After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH78

Chapter 78

The police arrived promptly. With both witnesses and physical evidence on the scene—and even the victim present—they immediately arrested Ruan Wenrou and called for an ambulance to take Ruan Yi to the hospital.

The commotion at the Ruan residence was so loud that nearby residents peered out through their windows, catching bits of the drama.

Some, out of sheer boredom, even started live-streaming on Weibo.

[Whoa! Both police cars and an ambulance showed up! [photo] [photo] [photo]]

[Someone’s being escorted out in handcuffs… looks like it’s Ruan Wenrou… [photo]]

[And Ruan Yi—Ruan Xiyin’s dad—was just loaded into the ambulance. Wow, I heard some banging and shouting earlier from their house. Could this be a murder case or something…?]

*

The incident quickly hit the trending topics.

Netizens, already itching for more gossip after #10086’s earlier exposé, couldn’t wait to dive into the fresh drama happening live. Eager to watch it unfold, they flooded into the streamer’s comment section.

With time on their hands, the streamer continued to live-blog updates and answer questions from curious netizens.

[Not sure about the ‘brother loves the aunt’ angle, but Ruan Chengze and Ruan Wenrou are definitely… close. They even came home together tonight…]

Netizens: [!!!]

[If they’re coming and going together, that’s proof enough. Trashy couple!]

[Ruan Xiyin arrived later, dressed pretty simply. Actually, I remember she’s always been low-key, without any jewelry or fancy clothes. Ruan Yi and Xiang Li are really cold to her. I never even realized she was their biological daughter—I just assumed she was some poor relative freeloading.]

Netizens: [!!!]

[Poor little Ruan. Someone give her a hug!]

[And of course, President Gu was there. Looks like the police only showed up after he ran into the Ruan house.]

Netizens: [!!!]

[Classic President Gu, best friend of law enforcement!]

*

By the time Gu Xingshi and Ruan Xiyin finished giving statements at the police station and returned, the incident had become a trending topic once again.

The Ruan family was getting roasted online, and it was clear that the Ruan Group’s stock price was in for another dip when the markets opened the next day.

Ruan Xiyin, on the other hand, garnered a wave of sympathy.

As for Gu Xingshi…

His new title as the “Police Force’s Best Friend” was now permanently cemented.

Gu Xingshi: “…”

Given the scandal, the production team of Let’s Travel Together released an official announcement late that night, kicking Ruan Wenrou off the show.

When Ruan Xiyin returned to filming the next day, she was met with warmth and care from everyone. They treated her like fragile porcelain, and even the usual challenges from the production team were significantly toned down.

Ruan Xiyin couldn’t help but feel both amused and touched.

In truth, the events hadn’t affected her that deeply. Now that she’d finally cut ties with the Ruan family, she actually felt a sense of relief and had slept soundly the previous night.

Today, she accepted the kindness directed toward her with a newfound calm, no longer anxious or on edge as she once would have been.

Jiang Yi and the others initially planned to take care of the tasks for her, but before they even got started, they quickly ended up pleading for her help. “Sister Ruan, save us!!”

Ruan Xiyin, with her various money-saving strategies, led her fellow guests effortlessly through the show, making everything seem easy and carefree.

[Hahahaha, this has to be the most comfortable season any guest has had!]

[Little Ruan is amazing! I’m running out of ways to say it!]

[Broke people like us need little Ruan’s money-saving tips!]

[As someone who’s lived in this city for thirty years, I have to admit, little Ruan knows it better than I do. I didn’t even know about that hidden restaurant in that alley…]

[I’m watching little Ruan’s scenes frame by frame, and I’ve already filled three pages of notes. I haven’t been this focused since college lectures!]

[I’m begging little Ruan to release her money-saving guide!]

[She already posted a money-saving guide for her fans on Weibo! I just wish she’d come to my city next. hopeful hand-rubbing emoji]

[I’ve always spent money on my idols. This is the first time my idol has saved me money. stunned emoji]

*

Not only did Ruan Xiyin prepare meticulously before each episode, but after filming, she would also review the latest episode’s comments and feedback to fine-tune her performance.

Though with President Gu’s support she didn’t lack opportunities, her past experiences had taught her to cherish every single one.

Because of this, she couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming demand from fans for her money-saving tips.

After much deliberation, she finally approached Gu Xingshi.

Gu Xingshi: “You want to develop an app?”

Ruan Xiyin nodded. “Yes, I want to build a community app focused on saving money. Here’s my proposal…”

Gu Xingshi: “!!!”

He had assumed this was a spur-of-the-moment idea, but it turned out she had already prepared everything.

Then again, that was just her way.

He opened her proposal and began reading carefully.

To his surprise, the plan was detailed and well-thought-out, with high feasibility.

After reading through it three times, he finally closed the proposal.

Ruan Xiyin nervously twisted the hem of her shirt. “President Gu, what do you think?”

Gu Xingshi smiled, “I think the plan looks solid, but as for investment, you don’t need to look elsewhere. I’ll fund it.”

Ruan Xiyin was stunned.

She had expected his support, but she hadn’t thought he would invest so readily, without a second thought.

Somewhat hesitantly, she asked, “President Gu, aren’t you worried I might lose money?”

After all, this was her first time attempting something like this.

Compared to seasoned entrepreneurs, she had far less experience, and even she didn’t fully trust herself.

Gu Xingshi smiled. “You should trust my judgment.”

Instead of saying he believed in her, he understood that Ruan Xiyin had a strong sense of responsibility and high standards for herself. Framing it this way would take the pressure off her shoulders and place it on him.

Ruan Xiyin looked at him, momentarily stunned.

The heavy burden she had been carrying seemed to lift.

A confident smile bloomed on her face. “Alright, I trust you.”

After investing, Gu Xingshi set the matter aside, merely adjusting her work schedule to allow her to manage both responsibilities.

Later, when the app—titled “Save It”—became a nationwide sensation and brought him an unexpected windfall, that would be another story.

Lately, Gu Xingshi had been swamped. First, Sheng Yueqing and Qin Wen had started filming new projects, followed by Meng Yuansheng’s album release. Only Cheng Xin’s workload was somewhat lighter, though the issues he created were anything but.

Thanks to his sharp tongue, Cheng Xin offended people left and right, so dealing with the fallout had become routine.

In particular, whenever Gu Xingshi and Wen Yue went out to eat, Cheng Xin always managed to stir up minor chaos, leaving Gu Xingshi with the suspicion that he and Wen Yue might just be cosmically incompatible.

After handling yet another issue, Gu Xingshi returned to the table. “Apologies, just had to take care of some work matters.”

“No problem,” Wen Yue replied graciously.

Gu Xingshi smiled. “Alright, I’ll have them bring out the food now.”

Tonight, he was hosting, and he’d chosen this restaurant.

Picking up the teapot, he poured tea for the two of them.

Noticing the faint shadows under Gu Xingshi’s eyes, Wen Yue couldn’t help asking, “Been busy lately?”

“More or less,” Gu Xingshi said, scratching his head. “But my artists are all really well-behaved. They never give me much trouble.”

Wen Yue raised an eyebrow.

After all, Gu Xingshi’s artists were also the biggest hurdles in their relationship.

“Then, why don’t I treat them to a meal sometime?” Wen Yue’s gaze held a hint of deeper meaning as he added, “They seem to have a few… misunderstandings about me.”

Gu Xingshi thought for a moment. “Sure, but let’s have them host it instead. After all, they owe their fame in part to the backing from your company. You’re practically a benefactor to them—it’s only fitting they properly thank you.”

Wen Yue: “…”

He wanted to explain that wasn’t what he meant, but Gu Xingshi had already smoothly transitioned to the next topic.

Catching the fleeting glimmer of mischief at the corner of Gu Xingshi’s mouth, Wen Yue could only sigh helplessly.

But what could he do? When it came to the person he cared about, there was no option but to indulge him.

Halfway through the meal, Gu Xingshi excused himself to use the restroom.

Just as he entered, he heard a man’s exasperated voice. “What?! How did the paparazzi catch that?!”

Gu Xingshi’s ears perked up immediately, and he called out to the system internally: [Hey, System! Get over here; we’ve got some juicy gossip!]

System: [On it! On it!]

Through the mirror’s reflection, he caught sight of the man speaking.

The man looked to be around thirty, dressed in a casual suit. With a high nose and thin lips, his narrow, almond-shaped eyes were partially hidden behind gold-rimmed glasses.

He had the face of a refined scoundrel, but his twisted expression entirely spoiled his look.

System: [That’s Zhou Chengyan. He’s a talent agent.]

A fellow industry pro! Gu Xingshi’s interest was piqued even further.

At that moment, Zhou Chengyan’s conversation partner said something that seemed to anger him even more, though he still kept his voice low. “He didn’t even close the curtains! Is he brain-dead? And today of all days, when I finally have a date—does he think this is easy for me?!”

System: [The person on the call is Zhou Chengyan’s client Lu Haoxing’s assistant. Apparently, Lu Haoxing was out with his ‘sister-in-law’ but forgot to close the curtains, and the paparazzi caught a glimpse of a woman’s silhouette. If this blows up, Lu Haoxing could lose significant deals, costing them heavily…]

Zhou Chengyan continued, “…Did they get a shot of her face? No? Good! Here’s what we’ll do. Release a statement saying that Haoxing is practicing cross-dressing for an upcoming role. I remember there’s a historical drama script where the male lead has to dress as a woman. Tell the producers we’re taking that role.”

Now fully composed, Zhou Chengyan strode out, continuing to make plans with cool precision.

Gu Xingshi pretended to wash his hands, but mentally he was relaying his thoughts to the system: [I have to say, Zhou Chengyan’s quick on his feet. Impressive…]

System: [Right? He wasn’t always like this, though. Ever since he joined the industry, none of his clients have been reliable, so life has practically trained him to be a pro at crisis control. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be thirty and still… a virgin…]

Gu Xingshi: […!]

After digesting the juicy bit of gossip, he returned to the private dining room, slightly distracted.

Wen Yue noticed and asked, “Did something happen just now?”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Gu Xingshi replied, “Oh… nothing.”

Wen Yue picked up the serving chopsticks and placed a piece of shredded lotus root on his plate. “I remember you like this.”

“Thanks” Gu Xingshi was taken aback. He did indeed love shredded lotus root, but he’d never told anyone. How did Wen Yue know?

Wen Yue said, “Last time when we went fishing with President Zhan, you mentioned that you grew up near a lake and loved eating crisp and sweet shredded lotus root.”

Gu Xingshi’s heart skipped a beat.

He had just mentioned it in passing, but Wen Yue had remembered every word.

Wen Yue’s deep eyes looked intently at him. “Actually, I…”

But in that moment—

System: [Host!! More gossip incoming!]

Gu Xingshi’s attention was instantly pulled away. [What’s the scoop?]

System: [Zhou Chengyan had just finished introducing himself to his date when another issue with his artist popped up! This time it’s at the airport—his artist made a rude face at fans, and now they’re in an uproar, demanding to unfollow him! Zhou Chengyan didn’t even wait for the woman to finish introducing herself; he rushed off to do damage control!]

Gu Xingshi: [!!!]

He abruptly stood up, giving a sheepish cough under Wen Yue’s surprised gaze. “Um… drank a bit too much tea… I’ll be right back.”

He hurriedly left the room and dashed into a bathroom stall.

Sure enough, Zhou Chengyan soon stomped into the restroom, muttering angrily, “I look away for one day, and trouble erupts! How many times have I told him—mask, sunglasses, hat when he goes out! Does anyone listen?”

“Go to my office and open the second drawer on the left. Inside, there’s a file with a facial paralysis diagnosis and hospital records. Post it from an alt account, play the sympathy card, and say he’s worked so hard he’s developed facial nerve paralysis but still pushes himself for his fans…”

“What?! He rolled his eyes, too…? Damn it! Under that file, there’s another one with a blepharospasm diagnosis…”

“I’ll handle soothing the fans myself. Just keep out of it.” Zhou Chengyan added through gritted teeth, “He better not have anything else happen, or tomorrow I’ll get him a broken bone diagnosis—one that I’ll personally give him!”

Gu Xingshi was awestruck.

He’d met his fair share of managers, but Zhou Chengyan’s level of crisis management was exceptional.

When he finally returned to the dining room, satisfied with the latest gossip, he found Wen Yue looking at him with concern. “Are you alright?”

“Perfectly fine.”

Though he felt a bit guilty about repeatedly excusing himself during a dinner he was hosting, he quickly poured Wen Yue a cup of tea to make up for it. “Our company’s annual banquet is next month. I wonder if President Wen might have time to attend?”

Wen Yue’s eyes gleamed slightly as he replied in a low voice, “That depends. How would you like me to attend?”

Gu Xingshi: “Of course, as…”

Before he could finish, that familiar feeling hit him once again.

System: [Host! Another of Zhou Chengyan’s artists just got into trouble! And this one’s a wild one! This artist was getting too frisky with a fling and ended up with a rectal prolapse! He was sent to the proctology hospital and got photographed there!!]

Gu Xingshi: [!!!]

Once again, he found himself back in the bathroom stall.

Moments later, Zhou Chengyan’s familiar voice echoed through the restroom. “…I knew it! I knew something was fishy about him going to that city! Devious, shameless boy-lovers!”

“Where are the spicy food photos I asked you to prepare? Post them all, and say he’s in the hospital because he overdid it with spicy food, causing hemorrhoids! Let’s spin it as a quirky foodie gimmick. And remind fans to watch their diet and take care of their health!”

“What?! He thinks hemorrhoids aren’t embarrassing enough?!” Zhou Chengyan finally lost it, roaring, “Tell him that any issue involving his backside is already as dignified as it’s gonna get!”

Gu Xingshi returned to the dining room, but just as he settled into his seat, the system’s voice chimed in again: [Host, the drama isn’t over yet!]

Gu Xingshi: [!!!]

System: [Zhou Chengyan’s date now suspects that his constant trips to the bathroom mean he has… men’s health issues. She just broke it off! Now Zhou Chengyan’s trying to patch things up!]

Gu Xingshi’s hand froze as he was about to get up again.

He glanced at Wen Yue and could see the faint worry in his eyes.

But live gossip… just wasn’t the same when you couldn’t catch it firsthand!

He hesitated, then looked over at Wen Yue. “What if… we both went?”

Wen Yue: “?!!”