The director and producer had grown numb to whatever was happening online, not even bothering to check. They had no intention of letting Zong Chun on stage anyway. Instead, they turned to Pei Mingxuan to discuss the upcoming arrangements.

Meanwhile, Zong Chun was utterly unraveling.

He had initially felt righteous about his decision to divorce and remarry, but now, seeing this kind of news actually appear online, accompanied by all kinds of mockery and ridicule, he was finally realizing that this kind of public backlash was something he might not be able to withstand.

Not to mention that netizens had already started widely spreading his intentions for the night.

The phrase “reputation ruined in old age” hung over him like a slap to the face.

In truth, this middle-aged man, long shielded by his wife, had never realized just how foolish he’d been, thinking he could boldly charge forward for love.

Now, filled with regret and shame, he could barely stand.

> [Commentary: “Look at him sweating buckets. Do you think he ever imagined it would come to this when he made that decision? Hahaha.”]

The Qin family thought that even if tonight’s events hadn’t occurred, if Zong Chun really had divorced and remarried, he would soon find that the attacks from public opinion were too fierce, and he’d probably throw Yu Rouyin under the bus as a shield.

After all, deep down, Zong Chun was inherently selfish and cold-hearted.

Suddenly, Zong Chun jolted and rushed toward Yu Rouyin.

> [Commentary: “Oh, is he planning to get Yu Rouyin to clear things up and still try to slip away unscathed?”]

Qin Family: “His shamelessness knows no bounds.”

Despite their disdain, the family moved closer to where Yu Rouyin was resting, intending to block Zong Chun.

Pei Mingxuan, who had been talking to the director and producer, instantly reacted and stepped in front of Zong Chun.

Zong Chun, already forcing a fake smile, said hurriedly, “I have something to discuss with Rouyin.”

Pei Mingxuan smiled back with equal insincerity. “Your performance has been canceled, so what business could there possibly be? Teacher Yu has worked hard—she should get some rest. The assistant performers are about to be interviewed, and Teacher Yu needs to be in a good state for her appearance. I suggest you get a PR team to handle the online rumors.”

Zong Chun’s expression twisted uncontrollably.

“What does any of this have to do with you? Why are you meddling in my affairs?”

> [Commentary: “Oh, he’s losing it—seeing this hypocrite totally unravel is honestly hilarious.”]

Not only the Qin family, but other bystanders backstage were watching the scene with bright eyes.

“It’s about to matter,” Pei Mingxuan said, smirking. “After all, isn’t Teacher Yu’s contract about to expire?”

Zong Chun froze, staring at Pei Mingxuan in disbelief. His initial plan to force Yu Rouyin to clarify matters was based on her soon-to-expire contract, leaving her without any real support. He thought he could still intimidate her.

But now, looking around, Zong Chun was stunned to realize that Yu Rouyin was surrounded by Top Flow Group members.

Yu Rouyin was no longer alone.

She was no longer someone who could be easily threatened or manipulated.

In the end, Zong Chun slunk away in defeat.

Zong Siqi was also shaken by the current situation. As a rookie in the entertainment industry, he lacked the courage to take action and quickly followed Zong Chun. Just as he caught up, he overheard Zong Chun on the phone with Mrs. Zong.

Zong Siqi, feeling uneasy, crept closer to eavesdrop. After all, he’d played a part in stirring things up and worried that his meddling might be exposed.

“You have no idea what you’ve done!”

Zong Siqi hadn’t expected his uncle, in his current predicament, to scold his aunt instead of asking for help.

The way he depended on his wife’s support while acting self-righteous was truly something Zong Siqi couldn’t fathom.

“Honey, are you upset because the proposal didn’t work out…” Mrs. Zong’s hesitant voice came through, still puzzled by the news online.

“Shut up! Do you realize that your meddling ruined everything? This was a private matter—why did you have to make it public and team up with the Wives’ League? Look at what’s happened now; it’s backfired! Do you know what the director and producer just said to me? They won’t let me on stage! They don’t even want me to join the show anymore. After all my years in the industry, I’ve never been treated like this. And it’s all because of you!”

Zong Chun, who always prided himself on his refined demeanor, had never spoken this harshly to Mrs. Zong—not even when discussing divorce. His tone left her stunned.

“Honey… I’m sorry… I didn’t think they would turn on me like this. I really didn’t know…”

The more Zong Chun spoke, the angrier he became, feeling he’d been terribly wronged. He’d never actually taken advantage of Yu Rouyin, merely proposed and been rejected—why was he treated like this? His wife was foolish, and Yu Rouyin was nothing but trouble.

“Their husbands were unfaithful and did those filthy things, and yet I’m getting criticized alongside them! All these years, haven’t you known what kind of person I am? You can’t have children—did I ever blame you? I even told people it was my choice. I was more than fair to you, and this is how you repay me!”

“No, honey, I only wanted to deal with Yu Rouyin. This was all an accident—I’d never turn against you!”

Zong Chun snarled, “Figure out a way to clear this up, or we’re finished.”

Mrs. Zong was silent for a moment, her voice low. “Honey, let’s talk when we’re home. This isn’t something we can settle right now.”

Hearing that she intended to fix things, Zong Chun breathed a sigh of relief. He still held the upper hand; if she had caused more trouble, it would have been truly difficult.

Watching from the sidelines, Zong Siqi was speechless at Zong Chun’s hypocrisy, and even more baffled that Mrs. Zong wouldn’t abandon him.

Looks like I’ll need another plan, he thought.

Meanwhile, with the troublesome character gone, the director and producer began arranging for the assistant performers to go on stage for interviews.

This move instantly won over the hearts of netizens.

Whereas before, people worried about “vixens” clinging to veteran actors, now they feared shameless old men would harass beautiful actresses.

As the stunning actresses appeared one by one, the livestream comments erupted in celebration, praising the actresses with endless compliments.

However, through the host’s questions, it became apparent that some of the actresses were uneasy in front of the camera, perhaps even fearful—no doubt remnants of the psychological scars from the years they’d been forced out of the industry due to slander.

“It seems there’s a bit of nervousness here,” the host commented with a smile. “Understandable, considering it’s been seven years.”

The actress smiled, nodding. “Yes, seven years.”

“But just now, your performance was so natural and wonderful.”

“That’s because I love performing.”

If others had said this, it might have sounded like a typical response. But coming from them, it was genuinely heartfelt.

Without true passion, how could they deliver such excellent performances after being away from the stage for so long?

The host smiled. “This comeback is a resounding success. Many netizens are already asking in the comments when you’ll be acting again—they’re eagerly waiting to watch.”

The actress’s smile softened, a hint of release in her expression.

“Getting to perform like this has already fulfilled me. I’m grateful to Teacher Ji Fei and Teacher Qin Zhao for giving me this opportunity, helping me understand that good and evil always have consequences. I’ve officially retired from the industry and won’t return. But if Teacher Ji or Teacher Qin ever needs a guest appearance, I’d be more than happy to oblige.”