The next day.
Two videos went viral simultaneously on the short video platform!
One was titled "Master Ma Responds to the Beating Incident."
In the video, Master Ma said:
"These two young people lack moral integrity! They ambushed me! It happened so quickly! I didn't dodge, I was indeed careless!
But this also shows that my disciples have already surpassed me! They've developed their martial arts to a level even I find hard to withstand!
This is the result of their training. As their master, I'm very pleased to see them surpass me!
However, you mustn't act like this in the future. I won't expel them from the sect, but I hope they take heed of their actions~"
While this video was spreading like wildfire, another short video saw its popularity soar even higher.
This video came from a newly emerging short video platform operated by Chen Chusheng.
Not only did the video go viral, but it also propelled the short video app into the trending searches.
Instantly, the platform attracted a massive influx of users.
The content of the video was the same footage taken by Xu Zhengyang's phone.
In the video, the curly-haired face was subtly obscured, but it appeared more authentic.
Some viewers pointed out that the background outside the makeup van matched the scene from that day, further proving the video's authenticity.
The offensive remarks in the video, such as "scam," "we have other fraud projects," "Master Ma doesn't know martial arts," and "devoted fans are our cash cows," became focal points of public debate.
Whether the video was real or fake didn't matter; the internet lacks the ability to discern the truth, much like how they couldn't distinguish that Master Ma was a fraud.
Moreover, the video appeared conveniently after Master Ma's statement, making it even more ironic.
No matter how many online trolls tried to suppress the wave of opinion, it was unstoppable.
By the afternoon, relevant authorities had begun investigating the matter!
A flood of insider information was exposed.
The media company had illegally profited nearly 480 million yuan through false advertising and unauthorized fees.
However, Xu Zhengyang didn't see any trace of the Zhao family in this. It seemed Zhao family had sold off the media company and cleaned their hands of the affair.
An additional subplot emerged: the once-active Yan surname female Qi Gong master and the Wei surname founder of the Thunder Bagua had both gone silent, not responding to any mentions.
At the Zhao family residence.
In Zhao Huashan's villa.
With a crisp sound, Zhao Yiming, the hot-tempered second son of the Zhao family, smashed a water cup into pieces.
"This bastard! How dare he go against my Zhao family? I will make sure he pays for this!!"
His anger stemmed from the fact that Zhao Huashan had previously assigned him to handle Ma Guobao's affairs.
But because he had been drinking heavily yesterday, his sister Zhao Xiaoman had to deal with it.
Zhao Huashan shot him a displeased glance and coldly snorted:
"Anger is the most useless thing! With your attitude, you will never gain your grandfather's approval! You're a waste!"
Zhao Yiming clenched his fists tightly, wanting to retort but hesitated.
Zhao Xiaoman stood by with a pale face.
"This person will be your practice target. Remember, don't do anything stupid. Use your brain to handle the situation better and impress your grandfather!"
Zhao Huashan scolded.
"Don't worry, I'll find a way to deal with this kid!"
Zhao Yiming said coldly.
Zhao Huashan sighed and shook his head, strolling upstairs.
This incident wasn't enough to cause a severe blow to the Zhao family, but it was a huge provocation.
This grievance couldn't be left unaddressed.
Their target, Xu Zhengyang, was now dressed in a high-end suit, walking into the Junyue Grand Hotel with Cheng Baola.
Cheng Baola wore an eye-catching sky-blue gown chosen personally by Tang Ying, a perfect fit for her figure.
Upon entering the venue and seeing the noisy and cheerful crowd, Cheng Baola bit her lip, feeling nervous.
A large hand then tightly grasped her delicate hand, and an inexplicable sense of security instantly calmed her down.
Cheng Baola looked at Xu Zhengyang, who met her gaze with a determined look.
Although Cheng Baola didn't want Xu Zhengyang to come, he insisted on it.
Xu Zhengyang pretending to be her boyfriend did avoid unnecessary attention from other men, so she agreed.
"Hey? Cheng Baola is here!"
At that moment, a woman in a dress near the entrance suddenly called out with a smirk.
Immediately, half the hall's attention turned to them.
As if they had been waiting for Cheng Baola's arrival.
But Cheng Baola knew she wasn't this popular.
Looking around, she saw familiar university classmates, both male and female, with various expressions.
Their reactions were mixed, and most were not friendly.
"Baola, you're here."
A girl wearing a silver crown waved at her with a faint smile, seemingly indifferent.
She was the birthday girl, Li Yirou.
Cheng Baola forced a smile and walked towards Li Yirou.
Xu Zhengyang casually followed behind her, receiving the surrounding odd looks.
"Yirou, happy birthday."
Li Yirou nodded with a faint smile. Her parents noticed Cheng Baola arriving empty-handed and frowned immediately.
"Cheng Baola, how dare you show up here!!"
At that moment, a cold voice rang out—it was Sun Li, who had been humiliated by Xu Zhengyang at Xihua Restaurant.
When the police arrived, Sun Li and her group had scrambled to pay for the meal. Their hatred for Xu Zhengyang and his companion was deep.
"Sun Li?" Cheng Baola's brows furrowed. She didn't expect Sun Li to bring up that day's incident.
"Did you enjoy freeloading and running away?"
Sun Li asked loudly.
"Sun Li, you're going too far. It was your fault for being…"
"Shut up! Don't spout nonsense. You said you'd treat us, but then you ran away! Are you trying to play us? Think you're clever?"
Sun Li's sharp tongue conveyed her anger vividly, making her accusations seem undeniable.
However, Sun Li didn't immediately confront Xu Zhengyang, only glaring at him. She still hoped to somehow win Xu Zhengyang over.
He was a hidden rich man, and it was best not to let other women know.
But this anger had to be vented on Cheng Baola!
Instantly, people began to gossip and criticize Cheng Baola.
"Seriously? How can someone's character be so bad!"
"Hmph, she was like this back in school, so arrogant and high-handed, just a slut!"
"Trash. Keep your distance from her in the future."
Xu Zhengyang sighed helplessly. He felt sorry for Cheng Baola. He had advised her more than once to skip this ridiculous party.
But Cheng Baola was a strong-willed girl with her own stubbornness. She wanted to overcome the obstacles she had set for herself.
And now, right after arriving, things were already going badly.
Li Yirou raised her hand to stop the murmuring crowd and then looked at Cheng Baola with an indifferent expression, asking:
"Baola, do you know why I invited you to the party today?"