Chapter 26: The Fallen Child Star (26) part 1

As Xu Weiheng spoke, the number of live comments skyrocketed. Some were accusatory, others sympathetic. The screen was filled with dense, overlapping messages, making it nearly impossible to read. Simultaneously, the live stream’s viewership surged past 12 million just as Xu Weiheng finished speaking.

The assistant director was genuinely impressed. The question posed to Xu Weiheng had actually been crafted by Yao Rong. Through this single question, Yao Rong not only managed to resolve the issues surrounding Xu Ji and Xu Yiyuan but also completely cleared Xu Weiheng’s name.

In the entertainment industry, clarifications have a short shelf life. Often, once a rumor sticks, even later clarifications go unnoticed. However, the assistant director was confident that anyone remotely interested in entertainment news would hear about Xu Weiheng’s statement.

And was that the only benefit? Far from it.

Given Xu Weiheng’s impressive performance in the show’s second episode, it was almost certain that both critics of Xu Ji and Xu Yiyuan and those sympathetic to Xu Weiheng would ultimately become part of his substantial casual fan base. With such a solid foundation of support, Xu Weiheng’s acting career would undoubtedly progress more smoothly than before.

As for those who had wronged him in the past—like Director Chen from ‘2050’ and ‘2050 II’, or the idol Youbai—Xu Weiheng wouldn’t need to expend any effort seeking revenge. They were already about to pay a heavy price for their actions.

The assistant director glanced at Yao Rong, who had remained quietly smiling throughout the event, barely uttering a word. He was in complete awe. He had always considered himself clever, but this person was on another level entirely. One suggestion, one question, and the situation had turned out like this.

While the assistant director was still marveling, Xu Ji and Xu Yiyuan had only one thought in their minds: It’s over.

Oblivious to their despair, the host continued the truth-or-dare session, drawing more questions. These were directed at Shi Qingqing and Wen Qiu. Soon, the event neared its conclusion.

The host prepared to draw the final question. This last one was for Xu Yiyuan:

“Xu Yiyuan, have you ever considered apologizing to Xu Weiheng?”

The audience erupted with excitement.

Comments flooded in:

[Can the harm Xu Yiyuan caused Xu Weiheng really be fixed with a simple apology?]

[Who cares about his apology? I just want him out of the entertainment industry!]

[You all say you don’t want an apology, but maybe Xu Yiyuan doesn’t even plan to apologize.]

Xu Yiyuan pressed his lips tightly together, his expression dazed.

[No way, is Xu Yiyuan really not going to apologize?]

[Someone drag that prophet up here!]

[Hah, I bet Xu Yiyuan doesn’t even think he did anything wrong. He might even blame the audience for overreacting.]

[Tsk tsk, seems like he hasn’t been hit hard enough by reality.]

As the broadcast was drawing to a close, the host looked at Xu Yiyuan, who was clearly not in the right state of mind. After a moment’s hesitation, he repeated the question.

Suddenly, Xu Yiyuan sprang up from the couch, yanking off the lie detector strapped to his wrist. His eyes, bloodshot, glared at Xu Weiheng as he spat out, “I’m sorry!”

The way he said it, you would think uttering those three words was the greatest humiliation of his life.

Xu Weiheng looked up, his gaze calm and steady. “I don’t accept.”

Return kindness with kindness; what is left for those who wrong you?

Even if Xu Yiyuan had truly apologized, Xu Weiheng wasn’t obligated to forgive him. Especially since his apology lacked any sincerity. Why should he show mercy to someone who had repeatedly hurt him?

Xu Yiyuan gritted his teeth and, in a fit of rage, lashed out, “Are you satisfied now? You must be thrilled to see me in this state!”

Slowly, Xu Weiheng stood up from the couch, towering over Xu Yiyuan. “Everything that’s happening to you right now—you brought it on yourself.”

The calmer Xu Weiheng appeared, the more Xu Yiyuan felt a fire burning within him. Just as his thread of reason was about to snap, his mother emerged from the crowd, pulling him away.

“Mom!” Away from the throng, Xu Yiyuan clenched his teeth, shaking off his mother’s hand.

“Calm down,” his mother frowned.

“How can I calm down? Mom, my career as a star is over. Completely over!”

Yesterday, calls for his exit from the entertainment industry were already widespread. After today’s livestream, these voices would only grow more intense, potentially attracting the attention of relevant authorities.

Xu Yiyuan’s mother gripped his shoulders tightly, forcing him to meet her gaze. “Don’t you want revenge on Xu Weiheng? I’ve done what you asked. Now, calm down.”

Her son’s current predicament was entirely due to Yao Rong and Xu Weiheng. If her son couldn’t have peace, she’d ensure they wouldn’t either.

Xu Yiyuan, regaining some composure, asked, “What should I do?”