When Xu Jing entered, she saw Su Yiheng lying on the sofa scrolling through Weibo. Xu Jing quickly went over and, upon seeing that Su Yiheng was indeed searching for Emma again, couldn't help but feel annoyed: "Yiheng, what's the point of looking at these? You've been watching these news for days, and it's just the same thing."
Xu Jing was really tired of this troublemaker.
A few days ago, when Emma's incident exploded, all major media were reporting on it, and Su Yiheng naturally paid attention. Unfortunately, she accidentally liked a negative Weibo post accusing Emma of (hype).
If it had been a trending Weibo, she could have claimed it was an accident. But this Weibo had no more than five likes and not a single comment. The comments that came later were only because Su Yiheng's like attracted a bunch of curious onlookers.
It was clear that Su Yiheng had searched for Emma's name and then accidentally liked the post.
Although Su Yiheng's studio quickly claimed that an assistant had accidentally logged into the account and liked the post unintentionally, they still couldn't withstand the harsh words of netizens.
Ever since Su Yiheng was affected by her brother's drug-related negative news and was exposed for using her family background to snatch other people's movie resources, her reputation has plummeted, though not completely destroyed, the impact was significant.
Many film and television companies are hesitant to work with her, fearing they might be mistakenly associated with bribery from the Su family.
As for those who do approach her, they are mostly looking to create hype.
"Alright, I get it," Su Yiheng said listlessly.
Xu Jing looked at her, unsure of what to do. A person's spirit and vitality are truly important. Even someone as proud as Su Yiheng couldn't bounce back immediately after such a blow.
It wasn't until her phone rang that things changed.
Su Yiheng responded with a few "Hmm"s, then suddenly smiled very happily and said softly, "Don't mess this up again."
Xu Jing turned to look at her, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing," Su Yiheng shrugged slightly, but then she suddenly laughed again and said to Xu Jing with a sly smile, "You'll find out soon. Really."
It wasn't until after three in the afternoon that a new Weibo account exposed a post, complete with images and explosive content.
"Is It the Sin of the Family of Origin? Or Vanity at Play?"
"Why does a certain Mrs. N from a wealthy family never mention her own family? Because she not only despises her father, a man who abandoned his family for success, but also broke up her father's second marriage, leading to her stepmother ending up on the streets."
The style was akin to a third-rate tabloid, yet it included a photo of Ni Pingsen and Emma together, as well as a photo of Ni Pingsen with Liu Hui in Vietnam. The article, nearly ten thousand words long, depicted in great detail how Ni Pingsen abandoned Emma in Vietnam to be with Liu Hui.
Liu Hui was portrayed as an innocent victim deceived by him, and when the truth finally came out, Ni Pingsen, because his daughter had married into a wealthy family, simply abandoned Liu Hui and returned to Shanghai to act as a rich man's father-in-law.
The post concluded with a picture of Ni Pingsen and Emma cutting the ribbon at a porridge shop together, seemingly corroborating the claims made in the article.
The release of this long post was like a bugle call to charge, as the article used the initials "N" for the woman, but with Emma recently trending on热搜 (hot search), and almost all global media having covered her story, the heat hadn't subsided yet.
Suddenly, this Weibo post appeared, almost explicitly pointing to a target.
Within an hour, the Weibo post had been forwarded tens of thousands of times, and various gossip forums had gone wild with threads discussing the authenticity of the post.
As for Emma's family, there indeed hadn't been much disclosure, and this was the first time her family was exposed in such a manner.
Previously, everyone had said it was a Cinderella story, but no one knew how destitute Cinderella's family really was. Now that this post, mixing truth with fiction, had emerged, most people's first impression was to believe it.
For a while, judgments about whether Emma was genuinely aloof or calculating once again emerged in droves.
Although most bloggers dared not repost this Weibo, after all, Hengya Group has always been dominant in the industry, especially with previous scandals involving Jason, Hengya Group's stance has always been to pursue legal action to the end without forgiveness.
And if they decide to take action, it results in account suspension.
Therefore, many bloggers were unwilling to risk their hard-earned accounts for this piece of gossip.
However, there were those who were fearless, adding their own dramatic flair when forwarding the post.
Some bloggers sarcastically remarked, "I think a lot of naive girls really need to open their eyes and see the (hype tactics) of others. Even if they live in public housing and their family is destitute, they can still marry into wealth."
When Tang Mi tried to contact Emma, she found her phone unreachable and realized that Emma must still be on the plane since she was returning to the country today. Worried, Tang Mi drove to Ni Pingsen's porridge shop.
As she got out of the car and looked around, she noticed someone with a DSLR camera pointed at the shop from a distance. Tang Mi cursed under her breath.
She quickly entered the shop, and since she had been there before, the waitstaff recognized her as a friend of the owner's daughter. Before they could greet her, Tang Mi gestured and whispered, "Where's Uncle Ni?"
"He's in the kitchen," the waiter replied in a hushed voice.
Tang Mi hurried to the kitchen. Since the Weibo post hadn't been up for long, there weren't any particularly bored passersby taking photos of Ni Pingsen, but there were journalists present.
When she entered, she saw Ni Pingsen about to take something out. It was the afternoon break, and he would personally serve the occasional customer.
Upon seeing Tang Mi, Ni Pingsen was quite pleased and asked, "What brings you here now? Are you craving some porridge again?"
Tang Mi looked around and lowered her voice, "Uncle Ni, someone online has deliberately exposed some dirt to tarnish you and Jingxi. So, I think you should avoid the shop today."
Ni Pingsen was taken aback and instinctively said, "Is it related to Liu Hui?"
Although he hadn't seen anything, the mention of dirt instantly made him think of Liu Hui. If there was anything in his life worth exposing, it was his relationship with Liu Hui.
Tang Mi felt a bit awkward, as it was the private life of an elder, but with Emma absent, she felt responsible as a friend to protect Ni Pingsen.
She nodded, "It's all nonsense. Let's go home and avoid it for now. Once Jingxi returns to Shanghai, we'll make these jerks regret it."
Tang Mi had heard about Liu Hui from Emma before, so she knew that not a single word in that expose Weibo post was true, not even the punctuation.
Ni Pingsen was aware that Emma was returning to Shanghai today, but he looked up at Tang Mi and said, "I don't quite understand these online matters, but could you show me what's going on?"
Tang Mi didn't want to expose him to this mess, and she advised, "Uncle Ni, this article is completely baseless. Really, we shouldn't read a single word of it. It's useless except for spoiling our mood. Things are different now; many people spread rumors for money."
Hearing her advice, Ni Pingsen smiled, "It's okay, I just want to see what's happening. I'm not easily upset at my age."
Seeing his insistence, Tang Mi didn't argue further and showed him the long expose Weibo post on her phone.
While others might not be able to distinguish truth from falsehood, Ni Pingsen knew as soon as he saw some of the details mentioned that Liu Hui must have been involved.
Because those intimate details were known only to him and Liu Hui, and they were mentioned in the article.
Ni Pingsen read for a while and finally sighed softly.
He remained silent the entire time, and when he returned the phone to Tang Mi, he whispered, "Let's go, thank you Tang Mi."
Tang Mi had just said it was no trouble when suddenly another person entered the kitchen.
She turned around and was surprised to see Xiao Yichen, asking, "Why are you here?"
"Shen Yan and Jing Xi are not in the country, and I'm afraid that if something happens, journalists will come to disturb," Xiao Yichen glanced at her, clearly understanding that Tang Mi shared his concern.
Tang Mi couldn't help but chuckle, "You're quite ( means 'enthusiastic' or 'helpful')."
"Mutual," Xiao Yichen nodded indifferently.
Tang Mi had initially thought Xiao Yichen had a playboy demeanor, a bit of a carefree and unrestrained appearance, but he was quite (helpful) to his friends.
Because there were journalists waiting at the front, the two of them led Ni Pingsen out the back door.
Seeing Xiao Yichen get into her car, Tang Mi couldn't help but turn to him, "Aren't you driving?"
"No, after you drop off Uncle Ni, could you also give me a ride? (helpful person) sees things through to the end," Xiao Yichen smiled.
Hearing him call herself a (helpful person), Tang Mi frowned slightly, wondering if he was being sarcastic.
Was it because she had just called him (helpful)?
However, she ignored Xiao Yichen, as men could indeed be petty when they wanted to be.
After they arrived at the villa where they lived, Ni Pingsen invited them to stay for a cup of tea since they had come to help. But both Tang Mi and Xiao Yichen shook their heads and declined.
As Tang Mi was about to drive onto the road, she asked, "Where do you want to go?"
Xiao Yichen sneered, "Are you really planning to give me a ride?"
"Stop wasting words, give me the address, or you can take a taxi," Tang Mi said coldly.
Xiao Yichen suddenly asked strangely, "Tang Mi, there shouldn't be any misunderstandings between us, right?"
He looked at her seriously, seeking clarity.
Tang Mi was taken aback for a moment, then shook her head and said, "Of course not."
"Why do you always seem cold towards me, then?" He and Tang Mi had met quite a few times because of Emma and her husband, but this girl always seemed hostile towards him.
This puzzled Xiao Yichen, who considered himself to have good rapport with women and a gentlemanly demeanor.
Tang Mi, when confronted with this, blushed slightly and mumbled, "No particular reason."
It was just that he seemed warm and considerate to everyone, and Tang Mi found such a "central air conditioning" personality detestable. Her ex-boyfriend had been the same way, and that was why she had broken up with him after he cheated.
She probably subconsciously disliked men with that kind of personality. But she didn't feel right telling him that directly, so she vaguely denied it.
Xiao Yichen chuckled softly and didn't press further, instead saying, "I always feel that this expose post won't end as simply as it seems."
"More to come?" Tang Mi immediately asked.
Xiao Yichen smiled lightly, "Perhaps."
When Tang Mi saw the news that Liu Hui, who had been 'abandoned,' was going to face the press live to reveal the ugly faces of Emma and Ni Pingsen, she felt that Xiao Yichen's words had come true.
Tang Mi looked at Xiao Yichen across from her, "You have wide connections, right? Think of a way to shut down this live broadcast, can you?"
"Do you know how many live streaming platforms there are, and how many live accounts? Even if I could use my connections to shut down the live broadcast the moment she says her first word to the press, do you know what the consequences would be?" Xiao Yichen said calmly.
Facing such a rumor-filled post, if they forcefully banned it, public opinion would quickly swing to the other side. Even if they published the truth later, no one would be willing to believe them.
Even in the face of such low-credibility rumors, improper handling could lead to serious consequences.
This was also the reason Xiao Yichen felt tied down at the moment.
Even though Hengya Group's PR department was working on it, they were just maintaining the current situation because they hadn't been able to contact the person involved yet. After all, it was Emma's family matter, and even if they wanted to refute the rumors, they would need her consent.
But the other side didn't seem to want to give them time to react.
They officially announced a live broadcast at seven in the evening, even revealing that more than one media outlet would be present.
What was originally just a family matter had become entangled with Hengya Group and involved abandonment, which even netizens were eagerly awaiting.
At six fifty in the evening, Emma and Jason's plane finally landed at the regular airport.
Emma looked out the window and unbuckled her seatbelt as the plane came to a stop.
She turned to speak to Jason when suddenly Tang Mian came over from behind and whispered, "President Jason, Madam, there's some false news about you and Mr. Ni online now. Although the PR department has responded in time, the other side is now preparing for a news live broadcast, and it's said that more than a dozen media outlets will be present."
Emma took out her phone, but it wouldn't connect to the internet for a while.
It was Jason who handed her his phone, and only then did Emma see the content of the article. When she finished reading the last word, she almost bit her lip and whispered, "Nonsense."
She didn't say the more insulting words she wanted to because she was afraid she wouldn't be able to control her emotions.
At that moment, she glanced at the time on her phone. With the delay and the time it took her to read the article, there was only one minute left before the live broadcast.
At seven o'clock sharp, Emma went online to search, but she didn't really need to search.
Because several media outlets were already live streaming the event.
Liu Hui appeared on screen in simple attire, bowing slightly to the camera.
When someone in the audience asked, "Miss Liu Hui, can you tell us in detail how you met Miss Emma's father?"
Liu Hui nodded, then she began to speak slowly, "I met Ni Pingsen in a hostage camp. We were both captured by terrorists in the Middle East and held as hostages until someone rescued us."
The comments were almost covering Liu Hui's cheeks.
Emma gazed at her coldly, her palm slightly clenched, exerting all her strength.
Until someone asked again, "Why did Miss Emma's father abandon you? Was it because Miss Emma didn't like you two together?"
Emma looked at the screen, and suddenly she saw Liu Hui, who had been calm, seem to smile.
That smile had an indescribable quality.
Until she whispered, "Emma disagreed because I deceived her father."
At that moment, her side, which had been quiet, erupted into an uproar. What was going on? Wasn't it about abandonment?
"Her father suffered so much inhumane torture in the POW camp that he lost his memory. But he took care of me there, so I wanted to keep him by my side and deliberately deceived him, making him forget his daughter and his family. So when Emma found us a few months ago, her father left me after learning the truth."
Liu Hui seemed afraid that someone would stop her and blurted out everything in one breath.
Until someone rushed to the camera, trying to pull her away and take her out.
Liu Hui continued to look at the camera, struggling and saying, "The reason I stand here today is that someone instructed me to tarnish Emma's reputation. That person is the big star, Su Yiheng."
"Miss Su Yiheng, do you know why the man I love left me? Because I am vicious."
"So don't expect the man you like to even glance at you, someone more vicious than me."
Even though the man kept pulling at Liu Hui, she still managed to say everything she wanted to say. After she finished, she pushed the man away with a cold laugh.
"Well, I know I'm useless now, so you don't have to throw me out, I'll leave on my own."
However, before she left, she looked at the camera one more time and said with a smile, "Oh, by the way, the first person who wanted to use smear tactics against Emma was Wentang, but she's already paid the price and is said to have been arrested."
"Emma, I've repaid my debt to you."
With that, she walked straight out.
But the cameras still followed her.
For a moment, what was supposed to be a press conference condemning Emma turned into an exposure event, later dubbed the '916 Bloodbath' by netizens.
Liu Hui alone almost changed the fate of countless people.
At this moment in the cabin, not only was Emma silent, but even Jason and Tang Mian, who were also watching the live broadcast, couldn't say a word.
Jason turned to look at Emma.
Until she bit her teeth and trembled as she said, "This crazy woman."
Yes, Liu Hui was a crazy woman; if she wasn't, how could she do such a thing that would lead to mutual destruction?
She thought that by saying these things on live TV, everyone would only curse Su Yiheng?
Liu Hui would also be blamed.
Emma gnashed her teeth, knowing she would be scathed as well because she indeed was a vicious woman who separated a father and daughter.
This crazy woman.
Emma's face was expressionless all the way out of the airport; she was furious. She never wanted Ni Pingsen's privacy to be exposed in the media like this. Liu Hui had gone too far. Yes, it was cathartic, but by laying everything bare for the public, Emma, as a media professional, knew all too well the public's appetite for sensationalism. Neither she nor Ni Pingsen would find peace afterward.
As the car drove on the elevated road, Emma turned her face to the window, watching the orange streetlights cast a soft glow over the route. Yet, even this gentle and quiet scene did nothing to ease her tension.
Jason, glancing at Emma, noticed her lips tightly pursed. He reached out and gently patted her hand. "Jingxi, don't worry," he comforted softly.
Emma slowly turned to look at him, her initially indifferent expression softening. She frowned slightly and whispered, "I'm just worried about Dad."
She didn't care what happened to Liu Hui or what Su Yiheng was plotting. Her only concern was Ni Pingsen. His peaceful life shouldn't be disrupted again.
About an hour later, the driver dropped them off at home. As Emma got out of the car, Jason patted her shoulder, "You go see Dad first, I'll handle the luggage."
Emma murmured in agreement and turned to enter the house. When she opened the door and stepped into the foyer, she found the living room brightly lit, even brighter than daylight. She had just changed into her slippers and was about to head into the living room when she looked up and saw Ni Pingsen standing across from her, smiling warmly.
"Our little star is home," Ni Pingsen said with a smile, opening his arms.
Emma had been holding back, pretending nothing had happened so as not to worry him, but as soon as Ni Pingsen spoke, the grievances in her heart surged back to life, desperate to escape.
Her father had always been a gentle and kind man, never harming anyone, not even getting into arguments with others. Because he was so good, he had inexplicably faced so many issues just to keep him by her side.
Emma felt wronged on his behalf.
Seeing her silent and with a hint of red in her eyes, clearly trying hard to hold back, Ni Pingsen asked, "What's wrong?"
Emma could no longer hold back. She took a few steps forward and embraced him.
"Dad," Emma called softly, her voice trembling slightly as she sniffed.
Ni Pingsen said, "You must be tired from the long flight, let me make something to eat for you."
But Emma clung to his neck, unwilling to let go.
Ni Pingsen looked down, amused, "You're such a big girl now, still acting coy with Dad. Shen Yan will laugh at you."
At that moment, Jason entered with a suitcase, opening the door and witnessing the scene. Hearing Ni Pingsen's words, he genuinely smiled.
Emma whispered, "Dad, I will protect you."
Her voice was tiny but resolute. When she was little, her father was her tree, and she would loudly declare when upset with other children, "I'm going home to tell my dad."
Because telling her dad meant he would stand by her side and protect her.
Now that she had grown up, it was her turn to be the one to protect her dad.
"Stars really have grown up, now it's your turn to light up Dad's life," Ni Pingsen didn't mock her childish words, instead, he smiled and ruffled her hair.
After helping bring in their luggage, Ni Pingsen turned and asked, "Did you eat on the plane? Let me cook something for you now."
"I want to eat shredded pork noodles," Emma said eagerly.
After Ni Pingsen went to the kitchen, Emma reached for her phone, but Jason stopped her.
Emma looked up at him, and Jason whispered, "Don't check Weibo now, it won't do you any good except to upset you."
It was clear how explosive this incident would be.
In fact, on the way back, Tang Mian had quietly messaged him that Weibo had experienced a fifteen-minute outage due to the massive traffic.
After all, Liu Hui openly turned against her benefactors and accused Su Yiheng. Everyone had just wanted to enjoy the drama of the wealthy, but it had unexpectedly become so complicated.
Especially the two sentences she said to Su Yiheng, which were hailed as the epitome of face-slapping for the year.
After all, even though the entertainment circle is full of strife, it's often the fans who are at each other's throats, rarely involving the celebrities themselves. This time, Su Yiheng was dragged into it and was called vicious, which was a rare and delightful surprise.
Clips from Liu Hui's press conference had been forwarded a hundred thousand times in just an hour.
Su Yiheng hadn't made many friends in the entertainment industry over the years. Her fans used to beat up others on her behalf, after all, she came from a good family and was well-educated, and her fans would often belittle other female celebrities, saying don't compare that nobody with our Hengheng.
Now, someone who had been selling the image of a high-and-mighty person was accused in such a way, which was incredibly satisfying.
Moreover, although Liu Hui didn't name names, anyone familiar with Su Yiheng's scandals knew that the man Liu Hui referred to as the one she liked must be Jason.