Chapter 176: Starting with One Photo

Some netizens were even more vicious in their comments:

“How shameless! I always said she looked like a troublemaker. Now it’s proven, isn’t it?”

“If you’re so desperate to seduce men, why be an actress? You’d do better in the red-light district. Business would be booming, and I might even drop by to support you!”

“I feel so bad for Haoran. Will he have trust issues with women now? That woman is truly terrifying. I curse her!”

Aside from these staunch supporters, there were also more rational voices:

“I’ll just enjoy the drama without commenting. Things in the entertainment industry are never black and white. I’ll stay neutral to avoid getting slapped in the face later.”

“I’m skeptical. After watching A Family in the Town, I had a good impression of Jiang Xiaobai. Could she really do something like this? I’m not convinced.”

“Waiting for updates.”

These netizens had learned their lesson. In the past, they had quickly taken sides whenever controversies arose, only to find themselves mistaken as the situations unfolded in unexpected ways

Who knew celebrity dramas could be more convoluted than soap operas?

Taking sides?

No thanks. We’ll just enjoy the show.

However, these calm and rational netizens were in the minority. Most people were easily swayed by public opinion, quickly jumping on the bandwagon.

After Ding Haoran’s post, a new trending topic emerged: “Jiang Xiaobai Forces Herself on Ding Haoran at Hotel!”

The incident was widely shared by bloggers, with most comments siding with Ding Haoran. Many lamented the decline of morals and the dangers of vanity, while others joked that men should protect themselves outside, or they might encounter another Jiang Xiaobai.

By now, the three women had returned home and were sitting on the couch, scrolling through the latest updates on their phones.

“That bastard! ‘Forces herself on him’? What a load of nonsense!”

Ming Zhu was furious, cursing under her breath. She was so angry she could’ve pointed at Ding Haoran and screamed.

Jiang Xiaobai felt nauseated by the headline. Her current mood matched Ding Haoran’s description of “swallowing a fly.” But when she heard Ming Zhu’s outburst, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Xiaobai, how can you laugh at a time like this?” Ming Zhu was on the verge of tears, frustrated by their inability to expose Ding Haoran’s true nature. “Look at how people are tearing into you on Weibo…”

She felt deeply hurt on Jiang Xiaobai’s behalf.

Until something happens to you, you’ll never know just how cruel some people can be.

The netizens had taken Ding Haoran’s word at face value, condemning Jiang Xiaobai without waiting for her side of the story. The comments were vile, as if she’d committed some heinous crime.

Jiang Xiaobai knew her Weibo was flooded with comments, but she didn’t bother reading them.

Many fans had already unfollowed her, and even some members of her fan club were wavering, asking if the accusations were true. A small number had quietly left the group.

Ming Zhu was both heartbroken and furious, silently crying as she scrolled through her phone.

How could they do this?

Xiaobai hasn’t even spoken yet, and they’ve already convicted her based on someone else’s words?

“Don’t be upset. These people weren’t true fans to begin with. It’s better they leave now. They were just fair-weather supporters anyway,” Dong Ran said, though her own emotions were hard to suppress. “Ding Haoran… he’s gone too far.”

It all started with one photo, and the rest was pure fabrication. Ding Haoran’s post painted him as the victim, and the “kind-hearted” netizens had quickly rallied to his side, never considering there might be more to the story.

“Sister Ran, let’s post our explanation. Since the topic’s hot, let’s make the fire burn even brighter,” Jiang Xiaobai said.

She’d already told Dong Ran what happened, so it was up to her to draft the response.

Jiang Xiaobai wasn’t in the mood to do it herself. Ding Haoran’s behavior had disgusted her, and she regretted not hitting him harder earlier.

She’d known he had ulterior motives, but seeing his true colors still shocked her.

Thanks to her enhanced physique, Jiang Xiaobai was stronger than most people. If it weren’t for the risk of him twisting the situation, she’d have beaten him to a pulp and left him incapacitated!

“But we don’t have evidence. A written explanation will seem weak, and netizens might not believe us,” Dong Ran said, worried. “The two photos he posted are…”

Ding Haoran’s photos were cleverly chosen. The blurry images showed them in a struggle, making it unclear who was initiating the contact. One photo showed them holding hands, while the other seemed to depict an embrace or a push.

His story was convincing, and it wasn’t entirely unreasonable for people to believe him.

But this left them at a disadvantage.

An explanation? Will netizens even listen? They’ll only believe what they want to believe!

Jiang Xiaobai, however, remained calm. She smiled. “Who says I don’t have evidence?”

Dong Ran and Ming Zhu froze, their eyes lighting up as they turned to her.

An hour after Ding Haoran’s post, as the online discussion reached its peak, Jiang Xiaobai’s Weibo finally responded.

Dong Ran drafted a statement detailing the events of the day, accompanied by a photo of the USB drive and a snapshot of the redness on Jiang Xiaobai’s wrist.

At the end of the post, she wrote:

“A wolf in sheep’s clothing—that’s all he is.”

When netizens saw the post, they were stunned.

Wait… these two versions of the story are completely opposite!

Which one should we believe?

The comments quickly split into two camps:

“I’m with Haoran. How could someone of Jiang Xiaobai’s caliber compare to him? If he really wanted to pursue her, why hasn’t there been any news until now? She’s clearly lying.”

 

Chapter 177: Want to Date?

“So what if her wrist is red? Does that prove she was forcibly grabbed or hugged? Maybe she did it herself! We didn’t see the whole thing!”

“This is ridiculous. What can a USB drive prove? This woman has no shame. She’s still making excuses. I don’t believe a word she says!”

On the other hand, some defended her:

“I don’t think Jiang Xiaobai would do something like forcibly hugging someone. With her looks, if she wanted fame, why didn’t she latch onto someone earlier? Ding Haoran is popular, but not that popular. One’s a singer, the other’s an actor. I doubt he could help her get famous.”

“I can’t explain why, but I don’t think Jiang Xiaobai would do something so low. It doesn’t match her personality.”

Regardless of their opinions, the debate fueled the controversy, skyrocketing its popularity. It quickly became a trending topic marked as “boiling,” drawing countless netizens to the discussion.

After Jiang Xiaobai’s Weibo post, Ding Haoran remained silent, but many of his friends in the industry spoke up:

“I support Haoran. Say no to underhanded tactics and keep the industry clean.”

“Haoran has been in the industry for years without any controversies. He’s always dedicated to his music. He has a genuine spirit, and I have faith in him.”

“No need for words, bro. I’ve got your back!”

These supporters, mostly singers or variety show guests, were mid-tier celebrities. Individually, they might not carry much weight, but together, their influence was significant.

With their backing, Ding Haoran didn’t need to say a word. Public opinion gradually shifted in his favor.

Unaware of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, netizens saw these celebrities supporting Ding Haoran and concluded that he must be trustworthy. Many neutral netizens began siding with him, flooding Jiang Xiaobai’s Weibo with criticism.

Before Jiang Xiaobai’s explanation, people criticized her. After her post, the backlash intensified. She was accused of being unrepentant, scheming, and trying to smear Ding Haoran.

Despite the storm, Jiang Xiaobai’s side remained calm.

“Let them talk. We’ll just ignore it.”

Two hours after the celebrities’ show of support, Jiang Xiaobai’s silence was interpreted as guilt.

“She’s too scared to speak up now, huh? Or is she plotting something else?”

“Maybe she’s cooking up another excuse or planning to play the victim.”

“Just admit your mistake and apologize to Ding Haoran! Though even if you do, we won’t forgive you!”

“This kind of woman deserves to be blacklisted forever!”

Jiang Xiaobai and her team read the comments but remained unfazed.

“They’re just ‘silly netizens.’ I guess they live up to their name,” Ming Zhu said coldly.

After weathering several storms with Jiang Xiaobai, Ming Zhu found herself transformed from a quiet, introverted girl into someone who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Surprisingly, she found it liberating.

“Why hasn’t the call come yet? What if they don’t call?” Dong Ran asked, frowning.

“Don’t worry. They will,” Jiang Xiaobai replied, lounging on the couch with a pillow, looking completely at ease.

Five minutes later, her phone rang.

The moment the sound echoed, Dong Ran and Ming Zhu turned their heads sharply, staring at the phone.

“Is it? Is it?” Ming Zhu asked anxiously.

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t answer. It was an unknown number. She answered and put it on speaker.

“Jiang Xiaobai, do you regret it yet?”

The voice on the other end was hoarse, rough, and slightly distorted—clearly using a voice changer. Despite the altered tone, the speaker’s smugness and resentment were unmistakable.

“I do,” Jiang Xiaobai replied calmly. “I regret not beating you to death.”

“Hah! Still stubborn, huh? Miss Jiang, you really have a noble head on your shoulders. You still refuse to admit your mistake?”

Ding Haoran was momentarily speechless but quickly recovered. “I’ve only brought out a few minor celebrities so far. I’ve got a trump card waiting. Once that person steps forward to support me, your career is over. Are you sure you want to keep this up?”

Jiang Xiaobai responded indifferently, “Go ahead. Bring out whoever you want. Whoever you bring will regret it.”

Ding Haoran dismissed her words. “I have to admire your resilience. You’re still refusing to back down. Are you really that addicted to playing the heroine?”

Jiang Xiaobai remained silent.

“Jiang Xiaobai, even though you’re the one who messed up tonight, I’m magnanimous. I can give you a way out.”

Ding Haoran continued, “Your biggest dream is to be a star, right? You even fought with your family over it. I’ve heard your parents are firmly against you entering the entertainment industry. What do you think they’ll do if they find out your reputation is ruined?”

Jiang Xiaobai finally responded, “What do you want?”

“See? It’s better to face reality early,” Ding Haoran said, thinking his threat had worked. “I can delete my post and say I won’t pursue this further. I can even release some other celebrity gossip to divert attention away from you. All I ask in return is one thing—be my girlfriend.”

Jiang Xiaobai almost laughed out loud.

Dong Ran and Ming Zhu exchanged bewildered looks, as if they couldn’t believe their ears.

What? Did they hear that right?

“Ding Haoran, are you out of your mind?” Jiang Xiaobai’s voice was tinged with amusement.

“Xiaobai, I’m serious about you.”

Ding Haoran’s tone suddenly became earnest. “Everything I said is true. I really fell for you at first sight. Your rejection hurt me deeply, and I lost control. That’s why I made a mistake. Can you understand me? I just want you to be my girlfriend. I’ll treat you well, and I’ll do everything I can to make you famous!”

Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help but laugh. “Your words make me want to ask one question—want to date? The kind where you get blacklisted by the entire internet before even starting?”

Ding Haoran was speechless.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 178: Xu Anliu

“Fine, bring out all your tricks. I’m waiting.”

Jiang Xiaobai had no patience to waste on Ding Haoran. Talking to him only disgusted her, so she hung up the phone.

Originally, she had planned to release evidence and crush this annoying pest, but Ding Haoran’s mention of a “trump card” piqued her curiosity. She decided to wait and see.

“What’s wrong with him? What’s he even thinking?” Ming Zhu couldn’t wrap her head around Ding Haoran’s motives.

Was he trying to pursue Jiang Xiaobai?

That couldn’t be it. Who pursues someone like this?

But if he wasn’t trying to pursue her, why go through all this trouble—forcing a hug, making threats? What was his endgame?

Was it just for publicity?

But that didn’t make sense either!

“If you can’t figure it out, don’t bother,” Dong Ran said. “It’s a shame, though. He came prepared, and our recording won’t be of much use now.”

They had anticipated that Ding Haoran would contact Jiang Xiaobai after slandering her. Given his previous actions, they knew he had ulterior motives and would likely reappear before achieving his goal. To prepare, they had waited for his call, with Dong Ran ready to record everything.

Unfortunately, Ding Haoran had anticipated this. He used a burner phone and disguised his voice, rendering their recording useless. Even if they released it, it wouldn’t help their case and might even backfire.

“Maybe it’s not entirely useless,” Jiang Xiaobai mused. “It could be useful at the right time. Let’s wait and see his next move.”

“I’m curious about this ‘trump card’ he mentioned,” Dong Ran added.

As they talked, Dong Ran’s phone rang. She stepped aside to take the call.

“The company asked if we want to suppress the news since the situation is getting worse. I said no,” Dong Ran said with a sly smile. “Not only that, I told them to stir the pot and make it even bigger. The more people know, the better.”

Without evidence, they had been the ones at a disadvantage. But now that Jiang Xiaobai had proof, there was nothing to fear. Let the controversy grow—let it reach everyone’s ears!

The company had clearly decided to back Jiang Xiaobai, showing genuine concern about the situation. This was the second time they had reached out.

“Well done, Sister Ran!” Ming Zhu gave Dong Ran a thumbs-up.

“It’s late. Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow’s when the real show begins. We’ll see who this ‘trump card’ is,” Jiang Xiaobai said, getting up from the couch and heading to her room. “There’s a spare room, Sister Ran. You can stay here tonight.”

“Alright.”

Dong Ran wasn’t in the mood to go home, so she agreed.

While they slept, the night owls of the internet kept the topic alive. The controversy continued to grow, fueled by both Tangming Entertainment and Ding Haoran’s efforts.

The next morning, when Xu Anliu posted a Weibo update, it pushed Jiang Xiaobai further into the spotlight.

[Xu Anliu v: Two years ago, I worked with Ding Haoran on a drama. He’s a sunny and diligent young man. Even as a guest actor, he was warm and considerate to everyone on set. Though we haven’t stayed in touch, I believe a person’s core character doesn’t change. I hope he can always maintain this kindness.]

Her post was like a whirlwind, drawing even those who had ignored the feud between two lesser-known celebrities into the fray.

Who was Xu Anliu?

She was a once-top-tier actress, a household name in her prime, and a Best Actress winner five years ago. At 35, she was no longer in her youth, but her gentle, elegant demeanor gave her a unique charm, earning her a loyal fanbase.

She had married a film industry investor at 31 and shifted her focus to family life. Though she rarely took on roles these days, she still held a significant place in the entertainment industry.

Jiang Xiaobai was barely a third-tier celebrity, and Ding Haoran was a second-tier singer. Many netizens hadn’t even heard of them and had ignored the drama the night before. But Xu Anliu’s involvement changed everything.

Her endorsement of Ding Haoran made many pause and reconsider—if someone as reputable as Xu Anliu supported him, wasn’t Jiang Xiaobai entirely in the wrong?

Soon, netizens flooded Jiang Xiaobai’s Weibo, demanding an apology:

“Now you’re too scared to speak up? It’s too late for regrets! You need to apologize to Ding Haoran!”

“Don’t think hiding will save you. If you’re so brave, stay hidden forever—just quit the industry already!”

“The evidence is clear. What else do you have to say? I used to admire you after watching A Family in the Town, but now I realize I was blind.”

When Jiang Xiaobai woke up, Xu Anliu’s impact was at its peak. She walked out of her bedroom to find Dong Ran and Ming Zhu on the couch, scrolling through their phones and whispering.

“Sister Xiaobai, you’re awake!” Ming Zhu looked tired. She had stayed up most of the night following the developments, only catching four hours of sleep. Her complexion was poor, but her spirits were high. “I can’t believe Ding Haoran dragged Xu Anliu into this. How did he even get her support?”

Ming Zhu had always admired Xu Anliu, likely because of her iconic roles. With her gentle appearance, Xu Anliu often played elegant ladies or noblewomen, captivating audiences and earning a massive following.

But after calling her “goddess,” Ming Zhu immediately regretted it—what kind of goddess would side with Ding Haoran? From now on, her only goddess was Jiang Xiaobai!

“I didn’t expect her either. I wonder what Ding Haoran offered these people,” Dong Ran sighed.

Most people in the industry were driven by self-interest. Aside from a few genuine friends, most relationships were transactional. The celebrities who had come forward to support Ding Haoran might seem loyal, but to Jiang Xiaobai, their actions were nothing but harm.

“By the way, Sister Xiaobai, someone’s spoken up for us too. Look,” Ming Zhu said, showing Jiang Xiaobai a Weibo post she had liked.

The first was from Yang Dan.

[Yang Dan v: Xiaobai is a good kid. In my years in the industry, I’ve rarely met someone so pure and genuine. I didn’t even bother reading all the nonsense rumors. I just know I believe in her.]

 

 

Chapter 179: Please Check

[Niu Jun v: Supporting Jiang Xiaobai!] This was posted by Director Niu.

[Bo Xing v: Jiang Xiaobai wouldn’t do such a thing. Don’t follow the crowd blindly.]

There was also one from Li Biying.

[Li Biying v: How dare you slander someone as innocent and simple-minded as Xiaobai? Ding Haoran, just you wait!]

In fact, more people supported Jiang Xiaobai. For example, Rong Juan, Gu Xue, and Lin Tingliang from the cast all posted on Weibo to back her up. Interestingly, all three hosts of A Family in the Town also sided with her.

Although Hu Zhou and Lan Qiao didn’t post separately, they both liked Yang Dan’s post, effectively showing their support.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiaobai felt a warmth in her heart. Dong Ran remarked, “You’ve been slandered twice now, but unlike last time when you fought alone, this time you have allies.”

Indeed, during the Dou Fang incident, no one had spoken up for her. Moreover, Dou Fang was just a minor celebrity, nowhere near Ding Haoran’s level of fame and influence.

This time, facing Ding Haoran, so many friends had stepped forward. Even a small portion of her fanbase remained steadfast, cheering her on in the comments.

As Jiang Xiaobai was reflecting on this, her phone rang. It was Li Biying.

“Why was your phone off? I tried calling you for ages!” Li Biying complained as soon as the call connected. “What’s going on with Ding Haoran? Do you have a way to deal with him?”

Deal with him…

Jiang Xiaobai twitched her lips. “What if I don’t?”

“Then spend some money to remove the hot search, and then… find someone to assault him and post the photos online,” Li Biying said angrily. “He accused you of trying to force yourself on him, right? Let’s make it happen for real!”

Jiang Xiaobai: “…No, that’s not necessary. I have a plan.”

“If you have a plan, hurry up and act. You’re being scolded like crazy, and you’re still not fighting back?” Li Biying’s side sounded chaotic, and her voice rose as if she were arguing. “I’m in the middle of training and still worrying about you. You’re such a handful!”

Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks for your concern. I’m about to release the evidence. Just wait and see.”

“Good. I’m busy. Bye.”

With that, the call ended abruptly.

Jiang Xiaobai had turned off her phone while sleeping, and Li Biying’s call came right after she turned it back on. Bo Xing and Yang Dan also called shortly after. Jiang Xiaobai quickly explained the situation and thanked them for their support.

It took courage to stand up for her at a time like this. It was a gamble, and if it backfired, their reputations could suffer. Jiang Xiaobai would remember this kindness.

“Alright, Sister Ran, it’s time to release it,” Jiang Xiaobai said.

She had waited to see Ding Haoran’s “trump card,” which turned out to be Xu Anliu. Now that she knew, there was no reason to delay further.

The online discussion was at its peak—the perfect time to act.

Dong Ran had already prepared the post. As soon as Jiang Xiaobai gave the word, she hit send.

[Jiang Xiaobai Not So White v: They say to leave room for others, and I tried to do just that. But reality forced me to strike back. Here you go, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Please check.]

The post was accompanied by an audio clip.

Netizens, who had been tirelessly refreshing their feeds for updates, immediately noticed the new post. Many had been waiting for Jiang Xiaobai’s apology, so they clicked eagerly.

“Finally, she’s breaking her silence. She must be ready to apologize. Hah, I knew it—”

“Wait!”

“This tone doesn’t sound like an apology…”

Confused, netizens read the post and clicked on the audio clip.

“Why are you here?”

“I forgot to give you the USB drive…”

…

“Xiaobai, I like you… I can make you famous, give you resources…”

“Get out, or I’ll report you for sexual harassment.”

“Don’t push your luck. Do you still want to perform at the concert? Fine, you’re tough… Don’t regret this.”

The audio was crystal clear, recorded in a quiet environment. While Jiang Xiaobai’s voice might not be familiar, Ding Haoran’s was unmistakable.

As the conversation played out, netizens were stunned.

Moments later, the comments exploded.

“Holy cow, this is a bombshell!”

“I was wrong. I’ll never take sides again. Can I take it back?”

“I cried when I read Ding Haoran’s post, but now I realize I wasted my tears.”

“What a hypocrite! Who knew such a handsome face hid such a vile heart? I’m disgusted!”

Netizens were thoroughly repulsed. Male netizens felt Ding Haoran had shamed them, while female netizens thought men like him deserved to be shot.

First, he tried to force a confession, and then the audio captured the sound of clothes and physical struggle. It was clear what had happened.

What a despicable man! Disgusting!

Soon, an apology brigade formed in Jiang Xiaobai’s comments:

“I’m sorry. I misjudged you.”

“Sorry +1.”

“I apologize. I shouldn’t have slandered you without knowing the facts.”

“Damn, my face is red. From now on, I’ll just watch and never take sides again. If I do, I’m a pig!”

Some apologized, while others expressed joy and support. Fans like Mianmian and Juzi were practically in tears.

“Ding Haoran twisted the facts and publicly slandered you. That’s defamation, right? You should sue him,” someone suggested.

“I’m just curious—how do the celebrities who supported Ding Haoran feel now?”

“I don’t understand why my goddess Xu Anliu got involved in this mess! Her reputation is going to take a hit. I’m crying—Ding Haoran, you’re a piece of trash!”

Others became fans of Jiang Xiaobai after hearing the audio.

“Hahaha, am I the only one who found it hilarious? The part about buying posters and changing wallpapers had me in tears! Jiang Xiaobai’s personality is so fun. I’m a fan now!”

“Jiang Xiaobai’s calm response and sharp comebacks are exactly my style. Those who supported her are clearly wise. I’m following them all.”

“Following +1.”

The comments were a mixed bag, but Jiang Xiaobai only glanced at them briefly.

After the Dou Fang incident, she had stopped placing her hopes on netizens and fans. Whether they doubted her or supported her, it didn’t affect her.

 

 

Chapter 180: The Illegitimate Son

“After all this commotion, your Weibo followers have actually increased. It seems netizens are drawn to the excitement,” Dong Ran noted with a slight smirk.

It had only been half an hour since she posted the update, and the followers who had initially dropped off had not only returned but even surpassed the previous count.

These weren’t just fence-sitters; they were more like dandelions, swaying with the slightest breeze.

“Don’t waste your energy on them. Look on the bright side—this might actually work in our favor,” Jiang Xiaobai said to Dong Ran. Just then, her phone rang. It was Jiang Zhiyi.

“Xiaobai, I’ve finished looking into what you asked for. Should I release it online now?” Jiang Zhiyi asked, then briefly summarized his findings.

Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes lit up with understanding, as if a long-standing puzzle had finally been solved. “So that’s how it is… Alright, go ahead and post it.”

Ming Zhu and Dong Ran were unaware of what Jiang Xiaobai had heard on the phone. They were too busy speculating about Ding Haoran’s likely reaction.

“This isn’t just a slap in the face—it’s a career-ending blow,” Dong Ran chuckled. “If he’s smart, he’ll back down, offer compensation to avoid a lawsuit, and try to settle this quietly. Of course, he could also double down, insisting the audio is fake. That way, even if he can’t fully clear his name, some gullible netizens might still believe him, minimizing the damage.”

Back down?

Ming Zhu thought about it and doubted Ding Haoran would take that route.

As she was pondering this, she noticed a new update on Ding Haoran’s Weibo:

[No wonder you dared to seduce me in the hotel—you had a backup plan, huh? Must’ve been quite the effort to fake that audio. Do you even realize the legal consequences of slander and defamation?]

Ming Zhu’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at her phone screen. “He’s… he’s utterly shameless!”

This level of audacity shattered Ming Zhu’s moral compass—how could someone be so brazenly shameless?

Dong Ran’s expression darkened. Although she had anticipated this, seeing Ding Haoran’s desperate attempt to turn the tables still made her furious enough to want to hit someone.

Jiang Xiaobai walked over, saw Ding Haoran’s post, and raised an eyebrow, her smile deepening. “Don’t worry. He’ll soon have bigger problems to deal with.”

“Huh? What’s going on?” both women asked simultaneously.

“Just wait,” Jiang Xiaobai said, checking the time. The news should have been released by now, but it would take a little while for the public to catch on.

It didn’t take long. Just fifteen minutes later, Dong Ran spotted a glaring headline on the hot search list:

[Ding Haoran’s Identity Exposed: He’s Actually the Illegitimate Son of a Wealthy Family!]

Dong Ran’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly clicked on the link and saw a post from a well-known entertainment gossip blogger.

The post disclosed that Ding Haoran’s mother, Tian Yan, had been involved with a married tycoon named Liang. When the wife discovered the situation, Tian Yan, who was already pregnant, quickly married another man to avoid scrutiny. However, she continued her relationship with Liang after the marriage.

The man she married was unwell and passed away a few years later. After that, Tian Yan was supported by Liang, living in comfort with a mansion and luxury cars. To outsiders, she seemed to be a wealthy socialite.

Ding Haoran’s entry into the entertainment industry and his subsequent rise to fame were all thanks to his biological father, Liang. However, Liang, fearing his wife’s wrath, had been cautious in his support, never going all out to promote Ding Haoran.

The article concluded by stating that Liang had recently suffered a sudden stroke in his sleep, leaving half his body paralyzed and his speech slurred.

His company urgently needed an heir. Liang and his wife had a son, the eldest, but the boy was simple-minded and not very bright. Even if he didn’t run the company into the ground, he wouldn’t be able to take it to new heights.

In contrast, Ding Haoran, the illegitimate son, seemed like the better choice. However, his background was a stain, and the family patriarch, Liang’s father, was displeased and torn between choosing him or the eldest son.

Thus, Tian Yan and Ding Haoran hatched a plan—to find a well-connected woman for Ding Haoran to marry. With the support of her family, he could strengthen his claim to the inheritance.

For years, Ding Haoran had upheld a clean reputation, making sure no controversies affected his image, all to gain favor with his father and grandfather in the inheritance competition.

This strategy wasn’t inherently wrong. If he had kept it up for a few more years, he might have swayed his grandfather. Unfortunately, his father’s sudden illness had thrown a wrench in his plans. He hadn’t yet found a suitable wife from a prestigious family, and now he was facing the decision of who would inherit the company.

Below the text was a video featuring a middle-aged woman who identified herself as Tian Yan’s former maid. She had worked for the family for nearly a decade and knew many of their secrets.

She explained that Liang would visit irregularly, sometimes staying for as little as two days or as long as a month.

As she spoke, she pulled out her phone and showed a photo from a chat history, holding it up to the camera.

The photo depicted a middle-aged man and woman sitting on a couch, cuddling while eating fruit and watching TV. The man, in his fifties or sixties, had a portly build, while the woman, in her late forties, was dressed like a socialite, with a striking pearl necklace around her neck.

The maid explained apologetically, “I took this photo while working at their house and sent it to my daughter. She had heard me mention the necklace once and wanted to see what it looked like, so I snapped a quick picture and sent it to her.”

“Since I lived and worked in their home, I sometimes overheard Tian Yan’s conversations. That’s how I learned about her husband and her plans to find a high-status daughter-in-law.”

“Tian Yan was warm and attentive to outsiders, but at home, she was harsh with me, often deducting my salary or taking out her frustrations on me.”

As she spoke, she rolled up her sleeve, revealing a fading bruise on her arm.

After watching the video, the room fell silent.

Although Jiang Xiaobai had heard her brother’s explanation, it hadn’t been as detailed as this post. Now, after reading it, she too was silent.

Netizens, however, were thrilled.

“What a show!”

“This is incredible!”

“My eyes are popping out of my head!”

“A wealthy family’s illegitimate son fighting for inheritance—this is better than a soap opera! Keep it coming, storyteller!”

“I’m impressed. Ding Haoran’s been putting on such a perfect act just to secure his inheritance. Like mother, like son—she’s a mistress, and he’s no saint!”

“Looks like the incident with Jiang Xiaobai was true after all. With his character, who can believe anything he says? I almost fell for his claim that the audio was fake. I repent.”

 

 

Chapter 181: The Ungrateful Wolf

“Wait a minute, so the reason he wanted to pursue Jiang Xiaobai was because she’s a ‘well-connected heiress’ who could help him secure his inheritance?”

“Probably. He must’ve been desperate, afraid he couldn’t compete with the legitimate eldest son, so he tried to lock her down quickly. Too bad Jiang Xiaobai had the recording that day. Hahaha…”

“Not necessarily. He and Jiang Xiaobai had no prior interactions. How would he know her family background? Besides, he’s just an illegitimate son. His father already boosted his fame, but Jiang Xiaobai’s been in the industry for a while without much success. She doesn’t seem like she has a strong background.”

“He looks so much like his father. I’d never believe they’re not related.”

“What a scumbag! Disgusting! Someone like him should just leave the entertainment industry!”

In just two days, the situation had taken several dramatic turns. By now, no one doubted the authenticity of Jiang Xiaobai’s recording.

Was there even a question? It was obvious—that scumbag had tried to use her, and that’s why the whole incident happened!

Meanwhile, Dong Ran and Ming Zhu were busy berating Ding Haoran.

What he had done was beyond despicable. If he wanted to use Jiang Xiaobai, why treat her so horribly? Was that how a decent human being should act?

“His concert is falling apart. Many fans who bought tickets are demanding refunds, and it’s causing quite a stir,” Dong Ran said, her mood lifting.

Ding Haoran’s reputation was severely damaged. Fans who once admired him now regretted their support. Aside from a few loyal fans who remained in denial, most people with a sense of decency had distanced themselves from him.

His concert was just around the corner, but after the disgrace broke, ticket holders were clamoring for refunds. His Weibo was flooded with demands for an explanation.

At this point, Ding Haoran had gone silent, as if he’d vanished. This was expected, of course.

Who would have the courage to show their face at a time like this?

“Sister Ran, the company can sue him now,” Jiang Xiaobai said to Dong Ran. “This is defamation. If we take him to court, he’s done for.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Dong Ran replied with a smile, then got up to make a call.

Soon after, Tangming Entertainment’s official Weibo account posted a statement, declaring that they would pursue legal action to protect their artist’s reputation and ensure that those who spread falsehoods faced the consequences.

Netizens quickly rallied in support:

“Sue him! Make him pay!”

“Well done! That’s the way to handle it!”

Jiang Xiaobai, however, had something else in mind. “We can release that recording now.”

“What recording?” Ming Zhu asked, momentarily confused. “Didn’t we already release one?”

“She’s talking about the phone call,” Dong Ran explained, her smile turning mischievous. “Now’s the perfect time.”

With that, she edited the post and uploaded the audio.

This time, she didn’t add any text—just the audio. But the content was enough to infuriate the netizens who rushed to listen.

So what if there was a voice changer? The content fit the narrative perfectly. Besides, at this point, Jiang Xiaobai had no reason to fabricate anything. This had to be real.

The audio wasn’t complete—one sentence had been cut out. It was Ding Haoran’s line:

“Your biggest dream is to be a star, isn’t it? You even had disagreements with your family over it. I heard your parents were strongly opposed to you entering the entertainment industry. How do you think they’ll react if they find out your reputation has been affected?”

Jiang Xiaobai didn’t want her family’s private matters exposed. Netizens were curious by nature, and if someone dug into her background, it would only lead to more trouble.

While most comments were focused on condemning Ding Haoran’s underhanded tactics, some stood out for their humor:

“I’m officially a fan of this girl. ‘I regret not stopping you,’ ‘Anyone who crosses paths with you is in trouble,’ and that last line—I’m laughing so hard my stomach hurts.”

“Want to date? The kind where you get blacklisted before you even start? Hahaha.”

“Want to force yourself on me? The kind where you fail and your true colors are exposed to the whole world?”

“Want to threaten me? The kind where you get recorded and everyone hears it?”

Amid the jokes, one detail caught everyone’s attention:

“Ding Haoran mentioned a ‘trump card.’ Was he referring to Xu Anliu? What’s going on? Something feels off…”

“Does he have something going on with Xu Anliu?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! Xu Anliu’s been married for years, and she’s eight years older than him! Besides, she and her husband are happily married. Didn’t you see their interview?”

“Don’t drag Xu Anliu into this. We’re not interested, thank you.”

“Stop spreading rumors! My goddess Xu was just trying to help a friend. How could she have known he was such a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Even the maid said Ding Haoran’s always been a master of deception.”

“I can’t help but think about the other celebrities who spoke up for Ding Haoran. He turned around and called them ‘small-time stars.’ What an ungrateful jerk. It’s chilling.”

“I wonder how those celebrities feel now.”

“Let me just say this—don’t mess with Jiang Xiaobai. Everyone who tries ends up regretting it.”

“Yeah, she’s got way too much evidence. It’s hilarious.”

As everyone chatted, a sudden news alert popped up.

“Liu Feng involved in car accident, hospitalized with minor injuries.”

Everyone was stunned.

“Liu Feng got into a car accident? What’s going on?”

No one knew what to say.

Liu Feng was one of the celebrities who had publicly supported Ding Haoran.

Now that Tangming Entertainment had sued Ding Haoran, it was clear he wouldn’t come out unscathed. And just as things were heating up for him, Liu Feng got into an accident. What was this?

Brothers in misfortune?

Liu Feng was a second-tier celebrity, though not as influential as Ding Haoran. His Weibo was flooded with messages of concern and advice.

“Brother Feng, promise me you’ll be more careful, okay? Be cautious about who you associate with. Don’t let appearances fool you again!”

“Don’t be so quick to stand up for people in the future. It’s such a waste. Look, you’ve even lost followers.”

“You stood up for him, and he called you a ‘small-time star’ behind your back. How does that feel?”

Ming Zhu happily scrolled through the news, feeling thoroughly satisfied.

“A little injury might do him some good. Who told him to jump to conclusions and accuse my Sister Xiaobai? Serves him right. Thank goodness Sister Xiaobai’s fine… Oh! Look, there’s news about Hai Cen!”

“Hai Cen? What happened to him?” Dong Ran asked casually.

 

 

Chapter 182: Grand Opening

After Hai Cen fell off the stage, he was rushed to the hospital. Days had passed, but there had been no updates on his condition, leaving everyone in the dark.

“The news says… he’s disfigured, and one of his legs might be permanently disabled,” Ming Zhu said, her voice tight. She swallowed hard after speaking.

Dong Ran, who had been scrolling on her phone, froze and looked up in disbelief.

“Disfigured? Disabled??”

Shocked, Dong Ran quickly searched for Hai Cen’s name. The top result was a post about his condition.

The news had been leaked by a paparazzo who snuck into the hospital. Hai Cen’s manager had been keeping the details under wraps, likely because the injuries were too gruesome. Without the paparazzo’s intervention, the news wouldn’t have surfaced so quickly.

The paparazzo had posted a secretly taken photo of Hai Cen lying in a hospital bed. His left eye was bandaged, and there was gauze on his nose. The blanket covered his legs, so it was impossible to see their condition.

However, the accompanying text described his injuries, though it was unclear where the reporter had gotten the information.

“This is karma. He tried to harm Sun Cong, but now Sun Cong’s fine, and he’s the one who’s disabled.”

Dong Ran’s emotions were mixed, and she couldn’t help but reflect on the unpredictability of life.

The comments under the news were filled with shock, sadness, and pity.

“My beautiful Brother Cen… I can’t believe this!”

“Ahhh, why is my idol so unlucky? Does heaven have no eyes? I refuse to believe this is real!”

“This is so tragic. I saw how hard he fell, but I never imagined it would be this bad.”

“The news reported that he twisted his ankle after misstepping on the stairs. Additionally, he sustained an injury near his eye from an accidental contact with a metal frame.”

Hai Cen had always been known as a delicate, handsome young man. He was a talented actor who mostly focused on acting and rarely appeared on variety shows. There had been occasional reports of his bad temper, but they were minor and didn’t attract much attention. He had a large fanbase, mostly made up of admirers of his looks.

The sudden news of his disfigurement and disability was too much for his fans to accept. They cried out that heaven was blind, failing to protect such a beautiful boy. Some even stormed the official Weibo account of Starlight Unlimited, demanding answers and compensation.

But Jiang Xiaobai, Dong Ran, and Ming Zhu, who knew Hai Cen’s true nature, found the news deeply satisfying.

“I’m so happy today. It feels like all the good things are happening at once,” Ming Zhu said excitedly.

First, Jiang Xiaobai had cleared her name, and Ding Haoran was beyond redemption. Then, Liu Feng got injured, and now Hai Cen was disabled. It seemed like all the villains were being punished by fate, one after another. How could she not be thrilled?

Just then, her phone chimed.

Curious, she opened it and was stunned by the notification.

“Ahhh! Someone placed an order! Sister Xiaobai, my shop’s officially open!!!”

Her online store had been up for days, but it had been completely ignored. She had almost forgotten about it, only for it to make its first sale at this moment.

Good things really did come in bunches!

What’s more, the customer had been incredibly straightforward—no haggling, no questions, just a direct purchase.

“Which bracelet did they buy?” Jiang Xiaobai asked, leaning over to look.

Ming Zhu’s shop had a simple name: Linglong Boutique.

When Jiang Xiaobai saw the price of the order, she couldn’t help but gasp.

Ming Zhu was equally shocked. She had only just noticed what the customer had bought. “Oh my god, they bought the Spirit Bead Bracelet!”

The regular jade bead bracelets were priced at 559 yuan each, while the Spirit Bead Bracelet was listed at 1999 yuan.

Jiang Xiaobai and Ming Zhu had discussed the pricing of the Spirit Bead Bracelet. If Jiang Xiaobai were to sell it herself, it would cost at least 10,000 yuan, given that it contained spiritual energy and had real, tangible effects.

But selling it online for 10,000 yuan would seem insane. Not only would it be impossible to sell, but it would also attract too much attention.

So, Jiang Xiaobai decided to lower the price to 2000 yuan. After all, she didn’t plan to sell these talismanic beads commercially—they were meant as gifts for fans. Selling a limited number at this price wouldn’t be too demeaning.

Yes, selling them at such a low price was almost insulting for a grand talisman master, even if the spiritual energy in the beads was minimal and their effects weak.

Fortunately, the people of Yaoyue weren’t here. If they knew she was selling her handcrafted items at this price, they’d probably question their life choices.

“Well… congratulations, Zhu Zhu,” Dong Ran said, equally surprised.

She knew the power of Jiang Xiaobai’s talismanic beads because she wore one herself. Dong Ran had always struggled with insomnia, but since wearing the bead, she fell asleep as soon as she lay down and woke up refreshed.

If she had to pay for something like this, she wouldn’t hesitate to shell out 20,000 yuan—and she was sure many others would feel the same.

But the problem was—this was being sold online! Netizens had no way of knowing if the beads’ effects were real. They could only rely on the product description. For someone to buy it at such a high price without haggling… were they just that rich?

“Ahhh, I’m so excited! I need to pack it up and ship it out!” Ming Zhu’s face was flushed with excitement.

Jiang Xiaobai thought for a moment and said, “How about this? I’ll post a giveaway on Weibo and make some more bracelets.”

Dong Ran helped draft the Weibo post:

[Jiang Xiaobai Not So White v: This incident has caused quite a stir online, but fortunately, the truth has prevailed. I’m grateful to my friends in the industry for their trust and support, and to my fans for standing by me. I’m truly touched, so—it’s time for a giveaway!

Once again, it’s jade bead bracelets, but this time with a different effect. A little birdie told me they might have slimming and beautifying properties. Want to see if it works? Join the giveaway and find out! Follow and repost this Weibo, and tomorrow I’ll pick 10 lucky winners. Also, congratulations to the following 5 netizens—you’ve been chosen by the little fairy! DM me your addresses, and I’ll send you a bracelet.]

The post featured a photo of the talismanic bead bracelet, along with screenshots of five comments from netizens who had consistently supported Jiang Xiaobai during the controversy. Recognizing these loyal fans, she decided to reward them with bracelets without requiring them to enter a giveaway

This time, the beads weren’t the calming talismans but slimming talismans, suitable for both men and women.