Chapter 33: Wait for me

Wen Ya had expected that she and Ji Ming might be discovered eventually, but she didn’t think it would happen so quickly. She had just arrived at the company when photos of them, along with the news, exploded online. The story instantly became a hot topic, nearly crashing the website.

As Wen Ya had mentioned earlier, it hadn’t been long since the scandal with Gu Chengze had unfolded, and the public’s interest was still high. That incident had started with rumors about her and Ji Ming, so many people were already suspicious. Now, with photos of the two holding hands leaked, it was impossible not to stir up even more speculation.

Someone quickly searched for old photos to compare. What seemed like a simple action now looked unclear, especially the picture of Ji Ming, who was always serious, tilting his head and smiling at Wen Ya. This raised even more doubts.

Many netizens claimed they had noticed it from the start. Soon, some began to question if the Gu Chengze incident was orchestrated by Wen Ya. Some even suggested conspiracy theories, saying Wen Ya and Ji Ming plotted to frame Gu Chengze.

They gave examples, like the detailed evidence from the initial exposure. How could ordinary friends or passersby have so many professional photos? Another example was the Chengxi project Wen and Gu worked on. After the incident, Wen Ya removed Gu and partnered with He Ji instead.

It was clear someone was stirring trouble. No doubt, it was the internet army hired by the Gu family.

Wen Ya smirked, glanced at the employees pretending to be busy, and went straight to her office. Did the Gu family really think she had no other evidence? The initial exposure wasn’t even her doing—she still had more to reveal.

As Wen Ya left, the employees started chatting in the company group.

Kittens Don’t Eat Fish: “I told you before! There’s something between our boss and Ji Corporation’s CEO. You didn’t believe me, but now they’re holding hands. Facts don’t lie.”

The Crows Were All Black: “Don’t jump to conclusions. They were just friends back then. They must’ve gotten together later.”

Wang’s Man: “Stop gossiping. Focus on work. If I catch anyone slacking, no bonus this month.”

“Seriously?! ‘Who invited Assistant Wang to the group?'”

The group went silent, but the internet was buzzing.

Netizen 1: “What’s happening? Are they cheating on each other?”

Netizen 2: “Probably not. Wen Ya was studying abroad and only returned this year. She had no prior contact with Ji Ming. Plus, after her return, her father had a car accident. She’s been busy caring for him.”

Netizen 3: “True, they only met after Wen Ya took over the company.”

Netizen 4: “They must’ve known each other before the press conference. Why else would Ji Ming attend? And those photos—do you really think it was just work? Wen Ya was still engaged then. Isn’t that cheating?”

Netizen 5: “That’s ridiculous. Even if she did, so what? Gu Chengze cheated right after their engagement and even had a child. Wen Ya endured it for years. What’s wrong with leaving him and starting fresh?”

Netizen 6: “That doesn’t excuse her cheating. Killing ten people is the same as killing one. Does that make it okay?”

Netizen 7: “That analogy is too extreme. Besides, we don’t know when Wen Ya and Ji Ming got together. Don’t judge so quickly.”

Netizen 8: “Please don’t let this be cheating. I’ll lose respect for both Wen Ya and Ji Ming.”

Netizen 9: “So many people are accusing Wen Ya of cheating. It’s suspicious. Is Gu Chengze hiring trolls to clean up his mess? It won’t work.”

Rumors spread wildly online. Ji Ming tried calling Wen Ya, but her line was busy.

Wen Ya was talking to her mother, who was on her way to the company.

“What’s going on?” her mother asked. “You said you weren’t rushing into a relationship. How did you end up dating after a trip to Guangzhou?”

Wen Ya sighed. She knew this would happen, but she wasn’t worried. Their relationship was their business. Since when did they need everyone’s approval?

She explained how she and Ji Ming got together and even praised him a little.

“Last time he helped you expose Gu Chengze, I knew he had ulterior motives. I didn’t expect him to move so fast. And you—you let him win you over so easily,” her mother said, disappointed.

“Wait, he was the one who helped me online last time?” Wen Ya realized. When she had asked him, he hadn’t admitted it.

She smiled. Between someone who talks without acting and someone who acts without talking, she preferred the latter. Her judgment wasn’t wrong.

“He’s got bad intentions, dear. I want you to date, but not rush into things. How long have you known him? How long have you been together? Do you really know his character? What if he treats you poorly later?” Her mother’s concern was clear. After seeing her daughter hurt once, she didn’t want her to suffer again.

“Mom, it’s a new era. There’s no rule that men must chase women, and women must wait quietly. If I like him and he likes me, why not be together? I’m not afraid of breaking up. At most, I’ll feel bad for a while, then move on. As for cheating or abandonment, I’m not worried. I’m the chairman of Wen Corporation. I have my own life and career. I’ll never give up my life for someone else. Only I can abandon myself—no one else can.”

Wen Ya’s words were firm. As an orphan, she knew the importance of self-love and self-respect. She wasn’t afraid of breakups, cheating, or abandonment. If things didn’t work out, they’d part ways. If there was cheating, she’d walk away. It was that simple.

Her mother paused, then told the driver to pull over. A look of relief crossed her face.

Before, she believed Wen Ya was just acting indifferent after the breakup, but now it seems she truly isn’t upset. This is good. A woman should always value and care for herself.

“It’s good you feel this way, but don’t be too stubborn. Men are like donkeys—they need a whip sometimes, but also a gentle pat now and then.” Mother Wen shared her wisdom with her daughter.

On the other end of the call, Wen Ya wore a thoughtful expression, her eyes occasionally darting to the latest online comments. Knowing she needed to address the situation, she gently ended the conversation with her mother, promising they’d talk more at home.

Just as she hung up, Ji Ming called. Wen Ya answered immediately, his voice filling her ears.

“Don’t worry about the online noise. I’ll make a statement soon,” Ji Ming said, his car heading toward the Wen Group.

“When will you do it? I’ll issue one with you,” Wen Ya replied. It wasn’t fair for one person to shoulder the blame when both were involved.

Ji Ming chuckled softly, the sound warm in her ears. “I’m on my way to your company. Let’s discuss it in person. As for the internet, let them have their fun for now.”