For days, the online vitriol, fueled by paid commenters, grew more intense with each passing day. Even Gu's Entertainment's public relations department, attempting to control the situation, couldn't sway the tide.
As a newcomer with few works to her name, Xia Qingtian's rise to fame was indeed too rapid and too sudden.
Her fanbase was weak, predominantly consisting of students, lacking any real combat power.
While Wen Ning was in charge of Xia Qingtian's personal team, the team's short establishment time meant that divisions of labor and facilities were still incomplete.
This public opinion battle exposed the current shortcomings.
Seeing the opponent's aggressive taunts, it was clear there were ulterior motives at play. Such a planned and organized smear campaign was truly difficult to handle.
The conference room was silent, everyone's expression grim.
Wen Ning's brow was furrowed.
Mr. Gu had given her full authority to handle this matter, but to resolve it completely, some assistance was still lacking.
"Ning Jie," the door to the conference room was suddenly pushed open, and the employee in charge of liaison rushed in, panting heavily, "The contract with K&K is finalized. We can issue the announcement!"
"With K&K's assistance, this matter can be resolved!" someone immediately chimed in.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief; the timing was perfect.
Currently, the main criticisms revolved around three points: first, accusing Xia Qingtian of蹭热度 (ceng re du - piggybacking on fame) with Madame Camille. Once the K&K endorsement was announced, it would prove that Xia Qingtian's trip to Paris was not an attempt to gain attention but purely for work.
Second, accusing Xia Qingtian of plagiarizing and disrespecting originality. This could be resolved by communicating with the styling and makeup team.
Third, questioning Xia Qingtian's lack of works and her rapid ascent to fame. This could be clarified and washed clean soon with "The Moon Blooms Most Dearly in Spring."
"Just resolving it isn't enough," Wen Ning said. "Even if we resolve this issue through the K&K cooperation this time, she'll be targeted with other issues later."
"Being targeted is normal in this industry, Ning Jie. There's nothing we can do about it…" someone said weakly.
"Yes, it's good enough if we can resolve it. Xia Qingtian's rise is too fast, her fame exceeding her demonstrated capabilities, so naturally, people will keep an eye on her," another person said helplessly. "Now, we can only rely on good works to build her foundation."
"Gu's Entertainment is her foundation." Wen Ning shot a stern look, silencing everyone instantly.
"It's clear someone is setting a trap. Find out who benefits the most from this controversy," Wen Ning's fingertips tapped the table as she began to strategize. "Then have the technical department investigate the IP address of the main instigator of the paid commenters. Finally, contact K&K and coordinate the announcement release to align with our timeline."
"Additionally, prepare for the advertising and promotional campaigns. I want to see results from the major index reports." Wen Ning's reputation as a top agent was not without reason.
A series of commands were issued, clean and swift.
Everyone responded and immediately got busy.
That evening, the results of various investigations were laid out before Wen Ning.
"The biggest beneficiary of this controversy appears to be Cheng Feiran. There are many comparing and contrasting, supporting Cheng Feiran as the one truly invited to Madame Camille's banquet. Cheng Feiran's statement of not seeing Xia Qingtian has effectively validated the anti-fan campaign."
"Cheng Feiran has secured a collaboration with a French fashion magazine and received overtures from two French fashion brands. These resources were likely obtained with the help of Mr. Yu from Wanqing Entertainment."
"Furthermore, we've discovered that the main source of the paid commenters is a long-term partner of Wanqing Entertainment. Previous smear campaigns against our Gu's Entertainment also originated from IPs under this entity. They are likely a professional paid commenter studio, currently unbranded but highly skilled."
"Wanqing Entertainment again." Wen Ning's brows furrowed. This Wanqing Entertainment was truly persistent!
"Ning Jie, do you think..." Before the person could finish speaking, there was a knock on the conference room door.
Opening the door, Li Mengxiao and Xia Qingtian walked in.
"Hearing from Mengxiao that you were all still busy, I bought some late-night snacks," Xia Qingtian said with a smile, making polite small talk. Li Mengxiao then distributed the snacks to everyone.
Everyone chuckled and expressed their thanks.
"Ning Jie, this is a special porridge Qingtian prepared for you. It's easier to digest." Li Mengxiao placed the specially packaged late-night snack in front of Wen Ning.
At this moment, Wen Ning's expression softened considerably. She vaguely remembered that she hadn't had dinner yet.
Giving Xia Qingtian an extra glance, Wen Ning then said thank you.
"Ning Jie, the styling and makeup team said that the ruby necklace was something Qingtian brought herself," the staff member who had communicated with the styling and makeup team reported, jogging back.
"Oh?" Hearing this news, Wen Ning's brow furrowed as she looked at Xia Qingtian. "Qingtian, are those your own accessories?"
"Yes," Xia Qingtian nodded and said, "I really like that one."
"Where did you buy that piece? It should be through a legitimate purchase channel, right?" Wen Ning asked.
"I didn't buy it. Madame Camille gave it to me," Xia Qingtian explained.
"!" Everyone's mouths fell open in astonishment.
"Madame Camille... gave it to you?" Wen Ning's eyes widened.
She knew Xia Qingtian had secured the K&K endorsement this time, likely gaining Madame Camille's favor. However, she had previously thought it was more likely due to Mr. Gu's influence...
But...
She hadn't expected Xia Qingtian to have directly won over Madame Camille!
"Yes," Xia Qingtian nodded and chuckled, "The netizens' eyes are quite sharp. I didn't expect them to recognize it. It looked more beautiful on Madame Camille, didn't it? Hehe..."
She had also seen the photos online. Madame Camille was breathtakingly beautiful in her youth, truly embodying the saying: "Time never defeats beauty."
"How dare you still smile! Why didn't you mention something so important earlier?" Wen Ning immediately asked.
"You... you didn't ask either... Besides... didn't you tell me not to worry about anything... and just rest well..." Xia Qingtian's voice grew softer, her expression conveying three parts innocence and seven parts wronged.
"I..." Wen Ning didn't even know how to express her anger. "Come, come, get moving quickly! K&K can issue the announcement now. Coordinate the advertising and promotions here, and prepare the counter-attack against the paid commenters. Bring out Wanqing Entertainment for me!"
"They've been blackening our people time and time again! Make Wanqing Entertainment apologize again!"
"Yes!" Everyone responded and immediately began to busy themselves.
"Um... the late-night snacks... do you... still want them?" Xia Qingtian asked weakly, looking at the suddenly bustling crowd. "Maybe... we should eat first?"
Everyone looked speechlessly at the person at the center of the incident, unsure whether to call her audacious or naturally oblivious.
She was their artist, what could they do? Spoil her!