Qin Yuwei rubbed her temples irritably and coldly instructed, "Xiao Zhang, go find some paparazzi. Just say... just say that Lin Xingyao and Director Li have an inappropriate relationship."
She paused, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes. "Remember, make sure they blow this up!"
Xiao Zhang's face showed some hesitation; his lips moved a few times before he finally replied softly, "Okay, Miss Qin."
He lowered his gaze, his hands nervously clasped together, beads of sweat forming in his palms.
Xiao Zhang knew this was wrong, but under Qin Yuwei's pressure, he chose to comply.
The car fell silent again, the atmosphere stifling and suffocating.
Qin Yuwei closed her eyes, Lin Xingyao's radiant smile flashing through her mind, fueling the flames of jealousy within her.
In the dimly lit bar, the scent of alcohol and cigarettes hung heavily in the air.
Paparazzi Zhao Qiang perked up immediately upon receiving Xiao Zhang's tip-off. He picked up his phone and skillfully edited the text, embellishing the "scandal" between Lin Xingyao and Director Li with vivid details.
The yellow light cast on his face revealed a slightly lewd grin.
After finishing, he hit send and downed his drink in one gulp, as if he could already foresee the massive traffic this news would bring.
The next morning, Lin Xingyao's "scandal" quickly went viral online, with all sorts of unsightly comments flooding the screen.
Lin Xingyao stared at her phone screen, her face pale and her hands trembling slightly. She never imagined she would become a victim of online bullying.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the room, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
Gu Beichen looked at the news on his phone, his brows furrowed tightly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
He immediately dialed the head of the public relations team, his tone low and firm: "Handle this immediately; I want to know who's behind this!"
After hanging up, he stood by the window, gazing at the distant scenery, filled with worry for Lin Xingyao.
The phone rang; Lin Xingyao glanced at the caller ID—it was Gu Beichen. Taking a deep breath, she answered the call. "Xingyao, don't worry; I'll take care of this," Gu Beichen's voice was gentle yet strong, like a warm current flowing into Lin Xingyao's heart.
Lin Xingyao's eyes reddened as she choked out, "Thank you, Mr. Gu."
In Gu Beichen's apartment, the simple yet modern decor reflected the owner's taste.
Gu Beichen sat on the sofa, gently holding Lin Xingyao in his arms, comforting her, "Don't be afraid; everything will pass."
Lin Xingyao leaned against his shoulder, feeling the warmth emanating from him, and her unease gradually faded away.
Wang Kai walked into Gu Beichen's office, holding a document in his hand, his tone serious as he said, "Beichen, I don't think you should get involved in this matter; it won't do you any good."
Gu Beichen lifted his head, his gaze steady as he looked at Wang Kai. "I must protect her."
In Director Li's office, the atmosphere was tense.
Director Li's face was ashen as he slammed the newspaper down on the table, shouting angrily, "Find out immediately who is spreading these rumors!"
The assistant stood by nervously, not daring to speak, head bowed.
Director Li took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and said firmly, "I will hold the rumor-monger legally accountable!"
"I will do my best to help you clarify," Gu Beichen said, his fingers gently stroking Lin Xingyao's hair with determination. Lin Xingyao nodded lightly in his embrace, tears soaking his shirt.
Outside the window, night fell, and the city lights twinkled like stars scattered across the sky.
Gu Beichen released Lin Xingyao and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the night scene with deep eyes.
Lin Xingyao looked up at his tall silhouette, feeling an inexplicable sense of security rise within her.
Wang Kai sighed and approached Gu Beichen. "Beichen, I know you care about her, but this matter involves Qin Yuwei; you should be cautious."
Gu Beichen turned around, his gaze sharp as he looked at Wang Kai. "I don't care who it is; anyone who dares to harm her will not escape."
Wang Kai met Gu Beichen's resolute eyes and realized he couldn't persuade him; he could only shake his head helplessly.
In the office, the floor lamp cast a soft glow on their faces, creating an unusually tranquil atmosphere.
Director Li's assistant stood trembling nearby, afraid to make a sound.
Director Li's expression remained grim as he picked up the phone and dialed a number coldly saying, "Help me find out which media outlets have recently published negative news about Lin Xingyao; I want to know who is pulling the strings behind this."
The assistant stole a glance at Director Li and noticed his fingers tightly gripping the phone, knuckles turning white.
Outside, darkness had fully enveloped the sky; only a desk lamp illuminated the office dimly.
Qin Yuwei sat in front of a makeup mirror applying bright red lipstick, a slight smirk of satisfaction curling at the corners of her mouth.
Assistant Xiao Zhang stood beside her anxiously and cautiously said, "Miss Qin, won't this matter escalate too much? What if it gets discovered..."
Qin Yuwei turned her head, her gaze icy as she looked at Xiao Zhang. "What are you afraid of? Even if we get found out, they won't trace it back to me."
She picked up a powder puff and lightly tapped it against her foundation, her tone dripping with disdain. "Lin Xingyao, you're still too inexperienced to compete with me!"
In the dressing room, the dazzling lights illuminated Qin Yuwei's exquisite makeup, but they couldn't conceal the malice in her eyes.
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