The full version of this video, once leaked, caused an unexpected reversal, catching everyone off guard.
The video was released by a celebrity reporter known in the industry as Ah Mao.
In the manager's office, Ah Mao sipped the premium Mao Jian tea his manager had brewed, crunching on nuts with a loud snap.
"Mao, I always knew you were destined for great things! The facts prove my judgment is impeccable!"
"Manager, you flatter me."
"Heh, outsiders may not know, but we in the industry are well aware that the Liu couple set a trap for Xia Weiliang through Guan Fei! Tell me, Ah Mao, how did you get your hands on the complete video?"
Ah Mao smiled mysteriously and leaned closer, his manager's eyes gleaming with excitement.
This was a surefire path to wealth!
"This... this is a secret."
"..."
Emerging from the manager's office, Ah Mao felt as if he were floating! Colleagues rushed forward to congratulate him. Ah Mao stood tall, chest puffed out and hands on his hips, like a leader reviewing his troops.
The world of celebrity reporting was much like the entertainment industry itself; a massive hit meant soaring resources, and more hits cemented one's status.
However, obtaining the complete backstage footage from "Jin Fei" was indeed his doing.
Two days prior.
Night.
Ah Mao had been tailing Xia Weiliang for three days. Exhausted and sleepy, he got out of his car for a cigarette to refresh himself.
Just as he lit it, his neck was suddenly grabbed, and he was pulled into a small park nearby.
Paparazzi often found themselves in scraps with celebrity bodyguards. The moment Ah Mao saw the person, he knew they were trained professionals. With his scrawny arms and legs, he knew he stood no chance. He immediately surrendered, putting on a righteous front and declared solemnly, "Noble warrior! If you must rob me, at least make it a case of mistaken identity!"
*Smack—*
He received a blow to the head.
Song Yuan stood opposite him, looking at him coldly. "Reporter?"
Ah Mao rubbed his head and obediently nodded.
Her grip was incredibly strong!
"How many years in the business?"
"Five... five years..."
Song Yuan seemed satisfied. "Let's make a deal."
Ah Mao eyed her warily. "I can't do 'casting couch' stuff, I have my principles."
*Smack—*
Another blow to the head.
"...I misspoke. You can 'cast' me however you like." Ah Mao was quick to adapt.
Song Yuan tossed him a USB drive.
"Expose this."
"What is this?"
"Something that will make you famous overnight."
"But, but if I..."
"Refuse now and I'll beat you now. Refuse tomorrow and I'll beat you tomorrow. Your choice."
"..."
And so, Ah Mao ascended to the pinnacle of his career.
However, what Ah Mao didn't anticipate was that his true moment of glory was yet to come.
Movie star Xiao Yi retweeted his Weibo.
Upon hearing this news, Ah Mao immediately lay down and pinched his philtrum, feigning unconsciousness.
The "Yimi" fandom was happily engrossed in the drama. Whether Xia Weiliang was innocent or not wasn't the point! The important thing was that it was someone else's drama! Eating other people's drama was so satisfying!
Until their idol went online and retweeted a Weibo that vindicated Xia Weiliang, the Yimi fans could no longer laugh.
Career Fans: 【Can you just quietly be a movie star? The aloof, aloof kind who looks deep in thought the moment a camera appears?】 Su Dan Novel Net
Mother Fans: 【Tell us, child, how much money did Xia Weiliang pay you? Mom will crowdfund it for you!】
Girlfriend Fans: 【Ahhh! Honey, you are absolutely not allowed to acknowledge other women~ Not even a glance! No, not even your nostrils should point at her!!】
Solo Fans: 【Brother! Be beautiful alone! Don't look at other species!!】
Beauty Fans: 【Wuwuwu~ Brother is the most handsome!】
Die-hard Fans: 【Are we going to battle??? So excited!!】
Xiao Yi rarely updated his Weibo. When he occasionally logged on to interact, his fans felt as if it were a holiday.
But!!
The only two times he had posted on Weibo, unrelated to movie promotions, were both concerning this woman, Xia Weiliang!
It's over, it's over. The drama has turned to us. We must act!
No matter how much they disliked Xia Weiliang, their brother had made his stance clear. Even if the Yimi fans had to cry, they would respond!
Under the guidance of the top fans, the Yimi fandom mobilized.
【Our brother is just kind-hearted. He sees injustice and shouts it out, acting when necessary~ We'll stan you forever!】
【Never mind our brother, I got angry just watching that video! What kind of nonsense is that? Relying on blood ties to leech off them? It’s 2021, shouldn’t we be paying attention to socialist harmonious development??】
【They claim making money in the entertainment industry is easy, forcing their daughter to attend banquets, drinking and toasting, and then demanding a million yuan a month? My god, did they give birth to a child just to recoup their investment later?? I feel sick!】
【Heh, Earth can no longer contain your level of quality. Perhaps Mars would be more suitable.】
【The upstairs neighbor, please don't offend the residents of Mars. Why not just banish them to outer space?】
【Our brother is simply kind and good! No arguments accepted!】
The Yimi fandom's mobilization is the most powerful force in fan communities. With them involved, no battle can be lost!
Moreover, this incident was clearly a trap, set for Xia Weiliang. Thus, there was no need to prepare specific statements; free expression could generate a massive wave of discussion.
Simultaneously, dozens of influential public accounts joined the fray, churning out soft and hard articles. It was evident they were meticulously prepared, delving into every detail of the Liu Wan Quan couple's lives.
I am Pang Da Wan: 【...According to enthusiastic residents of Haidian District, Liu Wan Quan and his wife have not only Xia Yiran but also a son. He just graduated from university this year and is preparing to start his own business. He's already found partners, decided on a project, and set up a studio... well, all that's missing is the capital.】
Entertainment World: 【That's right, it's exactly what you're thinking. The Liu couple has invested far more effort into this son than into Xia Yiran! Furthermore, a classmate from Xia Yiran's primary and middle school revealed...】
Brother Jiu Knows Stuff: 【Is everyone focused on the video? Has no one dug into "Jin Fei Xi Bi"? Fine, Brother Jiu will bring you the full scoop—】
I'm Not a Paparazzo, I'm Your Second Uncle: 【Second Uncle got a little scoop and is here to share it with you all! Guess who Guan Fei's ex-boyfriend is? And guess who Xia Yiran's agent's ex-girlfriend is?】
Acting Confident and Understanding the Drama: 【...The day Xia Weiliang went to record "Jin Fei," Brother Yi happened to have an interview too (the interview was scheduled three months in advance, the host's Weibo provides evidence, so all you conspiracy theorists can calm down). Moreover, a staff member revealed that Brother Yi witnessed the Liu couple publicly scolding and yelling at Empress Xia, even attempting to strike her... Imagine the scene yourself, anyway, I need to go calm down now! Parents? Is this how it's done?!】
The above.
If the Yimi fandom were scattered troops, these public account magnates were organized forces launching a concentrated assault. Xia Weiliang clearly had support!
Following this wave, the Liu couple was thoroughly exposed, from the size of their ancestral land to whether the corner store sold counterfeit cigarettes. They were completely dissected!
Especially their son, Liu Yaozong. With his "sister-dependent" persona now revealed, any entrepreneurial aspirations were likely dashed.
"Ahhhh, it's all your fault! You ruined me, I'm finished!"
Liu Yaozong went on a destructive rampage at home. Bao Fang, terrified, cowered in a corner, tears already blurring her vision.
Liu Wan Quan had been simmering with anger lately. He stepped forward to help his son, but was shoved aside, falling to the ground and twisting his back. He yelped in pain.
Bao Fang quickly helped him up. "Yaozong, how could you push your father?"
Her gentle chiding was met with her son's curses.
"Why didn't you switch me instead of them back then? If it were me, I would be the sole son of the Xia family, and all their family fortune would be in my hands?!"
After his outburst, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he exclaimed excitedly, "You two, hurry to the Xia family and say there was a mistake, that I'm the child from back then!"
Bao Fang's lips parted. "Son... this, this matter isn't that simple..."
She glanced at her husband, wanting to speak but hesitating. He, too, had a livid expression and remained silent.
Liu Yaozong was completely lost in delusion, dancing with excitement. "I don't care! Go! Go right now! Tell Xia Yiran to get out and stop occupying the dung pit without defecating! I'm going to be the heir of the Xia family!"