Li Ziyue wasn’t exactly a big star. Originally, this kind of debate variety show wasn’t something someone of his caliber could appear on.
But coincidentally, his incident had been causing quite a stir online. With this popularity,
the program team directly invited him to join.
Li Ziyue knew he hadn’t received much education and couldn’t articulate any profound arguments.
While everyone else was engaged in heated debates, he simply remained quiet, acting as part of the background.
Until the host asked him: “What are your thoughts on bullying?”
The audience immediately erupted in teasing cheers. Clearly, everyone present was just there for the drama.
Li Ziyue said: “I think bullies should be punished. They shouldn’t be in the public eye enjoying flowers and applause.”
The host, being a famous talk show host, immediately followed up: “Are you referring to that incident circulating online?”
Li Ziyue played dumb: “Huh? I…” He even showed some panic: “I was talking about the debate topic!”
The host said “Oh,” then after asking everyone else for their opinions on bullies, once again turned to Li Ziyue: “If it were you, what would you say to those victims?”
Li Ziyue said: “Be brave. Those who bully others are all paper tigers. You must fight back. Don’t let these bullies run rampant.”
The audience immediately broke into applause.
Because this episode closely aligned with current hot topics, after filming, it was quickly edited and skipped the normal broadcast schedule, directly released as a bonus episode to the public.
Once aired, the online outcry grew even louder.
Orange Media had remained silent all along. Many of Gu Yanqiu’s fans sent private messages, hoping the company would investigate thoroughly and not let Gu Yanqiu suffer such undeserved misfortune.
Gu Yanqiu’s male manager only found out the bad news after making inquiries. One of Li Ziyue’s rich fans happened to be a friend of Orange Media’s boss.
The company had to choose between the two, and they chose Li Ziyue.
What made it even more despairing was that Gu Yanqiu had just signed a ten-year contract.
Sometimes rumors spread faster than the truth. After this storm passed, the company would shelve Gu Yanqiu.
In the future, he would completely vanish from the entertainment industry.
The statement Gu Yanqiu posted had already been shared over a hundred thousand times, with comments exceeding three hundred thousand. Aside from the top comment being boosted by fans supporting him, the rest were all insults directed at him.
This time, the criticism was even more overwhelming than the previous demand for him to get out of the entertainment industry.
With the addition of numerous casual fans joining in, his own fans were struggling to hold their ground.
They were even mocked as being his leg hair, along with many other insulting remarks.
Gu Yanqiu knew many of his fans were students who had never faced such intensity before.
His manager advised him not to speak up, to minimize the incident’s impact. After all, he had already posted a clarification.
Sometimes people would nitpick every word. Remaining silent at such times was clearly the wiser choice.
But he couldn’t bear to hide behind the internet like a coward, letting his fans endure the storm outside.
At worst, he could just quit the entertainment industry.
This time, Gu Yanqiu decided to record a video: “Hello to all netizens. I have never bullied Li Ziyue. I welcome everyone online to supervise me.” His gaze was firm, without the slightest hesitation as he faced the camera.
“If there is any, feel free to hammer me. The internet is not a lawless place, and I reserve the right to pursue legal action. Additionally, the company’s complete inaction in handling this matter constitutes gross negligence, so I unilaterally announce my contract termination with the company. The progress of the upcoming legal procedures will be disclosed online.”
“I’m truly sorry for occupying public resources. My apologies.” He bowed deeply to the camera.
Then he said: “I didn’t do it means I didn’t do it. I believe the truth will eventually come to light.”
“Finally, I have something to say to my fans – thank you for always believing in me and fighting for me. I don’t want you to get hurt, please ignore the hateful comments and don’t engage in cyberbullying others. There will eventually be a day when the clouds part and the moon shines bright, and we’ll meet again then.” After saying this, he bowed deeply once more.
The video lasted only over thirty seconds.
Yet it made people admire his courage in facing the situation directly.
Online comments varied: “Another lawyer’s letter. Do you know where the last person who sent a lawyer’s letter is now?”
“Speaking so righteously, but if you get what you asked for and get hammered, let’s see if you’re still this arrogant.”
“Wait, everyone calm down first. Don’t you think there’s something off about this? I saw someone’s post on Little Something Book before. Gu Yanqiu has been unpopular all these years, while Li Ziyue has been getting roles and endorsements. If Gu Yanqiu were really that capable, how could he have no itinerary at all?”
“Damn, I fell into a blind spot in thinking. Stepping back, there does seem to be something suspicious here.”
“Last time, he was inexplicably told to get out of the entertainment industry. This time, he’s being cyberbullied again. If he’s really being wronged? Then this kid’s career path has been quite rough.”
“There’s no smoke without fire, I don’t believe he’s completely innocent.”
…
People said all kinds of things, but compared to the previous one-sided criticism, Gu Yanqiu personally stepping forward had achieved very good results.
Now Gu Yanqiu was going to sue his company for contract termination. The most awkward point was that he had barely earned any money in the entertainment industry.
For a case involving millions in breach of contract fees, the legal fees alone would cost over three hundred thousand.
Not to mention he was still in the eye of the storm of public opinion.
Even his male manager who had been with him all along was called away by the company with a single phone call.
After all, since he had openly challenged the company, the company couldn’t provide him with any resources.
With his manager gone, he was alone in the room, like a young beast abandoned in a primeval forest. The darkness surged from all directions, threatening to swallow him whole.
Just at that moment, a ringtone sounded. He was lost in thought for a while before finally answering the phone.
It was Chen Duo calling.
Chen Duo had also seen Gu Yanqiu’s statement. His break with the company made it easy to imagine his current difficult situation.
Chen Duo said: “Where are you? We’re coming to find you.”
Gu Yanqiu originally wanted to be alone for a while, but still told Chen Duo: “I’m at…” He gave them the address.
In less than half an hour, Chen Duo arrived by car.
She came up with Xu Kaiming in the elevator. They also brought along a young man wearing a suit and tie.
Gu Yanqiu didn’t expect them to bring someone else: “Who is this?”
Chen Duo said: “My family’s lawyer. Since you’re going to terminate your contract with the company anyway.”
“Mr. Gu, hello. I’m Zhou Shaocheng, the lawyer sent by Ms. Chen. Before coming here, I’ve already studied your case – the probability of winning this lawsuit is very high.”
“But Orange Media also has a legal department,” Gu Yanqiu said.
Zhou Shaocheng then handed over a business card – Changshun Law Firm. This was one of the most famous firms in the city.
After reviewing the contract with Zhou Shaocheng, Gu Yanqiu said, “I’ll go negotiate with Orange Media myself.”
Chen Duo added, “It’s best to terminate the contract quickly.”
Gu Yanqiu was destined to become a top idol – he absolutely couldn’t afford to waste time on such matters that might affect his future development.
“Understood,” Lawyer Zhou Shaocheng said.
The lawyer had him sign a representation agreement before quickly leaving the place.
Xu Kaiming looked around the living room. It was clean and tidy, with almost no traces of daily life. Completely unlike the messy boys’ dorm he had imagined. Though it was rather small. After all, he was a debuted star.
And he lived in a place like this?
At this moment, Chen Duo said to Gu Yanqiu, “We’ve found you a hotel? Would you like to move out of here temporarily?” Her words were very tactful.
After all, this was accommodation provided by the company. Since they were going to sue the company to terminate the contract, it wouldn’t be appropriate to continue living here.
No need to risk encountering company staff who might make unpleasant remarks.
Gu Yanqiu had been single-mindedly focused on terminating the contract before, but he hadn’t thought through what would happen after termination. Now, seeing Chen Duo handling everything in such an orderly manner,
He was speechless and simply followed her instructions. He packed a suitcase and got in the car with them. Although they hadn’t known each other long, it felt like they were old friends.
Xu Kaiming drove while Chen Duo sat in the passenger seat. He sat in the spacious back seat.
Chen Duo said, “This company suppresses you. Look, you’re not popular at all here – if you change companies, you might become popular immediately.”
“Exactly,” Xu Kaiming chimed in.
Chen Duo remembered that in another world, Gu Yanqiu hadn’t signed with Orange Media.
Gu Yanqiu hummed in agreement: “You’ve helped me so much today. I really don’t know how to repay you.”
Chen Duo’s heart stirred: “If you really want to repay me, how about… singing me a song?”
Gu Yanqiu hadn’t expected such a simple request: “Okay.”
Chen Duo was extremely excited. This was a future top-tier idol, and he had just agreed to sing for her, for her alone?
Xu Kaiming listened and said seriously, “I can sing for you too.”
Chen Duo replied bluntly, “Just focus on driving.”
Xu Kaiming continued driving with a wronged expression. Hearing their bickering, Gu Yanqiu finally couldn’t help but laugh. It was his first genuine smile under all the pressure of the day.