Chapter 35: The Press Conference (Part Two)

"Xu Zihan, we love you!"
"Xu Zihan..."
The entire venue was filled only with the fervent cheers of fans. Xu Zihan’s fanbase had reached a terrifyingly high level, and after that night, the words she spoke to her fans at the Four Seasons Anthem Plaza spread rapidly.

"A celebrity’s duty is to teach us how to strive!"
"Don’t be an unattainable star—be a star that the public can truly see!"

These statements were widely quoted by numerous media outlets and even gained unanimous approval from all the top-tier celebrities, creating a ripple effect. Xu Zihan’s fans only grew in number.

Xu Zihan stepped onto the stage amidst the adoring gaze of thousands. The applause and cheers lingered long after her entrance.

On Yang Fan’s side, aside from Old Third and his companions who had only seen Xu Zihan on screen, everyone else was intimately familiar with her. Even Old Third and his friends joined the cheers, their youthful vigor evident in their enthusiastic applause.

Yang Fan glanced at the confident Xu Zihan on stage. He knew that the master of public relations was working instantaneously. Public relations was all about confidence and exhilaration.

Moreover, Xu Zihan’s makeup today was exquisite. The flashes from the journalists below the stage illuminated her, and the aura of a goddess seemed to sweep across the room.

"Hello, everyone. I am Xu Zihan. Before the press conference officially begins, I’d like to perform my new song, ‘Song to the Nine Heavens’..."

The applause grew even more intense.

Meanwhile, represented by Zhou Ya, dissatisfaction simmered beneath the surface. Zhou Ya’s discontent was, in fact, shared by a large group, for Xu Zihan was beginning to encroach upon their interests.

Wherever people gather, competition inevitably arises, and with competition comes jealousy. Facing Yang Fan’s group directly, they glared at Ai Xiaomei, for this girl had been the most active among them these past few days.

Ai Xiaomei, of course, was unafraid and returned their glare with proud defiance.

“Hmph, so she became famous by chance—what’s there to boast about?”
“Sister Zhou Ya, we refuse to acknowledge Xu Zihan as the leading lady of Jingtian. You’re the real one!”
“Don’t worry. Director Sun and I have a close relationship. She wants fame? Scandal is just another way to get famous! Besides, if I’m unhappy, she won’t have a peaceful press conference today.”

Their whispers, thinking themselves unnoticed, were overheard word for word by Yang Fan.

Of course, the Eye of SkyNet was an advanced surveillance system that far surpassed the era’s capabilities. If it couldn’t see what happened last night, did they really think their words would go unheard?

In an instant, the Eye of SkyNet spread out, locking directly onto Director Sun, who was attempting to sneak into the projection room.

“To be threatened by an artist like this—what a failure you are as a director!” Yang Fan sneered. Had the world turned upside down? Wasn’t it supposed to be the director threatening the artist?

He glanced behind him, whispered into Liu Haoyu’s ear to keep them here, and then took a step back, motioning to Old Third to bring two people along.

Old Third understood. They weren’t far from Director Sun to begin with. Under the pretense of heading to the restroom, they grabbed Director Sun and dragged him to an isolated corner.

Director Sun’s struggle was futile. Old Third and his companions were experienced, and Yang Fan didn’t even need to intervene.

“What are you doing? Is this robbery? I’ll call the police!” Director Sun shouted.

Old Third slapped him hard. In this deserted spot, they tossed him to the ground.

“I warn you, this is a crime!”

“Shut up!” One of Old Third’s followers kicked him again, this time without holding back. Director Sun clutched his leg, looking at the group in terror.

“What are you holding?” Yang Fan asked coldly.

“N-nothing,” Director Sun clenched his hand tightly. No one would believe there was nothing.

“Hand it over!” Old Third crouched down and punched Director Sun’s arm. The USB drive was quickly snatched away.

“Boss!”

Yang Fan took the USB drive. He knew exactly what was inside—Memory Pupils, capable of reading anyone’s past.

He toyed with it for a moment and asked, “What’s in this?”

“It’s... it’s some interviews.”

Director Sun barely paused before Old Third kicked him again, barking, “Answer each question as soon as it’s asked—are you squeezing beans out?”

Director Sun, now frightened, quickly replied, “They’re interviews with Deputy Director Wang Li and some others, talking about Xu Zihan’s supposed shady dealings and scandals! But those slanderous words have nothing to do with me!” He hurried to distance himself.

Yang Fan sneered. If Xu Zihan truly had such shady dealings, would she have struggled for years without breaking through? Besides, if there were anything, wouldn’t he know?

“Give me his phone,” Yang Fan said.

This time, Old Third didn’t even have to act—Director Sun obediently handed over his phone.

“Who else is involved?” Yang Fan asked coldly.

Director Sun quickly gave several names. Yang Fan instructed Old Third to message them.

“Write: ‘Each of you come here to collect five hundred thousand!’”

“Boss, that’s a lot!” Old Third grinned, fingers flying across the phone screen.

In just seconds, the messages were sent.

Yang Fan took a step forward. “Hand over your other phone.”

Director Sun’s panic was immediate, but Yang Fan gave him no chance to react. He stomped on Director Sun’s chest, and despite the struggle, Old Third snatched the phone away.

Yang Fan tapped the screen, flipped through the photo album, and sneered at the indecent images.

There was some noise by the wall—the others had arrived. Seeing the situation, they tried to escape, only to find themselves unable to move.

Old Third and his men dragged the three outsiders inside.

Yang Fan wasted no words, confiscating their most confidential phone. It was unclear whether these men were simply twisted or had ulterior motives.

They always liked to keep evidence of their affairs with female celebrities—the images were staggering.

“From now on, who is the absolute leading lady?”

“It’s Xu Zihan—no, Sister Zihan!”

Yang Fan nodded with satisfaction. “You like suppressing others, do you? Well, I’m telling you now: you will suppress anyone involved in this matter.

Do this well, and I won’t pursue it further. Fail, and you’ll have only yourselves to blame!”

“Yes, yes, boss, we’ll follow your orders!”

“All right, get out!” Yang Fan said coldly. Seeing their hesitation, Old Third kicked them out and took their wallets for good measure.

The four, including Director Sun, dared not utter a word. Of course, Yang Fan only let them go because he was fully prepared.

“Boss, if there’s ever another opportunity like this, we’re always available!” Old Third and his men were ecstatic—it was like picking up money off the ground!

And picking up so much they could barely carry it!