Married in a Daze - Chapter 142
Chapter 142
#Exposé: The Sugar Daddy Behind a Certain Qin Surname Artist, Are There Really No Insider Deals in Her String of Successes?#
The exposé came from the official Weibo of a small magazine outlet. Lu Ruyun clicked the link, read for a moment, her gaze darkening slightly. Before she could even close Weibo, they posted another update: #Who Is Jian Mu's New Song Written For?#
Lu Ruyun knew about Jian Mu releasing a new song. She had been keeping an eye on online movements these past few days. When Jian Mu's new song dropped, she had actually breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that finally, Zhenzhen wouldn't be plastered all over the trending searches anymore.
But she never could have imagined.
It would be precisely because of Jian Mu that Zhenzhen would be pushed back into the eye of the storm.
His new song was a love ballad, the melody simple, easy to hum along to, and the style was markedly different from his previous work. This time, he abandoned the melancholic style; from the tune to the lyrics, everything felt sweet, making listeners feel as if their hearts were filled with honey.
After his fans heard the song, they all started asking: Is Brother Jian in love?
Originally just a joke, no one expected someone to actually start investigating and leaking information.
Jian Mu was in love.
Not only was he in love, but he was also involved with a married actress. Most crucially, this new song was written for her.
The official Weibo highlighted parts of the lyrics that focused on physical description, asking netizens: Guess who this is describing?
—It's Qin Zhenzhen, right? As soon as I heard that description, I felt it was Qin Zhenzhen.
—Honestly, I got that feeling too, but I was afraid of being attacked by Qin Zhenzhen's fans. Anyone with eyes can see who this is written for.
—No way, they collaborated before, they're considered friends, right? What's wrong with writing a song for a friend? I think Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun are perfectly fine.
—Fine what? Just putting on a show, that's all, they're 'fine'.
—Nonsense! Do you have evidence? Putting on a show? You try putting on a show like that! Zhenzhen and Cloud Fairy are great together, alright? There's always someone who can't stand to see others happy. Saying Jian Mu wrote this song for Zhenzhen? Where's the proof? Based on these lyrics? I'd say this song could fit eight out of ten actresses in the entertainment industry!
—Well said! Two lines of lyrics and you claim it's written for Zhenzhen? Seeing our Zhenzhen popular lately, trying to ride her coattails?
—Who's riding whose coattails????? Jian Mu, a king-level artist, needs to ride the heat of some 'traffic' star? I'm laughing so hard I could die, this joke will keep me laughing for a year!
Fans from both sides immediately started arguing and tearing into each other under the Weibo post, fanning the flames of the topic. Finally, on this #Who Is Jian Mu's New Song Written For?# post, netizens scrolled up and discovered the earlier post.
#Exposé: The Sugar Daddy Behind a Certain Qin Surname Artist, Are There Really No Insider Deals in Her String of Successes?#
Many netizens were puzzled: Wait, are these two related somehow?
—Is Qin Zhenzhen's sugar daddy Jian Mu?
—That would make sense. I was wondering how Qin Zhenzhen suddenly skyrocketed. Turns out Jian Mu was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
—Come to think of it, didn't she take off because of Jian Mu? Ever since the MV, she's been flying high.
Of course, there were also netizens who didn't believe it. They accused this gossip of having no real evidence, being purely media conjecture, not even daring to post real names, challenging them to come forward openly with proof to slap them in the face.
These netizens and those who had already picked sides began to argue.
Qin Zhenzhen's fans clashed with Jian Mu's fans, sparking another round of online warfare.
The four factions quickly pushed the topic's heat to a climax. Once it hit the trending searches, even more netizens flooded in.
He Shuangshuang rushed into the break room and saw Lu Ruyun holding her phone, looking down at the screen. She walked over and saw the Weibo interface on her screen. Breathing heavily, He Shuangshuang said, "You've seen it."
Lu Ruyun tilted her head towards her. "What's going on?"
He Shuangshuang was still catching her breath from running. "I'm not sure yet. I just called Sister Meng. She said they're contacting Jian Mu's side."
"This magazine that's doing the exposé is just a front. They usually specialize in riding hot topics. They're tied to several marketing accounts, won't budge for threats or persuasion. I heard there's someone powerful behind the magazine. Last time, when Tang Ya was accused of being arrogant, they were the ones who started it."
Although it died down in the end, they targeted Tang Ya and are still operating smoothly, which means even Tang Ya couldn't touch them. If they've set their sights on Zhenzhen this time, we need to clarify things quickly. Otherwise, who knows how they'll smear her.
Lu Ruyun nodded. "Let Qiuhan know. I'm heading back right away."
"Now?" He Shuangshuang was surprised for a moment. Lu Ruyun hummed in affirmation. "Now."
He Shuangshuang replied quickly, "Alright, I'll book the flight tickets."
Lu Ruyun sat on the stool, lowering her eyes in deep thought.
During the time He Shuangshuang booked the tickets and Lu Ruyun returned to City A, the exposé account posted another Weibo.
#Aren't you curious how that artist's resources came about?# [Photo Attached].
The photo was an old picture of Jian Mu and Director Yu Changlin from before. Netizens seeing this photo immediately pounced on it like cats smelling fish, heating up the discussion again.
—So Qin Zhenzhen got connected to Director Yu through Jian Mu?
—That's what I said! Wasn't the rumor back then that Director Yu was going to work with Tang Ya, but someone snatched the role? So there was this connection.
—Believing every rumor you hear. I can't believe you're daring to feast on Qin Zhenzhen's melons, have you forgotten getting slapped in the face the last few times? Not picking sides this time, in case it's another conspiracy.
—Also true. More popularity brings more trouble.
After this photo surfaced, it actually brought in many more rational netizens. By the time Lu Ruyun got off the plane, the online discussion was still bustling, with her own name being mentioned countless times. Her expression remained unchanged as she and He Shuangshuang got into a car heading for the apartment.
Qin Zhenzhen was waiting for news at the apartment. Of course, she had seen the exposé on Weibo. It was truly a case of misfortune never comes singly. Before the company issue was properly handled, now this scandal started brewing.
Although there were only a few Weibo posts, it was clear they had been planned for a while.
The recently released photo of Jian Mu and Director Yu, wasn't it implying she got the female lead role in Mountain Girl through Jian Mu? The Weibo's suggestive nature was too strong. Fortunately, netizens had followed her through several 'melons' before, so this time they weren't as quick to righteous anger.
Qin Zhenzhen looked out the window, her sharp ears catching a sound at the door. She turned and saw Lu Ruyun standing at the entrance, luggage in hand, looking at her. A faint smile graced her face, her expression normal as usual. She opened her arms slightly. "Zhenzhen."
"Ruyun?" Qin Zhenzhen froze for a moment, her expression one of disbelief, then blinked, inexplicably feeling her nose sting as she jogged over to Lu Ruyun.
The two hugged at the doorway. He Shuangshuang behind them turned around and coughed lightly.
Qin Zhenzhen, hearing the sound, put a little distance between them, though her eyes were slightly red. "Why did you come back early?"
Lu Ruyun held her hand, pulling the luggage. "I was worried about you."
Hearing this, the irritation in Qin Zhenzhen's heart instantly dissipated, a slight smile lifting the corner of her mouth. "I'm fine."
She wasn't about to be defeated by this kind of exposé. Before marriage, such rumors would surface every now and then; she didn't take them too seriously. What was really bothering her was still the company situation.
Lu Ruyun nodded. "I know."
What she came back to deal with wasn't primarily this scandal either. Jian Mu's side had the most excellent PR team. A little gossip like this shouldn't be beyond their ability to handle.
"Ruyun, there's another update online."
He Shuangshuang spoke up from behind them, her expression slightly grim. Qin Zhenzhen and Lu Ruyun exchanged a glance and both looked at the tablet in He Shuangshuang's hand.
Compared to the previous few trivial Weibo exposés, the latest news posted had considerably more substance.
A hotel entrance, Jian Mu draping a coat over her shoulders.
This was a photo taken secretly during the MV shoot.
There were a few other photos as well.
Deliberately cropped pictures that made the two look relatively intimate. The last two photos were actually of Qin Zhenzhen and Jian Mu entering the hotel, though not at the same time.
@ExclusiveLeak: Remember this hotel? Some fans probably won't be unfamiliar with it.
—Isn't this the hotel Brother Jian stayed at before? I even staked out the entrance.
—I went there too. So Qin Zhenzhen was staying at that hotel at the time?
—Wait, wait, I'm getting a bit confused. I seem to remember Qin Zhenzhen was there for Cold Palace promotion?
—But she didn't attend the promotion on the last day. The director said she was sick. That day just happened to be the day Jian Mu left. Really such a coincidence???
—Now that you mention it, it is strange. Jian Mu's personal Weibo usually only posts about his own work, right? Did you see last time when he reposted one of Qin Zhenzhen's Weibos?
—[Photo] Is it this one?
—Oh my god, I smell the first big scandal of the year!
Seeing the earlier exposés, Qin Zhenzhen knew it wouldn't be that simple. Sure enough, this follow-up was waiting for her here. Lu Ruyun glanced at her, her expression somewhat grave. The three of them in the living room fell silent. Qin Zhenzhen's phone rang abruptly. She looked at Lu Ruyun and answered the call.
"Sister Meng."
"Mm, I know."
"In a little while? Okay, I can cooperate if needed."
Qin Zhenzhen spoke a few more sentences into the phone before hanging up. Lu Ruyun stared at the screen, watching the topic heat up even more, the number of likes doubling with each refresh. She lowered her eyelids.
Seeing Qin Zhenzhen hang up, He Shuangshuang couldn't help but ask, "What did Sister Meng say?"
Qin Zhenzhen placed her phone on the coffee table. "Sister Meng said Jian Mu's side will hold a press conference shortly."
He Shuangshuang nodded. She had a lot of confidence in the capabilities of Jian Mu's team. However, Lu Ruyun's brows remained tightly knit. Qin Zhenzhen walked to her side and said softly, "Ruyun."
Lu Ruyun's bright eyes were deep and profound. Her lips pressed into a straight line as she took the tablet from He Shuangshuang's hand, her thumb resting on the screen, looking thoughtful.
Qin Zhenzhen and He Shuangshuang exchanged a glance, both unable to guess her thoughts. Seeing her still lost in thought, Qin Zhenzhen nudged her. "Ruyun."
Lu Ruyun came back to herself, her bright eyes gradually clearing. She turned to look at Qin Zhenzhen, pursed her lips and said, "Zhenzhen, can I contact Jian Mu?"
Qin Zhenzhen was confused for a few seconds. "You want to contact Jian Mu?"
Lu Ruyun nodded. "There are some things I want to ask him."
Qin Zhenzhen's expression still held some confusion, but she didn't ask further. She just picked up her phone. "I'll dial the number for you."
She had exchanged numbers with Jian Mu during their previous collaboration, though she had never contacted him. It took Qin Zhenzhen a couple of minutes to find Jian Mu's name in her contacts. Lu Ruyun remained expressionless throughout, her emotions unreadable. Qin Zhenzhen dialed the number and handed the phone to Lu Ruyun.
Lu Ruyun stood up and gave her a light smile. "Don't overthink it."
Qin Zhenzhen nodded. "Okay."
After the call connected, Jian Mu's voice came through. "Zhenzhen?"
"Hello, Mr. Jian." A clear, light voice came from this end of the line. "This is Lu Ruyun."
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