Zong Chun and Zong Siqi returned in a fit of anger. As they passed the backstage entrance, Pei Mingxuan cheerfully asked, “Teacher Zong, how are you feeling?”
The veteran Zong Chun couldn’t even manage a proper expression this time, glaring at Pei Mingxuan with a nearly feral look, as if blaming them for meddling in his affairs.
“Oh my, judging by your expression, you still don’t seem well. Are you sure you don’t need an ambulance?” Pei Mingxuan feigned concern.
Zong Chun ignored her completely and left.
Zong Siqi’s gaze was equally dark. That little enchantress had found a way out, and he hadn’t even managed to get what he wanted. If things kept going this way, wouldn’t his uncle end up not getting a divorce after all?
With a grim face, Zong Siqi stormed off.
Ji Fei noticed the look on their faces and chuckled internally.
*It’s rare to see Sister Pei being so sharp. Zong Chun really crossed the line this time.*
Pei Mingxuan turned back and said, “It was a happy accident, I suppose.”
Ji Fei grinned smugly. *Of course, it’s a good thing. Zong Chun trying to steal the chicken and losing the rice instead is just what he deserves.*
Even though she was delighted inside, she didn’t dare show it in front of Pei Mingxuan to avoid raising suspicion.
The Qin family stayed by Ji Fei’s side, and thinking about why the show order had been changed made them feel triumphant.
While Pei Mingxuan began arranging for the PR team to monitor the online situation, she added, “Originally, we were waiting for Yu Rouyin’s play to end before organizing a response to the accusations against her, but this saves us some effort.”
Qin Rong asked curiously, “We don’t need to clear her name?”
“Thanks to the trend set by our theme, people who watch Yu Rouyin’s five-act play will inevitably look up related dirt. Even though we haven’t prepared evidence for all five acts, those matters will be hard to overlook from a different angle, thanks to the scrutiny of online sleuths.”
Pei Mingxuan’s fingers flew across her laptop keyboard, and she suddenly snickered, “And there it is.”
Everyone was curious, but seeing Pei Mingxuan’s eager expression, they hesitated to ask too many questions.
However, Ji Fei quickly provided an answer.
*As expected, those clowns just can’t stand seeing Yu Rouyin catch a break. The moment they see a chance for her to clear her name, they start jumping in rage.*
The Qin family exchanged glances. *“Those clowns”?*
*They’re just ordinary people, but they really think they’re victims with righteous indignation? Now they dare to jump out and smear her? They’ve never felt the hammer of justice! Go, Sister Pei, crush them!*
The Qin family understood now—it was Yu Rouyin’s old student-era scandals being brought up again.
These people used to stand on their moral high ground and spew venom at Yu Rouyin to deflect their own disgrace. How could they accept her resurgence? If she were vindicated, they’d become the real clowns.
Pei Mingxuan was a pro at handling these situations. She released exposés, hired online commenters, and bought trending spots.
Back then, everything was about perspective.
If Yu Rouyin was viewed with malice, everything would still be her fault as before. But if viewed with sympathy, the whole narrative would change.
All Pei Mingxuan needed to do was publish the full story so no one could twist it out of context, and the rest would depend on the wind’s direction.
“We might be able to arrange a perfect finale.”
Ji Fei’s curiosity piqued, “Are you thinking of inviting Yu Rouyin to our studio on live broadcast after the performance?”
*If so, tonight’s buzz would hit its peak.*
The Qin family, hearing this, also turned to Pei Mingxuan with anticipation.
Pei Mingxuan felt a bit pressured but remained cautious. “Let’s wait and see.”
After all, the “Wives’ League” planned to blacklist Yu Rouyin. Even though their strategies were put on hold due to the show’s rearranged order, they wouldn’t stay idle now.
If things got out of control, they would have to withdraw and regroup.
The Wives’ League was indeed panicking. The *Top Flow Group’s* move had them stunned. The mock video prepared by Mrs. Zong to mock Yu Rouyin was now useless, and the reversal in public opinion due to the earlier performances left them uneasy.
“What now? We’ve already spoken up, we can’t just stop.”
“Don’t you get it? Ji Fei and Qin Zhao are backing Yu Rouyin. Don’t forget who they are; we can’t afford to offend them.”
“Why don’t we wait and see how Yu Rouyin performs? If she messes up, the entire internet will tear her apart without us doing a thing.”
“Mrs. Zong, say something!”
At that moment, Mrs. Zong, having heard from Zong Siqi that it was Zong Chun who had pleaded on Yu Rouyin’s behalf, had eyes full of rage at how her husband had protected another woman so earnestly. She finally sent out a message.
“Look at what’s happened to those before us. It’s do-or-die now. Use every resource; we must nail Yu Rouyin down completely, or we’re done.”
The other wives, sobered by Mrs. Zong’s words, sprang into action.
Suddenly, hordes of commenters flooded the internet with targeted posts, and some even stirred the pot in the live broadcast chat. But there were just too many casual onlookers and random commenters, making the effort less effective.
Mrs. Zong wasn’t finished. She reached out to her family, hoping to leverage connections to keep the Qin Group out of it. She assured them she wouldn’t touch the Qin family, only target Yu Rouyin.
“No need to say it; plenty have already tried,” came the frustrated response.
After all, the number of people offended tonight was vast, and all connections eventually led to the Qin Group.
Meanwhile, Qin Zhao couldn’t answer calls while on stage, and few people knew Ji Fei’s number.
So, some tried calling another person who could handle the matter.
Qin Xian ignored the vibrations in his pocket as he pushed open the backstage door and saw Ji Fei sitting alone, watching the live broadcast with an amused grin while typing furiously on her phone, looking perfectly fine.
Qin Xian finally let out a sigh of relief and hurried over.
A few staff members who were still there noticed the imposing man heading straight for Ji Fei and lost interest in the drama around Yu Rouyin, shifting their attention to this scene.
They had speculated about Ji Fei’s relationship with Qin Zhao before. Why else would his family be so close to her?
Now, another man who looked even more handsome and wealthy than Qin Zhao appeared. Their gossiping instincts kicked in. Although they couldn’t hear their conversation, they could definitely read the atmosphere!
“Ji Fei!” Qin Xian called out, his voice tense.
Ji Fei turned around, surprised to see him. “Why are you here?”
Tonight, Qin Xian looked a bit unusual. His normally meticulous attire was disheveled from running, and his hair was slightly tousled.
Qin Xian’s eyes were intense as he leaned down to check Ji Fei’s feet, unable to tell which one was injured, since both were propped up comfortably.
“I saw the broadcast and heard from Dad that you hurt your foot. Since the performance is done, I’m taking you to the hospital.”
Saying this, he reached out, clearly intending to scoop Ji Fei up in his arms.