Yimi didn't try to shield her brother, instead, she openly acknowledged him, which surprisingly won over more fans.
After all, in terms of popularity, no matter how hot Xia Weiliang was, it was temporary, unlike Film Emperor Xiao, who was known for his achievements.
Therefore, the fans lowered their stance, willing to boost others, unafraid of being accused of riding on someone's coattails. This immediately turned a large number of casual observers into supporters.
"Yi Shen has achieved his current status and reputation in this industry not only through his solid achievements but also, more importantly, through his character. I hope a certain Best Actor can learn from him." - Su Dan Novel Network
"It's obvious to anyone with eyes whether she's riding on Niang Niang's popularity or not. Fans don't need to defend her; even toilet cleaner wouldn't help!"
"Niang Niang currently has no new works to support her, but she's doing very well in all other aspects! Have you all forgotten so quickly what the ratings were like for the two variety shows she participated in before? They've now become explosive phenomena. What does that tell you? Can't she be considered a good artist without film and television works? When did the criteria for judging in the entertainment industry become so narrow? - From a pure passerby."
This comment was liked by countless people, proving that the public's eyes were still sharp.
More and more rational fans came online, mostly from outside the three parties involved. Their analyses were well-founded and logical, giving Xia Weiliang a significant boost in likability.
"I only remember that Niang Niang is the artist of the younger generation who has been continuously recognized by the organization."
"If it weren't for the show airing, I wouldn't have known what she went through during the mountain flood. How can you bash a girl who doesn't stir up trouble or seek hype? This batch of keyboard warriors isn't good enough!"
"The day before yesterday, when I passed by a residential area, I met Niang Niang and Xiao Jinzi at the convenience store at the entrance. She was so gentle with Xiao Jinzi the entire time. Below are photos I secretly took. If you insist on calling it staged or a script, I have nothing more to say."
Following this, photos were attached.
"Hahaha, the user above has such a strong survival instinct! Actually, there's no need to prove anything at this moment. This is something that reveals itself over time. However, judging by the smile on the little girl's face, it's clear that Niang Niang has raised her very well."
"Do you remember what Xiao Jinzi was like on the show? Vacant-eyed and dazed! But looking at this spirited young girl in the photo, I can't believe it's the same person!"
"Adopting children from disaster-stricken areas is her personal act and reflects her humanity. Getting back to her profession, Niang Niang just wants to improve her acting skills and do her job well. I don't understand why she's being mocked for this. Are we not allowed to try if our studies are poor?"
It was precisely this group of scattered fans who managed to completely overwhelm Xi Mi Lu, to the point where some resorted to mindless attacks.
To prevent the situation from escalating, Xi En's personal studio and Huatian Entertainment's official Weibo account issued statements explaining the situation, stating it was a normal professional interaction and there was no talk of "蹭流量" (riding on traffic). They also subtly implied that Xi En had always spoken through his work since his debut, and therefore did not need or want to ride on anyone's popularity.
This "green tea" (sarcastic, manipulative) operation infuriated everyone. They wished the company had just stayed silent.
Yimi was the first to react!
"Heh, this is the first time I've seen such a 'green tea' company."
"All companies, please take note. Here is a case of failed public relations, please learn from it!"
"Niang Niang herself, full of integrity, didn't say anything. Why are you rushing to distance yourselves?"
"Niang Niang, let's not play with these 'green tea' and 'bitchy' types, you might learn bad habits! Consider our Yi Shen instead! His acting skills are up to par, he's nice as a person, and most importantly, he won't hide behind his company when something happens~"
Suddenly, Yimi seemed to collectively come to their senses. From mocking Huatian, they all flocked to Xia Weiliang's Weibo comments section and @ed her, inviting her to switch allegiances.
It wasn't just Yimi; fans of other celebrities also couldn't resist, starting to call out for their idols.
"Niang Niang, are you looking for a reliable and not 'green tea' master? Uncle Chen is considering you."
"Niang Niang, Shang Rongrong, we are 'together in glory and disgrace' and will never step on you! Please consider us, thank you."
"Niang Niang, hello, this is Brother Cheng's fan. As the saying goes, don't let good opportunities go to others. This is a series about the love-hate relationship of the stingy Iron Head Cheng wanting to take you as a disciple. You are worth it!"
Various fans: "The troublemakers are here, brothers, let's go!"
Seeing this, Liang Fen exclaimed, "Wow, what a lively scene! With so many guests visiting, we must show our hospitality!"
Liang Fen quickly called everyone back to their main stage, where they received and responded to each guest individually:
"Thank you for your kindness. Our Niang Niang is slow-witted. We appreciate your trouble."
"If the master cannot achieve righteousness, we hope for your future guidance. Niang Niang is slow-witted, and we are grateful for your favor."
"We are overwhelmed with gratitude, overwhelmed with gratitude... Niang Niang is slow-witted, and it is our good fortune to receive such high regard."
In terms of humility, who could outdo Liang Fen?!
One heartfelt and hopeful reply after another was screenshotted and reposted, then compiled by influential accounts, instantly going viral. "Niang Niang is slow-witted" became a new trending term.
Indeed, the fans reflect their idols. Who else can achieve such widespread fame on their own and then bring their idol along for the ride?!
The onlookers were thoroughly entertained, almost laughing themselves sick through their screens.
No matter how big the storm, when it reached Xia Weiliang, it was guaranteed to turn into a joyous comedy. There was no chance to even pick up a weapon!
She was truly a breath of fresh air.
However, some people couldn't laugh.
Huatian held an emergency meeting. The previous statement was worse than not issuing one at all. Not only did it draw ridicule from netizens, but other companies also joined in the fun, infuriating them immensely!
Especially Meiyu Media, which even dared to directly @ Huatian. Their caption was as "green tea" as it could get, saying with feigned concern: "Huatian Entertainment, Hua Hua, you mustn't skimp on your public relations budget!"
Following that, the top company, Yixiao Entertainment, also made a rare appearance to join the fun, saying: "Meiyu Media, not only not helping but also kicking someone when they're down? Huatian Entertainment, Yixiao is lending you its PR team! Use it freely!"
This enraged Huatian so much that their CEO had to be put on oxygen that very day.
However, precisely because these two major companies entered the fray, this crisis communication turned into a running joke. Huatian, being clever, didn't stubbornly resist any longer and accepted the excuse provided by the two companies.
"@Meiyu Media @Yixiao Entertainment, you've seen our embarrassing situation! We've seen it! We haven't handled crises before, we don't know how, and we don't have experience. We almost handled ourselves out of the situation..."
After the netizens had their fun, they treated it as a joke and stopped targeting Huatian.
Sitting in front of the computer, Xi En calmly watched the entire process.
"Oh my, Brother En, you really know how to keep your cool! Our reputation accumulated over so many years was almost lost!" His agent, Cha Cha, was also sweating profusely.
The netizens now were not the same as before. One wrong move could destroy years of hard work!
She had already retracted the statement from the studio, and the PR person had been fired that day.
Xi En shifted his gaze, pushed up his glasses, and with his usual approachable, warm smile, he casually posted on Weibo, directly @ing Xia Weiliang...