Chapter Forty-Nine

Rest assured, anyone who dares to bully a member of the Huo family will not be spared!

Though the official news had been suppressed, in this rapidly developing age of online media, even the slightest stir sent gossip forums into a frenzy. Even though Rong Qing was at the height of her fame, her position in the entertainment industry was not yet unassailable. Most of her fans continued to support her quietly, but there were also malicious detractors and rumor-mongers whose filthy words were unbearable to read.

The cover of a popular tabloid screamed, "Second-rate Actress Seduces Wealthy Family, Schemes to Climb the Social Ladder!" Though it didn’t name anyone outright, the article’s veiled references to a certain R-star put Rong Qing directly in the line of fire. An exclusive outlet even published blurry photos purportedly showing R-star and a tycoon entering a luxury clubhouse, their gestures intimate. The indistinct silhouette was none other than the internationally celebrated model and rising star—Rong Qing.

Silently, Rong Qing closed her open Weibo app. The comments were a jumble of praise and slander, insults interspersed with support. Pressing her aching forehead, she admitted to herself that it was impossible not to feel disappointed and hurt. Years of hard work and perseverance seemed to have been so easily overturned and destroyed, and it was hard not to feel discouraged. She understood clearly that complaining or lashing out would solve nothing—it would only lend credibility to the rumors. Only by responding appropriately and with poise could the truth reveal itself and lies collapse.

Three days later, the rumors showed no sign of abating. If anything, the scandal was only growing more heated, and Rong Qing’s "notoriety" was skyrocketing. When she appeared in public for the first time since the gossip broke, journalists swarmed the set of "Splendid Years," sealing off every exit.

Dressed in a casual black-and-white ensemble that radiated vitality, she was as serene and beautiful as ever, showing no trace of the exhaustion or sorrow one might expect after a scandal. Oversized black sunglasses shielded most of her delicate face, and her elegant clutch lent her a mature air.

"Rong Qing, what do you have to say about the ‘Sugar Daddy Scandal’ that’s all over the internet?" a reporter from an entertainment weekly demanded, her tone sharp and aggressive.

Rong Qing removed her sunglasses, revealing a gentle smile beneath flawless makeup to the cluster of media cameras. "Miss, all I know is that the person in those widely circulated photos is me, and the person beside me is my friend." Then she politely gestured for the reporter to step aside, as she was blocking her way.

Faced with such composure and courtesy, the journalists—who were used to hounding celebrities—suddenly felt awkward and embarrassed by their own brusqueness. Their questions quickly softened, losing their earlier edge.

"Miss Rong, it’s said that Director Wang Zhang is famous for his strictness and high standards in international cinema. How did you secure a role in ‘Splendid Years’?"

"The open audition proved my talent and acting skills. Of course, I also trust Director Wang Zhang’s judgment." Rong Qing’s answer was deft; the director was renowned for his integrity and severity, and the reporters would have to be reckless to try to implicate him in controversy.

After two failed attempts to catch her off guard, the reporters grew dispirited. "So, you have a close relationship with a certain CEO? The photos look quite intimate."

"That’s my personal life. As an actress, I hope you’ll focus more on my work and my upcoming show at Paris Fashion Week. Of course, if you’re interested, you should also keep an eye on Director Wang Zhang’s new masterpiece, ‘Splendid Years.’ I promise it won’t disappoint."

Rong Qing answered every question enthusiastically, skillfully steering the conversation away from scandal and onto her new drama, leaving the reporters bewildered and off-topic. In the end, the consensus was that the rising star Rong Qing had caught the director’s eye, and "Splendid Years" was now in hot production.

The scandal’s spread and the subject’s adroit responses left the entertainment gossip teams—usually a headache for celebrities—utterly defeated. No wonder she was a top student from a prestigious university; with ease, she redirected the controversy to serve her own promotion. This was a rare victory in the industry—a comeback from certain defeat.

Finally, citing her filming schedule, Rong Qing declined further interviews. It was only upon entering the set that she finally relaxed, her calm and confident demeanor slipping away.

"This is so much harder than university debate competitions. It’s a shame these people aren’t lawyers," she muttered, pouting softly.

Meanwhile, Ding Sheng Entertainment issued a lawyer’s letter, suing the tabloid and online outlet for defamation. As Rong Qing was one of the company’s key protégés, the company had every right to defend her and protect her interests.

––––– End of aside –––––

Collect, collect, collect, collect, collect, collect, collect…