After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH93

Chapter 93

Gossip System #10086: [Today’s forecast: sunny, perfect for some exposés.]

As the undisputed king of online gossip, #10086’s post instantly drew hordes of curious netizens.

[Let me see, who’s getting their retribution today?]

[Bian Shicheng? Who’s that? Whoa!! What a scumbag! Looks like he’s in line for a prison ‘vacation’ of at least 15 years!]

[He was once a LeShi artist?? And he’s the one who drove LeShi to bankruptcy? How ruthless!]

[Wait, I remember now—he was Yan Zhiheng’s junior, right? I vaguely recall watching variety shows with my parents where he’d always tag along with brother Yan. Brother Yan treated him pretty well back then.]

[Yes! I remember too. He acted in a bunch of dramas, and brother Yan even played a supporting role in one of them. But I didn’t remember him much after that, thought maybe he just faded away as LeShi declined. Turns out he was the one who nearly destroyed LeShi!]

[LeShi treated him so well, yet he not only lacked gratitude but turned on his own company? This is straight out of ‘The Farmer and the Viper’!]

*

Bian Shicheng’s eyes scanned through the charges listed online, his heart seething with anger and dread.

Impossible!

He had been careful when he orchestrated these schemes. Only a few close associates even knew about the details. Who could have leaked this information so accurately?

Could someone have betrayed him?

Names flashed through his mind. Once he got through this crisis, he would find whoever had crossed him and make them pay dearly.

And then there was #10086!!

By now, everyone on the internet knew of #10086’s close ties with Gu Xingshi, and thanks to recent exposés, people assumed that #10086 was some powerful insider.

But after these last two incidents, Bian had grown increasingly suspicious that #10086 might actually be Wen Yue. Rumors had long circulated that Wen and Gu Xingshi were together, and the timeline fit with when #10086 started appearing.

Gu Xingshi! Wen Yue! Yan Zhiheng!

He gritted his teeth as he muttered their names, seething with hatred.

Just then, the door swung open, and a tall, commanding woman entered the room.

She wore a sleek business suit, her dark hair pinned up in a simple bun. Her skin was flawless, and her piercing gaze overshadowed even her striking features.

It was none other than Zhuang Yuan, the eldest daughter of the Zhuang family.

With just a single, icy glance, she silenced Bian Shicheng, who had been radiating anger. He immediately toned down his bravado, aware of her ruthless nature and the power she wielded.

He hurried forward, putting on a nervous smile. “You… you’re back. You must be tired. Would you like to rest first?”

Zhuang Yuan ignored his attempt at warmth. She glanced at her watch and said coolly, “I have ten minutes until my next meeting. Start explaining.”

Bian’s face went pale.

He had held a sliver of hope that Zhuang Yuan hadn’t seen the news, but her words dashed that hope. Someone like her would have done a thorough investigation; excuses were futile.

He immediately began to plead. “I’m sorry, darling! I lost my head for a moment. Please, help me! If something happens to me, it would reflect badly on you too!”

He knew divorce would be a hassle for someone of her status. Bian knew exactly what would appeal to her sense of pride.

As expected, Zhuang Yuan’s voice softened slightly. “I can help you.”

Before he could fully register his relief, she continued coldly, “I won’t let you go to prison, but I also can’t let these actions go unpunished. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be handling household affairs. You’ll stay home, keep a low profile, and don’t bring any more trouble to my doorstep!”

Bian Shicheng stared at her in disbelief.

This was his life’s work—just gone like that?

But Zhuang Yuan’s cold expression left no room for argument.

For the sake of his own life, Bian had no choice but to swallow his pride. “Understood…”

Yet, he couldn’t let it go so easily. Thinking quickly, he added, “But darling, while I did make mistakes, Gu Xingshi and Wen Yue exposed all of this just to embarrass you. I think—”

Before he could finish, Zhuang Yuan cut him off. “Are you seriously trying to use such a low-level tactic on me?”

Bian immediately fell silent.

She glanced at him again, her gaze icy. “I’ve invited Gu Xingshi and Yan Zhiheng to dinner tomorrow night. You’ll come with me and apologize to them properly.”

Bian froze.

Was she insane?

He was supposed to apologize to Gu Xingshi and Yan Zhiheng?

He opened his mouth to protest, but Zhuang Yuan spoke first. “If you’re unwilling, you can get a divorce and go to prison.”

He shuddered. “I’ll go!”

Zhuang Yuan’s lips curled in a faintly satisfied smile as she turned to leave the room. Just as she reached the door, she paused, glancing back. “You don’t have any other secrets you’re keeping from me, do you?”

Bian’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly masked it, replying, “Of course not! Absolutely nothing!”

Zhuang Yuan’s question was merely routine.

After learning of his misdeeds, she had already conducted a thorough investigation.

Yet something still nagged at her.

Unlike Bian, Zhuang Yuan didn’t believe that Wen Yue was behind #10086. The level of detail in #10086’s exposés had required significant effort, even for her to verify. She doubted Wen Yue would have access to such extensive resources.

In her mind, whoever was behind #10086 was likely of even higher status than she had imagined.

Though she didn’t know why this powerful figure would support someone like Gu Xingshi in the entertainment industry, it didn’t matter. Zhuang Yuan had always known better than to interfere.

With people of that caliber, one should respect them and avoid unnecessary actions.

*

When Zhuang Yuan’s invitation reached Gu Xingshi and Yan Zhiheng, they were both taken aback.

Yan Zhiheng voiced his concerns, “I’ve heard Zhuang Yuan has a rather difficult personality. Could this be a trap?”

Gu had a different perspective. “She’s known for being cautious, so I don’t think it’s likely.”

In order to bring down Bian Shicheng, Gu had done his homework on Zhuang Yuan. Though she had the Zhuang family’s support, her rise as a woman in a male-dominated arena hadn’t been easy. While she wasn’t exactly a paragon of virtue, she also wasn’t the type to blindly protect wrongdoers, which is why Gu had dared to release the incriminating evidence.

The system confirmed his suspicions: [Zhuang Yuan has already stripped Bian Shicheng of his positions. Inviting you is just her way of having him formally apologize.]

Reassured, Gu relayed this to Yan, who relaxed somewhat.

When the time came, Gu and Yan got into the car sent to fetch them and headed toward Zhuang Yuan’s private estate on the outskirts of the capital.

Though Gu seemed at ease, Yan couldn’t shake his unease. After much deliberation, he decided to send Wen Yue a message.

The private estate was one of Zhuang Yuan’s properties, and she rarely hosted guests there. When Gu and Yan arrived, Zhuang Yuan’s personal assistant was waiting for them at the gate.

“This way, please.”

As soon as they entered the estate, Gu was captivated by the beautiful scenery.

The estate was styled after a traditional Suzhou garden. Each step revealed a new view, exuding a timeless elegance.

In contrast, Yan was too tense to notice the surroundings, his attention entirely on the reason they were here.

Upstairs, Zhuang Yuan observed them both closely. It was clear that Gu, though just in his twenties, exuded a calm confidence, whereas Yan—someone from a prominent family and a former star used to high-profile events—was visibly uneasy.

The contrast intrigued her, further confirming her suspicion that there was more to Gu Xingshi than met the eye.

She called for a reluctant Bian Shicheng to accompany her as she went downstairs to greet her guests.

Her warm and welcoming demeanor stunned Yan Zhiheng. Although Yan had been abroad for years, he had still heard stories about Zhuang Yuan’s fierce reputation and ruthlessness toward anyone who crossed her.

Yet here she was, treating Gu with all the warmth of an old family friend.

Recalling the rumors he’d heard since returning, Yan couldn’t help but wonder. Could it be that little Xing really had a way of enchanting people?”

After brief pleasantries, Zhuang Yuan invited them to the table, then gave a silent signal to Bian Shicheng.

Grinding his teeth, Bian reluctantly picked up a glass of wine, stood, and addressed Gu and Yan. “Brother Yan, President Gu… I was foolish back then. I hope you can forgive me.”

But neither Gu nor Yan reached for their wine.

Bian’s face darkened with embarrassment and anger. Even Zhuang Yuan’s brows furrowed slightly in displeasure. She was willing to extend a courtesy to whoever was backing Gu, but that didn’t mean she appreciated them disrespecting her.

Gu, however, smiled.

His gaze was clear, and his expression held a seemingly innocent brightness. But the words he spoke left everyone visibly shaken.

“Is it truly just a moment of foolishness? Not premeditation?”

“Was it also just a mistake when you passed information to Feng Zhongjie?”

Feng Zhongjie was one of Zhuang Yuan’s political rivals.

Zhuang Yuan’s face hardened as she stood abruptly, her eyes like knives as they fixed on Bian. She saw the flash of panic he couldn’t fully hide, and her expression turned even colder. She signaled to the guards at the door to take Bian away.

Bian panicked, shouting desperately, “Darling, it’s not true! He’s lying! Why would I do such a thing? You’re going to believe an outsider over me?”

He knew betrayal was something Zhuang Yuan would never tolerate. While he could admit to his other misdeeds, this particular offense would be unforgivable in her eyes.

Overwhelmed by terror, he momentarily forgot his hatred toward Gu, desperately trying to save himself.

But Zhuang Yuan remained unmoved.

After Bian was removed from the room, she lifted her glass and looked at Gu. “Mr. Gu, thank you for exposing his true colors. If you ever need my assistance in the future, you have my word—I’ll help you without question.”

Yan Zhiheng stood there in shock.

Was it really resolved so easily?

Not only did Gu escape unscathed, but he’d also gained a promise from Zhuang Yuan.

The rest of the dinner passed pleasantly as Gu and Zhuang Yuan conversed warmly. By the end, she’d started calling him “Xingshi” instead of “Mr. Gu,” treating him as if he were a younger member of her own family. Gu reciprocated with an easy familiarity, calling her “Sister Zhuang” with a natural confidence.

Yan Zhiheng: “…”

Just then, Zhuang Yuan’s private secretary entered and leaned over to whisper something in her ear. Zhuang shot a meaningful look at Gu before saying, “Let him in.”

Moments later, the secretary returned, leading in a familiar figure.

Gu blinked in surprise. “Wen Yue?”

Wen’s gaze immediately sought out Gu Xingshi, his tension easing as he confirmed that Gu seemed perfectly at ease. Then he turned to Zhuang Yuan with a polite nod. “Minister Zhuang, it’s been a while.”

With a smile, Zhuang Yuan remarked playfully, “Well, Mr. Wen, you went to quite some lengths. Are you worried I might mistreat your young boyfriend?”

“Not my boyfriend—my fiancé.” Wen took Gu’s hand, his expression serious. “He’s younger and might have caused some misunderstanding, so I’d appreciate it if Minister Zhuang could overlook any missteps on his part.”

Gu Xingshi: “!!!”

Yan Zhiheng: “!!!”

Zhuang Yuan, thoroughly unprepared for the surprise declaration of their engagement: “…”