Turns out I Was the CEO's White Moonlight [Rebirth] - Chapter 20

The person in the photo was Xie Yun.

As for the other individual in the picture, there was no need to even think about it. Despite the blurriness of the photo, the distinctive decor in the background allowed Shen Yelin to recognize it at a glance it was the very restaurant where Xie Yun had treated him to a meal that day.

He casually skimmed through the blog post. The content was nothing more than slapping the label of “fraud” onto the subject, then using this so-called “hard evidence” photo to weave a fabricated narrative, attributing a concocted story to the person in question.

This entertainment gossip account had posted several lengthy articles in one go. First, it dug into Xie Yun, tracing his career from his debut to the present. Then, it turned its attention to the man in the photo with him, using evasive language while firmly asserting that this man was the heir of a prominent conglomerate, a figure of immense status and prestige.

Shen Yelin continued scrolling with an impassive expression.

“According to insider sources, this heir is Xie Yun’s senior from university. Back then, in order to climb the ladder, Xie Yun reportedly clung to the heir for who knows how long before finally making his way up. Tsk tsk tsk.”

“To think he was once hailed as an inspirational figure rising from obscurity to become a national heartthrob, showcasing remarkable acting skills at such a young age. I used to admire him quite a bit. Who would have thought? No wonder his path has been so smooth he had a powerful benefactor. Coincidentally, not long after he attached himself to the heir, he landed the role that catapulted him to nationwide fame.”

“Recently, there’s been a lot of speculation online about Xie Yun’s next move. His poor fans are analyzing every detail, hoping their idol will sign with Yue Lin. Little do they know, he already has his own plans. He’s been scheming for a higher position for ages, preparing to bring his entire team along and continue serving as the heir’s lover.”

To be honest, the article was well-written.

If he weren’t the person involved, Shen Yelin might have believed it.

This entertainment gossip account was ruthless acting swiftly, posting articles, and buying trending hashtags in one seamless motion, leaving little time for the public relations team to react. By the time the news spread, it would be too late for damage control. Eager bystanders would have already saved screenshots of the gossip, and any attempts to delete posts or suppress the story would only make things worse.

Such rapid action clearly wasn’t the work of someone with exclusive information looking to extort or blackmail. Instead, it seemed someone had long been plotting against Xie Yun, taking advantage of his impending contract expiration and company switch to release damaging information, aiming to completely destroy him.

After all, at this critical juncture, Hengjia was about to lose its cash cow, and the higher-ups were already displeased. They were unlikely to lift a finger to help him clear his name if anything, they might even add fuel to the fire. Moreover, by dragging their rival, Yaoyu, into the mess, they could secretly relish the chaos. As for Yaoyu, they hadn’t officially signed Xie Yun yet, so they couldn’t openly intervene on his behalf, leaving them no choice but to stand by and watch helplessly.

How vicious.

For a popular celebrity with a previously spotless reputation, a scandal like this, if mishandled, could instantly ruin their career, making a comeback nearly impossible. Although Shen Yelin had maintained a lukewarm attitude toward Xie Yun after learning of his feelings, being used as a weapon to attack him crossed a clear line.

With a cold expression, Shen Yelin finished reading the gossip account’s exposé. Just then, a soft knock echoed from the conference room door.

Shen Yelin looked up and saw the person he had previously assigned to take over Xie Yun’s affairs. The man stood at the door with a grave expression and said, “Mr. Shen, I apologize for disturbing you. Regarding the situation with Xie Yun.”

“I’ve seen it,” Shen Yelin replied calmly, putting away his phone. “What do you plan to do?”

The manager hesitated for a moment.

Seeing his expression, Shen Yelin understood the unspoken question whether the rumors were true or false. After all, while outsiders might not recognize it, those who worked closely with him every day would easily identify the other person in the photo as their boss. Failing to do so would be a disservice to their positions.

Now that Shen Yelin was involved, the matter had to be handled with caution.

If the rumors were false, it would be straightforward just follow the standard procedures. But if they were true.

The manager’s emotions were complicated.

Their boss had always been reliable. How could he have stumbled over something like this?!

The manager felt a headache coming on.

“It’s false,” Shen Yelin cut through his thoughts directly. “Xie Yun and I are just classmates. There’s nothing more to it.”

Hearing this answer, the manager’s spirits lifted immediately.

“Handle it as it should be handled,” Shen Yelin said. “I don’t like people twisting the truth or fabricating stories. Since we’re preparing to sign him, you know what to do.”

“I understand.”

Within just a few dozen minutes, Weibo crashed under the overwhelming traffic.

Netizens swarmed to the marketing account that had broken the news, eagerly devouring the carefully sliced but misdirected gossip, and watched with great interest as the account released a series of follow-up revelations. Meanwhile, Xie Yun’s fanbase erupted into chaos some were busy managing the public opinion, while others felt uneasy.

Although the marketing account’s revelations about the mysterious benefactor were vague, the secretly taken photos were undeniable. Moreover, considering the recent hints from Xie Yun’s team, it didn’t seem like he was planning to sign with Yue Lin.

Could it be that the rumors about Xie Yun being kept were actually true?!

Fu Jianyi stared at the rapidly scrolling updates on the webpage, his expression unreadable.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk and looked up at the anxious manager. “Continue.”

“Huh?” The manager was momentarily unsure of his intentions. “Mr. Fu, do you mean to add fuel to the fire?”

Fu Jianyi gave a slight nod. “But make sure no one traces it back to Yue Lin. As for the other person in the photo, keep their identity hidden. Don’t let anyone find out who it is.”

The manager immediately understood: their boss was setting up a diversion!

Since Yue Lin couldn’t sign Xie Yun, they might as well take advantage of this heaven-sent opportunity to stir the pot further and prevent him from benefiting another company. By helping Xie Yun hide the identity of the person in the photo and making the revelations seem more credible, they could add to his troubles. It was a perfect two-pronged strategy!

“I understand, Mr. Fu,” the manager said, filled with admiration. “I’ll get right on it. You can rest assured!”

Fu Jianyi waved his hand dismissively.

The manager left the room, brimming with excitement.

As the door opened and closed, Fu Jianyi leaned back in his leather chair and let out a long sigh.

He wasn’t foolish; he could naturally recognize that the other person in this leaked photo was Shen Yelin. Recalling that the other party had been invited by Xie Yun to attend the banquet that day, his heart couldn’t help but ache with waves of bitterness.

He hadn’t expected that Shen Yelin’s indulgence toward Xie Yun had already reached such an extent.

Yet, when it came to him, Shen Yelin would feel displeased even if he got a little too close.

Fu Jianyi still remembered the sensation of wrapping the other’s hand in his own palm Shen Yelin’s body temperature was low, much like the person himself, carrying an air of aloofness and indifference. And his hands, just like the man, were slender, elegant, and impossibly beautiful.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t close to him.

This contrast left Fu Jianyi feeling disheartened. From childhood to adulthood, he had always been the center of attention, surrounded by admirers, and had never experienced the taste of secretly pining for someone, feeling a sense of loss. If those who knew him well found out that he had come to such a day, they would undoubtedly not hesitate to mock him coldly.

Fu Jianyi had a premonition that this unexpected incident would soon become the battlefield for a concentrated confrontation between him and Xie Yun.

He wasn’t afraid of confronting Xie Yun, but he feared that it would affect his relationship with Shen Yelin.

After all, Shen Yelin had already shown such indulgence toward Xie Yun, meaning the other party was also someone he protected. If Yaoyu Entertainment discovered traces of Yue Lin’s involvement while handling Xie Yun’s public relations, Shen Yelin would surely be angered by his interference.

Their relationship had only just begun to progress; he couldn’t let such a trivial matter ruin everything.

Fu Jianyi’s gaze lingered on the enlarged, blurry photo in the center of the screen, his expression gradually darkening.

Ji Wencheng, draped in a bathrobe and still damp from the shower, walked out of the bathroom and sat down at the desk, turning on his computer.

Since he had taken the initiative to ask his father to let him enter the company for training, his life had become unprecedentedly busy, leaving him no time to dwell on unnecessary matters. Now, he had to seize every moment to take over his father’s position as soon as possible, so he could begin the plans and layouts he had prepared.

As the cursor slid to the notification in the lower right corner, Ji Wencheng lowered his head slightly, his attention caught by the pop-up message.

The reminder that appeared on his desktop was a piece of entertainment gossip, which had little to do with him. He casually skimmed the headline and was about to click the close button on the right when he suddenly noticed the blurry photo attached to the message.

The figure of one of the people in it had haunted his thoughts countless times since childhood.

Ji Wencheng paused for a moment and opened the somewhat familiar entertainment news.

The page loaded before him, slowly displaying the large version of the blurry photo. The image of the two people intimately embracing in the photo instantly pierced Ji Wencheng’s unprepared heart. The content of the report made his heart tighten repeatedly, and his hand unconsciously clenched into a tight fist.

Shen Yelin, when did he find a secret lover? How had he not heard even a whisper of it?

Ji Wencheng’s first reaction was disbelief. This was quickly followed by doubt about the authenticity of the news.

He knew Shen Yelin’s personality well the other man wasn’t the type to behave as described in the report. Yet, he couldn’t be sure whether Shen Yelin might have changed his usual attitude toward people under the persistent pursuit of this celebrity named Xie Yun.

After all, even as his childhood friend, he had never seen Shen Yelin show such tolerance toward anyone before.

He stared at the picture of the two embracing, feeling a surge of bitterness welling up in his heart.