How vulgar! Mr. Lin, we're simply following protocol with our questions, yet you resort to insults. Do you truly believe your crude language can conceal the fact that you and Chen Qingtian are in cahoots?
Lin Ran laughed, utterly amused by these people's absurd logic.
"Who set these so-called protocols? And what 'facts' are you even talking about? Do you have some unique misunderstanding of the word 'fact'? Otherwise, how could you spin such a ridiculous story? Are you living in some parallel universe where 'facts' mean something entirely different?"
Another reporter chimed in with a loaded question.
"Are you mocking our profession because you fear we'll expose your facade? We're only seeking the truth objectively."
Lin Ran turned to the reporter and replied,
"Wow, my friend, you should win a 'Creative Writing Award.' The way you twist facts with such 'creativity' is truly a 'talent.' I say you misunderstand facts, and you accuse me of mocking your profession? What brand of nonsense are you peddling? Turning cassava into sweet potatoes?"
Reporter: "Mr. Lin, may I ask xx@%#..."
Lin Ran: "Just don’t hide behind the banner of journalism to mislead the public. The audience isn’t stupid—your little tricks will be exposed sooner or later. Learn to respect facts, or your credibility will plummet below zero."
The reporters grew visibly irritated. From start to finish, Lin Ran had been speaking in veiled jabs, offering no useful information—exactly what they didn’t want to hear.Just as they prepared to fire more questions, a group of uniformed officers arrived.
Everyone froze in confusion. Some reporters glanced out the window and noticed official government vehicles parked downstairs.
The officers cleared a path, and the reporters, too intimidated to obstruct, hastily stepped aside.
Was another major incident about to unfold?
Like flies drawn to a scent, the reporters swiveled their cameras toward the newcomers.
Soon, a wheelchair was pushed to the entrance, carrying an imposing elderly woman.
Someone immediately recognized her—Su Jianguo.
"Grandmaster Su? The national hero Su Jianguo? Why is she here?"
"Did Warm Yao Media offend the authorities, prompting Grandmaster Su to personally intervene?"
"But would a small company like Warm Yao Media even warrant her attention?"
Su Jianguo’s gaze swept across the room with authority.
Chen Qingtian and Lin Ran quickly pushed through the crowd to greet her.
"Grandma."
"Grandmother."
Silence.
What had they just called Su Jianguo?
Grandma?
Grandmother?
Su Jianguo smiled warmly.
"I heard someone was giving my granddaughter and grandson trouble. As their elder, I naturally came to see for myself."
Shock. Petrification. Stunned silence.
Good heavens.
Chen Qingtian was Su Jianguo’s granddaughter, and Lin Ran was her grandson.
How had the media missed such a monumental detail?
Earlier, Chen Qingtian had mentioned being Lin Ran’s cousin, but no one believed her. Now, the truth was undeniable.
The gravity of the situation sank in, and a farcical scene unfolded.
Reporters scrambled to call their superiors.
"Boss, listen—Chen Qingtian… What? You already published? Pull it back now, or our company is finished!"
"Yes, yes! Tell everyone to stop writing blind nonsense. Chen Qingtian isn’t someone to mess with."
"Lin Ran is Su Jianguo’s grandson. Who’s Su Jianguo? Look it up, damn it! How are you even a media boss?"
Some reporters began slipping away, unwilling to become targets.
"You think you can slander my granddaughter and grandson and just walk away?"
Everyone froze.
Su Jianguo’s tone wasn’t threatening, but no one dared move.
The Chen family of the capital.
While the Chen name might not be widely known to the public, those with any experience knew their influence.
Chen Xiao was merely the education minister, but his sons were anything but ordinary—and his wife, Su Jianguo, was a national hero receiving government honors.
Someone checked their phone and realized the online narrative had shifted. Official media had stepped in, condemning the public for jumping to conclusions and explicitly naming Chen Qingtian.
Cold sweat dripped down the reporters’ backs.
Su Jianguo glanced affectionately at Chen Qingtian and Lin Ran before turning back to the press.
"Well? Cat got your tongues?"
The reporters stood mute.
"Grandmaster Su, we didn’t know about Chen Qingtian and Lin Ran’s background. We were just here for an interview—nothing more."
"I’m just an employee, Grandmaster Su. Our boss ordered this. Take it up with him."
Su Jianguo’s voice turned icy.
"For media outlets that have already twisted the facts, I, Su Jianguo, will pursue accountability. As for the rest—I expect no further such reports."
"After all… the Chen family’s reputation isn’t something just anyone can trample."
The reporters nodded frantically.
"Of course, of course! Rest assured, nothing from today will leave this room."
"If I breathe a word, I’m a dog. Chen Qingtian is a beacon of integrity in the entertainment industry."
"Mr. Lin is a role model for our generation."
The reporters’ talent for flattery was on full display.
Su Jianguo looked at Lin Ran.
"Ran, how should we handle this?"
Lin Ran initially wanted to hold each accountable but reconsidered, not wanting to corner them.
"Let it go this time."
The reporters exhaled in relief, silently baffled.
Why had Chen Qingtian and Lin Ran kept this identity a secret?
A mere hint would have had the entire industry groveling at their feet.
Unbelievable.
Lin Ran instructed Wu Zhishang to manage the reporters while escorting Su Jianguo into the office.
"Ran, how are things with Yao Yao lately?"
"Madly in love."
"Good, good. Don’t forget to visit this old woman sometime."
"Don’t worry, Grandmother. Thank you for coming to our defense today."
Su Jianguo studied Lin Ran fondly. In some ways, he reminded her of Chen Yanyan.
Her daughter had been blind in love, but at least her grandson had better judgment.
"It’s my duty. I’m a bit tired now, so I’ll head back."
Su Jianguo was genuinely weary, her health not what it once was.
"Let me see you out."
"No need. I have a driver—government-assigned."
Before leaving, Su Jianguo gave Chen Qingtian a pointed look.
"This time, you were in the wrong. Next time, I won’t bail you out. Understood?"
Chen Qingtian nodded. "Understood."