Seeing Shang Yunyan squinting his eyes and not saying anything, Duan Yurou was unsure of what her young master was thinking. She could only remain silent and wait.
"Yurou, I want to see exactly what kind of private photos this woman is talking about. Go gather all the gossip and news articles, and quietly contact Fangyuan's lawyers to help me collect evidence. It's not time for a full investigation yet, but this time I won't hold back! If that filthy woman is looking for trouble, I'll make her regret it!"
"Understood, Young Master!"
Minutes later, gossip magazines and news links were sent to Shang Yunyan's phone by Duan Yurou and Xue'er. After looking at the headlines, Shang Yunyan couldn't help but feel speechless.
"New CEO of Investment Firm Rises to Power by Using a Woman, Then Kicks Her to the Curb!""The New Scandal in the Capital: The Lowdown on the Despicable Chairman's Past and Present!""Investment CEO's Ex-Girlfriend Strikes Back, Leaks Personal Photos!"
These kinds of headlines kept popping up. Shang Yunyan took a deep breath, trying to suppress his rising anger, and clicked on the links. To his astonishment, he found photos of himself peacefully sleeping.
The comment section was full of angry insults, calling him a scumbag, and some even praised his handsome looks.
"Young Master…?" Duan Yurou watched him carefully, waiting anxiously after seeing him go through the articles quietly.
"Yurou, Xue'er, not only do I want evidence, but I also want to investigate everyone behind these rumors—the platforms that posted this, the PR firms, and all the accounts that spread these malicious lies. We have four days to gather everything, and once we have all the information, I'll move forward with the lawsuit!"
"Understood, Young Master!" they replied in unison.
Shang Yunyan stared at the news, deep in thought. How long had Yan Yongqing been planning her revenge? There's no way she could have done this alone. Someone must be helping her behind the scenes. Had she managed to get in touch with a reporter or a media outlet?
As he pondered, his phone rang. It was his father.
"Hello, Dad!" Shang Yunyan answered.
"Son! What are you doing in the Capital? We all just saw the news about you! It says you used a woman to get ahead, then kicked her to the curb after taking her money! Your mother told me you were buying houses and cars recently, and I didn't believe it, but now this? How could you do such a thing? What kind of education did I give you?"
"Dad, I didn't do anything! You can't believe those gossip stories! They're all rumors. I've already instructed my secretary, lawyers, and others to collect evidence. Once we have everything, I'll sue all the platforms and individuals responsible for spreading these lies! This was all Yan Yongqing's doing. After Grandpa passed away, she kicked me out and ran off with one of my company's managers. Later, when I made money, I bought that company and had that manager sent to jail for embezzlement and tax evasion. Now Yan Yongqing is getting her revenge, spreading all these disgusting rumors about me! Do you really not trust your own son?"
"Son, how could Yan Yongqing do this? You've made the whole family a laughingstock now! Your mother and I may believe you, but the news is out there, and everyone in the village knows. You have to fix this quickly. Don't let the Shang family be embarrassed!"
"Dad, what are you saying?! You think I'm the one who's bringing shame to the family? I'm the victim here! Can't you think about it from my perspective? I've been working hard, living a decent life, and yet this woman is going to do these heartless things to ruin me! And now you don't even believe me and are questioning me over the phone?!"
Shang Yunyan was becoming emotional, and suddenly, his mother grabbed the phone from his father.
"Son! Mom supports you! Don't think about anything else for the next few days! Collect evidence and get that slut arrested! This is defamation! She's slandering you, and… and… whatever else! I'm just a rural woman, I don't know much about the law, but if you can't handle this, you let me know, and I'll beat her to death!"
"I know, Mom! Don't worry, I have it under control. In a few days, I'll sue them all! Don't listen to rumors and try to calm Dad down! How could I bring shame to the Shang family? I'll make sure the family's future depends on me!"
"Of course! My son is the Shang family's lucky star! In the Capital, relying on his own efforts, he's making a name for himself. Who dares to spread lies? I'll tear their mouths apart!"
Shang Yunyan had never known his mother had such a fiery temper. Any mother, when their child is in trouble, would protect them first and foremost—forget about responsibility or solutions!
"Mom, can you try to convince Dad?"
"Convince him? Ha, dream on! It's a blessing for him that I'm not beating him right now. How could anyone not trust their own son? I've known you since you were little! …Ah, son… stop talking!"
It seemed like his father was saying something on the other end of the line, but Shang Yunyan's mother immediately shut him down.
After hanging up, Shang Yunyan thought for a moment and then sent Yan Yongqing's name and some basic details to Xue'er, ready to take action.