The city was in chaos. Zi Ning's counterattack had shaken the entire entertainment industry. News outlets were scrambling to cover the scandal, and social media was flooded with discussions about the Guo family's dirty tactics.
At the same time, Wang Yin's case was making headlines. Her confession, combined with the evidence Zi Ning released, had forced the authorities to launch an official investigation.
But Zi Ning knew this was just the beginning.
She sat in her apartment, her fingers tapping against the table as she studied the latest reports. Jiang Yue was pacing behind her, still furious.
"The Guo family is too quiet," Jiang Yue muttered. "They must be planning something."
Zi Ning nodded. "They won't sit still after this. We need to be ready."
Lu Yichen was sitting on the couch, his expression unreadable. "They've lost control of the public opinion for now, but they still have power in the shadows. They won't fight us with words anymore."
Zhou Wei, who had just arrived, set his phone on the table. "They're already making their next move. Guo Jiancheng met with several top executives last night. He's calling in favors."
Zi Ning smirked. "They want to cut off my opportunities."
Zhou Wei nodded. "I already got word—some of your upcoming endorsements are being 'reviewed.' A few companies are considering canceling their contracts with you."
Jiang Yue cursed. "They're trying to blacklist you!"
Zi Ning exhaled slowly. "Expected."
Lu Yichen leaned forward. "We can fight back, but this will be a drawn-out battle. Are you ready for that?"
Zi Ning met his gaze. "I didn't come this far just to let them win now."
Lu Yichen's lips curled slightly. "Good."
Zhou Wei hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "There's one more thing… Guo Bao is throwing a charity gala in three days. He's inviting all the big names in the industry."
Zi Ning's eyes darkened. "A trap."
Jiang Yue frowned. "You think they'll try something there?"
Zi Ning leaned back, deep in thought. "They wouldn't invite me if they didn't have a plan. They want to humiliate me in front of everyone."
Lu Yichen's expression was cold. "Then we'll make sure it backfires."
Three days later, the charity gala was in full swing.
The ballroom was filled with celebrities, executives, and wealthy elites. The event was glamorous, with expensive chandeliers casting golden light over the perfectly decorated hall.
Guo Bao stood near the entrance, shaking hands and smiling at his guests. He looked completely at ease, as if he hadn't just suffered a public scandal days ago.
His assistant approached him and whispered, "She's here."
Guo Bao's smirk widened. "Perfect."
Across the room, Zi Ning stepped into the ballroom. She was dressed in a sleek, form-fitting black gown that made her look both elegant and untouchable. Her long hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her expression was unreadable.
Every head in the room turned to look at her.
"She actually came?"
"After everything that happened, she still dares to show up?"
"She looks… completely calm."
Zi Ning ignored the whispers and walked forward with confidence. Jiang Yue and Zhou Wei followed behind her, their expressions tense.
From a distance, Guo Bao watched her approach, his smirk deepening.
"Let's begin," he murmured.
The night went smoothly at first. Zi Ning kept to herself, only speaking when necessary. She could feel the tension in the air, but she didn't react.
Guo Bao, on the other hand, was playing the perfect host. He laughed, clinked glasses, and acted like the scandal hadn't affected him at all.
Then, as the evening reached its peak, he finally made his move.
He took the microphone and smiled at the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming tonight. This event is about charity, but it's also about unity. And what better way to celebrate unity than by clearing misunderstandings?"
The audience murmured in confusion.
Guo Bao turned to face Zi Ning. "Miss Zi Ning, I believe you have a lot to say about recent events. Would you like to take the stage?"
The room fell silent.
Jiang Yue tensed. "They're trying to set you up."
Zi Ning's lips curled slightly. "I know."
She calmly stepped forward and accepted the microphone.
"Thank you for giving me the chance to speak," she said smoothly.
Guo Bao smiled, but his eyes were cold. "Of course. The public deserves to hear both sides, don't you think?"
Zi Ning met his gaze. "Yes. So let's give them the truth."
Guo Bao's smirk faltered slightly.
Zi Ning turned to the audience. "Many of you have seen the headlines about me. Some of you may have even believed them. And that's understandable—after all, when the media pushes a certain narrative, it's hard not to be influenced."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "But have you ever wondered who controls these narratives?"
The audience shifted uncomfortably.
Zi Ning continued, her voice calm but sharp. "Some people think wealth gives them the right to decide who rises and who falls. They think they can manipulate the truth and silence those who stand in their way."
Guo Bao's expression darkened.
"But the truth has a way of coming to light," Zi Ning said. "And tonight, I want to share something with all of you."
She gestured toward Zhou Wei, who immediately stepped forward and handed her a tablet.
With a single tap, the large screen behind them lit up.
The audience gasped.
On the screen were leaked messages, bank transactions, and confidential emails—all showing how the Guo family had used their power to frame artists, bribe journalists, and control the industry.
The evidence was undeniable.
The room erupted into chaos.
Guo Bao's face turned pale. "What… what is this?!"
Zi Ning smiled coolly. "The truth."
One of the executives in the audience spoke up. "Guo Bao, explain yourself! Are these real?"
Another person shouted, "How many people have you ruined?!"
Guo Bao clenched his fists. "This is a setup! These documents are fake!"
Zi Ning tilted her head. "Are they?"
At that moment, another voice rang out.
"They're real."
Everyone turned.
A middle-aged man stepped forward—one of the former executives who had been silenced by the Guo family years ago.
He looked directly at the cameras. "I used to work for the Guo family. I saw everything. These documents are real. I am willing to testify."
Guo Bao's face twisted in horror.
Zi Ning stepped closer to him and whispered, "Checkmate."
The audience was in an uproar.
Guo Jiancheng, who had been watching from the second floor, stood up abruptly. His eyes were cold and murderous.
"This isn't over," he muttered.