Jing Yu: Some people might not say it out loud, but it doesn’t mean they haven’t done it behind the scenes. [Images x9]
Jing Yu’s pictures were all screenshots of various bank transfers to charitable organizations, ranging from millions to billions, with the smallest amount being a few hundred or thousand. The dates also varied, with the earliest screenshot showing a transfer of 300 yuan made thirteen years ago when Jing Li was only six years old.
What kind of money could a six-year-old donate? It could only be the pocket money given by his family.
Yet, a mere six-year-old child already knew to donate his pocket money to those in need. How could anyone still question his character?
Not only that, the screenshots even showed a charity foundation named after Jing Li, which received an annual donation of 100 million yuan from him to help those in need.
With such evidence, not only Jing Li’s fans but also many passers-by had a complete change of perception towards him.
“Although I didn’t know him before, judging from these screenshots, Jing Li is undoubtedly an upright and virtuous young man.”
“With an unimaginable fortune, he not only didn’t abuse his status but treated others with humility and courtesy, yet he was repeatedly slandered. I really don’t understand what Jing Li has done wrong.”
“Even with evidence, those trolls would probably say, ‘Your Jing Group is so wealthy, what’s the big deal about doing some charity? You’re just flaunting your wealth.'”
“The commenter above nailed it. Some people are just like rats in a sewer, unable to stand the sight of others doing good.”
“Wuwu, I never expected Jing Shao to have done even more behind the scenes than what we’ve seen. As a Koi fan, I’m so proud!”
“I’m so proud to be a Koi fan +1!”
…
After Jing Yu posted on Weibo, the Jing Li Charity Foundation and many organizations that had received donations from Jing Li also issued statements in support of him. Even official authorities praised Jing Li’s righteous actions and encouraged the public to learn from him.
If the statements from other parties only proved Jing Li’s deeds, the official endorsement instantly elevated him to a higher level of authority.
As a result, the rumor about Jing Li being kept by a wealthy patron was completely debunked. Everyone spoke up in support of Jing Li, praising him as a positive role model and excellent actor.
However, the Pisces Studio that initially spread the rumors was heavily criticized by netizens, along with those who had initially joined in the slander and defamation.
Subsequently, more celebrity friends and directors also came forward to defend Jing Li.
Wang Lele V: To think even someone like Jing Li needs a sugar daddy now… I’m sorry, it’s my poverty that limited my imagination.
Hu Li V: @Jing Li, I only wish to be a pendant on your leg!!
Fu Yan V: Spreading rumors takes one sentence, debunking them makes you run a mile. Support Jing Li in defending his rights!
Wen Zheng V: It’s because of these unscrupulous marketing accounts that have no bottom line, making the entire industry a mess. I strongly urge everyone to resolutely boycott these unscrupulous marketing accounts and restore the entertainment industry’s integrity.
Li Yi V: Jing Li is a great actor. Those unscrupulous marketing accounts should accumulate some virtue!
…
With round after round of support, public opinion was completely ignited.
“Even the authorities praised Jing Li. I’d like to see who dares say anything now!”
“Well done, Jing Shao! Support him in defending his rights!”
“The entertainment industry needs more positive role models like him to guide more youths to be upright!”
“Jing Li is my child’s idol. I won’t stop them from being a fan anymore. Not only will I not stop them, but I’ll also encourage them to learn more from their idol!”
…
However, while some were rejoicing, others were grieving. As all the fans were cheering for Jing Li, the Pisces Studio, having received numerous legal notices, was in a complete panic.
The studio’s manager hurriedly removed the previous post fabricating Jing Li as being kept and urgently posted a long apology.
However, with their previous post as a contrast and the audio file revealing their arrogant attitude, even with their humble apology, they were unable to quell the anger of numerous netizens. In fact, their abrupt change in attitude only fueled more intense criticism and condemnation.
Jing Yu also stated that he would not withdraw the lawsuit and rejected Pisces Studio’s private request for a settlement.
Seeing that the situation had reached an unrecoverable point, the manager of Pisces Studio finally panicked and could only turn to their last straw of hope.
“Cousin, you have to save me this time!” As soon as the call connected, the manager urgently pleaded. “How could Jing Li be the second young master of the Jing family? Didn’t you know that when you filmed a commercial with him before?”
Cousin Lin Xiaoman turned pale upon hearing this. How could she have known Jing Li’s background was so significant? If she had known earlier, would she have treated him like that?
Recalling her attitude towards Jing Li when they first met, Lin Xiaoman was instantly struck speechless in shock.
“Cousin? Cousin?” The person on the other end grew increasingly unsettled by her silence and hurriedly continued, “Don’t stay silent! Quick, help me think of a solution. This involves the Jing and Gu families! How can I possibly go against them…”
“Think of a solution? What solution could I have? If I had one, would I need to listen to your nonsense?” As if she couldn’t stand his urging anymore, Lin Xiaoman suddenly lost her temper. “The Weibo post was your own decision. You figure out a solution yourself.”
She was already struggling to save herself. Who would help her think of a solution?
“What do you mean by that?” The person on the other end instantly turned grim upon hearing her words and said menacingly, “Don’t forget, it was you who approached me asking for dirt on Jing Li in the first place. If you hadn’t paid to hire internet trolls, the situation wouldn’t have escalated so quickly!”
“What do you mean?” Lin Xiaoman suddenly had a bad premonition.
“We’re in the same boat now. If you’re planning to abandon me, I’ll drag you down with me even if it costs me my life!”
Sensing the threat in his words, Lin Xiaoman also panicked. She might not care about the honor of being a celebrity, but she couldn’t disregard the Lin family. Even if she couldn’t be a celebrity anymore, she could still return home to enjoy a luxurious life. But if the Lin family fell…
Lin Xiaoman couldn’t help but shudder at the thought. She absolutely couldn’t let this incident be exposed.
With this in mind, she quickly softened her tone and said many placating words to the person on the other end until his mood calmed down. Only after promising to find a way to resolve the situation did he finally hang up, temporarily satisfied.
However, after hanging up, Lin Xiaoman was left completely bewildered.
She had no solution.
Although her family had some background, it paled in comparison to the Gu and Jing families. Either one of those families alone would be too much for the Lin family to handle, let alone them joining forces.
She didn’t even dare inform her family about this. No matter how pampered and glamorous she appeared, it was premised on her not causing any losses to the family. If they knew she had plotted against the second young master of the Jing family, her family would likely disown her and offer her up as compensation to the Jing family to protect the Lin family’s interests, even before the Jing family could retaliate.
The more she thought about it, the more desperate Lin Xiaoman became, slumping lifelessly into the chair.
However, the situation wouldn’t resolve itself by her avoiding it.
At that moment, her manager suddenly called.
Lin Xiaoman glanced at the caller ID, her heart trembling, but she still answered the call.
“Xiaoman, there’s some bad news, so brace yourself,” the manager said in a grave tone. G.T. just called and revoked your eligibility to compete for their brand ambassador position. They were also planning to replace you as the spokesmodel for their new product launch, but for some reason, they decided to keep you in the end.”
“Think about if you’ve done something wrong to offend someone? Maybe you should find a way to apologize and make amends?” Likely aware of her temperament, the manager paused before gently advising, “This is a critical time for your career. If you miss this opportunity, who knows when the next one will come.”
“Besides, Sentu and G.T. are both under the Gu Group. If they decide to undermine you behind the scenes, it could greatly impact your future development.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoman could only let out a bitter laugh. She understood these principles, but what could she do about it?
The person she offended was no ordinary individual.
Her intuition even told her that the fortune of not being replaced as the spokesmodel was likely just because they didn’t want Jing Li to come and cause trouble by re-filming the commercial.
Lin Xiaoman recalled the terrifying look Gu Tingshen had given her on the filming set. She finally realized that he had likely noticed something amiss then but didn’t investigate further due to Jing Li’s presence.
Sure enough, shortly after being disqualified from the brand ambassador selection, she received notice from Sentu refusing to renew her contract. They immediately reassigned all the resources they had prepared for her to other talents.
It was clear that previously they had seen her potential and wanted to continue their long-term contract with her.
With one blow after another, Lin Xiaoman finally couldn’t hold it together any longer and collapsed weakly into the chair.
But that wasn’t the end of it. Her father then called her, completely changing his previously doting attitude to angrily question her, “What did you do to offend Gu Tingshen? Why were all our collaborations with the Gu Group canceled? They even said they’re going to teach the Lin family a lesson?!”
“I don’t care what you did, but if you can’t earn Gu Tingshen’s forgiveness, don’t bother coming back to this family!”
With that, he mercilessly hung up the phone.
At this, Lin Xiaoman finally couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into tears.
*
At the filming set, Jing Li was unaware of the subsequent events. After posting on social media, he simply immersed himself back into filming.
However, after witnessing the online drama, the other crew members looked at Jing Li with subtle changes in gaze.
Damn! Anyone would be shocked to find out their new co-star actor suddenly transformed into the young master of an ultra-wealthy family, right?
Especially those few minor actors who had previously mocked him behind his back – they felt both relieved and terrified, grateful that they had only whispered a few snide comments and hadn’t openly disrespected him. Otherwise, who knows if they’d still have a place in this crew.
But it seemed like Mr. Chen had overheard their comments at the time?
The group exchanged glances, deciding to seize an opportunity to deeply ingratiate themselves with Mr. Chen, lest they get kicked out.
However, Mr. Chen’s temperament was not one to care about such matters. Sensing their intentions, he instantly let out a cold snort of disdain and unleashed a torrent of scathing rebukes that left them embarrassed and flustered, forced to hang their heads in acceptance.
Although strict, Mr. Chen wasn’t a gossip, so after his scolding, he didn’t bring it up again.
After treading on eggshells for a few days and seeing that Mr. Chen had no intention of pursuing the matter further, they gradually let their guard down. However, they became more cautious with their words and actions moving forward.
Of course, there were some in the crew who reacted quite calmly to Jing Li’s revealed identity – one was the screenwriter, and the others were Hu Li and Wang Lele.
There’s no need to mention Hu Li, as a supernatural being, he wasn’t particularly invested in the complexities of human affairs, so he just brushed it off after seeing it.
As for Wang Lele, having already gone through an internal struggle previously, he was now relishing the various shocked comments from netizens with great amusement, even sporting an extremely perverted grin until Jing Li walked over, kicked him, and smirked, “My dear leg pendant, a big shot has invited us to dinner, care to join?”
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