"Owen has really quit the industry!" one of the girls exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anxiety.
Just moments ago, they were plotting how to tarnish Owen's reputation. But now, seeing that they had truly forced him to retire, they realized that everything Owen had said before was indeed true.
Although they stood against him now, there was a time when they genuinely liked and even loved him. Now, as they watched him leave the industry for good, their previous anger and bitterness evaporated, replaced by unease and reluctance.
"If others find out that we pushed Owen to quit, they'll tear us apart," someone voiced the terrifying thought.
"We can't let anyone know about this."
"Ruoxi, you're the smartest. What should we do now?"
All eyes turned to An Ruoxi. She was even more panicked than the others. She understood the potential consequences as well as they did. As a die-hard fan of Owen, she knew all too well how terrifying his fans could be.
If they ever found out that it was them who started this, their lives would be over.
"Just say… just say…" An Ruoxi stammered.
As they continued discussing and worrying, the truth was already being uncovered online. Someone had dug up the backstory and posted it, including images and even screenshots of An Ruoxi confronting Owen and claiming that he only gained fame because of the videos they made.
When the fans learned the truth, they were furious.
["Damn it, I want to strangle those idiots! What gives them the right to speak for all of us?"]
["Even if Owen's 'rumored girlfriend' is just his sister, so what if she wasn't? Who are they to interfere and threaten him? Do they think they're gods?"]
["How could anyone say that Owen owes his success to them? If they want to flatter themselves, this isn't the way to do it."]
["Are these people insane? How can they think they represent us as fans?"]
["Waaah, so it was those people who forced Owen to quit. I hate them so much! How could there be such evil people in the world? They're not real fans—Owen, come back and see your true fans. These people are fake!"]
["Why should Owen quit because of them? They're not worth it. This decision is so irresponsible."]
This comment quickly garnered a lot of likes.
Shortly after, another comment began to rise in popularity:
["I see some people saying that Owen is being irresponsible, but let me speak up for him. Owen once said on a variety show that his family is the most important to him. When his career started hurting the people he loves most, that's why he chose to quit. A dragon has its reverse scale—touch it, and you die. No matter what Owen decides, I'll support him."]
This comment was also liked by many and pinned to the top of the page.
["I already know who the ringleader among the fans was."]
It didn't take long for all the troublemaking fans to be identified by the broader fanbase. From that moment on, they knew no peace—especially the five girls led by An Ruoxi.
As An Ruoxi walked across the campus, a group of girls suddenly appeared from the side, hurling objects at her. The plastic bag they threw split open, and spoiled food spilled all over her.
The surrounding students quickly stepped aside, avoiding her. No one offered to help, not even the three roommates who were usually inseparable from her.
"Serves you right! How shameless can you be?"
"Who gave you the right to hurt Owen's sister? What makes you think you deserve to be Owen's fan? You're nothing but a black-hearted troll."
"Disgusting, despicable woman."
The girls continued to pelt An Ruoxi with the items they had prepared, while she crouched down, covering her head, silently enduring their wrath.
This wasn't the first time something like this had happened.
Her books had gone missing for no reason, her food had been tampered with when she wasn't looking, and she never knew when a fan might jump out to throw something at her while she walked.
An Ruoxi had had enough of this life!
Suddenly, she lifted her head, her eyes blazing with fury as she glared at them. "Damn it! If you've got the guts, come kill me! I'm not afraid of you. You hypocrites—all of you want him, too! Don't act like you're above it. You're all fake! At least I'm honest about it."
The fans were stunned by her outburst, but seeing her crazed demeanor, they didn't dare continue.
Without returning to her dorm to change, An Ruoxi, still reeking of spoiled food, headed straight to the design department where Zuri was. Along the way, she garnered countless stares, and everyone quickly stepped aside as she approached.
They avoided her as if she were a plague.
At that moment, Zuri walked into the lecture hall. As soon as she sat down, several girls emerged out of nowhere, each carrying a beautifully wrapped gift box, which they placed in front of her.
"Zuri, can you please convince your brother not to quit?"
"Zuri, we're begging you."
"Zuri, please, have pity on us. We don't want him to leave the industry with regrets."
"We're not asking you to do it for sure, but could you at least convey our feelings to him? Let him know how much we care."
Faced with their pleading eyes, Zuri didn't know how to refuse.
"Alright, I'll try my best."
Satisfied with her response, the girls left, content.
They hadn't dared to bother her too much. Their approach was measured, knowing when to stop. Perhaps because Owen had suddenly quit the industry for her sake, they were all particularly careful around Zuri.
Zuri, being highly perceptive, could sense their emotions.
She couldn't understand their obsession with celebrities, but she could feel their sadness and reluctance.
Xu Zexi sat down beside her with a notebook in hand. "I never expected you to be Owen's sister, and I'm even more surprised that the financial genius Nolan is also your brother."
"Honestly, I didn't expect it either," Zuri replied with a smile.
"Hahaha, you're too funny."
Sitting a few seats away, Esme and Shen Menglai kept glancing in Zuri's direction.
Shen Menglai was utterly shocked by Zuri's powerful background. One brother was a top-tier celebrity, and the other was the founder of an international corporation worth billions. With such a strong family background and outstanding siblings, Zuri was the definition of a winner in life.
She regretted it—deeply regretted it. Why had she been so foolish to believe Shi Feifei's lies, to think that Zuri was an orphan being kept as a mistress?
Despite Zuri's clear rejection, Shen Menglai refused to give up.
"Where are you going?" Esme asked her, puzzled.
Without a word, Shen Menglai picked up her books and shamelessly sat down on Zuri's other side. Esme watched her actions, her eyes darkening, but she didn't follow. Instead, she stayed in her seat.