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It wasn’t until Jiang Chengyu checked the trending topics that he realized Shen Tang had already returned to Beijing.
After that day, they had no further contact.
Now, the entire internet was buzzing about her relationship with the Xiao family.
The several waves of gossip spun by Fan Yu over the past few days hadn’t even been digested yet, and Shen Tang herself had just sliced open another massive scandal.
“Is Shen Tang throwing herself into a hopeless fight, breaking everything recklessly?” Yan Heyu felt his brow twitch after reading all the online gossip. Though it had nothing to do with him, he couldn’t help but worry for some inexplicable reason.
“Doesn’t she know that her grandfather is an old fox? Even when we do business with him, we have to be extra cautious. What on earth is she thinking?”
Shen Tang’s provocation barely scratched the surface for Chairman Xiao; instead, it would only make her situation more precarious.
Jiang Chengyu shivered after seeing the scandal unfold online.
Shen Tang seemed determined to drag herself into hell and pull everyone else along with her. But she hadn’t considered that with her strength, she might not even be able to move a single person. In the end, she would fall alone while everyone else would merely be startled, still safe and sound.
Yan Heyu couldn’t gauge Jiang Chengyu’s thoughts and stared at him. “What are your plans?”
Jiang Chengyu didn’t respond. He got up to brew two cups of black coffee, handing one to Yan Heyu before leaning back on the sofa to sip his own.
With their phones turned off, Yan Heyu picked up his coffee cup, brought it to his lips, then pulled it back. “Or maybe I should go talk to Shen Tang, explain the stakes to her.”
Jiang Chengyu glanced at Yan Heyu but remained silent.
That glance spoke volumes, and Yan Heyu grew displeased. “What kind of look is that?”
Jiang Chengyu: “Even I don’t get any consideration from Shen Tang.”
The implication was clear: if he went, he’d only humiliate himself.
He intended to use business leverage against the Xiao family, forcing Chairman Xiao to prioritize profits over personal matters.
As for Fan Yu, dealing with her would be as easy as flipping a hand. Yet Shen Tang stubbornly chose a battle of mutual destruction through public opinion, dragging herself into the whirlpool.
Yan Heyu asked, “Are you going to leave her alone?”
Jiang Chengyu: “I can’t interfere. She’s made up her mind and won’t listen to anyone.” He certainly wouldn’t forcibly stop her from doing what she wanted.
He could only watch as she walked down a path of no return.
When he tried to pull her back, she simply shook off his hand.
Suddenly, he remembered something she once said: The sea of suffering has no shore—I can’t go back.
Online, the news that Shen Tang’s mother was Xiao Zhen swept the trending charts.
The Xiao family had yet to respond.
“Is it really true?” Another director of the Xiao Ning Group, also Chairman Xiao’s early partner, Director Ning, came to ask Chairman Xiao after reading the email sent by his secretary.
Chairman Xiao placed a cup of tea in front of Director Ning. “Try this—it’s this year’s new tea.”
Avoiding the topic, Director Ning understood—this was tacit approval.
At this moment in London, it was Saturday morning at eight o’clock. The entire estate basked in the morning light.
They sat in the garden, facing the expansive golf course.
Thinking of Shen Tang’s audacity, Chairman Xiao couldn’t help but chuckle.
Director Ning had known his old friend for over sixty years but never imagined there were things he didn’t know. However, given Xiao Zhen’s marriage, hiding it suddenly seemed reasonable.
“What’s your plan to respond? I hear it’s already a storm back home. Xiao Zhen can pretend she’s unaware abroad for now, but sooner or later, she’ll have to face Chu Yueli.”
Chairman Xiao savored his tea. “That girl Shen Tang, her wings aren’t even strong yet, and she dares to challenge me.”
Of course, they had to respond. He had just instructed his secretary on what to do.
Half an hour later, Chairman Xiao’s response was released through reporters.
[The Xiao Ning Group has indeed favored Chu Ran these past few years because she’s family. However, such favoritism indirectly or directly affected various contracts involving Miss Shen. We fully understand Miss Shen’s dissatisfaction with Chu Ran and the Xiao Ning Group. But using this method to ride the wave isn’t appropriate. The Xiao Ning Group will pursue legal action to protect Madam Xiao Zhen’s reputation and legal rights.]
Not long after this statement was issued, marketing accounts released a video clip lasting several dozen seconds. It showed a snowy parking lot at Evergreen Hotel where Chu Ran pushed Shen Tang, causing her to fall.
This video reasonably explained why Shen Tang targeted the Xiao Ning Group. Unsurprisingly, Shen Tang had to endure being pushed by Chu Ran because behind her stood the Xiao Ning Group.
In an instant, the tide turned again.
From southwest wind to northeast wind, a chilling blast swept through.
“Holy crap!” The young assistant couldn’t contain herself. After reading the Xiao Ning Group’s statement and looking at the half-sheet of paper in her hand—Shen Tang’s earlier prediction of how Chairman Xiao would whitewash the situation—they almost used the exact same wording.
“Sister Tang, how did you guess Old Xiao would use Chu Ran to whitewash? Chu Ran probably didn’t even dream that Old Xiao would use her as a pawn. But she deserves it—she’s been so arrogant.”
Li Jie tapped the assistant’s forehead. “Young ladies shouldn’t swear.”
Shen Tang sat at the table, head down writing something, not paying attention to what the assistant said.
“Sister Tang, the Xiao Ning Group replied.” The assistant was still awestruck with admiration.
Shen Tang looked up. “Did they use Chu Ran for PR whitewashing?”
“Yes, nearly identical wording. And that surveillance video—they definitely leaked it themselves to protect Xiao Zhen. They’ll sacrifice Chu Ran for sure. Look—” The assistant placed the tablet in front of her.
Shen Tang wasn’t interested. “No need to look.”
Li Jie massaged her temples. She hadn’t slept well these past few days.
If she had known months ago that Shen Tang was Xiao Zhen and Chen Nanjin’s daughter, would she still have jumped ship from her old employer to manage Shen Tang’s studio amidst this storm of public opinion? Honestly, she saw no hope of winning.
“Tang Tang, what’s your next move?”
She had no confidence in confronting Chairman Xiao.
Though she wasn’t part of the business circle, she had heard plenty of rumors about Chairman Xiao.
Shen Tang was carefully crafting future PR statements, weighing every word.
She finished the line she was writing before speaking. “No response for now. Wait a couple of days to slap him in the face.”
Today, she deliberately left her words ambiguous in front of the reporters, predicting that Chairman Xiao would use Chu Ran for PR and let her take the blame.
Li Jie fretted, but Shen Tang told her not to worry—she would handle the Xiao family and Chen Nanjin herself.
Still uneasy, Li Jie sat upright. “Words alone won’t cut it. Right now, those water armies are fiercely accusing you of riding the wave and exploiting the Xiao Ning Group and Chu Ran. What other moves do you have?”
Shen Tang casually replied, “Plenty. All evidence. Evidence to crush them.”
She bent her head, furiously scribbling away.
Li Jie was both amused and exasperated. They didn’t even need PR fees—Shen Tang handled everything herself.
This storm of blood and rain—no one knew when it would end.
She washed a plate of fruit. “Eat something. Don’t exhaust yourself while taking them down.”
Shen Tang didn’t even glance, grabbing a piece of fruit and popping it into her mouth absentmindedly.
The young assistant suddenly exclaimed, “Sister Tang, Huo Teng publicly supports you!”
Huo Teng wrote on Weibo: [Waiting for the fog to lift, waiting for an angelic friend to return.]
The accompanying picture was of Shen Tang on stage at the concert, wearing a flowing fairy dress while playing the piano.
Li Jie quickly clicked into Weibo. “His agent must be furious right now.” In this situation, others kept their distance, especially since it involved the Xiao family. Only Huo Teng didn’t care.
Just as she entered Weibo, she noticed Zhou Mingqian liked Huo Teng’s post.
So Zhou Mingqian was also eating the drama with 8G speed. But as a friend of Chen Nanjin and his wife, this like was intriguing.
The young assistant screamed again. “Li Jie! Sister Tang’s endorsed brands, Lemondrink and A-Sports, just posted new updates on their official accounts, sharing Sister Tang’s new season ad campaign.”
Li Jie couldn’t believe it, utterly stunned.
Having been in the industry for over a decade, she’d seen countless times where artists, after scandals broke, were either ignored by brands or hastily distanced themselves to avoid affecting company interests.
Such blatant support at this sensitive time was rare.
There was only one possibility. “Maybe Jiang Chengyu is backing you. They’re showing respect for his face.”
Shen Tang’s pen paused mid-stroke, her train of thought interrupted. Suddenly, she didn’t know what to write.
But she and him—there was no future.
She hadn’t left any possible path for their future together.
Shen Tang capped her pen and turned on the computer.
Every time she opened her computer, it meant war. Li Jie had formed a conditioned reflex. “You’ve changed your mind again? Are you countering Chairman Xiao?”
Shen Tang: “Dealing with Fan Yu.”
“...” Playing misdirection.
At this moment, Fan Yu was probably gloating, watching the Xiao family deal with Shen Tang’s drama.
Shen Tang re-edited the Weibo post she had written earlier. Since Zhou Mingqian liked Huo Teng’s post, it meant he wasn’t staying out of it. She decided to thank him.
[Regarding my background and recent online rumors, I think it’s necessary to clarify some facts:
1. I wasn’t awarded to my mother or father. My grandfather and grandmother (my grandfather’s second wife, with whom I have no blood relation) raised me. They are my only family.
From childhood, I had no one to call ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad.’ At fifteen, I met my mother for the first time. Before entering the entertainment industry, I only saw my so-called ‘father’ on screen.
That Early Summer wasn’t tailored for me. I auditioned and was rejected (evidence in Picture 1: Mr. Chen Nanjin’s text message informing me I couldn’t participate).
Later, Director Zhou insisted I take the role. Director Zhou knew it was to fulfill my grandfather’s wish to see his son one last time before he passed. I’m deeply grateful to Director Zhou.
2. During elementary and middle school, I attended international schools, indeed arranged by Mr. Chen Nanjin.
Two years ago, I repaid every penny Mr. Chen Nanjin spent on me, tenfold. (Evidence in Picture 2: bank transfer receipt, my message to Mr. Chen Nanjin after transferring, and his reply.)
Ms. Fan Yu thinks having only the transfer receipt proves nothing. But she doesn’t know I messaged Mr. Chen Nanjin at the time to explain the repayment.
3. Regarding accusations of ingratitude and being ungrateful, I want to say that Chen Yino previously liking my posts and cheering me on wasn’t due to sisterly affection.
Before filming That Early Summer , she didn’t even know she had an older sister. (Evidence: an audio clip of my conversation with Chen Yino at the Hai Tang Village set. It will be posted in the next Weibo.)
Chen Yino was unaware of everything—I don’t want to implicate the innocent.
4. As for Ms. Fan Yu claiming she treated me well and urged her husband to bond with me, I won’t refute it. Here’s an audio clip (also unified in the next Weibo post).
P.S.: The audio is from their family vacation abroad when I called Mr. Chen Nanjin to ask him to come back to see my grandfather one last time. Ms. Fan Yu answered the call.
Above all, I guarantee the authenticity of all messages and audio clips and am willing to bear legal responsibility for their truthfulness.]
Shen Tang clicked send, and immediately afterward, she compiled the audio clips into a separate Weibo post.
“Damn!” Li Jie couldn’t help but curse after reading it.
Shen Tang’s organization skills made the drama crystal clear for netizens.
An hour later, netizens crowned Shen Tang with the title “Best Watermelon Farmer of the Year.”
Li Jie joked, “Tang Tang, if you ever quit showbiz, you should go into PR. I bet countless teams would fight to hire you.”
Her joy lasted only two seconds before being overshadowed by concern.
“Fan Yu will definitely counterattack. She’ll probably spread rumors that you entered the entertainment industry just to exploit Chen Nanjin’s resources and now act all innocent.”
Shen Tang closed her computer. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. That’s enough for today.”
Today’s revelations were enough to send Fan Yu to the seventeenth level of hell. The eighteenth level could wait for when she dealt with the Xiao family.
“Sister Tang! Sister Tang!” The assistant shrieked. “Director Zhou is live-eating the drama—he actually liked your Weibo post!”
Shen Tang remained calm, leaning back in her chair, munching on fruit.
Her heart felt empty, barren.
She didn’t know how Xiao Zhen and Chu Yueli were reacting, or what state Chu Ran was in. Nor did she know how Jiang Chengyu viewed her.
“Oh my god! Sister Tang, explosive news! Marketing accounts leaked that your boyfriend is M.K’s crown prince, Xie Yuncheng. You’ve been dating for nine years! There are pictures of you during your school days—you two look so sweet. He even attended your university graduation ceremony.”
The leak included a long video clip. In the video, Shen Tang and Xie Yuncheng sat together, while others were blurred out.
Xie Yuncheng did all the talking. At the start of the video: “Actually, it’s not accurate to say we’ve been together for nine years—we’ve broken up several times... Then couldn’t bear it and begged to reconcile.
...
Miss Shadow Empress, hurry up and win an award so you can marry me.
That was a gift for Tang Tang’s twentieth birthday.
I bought that island as her graduation present.”
Not only was there a video, but several old photos too.
At Shen Tang’s graduation ceremony, Xie Yuncheng was present, and they exchanged sweet glances.
Netizens discovered Shen Tang graduated from Oxford Business School.
A top student with such a handsome boyfriend.
Comments shifted again:
[No wonder Shen Tang looks down on Chen Nanjin’s resources and ignores him.]
[I knew she acted so high-and-mighty—it’s not arrogance; she just looks down on all of you. Hilarious!]
[That makes sense. I heard she’s super aloof with those sponsor-dads.]
Li Jie covered her face with both hands, rubbing her eyes. Everything felt surreal.
“My brain’s a mess right now. I can’t tell if this leak is from the enemy or ally camp. It helps you, but it completely cuts off any chance with Jiang Chengyu.”
Shen Tang pondered who filmed that video.
She took her phone and asked Xie Yuncheng for Lu Zhifei’s number.
Xie Yuncheng: [You suspect it was her leaking it?]
Shen Tang: [Who else would be this bored? Not the staff—they’d lose their jobs if they leaked customer privacy.]
Xie Yuncheng: [Well, now there’s no way out without getting married.]
Shen Tang didn’t have time to joke around. She called Lu Zhifei.
Lu Zhifei already had Shen Tang’s number saved. It wasn’t surprising that within half an hour, she tracked her down.
“Hello, long time no see.”
“It has been a long time.” Shen Tang stepped outside the office to take the call. “Your generous gift arrived just in time, leaving Fan Yu with no moves.”
Lu Zhifei chuckled, swirling her wine. “Forgive my stupidity—I don’t quite understand.”
She denied Shen Tang’s suspicion outright. No one would admit to leaking such things. To obtain her university photos so quickly, connections with university alumni were necessary.
Lu Zhifei inquired, “How have you been recently?”
“Neither good nor bad.”
“Pretty good.”
Lu Zhifei sipped her wine. She was willing to help her retaliate, but not for free. “Shen Tang, if you can survive all this, the sky’s the limit.”
Otherwise, she’d lose everything, including Jiang Chengyu.
“Speaking of generous gifts, I really do have one for you.”
Shen Tang’s heart sank. Her intuition was correct. “In the video, the part where Xie Yuncheng confessed to me on my sixteenth birthday was edited out. Was that intentional? What are you trying to do? Let me warn you—don’t drag Ning Yinchi into this!”
Lu Zhifei set down her glass and promptly ended the call.
Ning Yinchi, grandson of Director Ning of the Xiao Ning Group, was Shen Tang’s age and studied in London at the same school.
Because of Shen Tang, Ning Yinchi applied to Said Business School. During a school club event, she noticed him staring at the performer on stage and paid attention.
When Xie Yuncheng claimed his first love was Shen Tang, she found it dubious. Xie Yuncheng’s romantic escapades could fill several novels—he couldn’t possibly be Shen Tang’s first love.
So she had someone investigate.
It turned out that on Shen Tang’s sixteenth birthday, it was Ning Yinchi who skipped class to celebrate with her. He became her only friend at school, and no one dared to bully her after that.
When the Xiao family found out, they forbade her from associating with him. From then on, Shen Tang lost even the freedom to make friends.
Later, Shen Tang returned to China and entered the entertainment industry, losing contact with Ning Yinchi.
Ning Yinchi’s feelings for Shen Tang were pure and beautiful. Last New Year’s Eve, the global three-city synchronized billboard ads were thanks to Ning Yinchi’s efforts.
Chu Xiaoyue wanted to replace her birthday wishes with Shen Tang’s photo but didn’t dare tell her grandfather. The workers didn’t dare act without permission—it was Ning Yinchi who helped Chu Xiaoyue.
With the backing of Director Ning’s grandson, the staff dared to change the advertisement.
And the New Year’s greeting, “Happy New Year, Shen Tang,” was added by Ning Yinchi.
Lu Zhifei opened her email and sent one out. The content was brief: [Ready to release.]
Meanwhile, in the ‘Playboy’ group chat, silence reigned, filled with (cracked) emojis.
No wonder Xie Yuncheng joined the group, and Jiang Chengyu didn’t utter a word or acknowledge him.
It was all because of Shen Tang.
Xie Yuncheng didn’t know how to explain. After all, those words were spoken by him, and Jiang Chengyu’s silence in the group was a fact.
Any further explanations would only seem like excuses.
Shen Tang would likely issue a clarification soon.
He sent a (cracked) emoji.
‘Hai Na Bai Chuan’ simultaneously followed the drama in the main group and the temporary Jiang family group, ‘Outstanding Little Jiangs (2),’ which excluded Jiang Chengyu.
[Zither: Is it real? I’m dying of curiosity. Did my uncle get third-wheeled, or is Xie Yuncheng green?]
[Hai Na Bai Chuan: Unclear.]
[Xiaomi Porridge: Alas, my world collapsed.]
[Zither: I can’t accept either. Shen Tang isn’t the kind to play two sides, and my uncle doesn’t seem like someone without moral principles.]
[Xiaomi Porridge @ Zither: Did you see the latest bombshell? Shen Tang’s first boyfriend before Xie Yuncheng was Ning Yinchi, Director Ning’s grandson.]
‘Hai Na Bai Chuan’ checked the main group again. A row of flying crows animated GIFs filled the chat.
This time, everyone sympathized with Xie Yuncheng. Nine years of love couldn’t compete with the companionship of a first love on a sixteenth birthday or the ten-year-later synchronized billboard blessings.
Unphotoshopped pictures of Shen Tang at sixteen struck a chord with many gossip-hungry netizens.
Netizens sighed. Now, rereading the line “Shen Tang, Happy New Year,” they realized it carried so much emotion.
Far away in the British estate, Director Ning never expected the drama to land on his grandson’s head.
“He knows Shen Tang... knows Shen Tang?”
Chairman Xiao’s teacup had been replaced with a red wine goblet. What was Shen Tang planning?
He ordered, “Take down everything related to Yinchi!”
Secretary: “Already instructed.”
On the trending topics, there was now a hashtag #ShenMelonMaster, with speculation about what bombshell she’d drop tomorrow.
Shen Tang stood by the office window, ignoring the overwhelming tide of online opinions that could drown a person.
Her phone rang—it was Jiang Chengyu.
Shen Tang stared at the familiar number on the screen, answering only on the second ring.
“Hello.”
Jiang Chengyu was silent. He didn’t know why he called or what to say once connected.
The line remained quiet for a very long time.
Finally, he hung up.
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