If the initial accusations against Chu Yuxuan created a storm on the internet, the sudden and overwhelming reversal was like a tsunami dismantling everything in its path.
At Qingya Media, Zhao Yanan personally oversaw the PR department, directing employees to get busy.
"Draft several statements of clarification and send them to all agents. Except for the artists with major endorsements, ensure that the rest, especially the newcomers, post supportive messages for President Chu. The more posts the better."
Artists with major endorsements needed to be cautious, as many online trolls lacked discernment. Even though Chu Yuxuan had been cleared, such people might still project their narrow and dirty views, potentially affecting the brand negatively. It wasn't worth the risk.
Newcomers, on the other hand, had no such concerns. They were just required to support their boss. Moreover, this was a rare opportunity to increase their visibility—clearly a win-win situation.
However, Zhao Yanan couldn't understand why Qinglu had suddenly turned against Chu Yuxuan. And how had that agent, who had vanished for so long, suddenly appeared online to clear Chu Yuxuan's name? If she sought justice for Xia Zhu, why didn't she report it to the police immediately? Something seemed off.
But regardless of the underlying motives, Chu Yuxuan's vindication was a huge relief.
"Zhao, we've got more good news!" The head of the PR department rushed over with a tablet, excitedly showing Zhao Yanan. "Look, the influencers who accused Chu have started infighting. One new recruit just posted an apology video, exposing that Xiaozhejiang and the other influencers had a WeChat group. The chat history was eye-opening!"
In the video, the small-time influencer cried, claiming she was new to the industry and was coerced by Xiaozhejiang and Director Jin of the influencer base, leading her to make a mistake. She pleaded for netizens to give her a chance to redeem herself.
Zhao Yanan wasn't interested in the insincere apology but was keen on the exposed WeChat group chat history:
Xiaozhejiang: "Sisters, Qingya's influencer base is a huge pit! Did you see the contract? The penalty fees are so high; we're doomed to be exploited forever! I'm taking the lead to help everyone switch to a new platform. Director Jin has already made contact; it's a new platform with deep backing and great employee benefits."
Some Influencers: "I support Xiaozhejiang! Despite her popularity, she's losing a significant portion of her earnings to the base. Our future will only be worse!"
Xiaozhejiang: "Director Jin and I are preparing for action. Sisters, stay alert. Just follow the script, don't be afraid. Even if something goes wrong, Qingya will only bother me, not you."
Some Influencers: "My script says Chu Yuxuan flirted with me in front of my husband. Hahaha."
Another Influencer: "I'll just say he forcibly kissed me."
Xiaozhejiang: "My script is that he molested me in the bathroom and stalked me. Hahaha. Keep up the good work. The more we tarnish his reputation, the lower our risk. Besides, we can later sue him for compensation!"
Some Influencers: "Thanks for your hard work, Xiaozhejiang!"
There were eleven people in the group, all previous accusers of Chu Yuxuan, except Qinglu. Seeing these messages, Zhao Yanan's eyes turned cold, and she said, "I have three points for you to handle." The PR department head nodded, "Yes, Zhao."
"First, issue an apology statement for occupying online and police resources. It must be sincere. Second, announce that the influencer base will fully implement the trainee plan, stating clearly that new influencers will receive benefits according to Qingya's standards. Also, draft a statement holding the base's head accountable for misusing the president's seal and altering contract terms to harm the company. Send these out. Third, for every influencer who accused President Chu, issue a lawyer's letter for claims based on defamation, mental distress, and actual losses, especially targeting Xiaozhejiang. Use any means necessary; I want her and her family to pay for their actions!"
The PR head nodded vigorously, thinking to herself that Zhao was indeed fiercely protective. Last time, in front of everyone, Zhao had slapped Xia Zhu and boldly said, "If you touch my husband again, I'll tear you apart!" Now that her man was wronged like this, it was understandable she was so distressed.
Seeing Zhao Yanan's angry expression, the assistant, Old Three, was grinning foolishly by the door.
Zhao Yanan heard the laughter and turned to the big fool who had been her shadow all morning, asking helplessly, "Are you hungry?"
Old Three swallowed and rubbed his stomach, nodding, "Not hungry."
Xiao Wei couldn't help but laugh, "You keep nodding and saying you're not hungry. What are you trying to say?"
Old Three scratched his head and chuckled, "If my sister-in-law is hungry, then I'm hungry."
Zhao Yanan took a deep breath and instructed Xiao Wei, "Order takeout for everyone. This big guy... get him two portions, and I'll reimburse you later."
Old Three: "Can I get three portions? The fast food portions are small, and I haven't eaten since this morning."
Laughter erupted in the office.
Zhao Yanan smirked and said, "Call your brother and see how he's doing."
"Okay." Old Three made the call and soon hung up, "Sister-in-law, my brother said he's busy with something."
Zhao Yanan nodded, pausing thoughtfully before walking up to Old Three and whispering, "Don't call me sister-in-law at the office, understood?"
Old Three: "Oh, got it, sister-in-law."
Zhao Yanan: …
Meanwhile, Chu Yuxuan arrived at the unfinished building, instructed the legal team to keep everything confidential, and sent them back to the company before going inside himself.
Seeing him from afar, Li Bin and his team greeted him warmly, "President Chu! Oh, it's great you're okay. We were all worried!"
Chu Yuxuan smiled, patted Li Bin's shoulder, and said, "Thanks a lot this time. Send me your bank account number so I can show my appreciation. The brothers can't work hard for nothing."
Li Bin quickly refused, "No, no, President Chu, you're embarrassing me! We don't need to discuss money between us!"
"Listen," Chu Yuxuan interrupted, "You all go back first. I'll treat you to drinks another day. Remember to send me your account number. If it's inconvenient, I'll send cash later."
Li Bin hesitated, "President Chu, there's no need to be polite with us. We can still help you here!"
Chu Yuxuan smiled lightly, "I appreciate the gesture. You should head back. Some things are better not to get too involved in, for your own good." With that, Li Bin had no more to say and, after greeting Old Four and Old Five, left with his team.
"Big Brother," Old Five leaned against the GTR's hood, greeting with a smile.
Old Four looked down at the unconscious Jin Tianliang, tested his response with a couple of kicks, and seeing no reaction, picked up the sledgehammer and struck Jin Tianliang's ankle.
"Ah!"
A piercing scream echoed through the vacant building, terrifying the agent and Gao Ning.
"He's not dead," Old Four said with a hint of relief.
Chu Yuxuan lit a cigarette and strolled over to Jin Tianliang. Looking at his tortured and pained face, he smirked, "So, do you understand the consequences now?"