you!”

With that, Mrs. Zong turned and left.

Yu Rouyin stood there, pale and shaken. She really didn’t know what to say to make anyone believe her.

That night.

Pei Mingxuan had already compiled today’s story and planned to release it as inside information. This was the first step in clearing Yu Rouyin’s name.

Since the PK premiere was the next day, the post immediately gained traction.

Ji Fei, at home, scrolled through the news, but aside from this one post, all the trending topics were about Yu Rouyin’s scandals.

Old rumors were being dug up and recycled, with hints of a guided smear campaign. The next day would likely see the drama escalate further.

This was clearly not just the work of the wives’ group; there were too many stories from Yu Rouyin’s student days being shared. It seemed like every opportunist was jumping at the chance to pile on.

An hour before the premiere, everyone was in the dressing room preparing.

Ji Fei noticed several negative trending tags about Yu Rouyin already on the hot search.

The top one read: **#Officially Clean Up the Industry, Kick Yu Rouyin Out of Showbiz!**

Ji Fei glanced over and saw Yu Rouyin calmly staring at her phone.

Zong Chun and Zong Siqi looked deeply troubled. And Mrs. Zong... where was she?

Ji Fei, curious that

 Mrs. Zong hadn’t shown up, was about to start gossiping when the director’s team reminded everyone that the show would begin shortly.

At that moment, Zong Chun suddenly stood up, walked over to Yu Rouyin, and said, “Rouyin, I need to talk to you. Let’s step outside.”

Yu Rouyin looked puzzled but followed him.

As soon as they entered an empty room, Zong Chun took out a ring box and said, “Rouyin, marry me.”

Ji Fei, eavesdropping from the dressing room: *... What the hell!!!*

The Qin family, heading to the audience area: *???*

Gossip at a time like this?!