DASFAM_23
As night falls.
The buzz on the Imperial Capital University forum shows no signs of dying down. The repost of Song Zhiqing's lengthy indictment has garnered nearly seven hundred comments, with the public opinion uniformly condemning.
—"To provoke such anger from Professor Song, in a way, Bai Xu is really something."
—"I know him, he was always quiet and kept to himself during university, who would have thought he'd turn out to be such a scoundrel behind the scenes!"
—"I've heard Bai Xu is a repeat offender, and it's always been Professor Song cleaning up his mess."
—"I had the misfortune of being in a group project with him once, he was always making excuses to avoid doing any work, very unsociable."
—"Someone who dares to plagiarize right under the noses of their mentor and boss is truly a disgrace to the profession."
—"Bai Xu comes from a pretty ordinary background, right? How come I heard he was 'selling himself' for a while?"
—"Holy crap, is that true?"
"......"
Comments like these are endless. Even without any evidence, the sheer volume of accusations is enough to pin Bai Xu to the pillar of shame for 'moral corruption'.
Shang Yanxiao frowned and simply turned off the tablet.
"Third Young Master, I noticed that many comment threads are missing from the post."
Xie Qi shared the details he observed, "It seems the original poster has deleted neutral or positive comments, subtly steering the narrative. Moreover, these discussions have already spread to industry-related forums."
There’s no need to thinking too much, the person behind this is undoubtedly Song Zhiqing.
Shang Yanxiao looked up and instructed, "Have someone monitor this in real-time. Whether it’s on the forum or other social media platforms, take screenshots of any excessive or defamatory remarks and hand them over to the legal team for future use."
Xie Qi nodded, "Understood. Lawyer Zhang’s team is already on it."
Shang Yanxiao gave a slight nod.
Xie Qi put away his tablet, his tone carrying a hint of subtle probing, "Third Young Master, you've never concerned yourself with matters like this before. This time, you seem even more concerned than Mr. Xiao Bai himself."
In the past, Shang Yanxiao had always been preoccupied with corporate and business affairs, focusing on how to outmaneuver competitors and maximize the profits of his projects. He rarely had the time or inclination to pay attention to outsiders or trivial matters, let alone instruct a legal team to monitor public opinion.
"......"
Shang Yanxiao fell silent, and when he looked up again, there was a subtle sharpness in his gaze, "Is that so?"
What?
Did it seem like he was 'overly concerned' about Bai Xu's situation?
Xie Qi was startled by the questioning look in his eyes, and quickly corrected his words, "Oh, what I meant was that Mr. Xiao Bai doesn't seem affected at all. He was quite confident during dinner and seems to have a plan already."
"It’s best if he has a plan."
Shang Yanxiao’s eyebrows twitched slightly, and he subconsciously added, "That way, we can avoid the public opinion from getting out of hand, and prevent someone from idly digging up his personal information, which could implicate our third branch."
"......"
It's probably hard to link back to us, right?
Xie Qi silently pondered this in his heart but responded with professional composure, "Understood."
He adjusted his glasses and asked, "Third Young Master, regarding the information you previously asked me to investigate about Song Zhiqing, Fang Xu, and others, do you still want to review it? Or should we just leave it? Let Mr. Xiao Bai handle it on his own?"
"......"
Shang Yanxiao couldn't help but lock eyes with his assistant again, "You dare to joke with me now?"
"Not at all."
Xie Qi suppressed a smile and once again handed over the investigation contents from his tablet, "Third Young Master, maybe you should still take a look? I'm afraid Mr. Xiao Bai might not be able to handle it alone, and it could implicate the third branch."
Shang Yanxiao sipped his warm water calmly, as if commenting on Bai Xu, or perhaps justifying himself, "Troublesome."
Meanwhile, Bai Xu, who was being called 'troublesome', was completely unaware of what was happening in the master bedroom. He was busy discussing matters with Qiu Yi and others, not paying the slightest attention to the criticisms online.
Another night passed.
The online discussions surrounding the incident continued to escalate, spreading not only across school and industry-related forums but also being picked up by marketing accounts, landing on the entertainment section of Weibo's hot search list—
#ImperialUniversityProfessorAccusesStudentofPlagiarism#
Although the title didn't explicitly name anyone, clicking into the related trending topic quickly revealed 'helpful netizens' decoding the entire incident, once again placing the blame squarely on Bai Xu's shoulders.
Imperial Capital University had no choice but to issue a response on its official website:
【We are currently contacting the parties involved to understand the situation. Since its founding, our university has adhered to the educational philosophy of 'upholding virtue, seeking truth, and being pragmatic.' We firmly oppose academic misconduct and will not hastily determine the truth. We ask our faculty, students, and netizens to remain patient.】
Some netizens who were eager to stir up trouble commented: "What more is there to understand? Are you suggesting that Professor Song is lying?"
There are also more rational netizens who are following the drama: "That's not necessarily true, right? Where's the evidence that the student plagiarized? I've clicked in here so many times, but I haven't seen any proof?"
—"Did Bai Xu spend money to hire internet trolls? Everyone has seen the character and conduct of Master Song! Does he need to defame a student who has no reputation in the industry at all?"
—"Exactly! Check out @Taojing Studio, they've already released many ceramic design drafts that Bai Xu has suspiciously borrowed from. The evidence is solid!"
—"Isn't the worst part that he submitted the hard work of the studio team under his own name? How shameless!"
—"[Website link] This is the official website of the International Natural Ceramic Art Exhibition. You can request the organizers to revoke Bai Xu's personal eligibility to exhibit and compete!"
"......"
Song Zhiqing is a renowned master in the ceramic industry, known for his decades of consistent elegance and kindness towards others. On the other hand, Bai Xu, who is at the center of the storm, is a nobody with few works and achievements to his name, and he has remained silent since the incident began.
Right and wrong seem clear at a glance.
There are troublemakers stirring the pot, and bystanders being swayed off course. The public opinion has been repeatedly driven in waves. Just when everyone thought the matter was settled—
A new post suddenly appeared on the forum of Imperial Capital University. The poster did not use an anonymous alias. Instead, the newly registered ID directly stated: Bai Xu BX.
【I am making a real-name accusation: Song Zhiqing, a professor in the Ceramic Design Department at Imperial Capital University, has long been using threats, intimidation, and psychological manipulation to steal students' original designs and claim their works as his own! I urge the university and the public to take note and judge for themselves!】
It was Saturday, and the bold, enlarged headline immediately caught the attention of many students and faculty. In no time, the news spread like wildfire, and even curious netizens flocked to the post.
Perhaps fearing that people might doubt the authenticity of the new ID, Bai Xu straightforwardly included a video in the main post to prove his identity.
Likely due to preconceived notions shaped by Song Zhiqing's portrayal, netizens had imagined Bai Xu as a selfish, poor, and unattractive average man. However, the moment they clicked on the video—
Bai Xu appeared on the screen wearing a clean, simple white T-shirt. His fair and delicate features were particularly striking, and his entire face exuded a natural softness and innocence.
"Hello everyone, I'm Bai Xu from the Ceramic Design Department at Imperial Capital University, and I just graduated last year."
His gentle tone carried a hint of unavoidable nervousness, and coupled with his non-threatening appearance and demeanor, many people were instantly swayed to change their initial impressions.
—"Wow! Why didn't anyone tell me Bai Xu looks like this?"
—"I have no principles, no moral compass, I'm just here for the drama, and I'm switching sides on the spot."
—"Teachers, classmates, are you sure you didn't get it wrong? Does this face look like it belongs to someone who would do something bad?"
—"Appearances can be deceiving, could this just be a publicity stunt?"
Real-time comments floated across the video, and after a brief self-introduction, Bai Xu quickly moved on to his clarification statement.
"Today, I am publicly reporting Song Zhiqing, a professor in the Ceramic Design Department at Imperial Capital University. During my four years at university, he used his position as my mentor to claim authorship of seven of my original works, presenting them as his own to the public!"
Bai Xu had come prepared. He pulled out a tablet and clearly and accurately stated the design timeline for each piece. He also displayed the process from initial drafts to revisions, and then to molding and finalizing, with each step meticulously documented with timestamps.
Some netizens with relevant expertise couldn't help but marvel—
Oh my!
How much must he love his own work to have recorded everything so thoroughly?
Bai Xu further elaborated in front of the camera, "When I designed my second original piece, 『Vivid』, Song Zhiqing expressed some admiration for it and even mentioned that he would secure a spot for me in a suitable competition."
"I trusted him as my mentor, but two months later, this piece won a national award, yet the credit was given to him as the original creator."
The ceramic series 『Vivid』 is one of Song Zhiqing's most famous 'creations' in the past three years. After winning the award, it even represented the Chinese Ceramic Art Association in overseas exhibitions.
And now, Bai Xu is claiming: This is his work?
Knowledgeable netizens were both shocked and skeptical. Bai Xu further displayed screenshots of his past chat records with Song Zhiqing, complete with timestamps as evidence.
"I once approached Song Zhiqing to inquire about the situation, but he used his title and reputation as a mentor to pressure me, instead rebuking me for being too focused on awards and rankings. He even said that this work wouldn't have won any awards without his name."
"Not only that, but he also engaged in prolonged coercion and enticement, subjecting me to repeated cycles of psychological manipulation tactics! This made me start doubting myself, feeling that I had to rely on his guidance to achieve anything."
"Since my internship, I joined the ceramic studio he recommended. In reality, this company was funded by him and co-founded with the boss, Fang Xu!"
"They continuously exploited my value, plagiarized my work, and unreasonably delayed the commissions I rightfully deserved!"
Bai Xu's logic and eloquence were both clear, and his measured tone was occasionally tinged with a sob, combined with his genuinely reddened and sincere eyes, making his appeal incredibly impactful.
"As for the matter that everyone is most concerned about, the accusation that I 'plagiarized' the studio team's work for competitions and exhibitions, it's completely false! I have already submitted relevant copyright statements, design sketches, concept drawings, and more to the international ceramic exhibition organizers. I believe the officials will make the correct judgment!"
"Additionally, I have compiled and released all the evidence, and the lawsuits related to these incidents have been handed over to my legal team for processing."
"Lastly, I want to say—"
Bai Xu looked directly into the camera, the softness in his expression gradually replaced by determination.
"I know I'm just an unknown figure in this industry, and perhaps my statement won't shake this so-called 'mountain.' But someone has to take the first step!"
"Now, I want to seek justice for my past self and for any potential 'other mes' out there!"
"I firmly believe that a 'mountain' built with false stones is precarious and will eventually crumble, only to be trampled underfoot by truly exceptional climbers!"
His resounding declaration marked the end of the clarification video, leaving viewers inspired and invigorated.
Bai Xu had already compiled and posted the key evidence and chat records below the video, making his case far more convincing than Song Zhiqing's lengthy, text-only accusation.
Not only that, but several graduates from the same department have also come forward with real-name reports under this video:
@Zheng Hua: I am Zheng Hua, a graduate of the class of 2021. I am reporting under my real name that Professor Song Zhiqing from Imperial Capital University plagiarized my original ceramic artwork 『Spring Shadow』 and then used his position as a mentor and the threat of delaying my graduation to pressure me into compliance! [Relevant evidence in a long image]
@Bai Yueqi: I am a graduate of the class of 2022. I am reporting under my real name that Professor Song Zhiqing from Imperial Capital University, using his position as a judge in major ceramic art competitions, openly manipulated competition rankings to secure high scores, thereby repeatedly obtaining improper benefits!
@Dong Jiangshan: I am a graduate of the class of 2022. I am also reporting under my real name against Song Zhiqing. He plagiarized and stole my graduation project, and used the same methods to spread rumors privately, leading to my expulsion from major studios in the industry! I once tried to expose him, but he used money to suppress it! Such a person is not fit to be a teacher!
Bai Xu's statement set a good precedent, and now six more graduates have come forward with real-name reports against Song Zhiqing!
What’s even more shocking is that new anonymous accounts have emerged, accusing Song Zhiqing of using his position as a supervising professor to harass and assault students—
He specifically targeted female students who appeared introverted and solitary. As for his methods of silencing victims afterward, they were all the same, clearly indicating that he is a repeat offender! Please be extra cautious and vigilant, fellow junior female classmates who are reading this!
More and more evidence and testimonies are pointing directly at Song Zhiqing, completely tearing off the carefully crafted facade he has maintained for years.
And all of this was part of Bai Xu’s prearranged plan!
He had guessed that Song Zhiqing, over the years, couldn’t have targeted only the original victim. Therefore, he specifically asked Qiu Yi, who has a good reputation and connections, to help investigate and inquire discreetly.
During their time at the university, Zheng Hua and others suffered deeply under his actions, but they were powerless and had no avenue to voice their grievances. However, after learning that Bai Xu was willing to step forward as the first to speak out, they finally found the courage to join in!
The power of one person may seem insignificant, but when more and more people are willing to raise their voices, the collective sound becomes impossible to ignore.
The increasing number of counter-accusations and the emergence of evidence are like countless hands, gathering enough strength to deliver a resounding slap back onto Song Zhiqing’s face!
High moral integrity? A lie!
A role model for teachers? Also a lie!
Selfless pursuit of knowledge? All of it, utterly false!
—"I wanted to say this yesterday. Right after Song Zhiqing posted that long 'accusation', it wasn't long before it was shared on the forum, and then he changed the privacy settings. I think it was intentional, right? After all, no matter how widely it spreads later, he has already deleted the original post."
—"Yesterday, I defended Bai Xu in that post and suggested that Song Zhiqing might be the one with issues. Less than a minute after I posted, my comment was deleted. How can they claim there's no manipulation things?"
—"I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks that Song Zhiqing, despite his smiling appearance, is actually cunning and scary. I usually avoid him when I see him at campus, and now he's finally been exposed."
Many alumni who had been silently observing finally spoke their minds, and the online spectators also joined in with their outrage:
—"Ugh! What a filthy piece of trash! How is this person even qualified to be a teacher?"
—"I’ve seen professors involved in academic fraud, but I never expected even art professors would be faking things? Unbelievable!"
—"@Imperial Capital University, is the president watching? Are the senior board members watching? This matter must be thoroughly investigated and handled seriously!"
"......"
In just one day, public opinion completely reversed, and now Bai Xu stands at the pinnacle of the situation.
Shang Queyan watched the entire video from start to finish, then looked up at the person sitting across from him—
Bai Xu was leisurely cutting his foie gras, every movement exuding elegance and grace, a far cry from the pitiful image in the video of 'desperately resorting to reporting the incident'.
Although Shang Queyan had already witnessed Bai Xu's ability to change expressions, he still felt a small sense of awe, "Your acting skills are a waste if you don't join the entertainment industry."
With the release of this clarification video, Bai Xu's tearful accusations alone garnered an overwhelming amount of sympathy.
Some netizens couldn't help but exclaim: With a face like Bai Xu's, it's clear he harbors no ill intentions. His personality must be as soft as a cotton ball! It must have taken immense courage for him to stand up and accuse Song Zhiqing like this!
Tsk, tsk.
No ill intentions? Soft like a cotton ball? More like a wolf in sheep's clothing, deliberately feigning weakness but capable of delivering a fatal blow at the critical moment!
To be honest, Shang Queyan felt a certain admiration deep down—
Some traits of the other person were strikingly similar to his own older brother: A firm belief in retribution, decisive and ruthless actions, swift and precise. With just one move, Song Zhiqing was completely doomed!
Bai Xu met Shang Queyan's gaze and remarked, "It's your brother's face that would be a waste not to enter the entertainment industry."
"......"
Shang Queyan snorted, "My brother excels in any circle he's in."
Bai Xu, noticing the overflowing admiration for his brother in the person before him, was reminded of how he, too, had grown and excelled in the original story, "You're the same. Winning a global-level competition at such a young age."
As soon as these words were spoken, Butler Lin and Xie Qi, who were nearby, visibly tensed, fearing that Bai Xu might have touched on one of Shang Queyan's sensitive topics.
But Bai Xu showed no restraint and continued, "Since you can endure the hardships of training, you must also be able to withstand the pain of rehabilitation. If you're willing to represent the third branch in the group, your future capabilities might not be any less than your brother's."
Without any deliberate flattery or ingratiation, he forcefully injected a warm current into the heart.
Shang Queyan was stunned for a few seconds, his eyes gradually showing a ripple of emotion. "...Do you really think so?"
Bai Xu praised both, "Yeah, since Shang Yanxiao is so outstanding, how could you, as his brother, be any less?"
Shang Queyan raised his chin slightly, and a long-absent, smug confidence resurfaced, "Naturally."
Butler Lin and Xie Qi exchanged a glance, each hiding a hint of a relieved smile.
Back when the third branch of the family hadn't encountered any mishaps, the fourth young master used to carry himself just like this in front of his parents and elder brother. It seems now that he's gradually emerging from the shadow of his grief, and his mindset is improving day by day.
Bai Xu, having eaten his fill, picked up the glass of warm water beside him, "Xie Qi, it seems we've pretty much nailed Song Zhiqing. Please arrange for the follow-up exposes on the relevant social media platforms."
"Let's guide the public opinion against him in the same way he's been steering it against me these past couple of days."
What goes around comes around.
A knife only reveals its sharpest edge and inflicts the greatest pain when it strikes those who truly deserve it.
Xie Qi, having long been accustomed to such counterattacks from Shang Yanxiao, adjusted his glasses with a slight push, "Don't worry, Mr. Xiao Bai, I'll make sure everything is arranged according to your instructions."
While some sit at home strategizing, others are as frantic as ants on a hot pan—
In a lavishly decorated suite, Song Zhiqing had completely lost his usual composure and ease.
When the wall collapses, everyone pushes!
Since Bai Xu spoke out, in just two short days, more and more people have come forward to accuse him. Even his wife and children, who are overseas, have criticized his misconduct, leading to two heated arguments over the phone!
On the internet, there are quite a few people who fish in troubled waters, joining in the fun and fabricating stories. Of course, there are also those who come out swinging with solid evidence. Even his 'glorious' deeds from decades ago have been dug up and exposed!
Song Zhiqing underestimated the destructive power of the internet and never imagined that the wave of denouncement he started would eventually backfire on him.
The phone rang, it was his assistant calling.
Feeling guilty, Song Zhiqing had already rejected over a dozen 'greetings' from his peers. This time, he hurriedly answered, "Hello, what did the legal team say?"
The assistant's voice was weak, "Mr. Song, I've consulted the lawyer. He said we can only start by gathering evidence and issuing a lawyer's letter to assert your right to reputation, demanding that netizens stop spreading false rumors and insults about you."
These days, suing for defamation of reputation rather than libel speaks volumes about the truth.
The assistant was well aware of Song Zhiqing's despicable behavior, but as a salaried employee, he could only follow orders.
"I contacted the forum administrator last night demanding the post be taken down, but they just responded that the school has taken over the investigation and the post cannot be deleted."
The matter has completely spread.
At this critical juncture, deleting the post would only further corroborate the authenticity of the allegations made by Bai Xu and others, wouldn't it?
"......"
Song Zhiqing gritted his teeth, "What about the PR team? Have you found one yet? No matter how much it costs, I want this situation suppressed!"
The accusations roared through the phone, a far cry from his usual so-called 'refined' demeanor.
The assistant's ears ached from the shouting, enduring the resentment of a mere employee, "Mr. Song, the evidence chain from Bai Xu's side is too comprehensive, and you can't refute all of it. It's indeed a bit tricky."
"The PR team suggests that you issue an apology statement, admitting to a couple of the most trivial 'mistakes', and then say there was a misunderstanding between both parties, and that private communication and negotiation are underway, then..."
"Apologize and admit my mistakes? Impossible!"
Song Zhiqing refused outright, then turned to scolding, "What are you and the PR team good for? Can't even handle such a small matter?"
He had been in the limelight for decades, and now he was supposed to apologize to a young upstart like Bai Xu?
Wasn't this clearly slapping his own face!
The assistant was utterly speechless. After a long silence, he finally couldn't hold back, "Mr. Song, if you're so great, handle it yourself! Do you really think I care about this measly salary of a few thousand bucks? I quit!"
Song Zhiqing's mouth twitched, "What did you say?"
The assistant seemed to have flipped a switch to freedom, "You've already ruined your own reputation, and you still have the nerve to blame others? Pah!"
Song Zhiqing was stunned by the sudden barrage of insults. Listening to the resolute busy tone on the phone, he felt all the blood in his body rush to his head.
No!
He couldn't be defeated like this!
Suppressing the shame and anger of being slapped in the face, Song Zhiqing tried to contact a school board member he had good relations with. As long as the school cooperated to delete the posts and stood on his side, it would be easier to resolve.
But before he could find the contact information, a link popped up in a WeChat window, sent by his assistant:
"Mr. Song, see for yourself. Goodbye."
The last words were dripping with sarcasm.
Song Zhiqing felt a tightness in his chest, his hands trembling as he clicked on the link. Soon, the page redirected to the official website of Imperial Capital University, where a latest situation update was posted:
【Recently, allegations have surfaced online from our university's graduates (Bai and Zheng) against Professor Song of our Ceramic Design Department. Our university takes these allegations very seriously and has immediately contacted the aforementioned graduates to verify the situation.
It has now been confirmed that Professor Song of our Ceramic Design Department failed to fulfill his duties as a mentor. During his tenure, he repeatedly used his position to oppress and infringe upon the rightful creative rights of multiple students. These numerous accusations are all in violation of relevant regulations!
After a unanimous decision by several senior university board members and relevant educational authorities, Professor Song's title is hereby revoked, and his teaching duties are suspended effective immediately!】
After Song Zhiqing read these lines, he dared not continue further. He took several deep breaths, trying to alleviate the tightness in his chest—
The development of events seemed to have hit the fast-forward button, leaving no time for his 'sophistry'!
The university's official website publicly issued a notice, stripped him of his title, and suspended his position, which was a harsh slap in the face in front of the entire university faculty and students!
But this was far from the end. A group message popped up in the large group of the Chinese Ceramic Art Association, specifically mentioning his name.
Below the group message, a Weibo link was attached, as if some major announcement had been made.
Song Zhiqing clenched his teeth and clicked in to check.
During the few seconds it took for the webpage to redirect, his heart felt as if it were being tightly gripped by an invisible hand, awaiting the verdict of doom.
The more one fears something, the more it seems to come!
As expected, the Chinese Ceramic Art Association made a statement on its official Weibo:
【Based on the current evidence of the allegations, the association has decided to revoke Song Zhiqing's title as Vice President of the Chinese Ceramic Art Association. In the future, we will not promote any works related to Song Zhiqing on our official platforms.
Upon further confirmation of the evidence, the association will assist in restoring the original rights and deserved awards of the works plagiarized from the victimized graduates!
Art should never be a mountain blocking the way. We hope that all artists and creators can adhere to their original intentions and respect originality! Let us join hands to reach the pinnacle of the peaks!】
The comment section, usually quiet with only a few people, was now flooded with curious netizens.
—"Wow! The resolution was fast! Impressive!"
—"Oh my god, the association even mentioned they would help restore everyone's deserved original work awards, that's really good!"
—"Does this statement mean Song Zhiqing is softly blacklisted from the industry?"
—"Good! People like Song Zhiqing who seek fame and reputation should just leave! Such malignant tumors should be expelled from the ceramic art industry!"
"......"
Song Zhiqing looked at the sharp criticisms in the comment section, the tightness in his chest finally overwhelming him, and his legs gave way as he collapsed to his knees.
He felt no pain in his knees, his face alternating between green and pale, his heart filled with an indescribable mix of regret and hatred.
It's over! All over!
With the issuance of this 'soft blacklist' statement within the industry, the image and status he had painstakingly built over the years were ultimately destroyed in an instant! He feared there would be an endless stream of lawsuits to face in the future!
...
At the same time, Taojing Studio.
The employee responsible for the online store operations approached Fang Xu with an anxious expression, "Boss, our studio's Weibo is being flooded with negative comments from netizens, and all three of our online shops have been overrun!"
Ever since it was revealed that Taojing Studio, in collaboration with Song Zhiqing, had been oppressing Bai Xu, outraged netizens have been causing trouble. Some who had previously purchased items started leaving bad reviews, while others repeatedly placed and canceled orders!
Other netizens have filed official complaints, demanding the shutdown of the studio's shops for their plagiaristic practices. As a result, one of the shops has already been forced to close!
Fang Xu was well aware of the current predicament. Listening to the incessant ringing of the unanswered phone, he angrily threw his mobile onto the desk.
"That good-for-nothing Song Zhiqing! He acted all high and mighty before, confidently claiming he could handle it? And now, he's disappeared without a trace!"
When something goes wrong and everything falls apart, leaving behind a huge mess, he ends up dragging the studio into it and then just disappears? How typical of him!
The operations employee, seeing Fang Xu in a fit of rage, was somewhat afraid to respond.
Suddenly, the office door was pushed open from the outside.
Qiu Yi walked in, maintaining a semblance of politeness, "Boss."
Fang Xu frowned and stared at her, "What do you want?"
Qiu Yi handed over a pre-prepared resignation letter, "This is my resignation notice, please approve it."
"......"
Fang Xu was taken aback, then quickly realized, "Qiu Yi, I remember you and Bai Xu are alumni, senior and junior from the same school? Tell me, were you involved in this matter?"
"So what if we are alumni?"
Qiu Yi neither denied nor accepted the blame, "Boss, the studio ended up like this is not because my fault. If something went wrong, you should look for the cause within yourself."
Fang Xu slammed the table and stood up, his suppressed anger no longer containable, "You!"
The operations employee panicked, "Sister Qiu."
Qiu Yi faced his fury head-on but showed no fear, "Boss, if you dare to hit me, I dare to sue you. Do you really think the studio doesn't have enough lawsuits already?"
"......"
Fang Xu was seething with anger.
Before he could come up with a response, another group of people pushed open the office door unannounced.
The assistant, unable to stop them, hurriedly explained to Fang Xu, "Boss, they, they're from the Tax Bureau, I couldn't stop them."
The leading official approached Fang Xu, presenting his credentials, "Are you Fang Xu? We've received reports accusing you of financial fraud and tax evasion. Please cooperate with our investigation."
The anger on Fang Xu's face immediately froze, a flicker of panic deep in his pupils. He turned to Qiu Yi, "Was it you who reported me?"
Qiu Yi refused to take the blame, "It has nothing to do with me. Boss, are you feeling guilty?"
"......"
Fang Xu's mind was in such a whirl that he couldn't muster a single word of rebuttal.
The officials from the relevant department didn't give him any time to handle things discreetly. They stepped forward and demanded, "Please cooperate. We need to confiscate your studio's financial flow statements for the past three years, and..."
Their voices gradually faded with distance.
Qiu Yi, who had left the office, took a deep breath and walked away without looking back, carrying her already packed belongings. Only after she had exited the studio did she quickly dial Bai Xu's number.
—Buzz, buzz, buzz.
The phone on the table vibrated.
Bai Xu's gaze shifted away from the forum interface, and he stood up to answer the call, "Hello, Sister Qiu? Have you finished with the resignation? Did Fang Xu give you a hard time?"
Qiu Yi laughed, "He didn't get the chance to trouble me. The authorities came to investigate, saying he's suspected of tax evasion. Bai Xu, honestly, was it you who reported him?"
"......"
"I could tell from the investigators' expressions that they probably already have some substantial evidence in hand."
Hearing her words, Bai Xu furrowed his brow slightly, "It wasn’t me. I haven’t made my move yet."
Most of Fang Xu's actions stemmed from his greed for profit. Although his methods were despicable, most of them only skirted the edges of illegality.
Bai Xu had originally planned to first gain the upper hand by suing him, then gradually investigate any possible financial discrepancies in the studio, and continue to report him to add to his troubles.
Unexpectedly, someone had beaten him to it?
Hearing his response, Qiu Yi found it odd, "How could someone else have the same idea as you? Perhaps Fang Xu has made too many enemies, and a rival wanted to take this opportunity to bring him down?"
"......"
Bai Xu didn't respond, his mind flashing with an unlikely speculation.
Qiu Yi on the other end of the phone sensed his hesitation, "Bai Xu? What's wrong?"
Bai Xu snapped out of his thoughts, "It's nothing, Sister Qiu. Thank you for all your help during this time."
"I'll treat you to a meal another day. Take a good rest these next few days. I'll contact you once I get the studio's plans on track."
"Alright, let's leave it at that for now."
The call was decisively ended.
Bai Xu's fingers brushed against the edge of his phone as he pondered the newly learned information:
Even though the vast number of netizens were furious with Fang Xu over the incident involving Song Zhiqing and wanted to complain about the studio, without relevant evidence, it was impossible for the authorities to mobilize an investigation so quickly.
If it were the 'rival' Qiu Yi mentioned, since they already had evidence, there would be no need to wait until now to report it.
Bai Xu had a strong intuition that someone was secretly manipulating things to help him? And the fact that he wanted to deal with Song Zhiqing and Fang Xu was known to very few people from the start—
Qiu Yi and the other senior brothers and sisters were busy collecting evidence and jointly dealing with Song Zhiqing, they didn't have the energy to do that;
Shang Queyan's personality didn't seem like the type to keep things hidden, if he wanted to help, he would have definitely said so upfront from the beginning;
As for Xie Qi, from start to finish, he was just following his orders...
Thinking this, Bai Xu softly refuted himself, "Not right."
The one who truly could make Xie Qi follow orders wasn't him, but someone else!
The suspicion in Bai Xu's heart grew stronger. He wasn't one to procrastinate, so he quickly opened his door and headed towards the master bedroom.
Chen Yufei, who was guarding the master bedroom, saw him, "Mr. Xiao Bai."
Bai Xu slightly raised his eyelids, "How is Third Young Master? Still unconscious?"
Chen Yufei nodded as usual, his face not showing much emotion.
"......"
Is that so?
Today, he was determined to get to the truth from the person involved!
Bai Xu had no intention of forcing an answer out of Chen Yufei, and pretended to be calm, "I'll go inside to check on him. You stay here and keep watch."
Chen Yufei didn't suspect anything, "Understood."
Bai Xu entered the room, not bothering to lock the door deliberately. As he looked at Shang Yanxiao lying on the bed, the hazy images from what he had thought was a dream began to feel more and more real.
A truth was on the verge of being revealed.
What does it mean to be blind to what's right under your nose? Now he understood!
Bai Xu let out an almost imperceptible chuckle and strode over to the bedside. His gaze lingered on Shang Yanxiao's strikingly handsome face, a face that could easily be considered a masterpiece. Without hesitation, he adopted the most direct and unceremonious approach, leaning down abruptly.
Their breaths mingled, so close that they could almost touch, carrying with them a subtle, hidden tremor of excitement.
The corner of Bai Xu's lips curled into a faint smile, his tone teasing yet deliberate, as if testing the waters with a playful mischief, "Shang Yanxiao? If you keep pretending, I might just kiss you."
AAAAAAAAAAAOAOAOAO!!!! 😳🔥🔥🔥
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