The voice from the other end sounded very nervous.
The Gu family had their own public relations team. After the incident in the afternoon, Gu Chenyan’s assistant, who was with him, noticed many people filming videos around them. They immediately informed the PR team. Initially, the PR team handled the situation well. But just now, those fighting videos were suddenly pushed to the top of the trending topics by countless internet trolls.
These internet trolls have also incited an anti-wealth sentiment among people. And now, there’s a huge wave of criticism against Gu Chenyan online.
Gu Chenyan didn’t even raise an eyebrow. “Who did it?”
On the other end: “We’re already investigating, Mr. Gu. Please rest assured. We will handle this matter properly.”
Gu Chenyan: “Tonight.”
On the other end: “Yes, understood.”
The call ended.
The next moment, Chen Wenyuan’s call came in. Gu Chenyan answered, and Qiao Shu finally recovered from the previous call, realizing that something was happening. He sat up in bed, looking at Gu Chenyan with concern. Gu Chenyan comfortingly glanced at Qiao Shu, then sat on the bedside, holding Qiao Shu’s hand.
This call wasn’t long.
When it ended, Qiao Shu asked anxiously, “What happened?”
Gu Chenyan rubbed his head. “It’s not a big deal.” He didn’t hide anything. “The video of the fight this afternoon trended. Don’t worry. The PR department will handle it.”
Qiao Shu: “!!!”
He is instantly alert!
He quickly reached for his phone to check, but Gu Chenyan stopped him. “Don’t look. It’ll affect your mood.”
Qiao Shu pouted. “I just heard your call. Is someone deliberately targeting you?”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm.”
Qiao Shu huffed angrily, “That’s so bad!”
Knowing the nature of the internet well, Qiao Shu pouted with extreme anger, “There must be a lot of people cursing you right now!”
Qiao Shu: “No way!”
Qiao Shu: “I have to look!”
Qiao Shu: “I have to fight back!”
Gu Chenyan said, “Don’t get angry.”
Gu Chenyan: “It’s not worth it.”
Qiao Shu was furious. “How can I not be angry? You’re being bullied!”
He lowered his head to open Weibo, looking ready to confront and full of determination.
Gu Chenyan didn’t stop him again.
If he did, Qiao Shu probably wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight. He simply let Qiao Shu check. With him around, Qiao Shu wouldn’t get too worked up.
Gu Chenyan lifted the covers and got into bed. He reached out to hold Qiao Shu in his arms, sitting up and gently patting his back to soothe him.
Qiao Shu opened Weibo. Sure enough, the first trending topic was #BillionaireAssault#.
He clicked on the trend.
The first post on the square was a Weibo from a marketing account targeting Gu Chenyan.
Marketing Account V: The billionaire of Haicheng, Gu Chenyan, publicly assaulted someone. The victim is still in the hospital receiving treatment, while the billionaire roams free. This world ultimately belongs to the wealthy.【Video】
Qiao Shu angrily clicked on the video. Upon watching it, he became even more furious!
The video had no context, only the segment of Gu Chenyan hitting the creepy guy. To someone unaware of the situation, it appeared as if Gu Chenyan was inexplicably assaulting the other party.
Qiao Shu clicked into the comment section.
As expected.
The comments were all filled with curses.
【Ugh, the rich are really different and lawless. Assaulting people in public. So arrogant. And there’s still a bunch of brain-dead fans defending him.】
【Damn, the look in Gu Chenyan’s eyes through the screen gave me chills all over.】
【He’s so ruthless, inexplicably assaulting people. @XXX Police Station, aren’t you going to do anything? Or did you take money?】
【Poor people deserve to be beaten.】
【The police won’t care about poor people’s matters. Poor people don’t have money to bribe them.】
【Does Gu Chenyan think we won’t recognize him just because he’s wearing makeup?】
【Wearing a mask reveals one’s true nature, indicating that he’s done this sort of thing before.】
【@XXX Tax Bureau, aren’t you going to investigate Gu Group?】
【After Gu Chenyan took over Gu Group, in just ten years, Gu Group has skyrocketed to become the richest in Haicheng. Now, there’s even a trend for it to become the richest in the country. Before, I thought he was impressive. But now, who knows, maybe Gu Group has made a lot of dirty money under his leadership. Otherwise, how could he make so much money at such a young age?】
…
Qiao Shu: “So frustrating!”
Qiao Shu: “Believing in such a distorted video without context, and so many people joining in to criticize and attack you. Do they have no brains?”
Gu Chenyan said calmly: “Don’t get angry. It’s not worth harming your health over.”
Qiao Shu took a deep breath. “Right!” His eyes lit up. “We’ve been recording the program all day. The production team has the full footage. We can clarify this!”
“Okay,” Gu Chenyan agreed.
Gu Chenyan: “Assistant Chen and the team are already preparing,”
Qiao Shu: “That’s good.”
Then he lowered his head and rapidly typed on his phone.
“What are you doing?” Gu Chenyan asked.
Qiao Shu’s fingers didn’t stop as he said angrily, “I have to fight back. These brainless people dare to insult you!”
Qiao Shu: “Hmph.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled lightly. “You didn’t get this upset when you were criticized before.”
“Well, it’s not the same,” Qiao Shu retorted.
Gu Chenyan’s heart softened. He reached out to cover Qiao Shu’s phone and kissed his forehead. “That’s enough,” he said gently. “Don’t get worked up.”
Qiao Shu pouted. “Let me fight back!”
Gu Chenyan replied, “You have a large number of followers.”
“But so what?” Qiao Shu insisted. “You’re my husband. If they insult you, it’s only natural for me to fight back with my platform! Who do they think they are to insult you?!”
“Be good,” Gu Chenyan said gently. “The PR department will handle it soon.”
Qiao Shu pouted in frustration. “But they’re insulting you, and I can’t even retaliate.”
A tender sweetness flooded Gu Chenyan’s heart. He looked at Qiao Shu, whose eyes were red with frustration, and gently cupped his face.
“Don’t be upset, Little Mr. Qiao,” he said softly.
Qiao Shu pouted again.
Gu Chenyan lowered his head and captured Qiao Shu’s lips in a tender kiss. Qiao Shu glared at him for a moment, then obediently parted his lips. His phone slipped from his hand as he reached out to hold Gu Chenyan close.
The two of them embraced intimately on the bed, exchanging affectionate kisses. Gu Chenyan’s kisses were gentle, gradually soothing away Qiao Shu’s anger. Qiao Shu’s eyes welled up with tears from the overwhelming emotions until he couldn’t catch his breath, and then he finally let go.
Gu Chenyan said, “Be good.”
“Little Mr. Qiao is so sweet,” he added teasingly as Qiao Shu glared at him.
But Qiao Shu wasn’t as angry as before.
Gu Chenyan tightened his hold on Qiao Shu’s hand and picked up the phone that had fallen to the side of the bed. He scrolled through it and then handed it to Qiao Shu, saying, “Look, there are rational netizens too. Those hurtful words are just from internet trolls. They’re paid to do this. So there’s no need to get upset over their comments.”
Qiao Shu pouted as he read.
【The video doesn’t show the full story, and those marketing accounts are just spreading rumors. This muscle guy doesn’t seem like a good person.】
【Are they getting paid to smear someone again? Wait until you receive a legal letter from Dad Gu’s lawyer.】
【There have been too many reversals lately. I won’t take sides easily until the parties involved come forward. There have been too many cases of being proven wrong. Of course, the main reason is that President Gu is too handsome! I want to believe in him! President Gu spoils Qiao Qiao so much. He can’t be a bad person!】
【If you’re brave, release the full video. Just showing your dad hitting someone doesn’t make him guilty.】
【Poor people aren’t guns. Stop dragging poverty and wealth into everything】
【Don’t represent us poor people, okay?】
【Just farting around. Wait for the truth.】
【I believe in President Gu and Qiao Qiao. Haven’t you seen Qiao Qiao’s favorite ice cream falling? Qiao Qiao loves these things the most. If something hadn’t happened, how could President Gu let Qiao Qiao’s ice cream fall without replacing it and instead go hit someone?】
【Hahaha, judging by Mr. Gu’s speed last time, he’ll come out to clarify soon. Sisters, don’t engage with the haters. Let’s wait for Mr. Gu to come and refute them.】
【I have one question now, who’s behind targeting Mr. Gu? Mr. Gu! We believe in you! You must fiercely slap the other party’s face!】
【It’s getting cold. These marketing accounts should all disappear (smoking)】
…
Qiao Shu finally showed a slight smile.
He quickly liked every comment supporting Gu Chenyan, then looked up at Gu Chenyan. “Can I like them all?”
Gu Chenyan chuckled.
He laughed, “Sure.”
Qiao Shu liked them even more happily.
Fans quickly noticed Qiao Shu’s appearance and expressed their concern.
【Qiao Qiao, are you and Mr. Gu okay?】
【Qiao Qiao, what happened? What’s the deal with this video? Will Mr. Gu come out to clarify?】
【Qiao Qiao darling, don’t be angry. I’ve already helped you retaliate. I believe you and Mr. Gu are not the kind of people those heartless marketing accounts say you are!】
【Why are you still awake so late, Qiao Qiao? Did these heartless haters wake you up?】
【Pat pat Qiao Qiao, we believe in you!】
Qiao Shu’s mood improved even more. He looked at Gu Chenyan, who smiled and rubbed his head. He leaned down to gently kiss his lips.
Immediately, Qiao Shu happily lowered his head again to quickly type responses to the fans.
【We’re fine, thank you.】
【My husband will come out to clarify this matter soon, so don’t worry!】
【Thank you all. Actually, I wanted to retaliate too. I was so angry. But my husband was afraid I’d get into an argument with them and end up upsetting myself QAQ. Hehe, these righteous comments were actually picked out by my husband to cheer me up. Feeling much better now.】
【Love you all!】
…
While Qiao Shu was happily replying to fans, Gu Chenyan’s phone rang again. He quickly stopped typing and turned to look at Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan answered the call.
Gu Chenyan: “Found out?”
Gu Chenyan: “Is it him?”
Gu Chenyan: “Okay, got it.”
He hung up.
Qiao Shu’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Gu Chenyan. “Who is it? Who is it?”
Gu Chenyan: “It’s Mr. Yan.”
Qiao Shu tried hard to remember who Mr. Yan was, then angrily cursed: “This whole family must be crazy!”
Last time, his daughter tried to seduce Gu Chenyan, and now Mr. Yan wants to harm Gu Chenyan.
Qiao Shu pouted.
He angrily declared, “We can’t let him get away with it! We need to teach him a lesson!”
Gu Chenyan chuckled. “Alright.”
Qiao Shu insisted, “Teach him a lesson!”
Gu Chenyan nodded. “Yes, listen to our Little Mr. Qiao and teach him a lesson.”
Having been bullied, Gu Chenyan naturally had no intention of letting it go.
In Haicheng.
At the Yan family residence.
Mr. Yan sat in his study, impatiently tapping the table as he listened to his son Yan Hua’s advice.
“Do you think our Yan family is afraid of that brat? He’s just a little brat who got lucky and became the richest man in Haicheng. He dares to disrespect me!”
Recalling how furious he was when Gu Chenyan openly disrespected him at his birthday banquet, Mr. Yan angrily looked at his son. “What’s wrong with Nini? I allowed Nini to be with him, giving him face! But what happened? He ruined my birthday banquet!”
Yan Hua tried to reason, “Dad, he’s already married, so…”
Slap!
Mr. Yan slammed the table: “Yan Hua! Are you even my son? No backbone at all, afraid of this and that! Which wealthy man doesn’t fool around?”
Mr. Yan: “Hmph!”
Mr. Yan: “I gave him face, introduced Nini to him, and he still has no shame. He is disrespecting me and ruining my reputation. Later, he even canceled a cooperation with us!”
Mr. Yan: “Huh? Trying to warn me? Teach me a lesson?”
Mr. Yan: “Is my Yan family afraid of him?”
Mr. Yan: “If we don’t teach him a lesson, Gu Chenyan will think he owns Haicheng!”
He squinted, his eyes filled with boundless ambition: “Now, the Gu family only has Gu Chenyan left, and he married a useless actor. With Mr. Gu gone, he disrespects me. Let’s see if he can handle such a large family business.”
While outsiders praised Gu Chenyan’s power, he didn’t believe it. How powerful could a 32-year-old be? It was just the reputation Mr. Gu created before his passing.
Mr. Yan: “The richest man in Haicheng will be changing soon.”
Yan Hua was full of worries.
Could Gu Chenyan really be so easily dealt with?
He exited the study room with great concern.
“Brother.”
Yan Hua looked sternly at Yan Nini. “What are you doing here?”
Yan Nini affectionately wrapped her arms around Yan Hua’s. “I just heard everything. The trending topic about Gu Chenyan, was it you who bought it?”
Yan Hua: “Why do you ask so many questions?”
Yan Nini: “Just curious. Why can’t that Gu Chenyan see my worth? That actor isn’t better than me. He is rude and ignorant, with a poor demeanor.”
Yan Hua: “Nini!”
Yan Nini didn’t care at all. “Brother, come on, what are you afraid of? Our Yan family is one of the four major families, after all. Dad is right. The Gu family now only has him left. What are we afraid of Gu Chenyan for?”
Yan Nini: “It’s just that what Dad did wasn’t enough.”
Yan Hua cautioned, “What did you do?”
Yan Nini smirked triumphantly. “Nothing much. Just stirred up some trouble on the internet.”
Of course, there was more to it.
Ancient City.
Inside the hotel.
At this moment, Qiao Shu found himself unexpectedly trending within a short period.
There was even a bunch of fabricated but groundless scandals attached to it.
Saying that he and Gu Chenyan were just in a marriage of convenience, each taking what they needed. One needed popularity, the other needed a positive image, and they both flaunted their personas to enhance the reputation of the Gu family.
There were also rumors about Qiao Shu having multiple relationships during his college days, being promiscuous.
And then there was the story about him seducing the Big Star Entertainment boss Tang Chen, leaving him pitiful and genuinely infatuated, resulting in the collapse of his company.
There were also allegations of him acting like a diva on set.
Even his likes on those comments and replies to fans were taken out of context and interpreted negatively, portraying him as a wealthy person’s lackey, licking Gu Chenyan’s boots.
…
【Here’s a joke, Gu’s needs to boost its reputation.】
【Another joke, forcing company artists, hit-and-run perpetrator Tang Chen is a tragic supporting male character full of emotions.】
【And one more joke, wealthy Gu Chenyan needs to sell his persona to make a living.】
【Hahaha, this is hilarious! Who came up with this stuff? Do they think everyone is as brainless as them? Are they underestimating the intelligence of us netizens?】
【Haha, seeing all these absurd scandals about Qiao Shu, I’m starting to believe there’s something fishy about Gu Chenyan’s video of him hitting someone.】
【Tsk tsk tsk, it’s been almost an hour. Gu should come out and set the record straight.】
【To the storytellers, have you put on your shoes? Are your shoelaces tied tightly? Don’t be late to run later hahaha!】
【I watched yesterday’s “Working People, Working Spirit” livestream again. The way Boss Gu looks at Qiao Shu is so romantic. If that’s not love, Boss Gu could win an Oscar for best actor.】
…
Qiao Shu didn’t even spare a glance at those opportunistic scandals trying to smear him.
He glanced at his phone and then put it aside, asking Gu Chenyan, “Why hasn’t the PR department taken any action yet?”
Gu Chenyan, on the other hand, looked at those scandals defaming Qiao Shu, his eyes growing colder. He replied, “It’s coming.”
Qiao Shu yawned.
Gu Chenyan: “Are you feeling tired?”
“You should go to sleep now,” he added.
Shaking his head, Qiao Shu pouted, “No. I’ll wait until the final outcome is out. Hmph!”
He wouldn’t be able to sleep until he saw those who smeared his husband kneeling in apology!
So Gu Chenyan made a phone call to the company’s PR department.
The PR department, still working overtime: “…”
The legal department: “…”
Both departments hastened their actions with tears in their eyes!
Five minutes later.
Gu’s official account finally made a move amidst the anticipation, posting a video as its first update, with no accompanying text, just the video.
Onlookers and fans who had been following the incident closely quickly gathered at the scene.
【Ah ah ah, the official account has finally appeared! Let me just drop a comment before watching!】
【Not fast enough!】
【Boss Gu has been getting slammed for almost an hour, why did you take so long to show up!】
【Hahaha, I knew it! When it comes to Qiao Shu, Boss Gu’s response is lightning fast. Qiao Shu only got smeared for five minutes, and the official account appeared.】
【Boss Gu: You can insult me, but insulting my wife means death!】
【Boss Gu: It’s getting cold. Time for those marketing accounts to disappear.】
【Ah ah ah! I said Boss Gu wouldn’t just hit someone for no reason. That sleazy guy deserved it! So ordinary yet so confident! Qiao Shu smiles at Boss Gu, and he gets excited. Gross!】
【He used “it” cleverly, sis.】
【Boss Gu did it well!】
【Damn it! If anyone dares to harass my wife and spew such disgusting words, I’ll kill him! Boss Gu, I support you!】
【Damn it! Feels great! This kind of guy deserves a beating! Boss Gu stepped on him well! Hit him well!】
【Wow wow wow, Boss Gu’s posture when hitting someone is so cool, so cool, so cool, so cool, his skills are superb!】
【Celebrate together!】
【Sleazy guy, go die!】
【What a pity for my dear Qiao Qiao’s ice cream! Boss Gu did well!】
【Damn, how much money did those marketing accounts receive to stand with this sleazy guy and twist the truth?】
【Changing the subject, so are Boss Gu and the others deliberately disguising themselves and avoiding us while filming variety shows in the ancient city?】
【Wow wow wow, anyone want to join together and go on a sugar trip to the ancient city?】
【Agreed. We’ll only quietly enjoy our sugar trip and never disturb Qiao Qiao and Boss Gu while they’re filming their variety show. Violators will be expelled from the fandom!】
…
After posting a video, Gu’s official account quickly followed up with a series of legal letters.
Stamped with the official seal of Gu’s Group.
【Haha, marketing accounts, come and collect your legal letters! This is what you deserve. You’ve worked hard!】
【I’m dying of laughter. The haters and marketing accounts have started deleting their posts again.】
【Sisters, what happened to those marketing accounts that got sued last time?】
【I know, I know. Their apologies were pinned for three months, and they also compensated with tens of thousands. Qiao Qiao donated it all to charity.】
【That’s not all! Some of them even lost their accounts!】
【Haha, this is hilarious. Some cowards have come out to apologize on their knees already.】
【If you have the guts to hate, then have the guts not to kneel!】
…
Qiao Shu watched the rapidly changing hot searches with great joy. He hugged Gu Chenyan’s neck and kissed him on the cheek. “Husband, you’re amazing!”
Gu Chenyan: “Can we sleep now?”
Qiao Shu obediently nodded: “Mm-hmm, we can sleep now.”
Gu Chenyan put away his phone and turned off the lights. He lay down while holding Qiao Shu in his arms.
Qiao Shu wrapped himself tightly around Gu Chenyan, acting cute: “I want a goodnight kiss.”
Gu Chenyan kissed Qiao Shu gently.
Qiao Shu closed his eyes contentedly.
A few seconds later.
Qiao Shu, who was almost falling asleep, suddenly opened his eyes again. “Husband, husband?”
Gu Chenyan: “Here.”
Gu Chenyan: “What’s wrong?”
Qiao Shu: “What about the Yan family?”
Gu Chenyan chuckled, “Don’t worry, husband will deal with them. He’ll definitely make Little Mr. Qiao feel better.”
Qiao Shu felt relieved. “Okay.”
Qiao Shu: “Mr. Gu is the best!”
Gu Chenyan chuckled lightly.
Qiao Shu pouted. “I want more kisses.”
Gu Chenyan precisely kissed Qiao Shu in the darkness, tenderly kissing until Qiao Shu fell asleep, his breathing becoming heavy. Only then did Gu Chenyan withdraw from his lips.
Gu Chenyan: “Goodnight, Little Mr. Qiao.”
In the adjacent room,
Zhou Yanqing and the others also saw the trending topic.
Zhou Yanqing sneered, his eyes full of disdain. “My brother married my sister-in-law. It’s just been a few months of cultivating virtue, and those people actually think my brother has softened his claws?”
Do they really think the title Living King of Hell is just a joke?
What a joke!
On the bed beside him, Xiao Bai hesitated and asked, “Should we go over and check on them?”
Zhou Yanqing turned off his phone and lay on the bed. “No need, let’s not go and cause trouble.”
Xiao Bai: “Okay.”
Meanwhile, Jiang Jiayu also hesitated and ultimately decided not to go and cause trouble.
The two sisters didn’t hear any other commotion outside, so they relaxed their minds and went to sleep.
A dreamless night passed.
Qiao Shu slept quite peacefully that night, although he felt a bit tired upon waking up.
Gu Chenyan worriedly wiped Qiao Shu’s face. “Why are you so tired?”
Qiao Shu yawned. “I had a dream.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu grinned mischievously and started swinging his fists fiercely. “I dreamt last night that I fought the Yan family all night.” He happily exclaimed, “It was quite satisfying.”
Then he pouted a bit, feeling a little aggrieved. “But I got tired from all the fighting. My hands are sore.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled softly.
Qiao Shu: “What are you laughing at?”
Gu Chenyan: “Little Mr. Qiao is adorable.”
Gu Chenyan: “Hands.”
Qiao Shu obediently handed his hands to Gu Chenyan and proudly said, “Mr. Gu is adorable too.”
Gu Chenyan wiped Qiao Shu’s hands and smiled. “My Little Mr. Qiao, you’ve worked hard. I’ll massage your hands later.”
Qiao Shu rubbed his nose in embarrassment. “It’s okay. I just had sore hands in my dream.”
He changed the subject. “By the way, what about Yu Yu and the others? Didn’t the production team assign us any tasks today? They let me sleep in until now?”
It was already ten o’clock.
Gu Chenyan replied, “Today is a free day, free to do odd jobs.”
Qiao Shu’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
Gu Chenyan nodded. “Hmm.”
Gu Chenyan: “What does Little Mr. Qiao want to do today?”
Qiao Shu: “Hmm.”
Qiao Shu thought carefully. “Since we have money now, let’s not work today. Let’s go have fun?”
Gu Chenyan: “Okay.”
Qiao Shu’s eyes sparkled as he licked his lips. “I heard there are lots of delicious snacks here.”
He was drooling.
Gu Chenyan chuckled and booped his nose. “Little glutton.”
Qiao Shu corrected him seriously. “Qiao Qiao is not! Clearly, it’s Zai Zai who’s the glutton.”
Qiao Shu: “Right, Zai Zai?”
He gently touched his belly, then looked up at Gu Chenyan in amazement. “Gu Chenyan, feel it!”
He grabbed Gu Chenyan’s hand and placed it on his own belly.
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu smiled with delight. “Can you feel that my belly has grown a bit?”
“Our Zai Zai is growing!”
