Showbiz Scandal: The Official Announcement of My Ex and Myself-Chapter 281: I Don’t Need Verbal Rewards

"I have already asked a friend to trace the whistleblower’s ID. Once we find it, we can report them to the police and sue them. This time I’m not the only one targeted; besides calling the police, Changhui is also considering seeking assistance from the Entertainment Association to undertake a full-scale cleanup. There have been too many major incidents involving celebrities since last year, and the association will not stand by. As long as the authorities first step forward to confirm that this is slander, that’s half the battle won."

His speech was not rushed, with well-timed pauses, sounding calm and composed, as if the situation would not spiral out of control.

Yu Xia looked at him appreciatively, recalling the insults about his family she had seen online, and said tactfully:

"Also, you might not be used to it, but fan communities are always like this. Some fans feel betrayed by their idols... When you don’t meet their expectations, they feel extremely angry, so much so that it directly affects your family and friends."

Simply put, some haters were already accusing him of being kept because of "family background."

Xie Qingci’s expression turned indifferent, and his tone was not particularly pleasant.

"I saw it. While you were asleep, I talked to my parents. Involving their reputation because of my personal issues is truly inappropriate, but I think this is actually a breakthrough point."

He moved closer to her, thoughtfully saying, "My dad is a researcher at the National Academy of Sciences’ experimental project, and my mom is a professor specially hired by the military."

She opened her mouth in astonishment.

So he really is a young master with a significant background.

Thinking back, she remembered him mentioning last time about the falling out with his parents over entering the entertainment industry.

"So then, weren’t you scolded to death by your family for entering the entertainment industry?"

"They scolded me a few times, but it was fine. They don’t contact me often, and it’s been months since they last scolded me. They weren’t as averse this time when we talked. Besides—"

"Besides what?"

His eyes caught the light from the nearby floor lamp, slightly brightening.

"I told them I was in a relationship."

Yu Xia bit her tongue, not avoiding his gaze, and asked, "What did they say?"

"They said that they hope I can bring you home for a meal during the next holiday," Xie Qingci whispered as he pecked her lips, "Is that okay?"

Her heart was pounding.

"When? I mean, when is Uncle and Auntie’s next holiday?"

"Probably the end of the year? They didn’t take a break during last New Year’s, so they should have a few more days off this year." He studied her expression and eyes, a slight smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.

"Do you agree? By that time, we will have already gone public."

Yu Xia’s palms were hot, grasped by him.

"Hmm? Is that okay? Can we?"

"...Okay."

Xie Qingci hugged her tightly again, his hand on her shoulder like a slowly tightening vine.

In the kitchen, the aroma of egg soup had already filled the air.

After cooking noodles for a while, he added thinly sliced radish, pickled with a touch of salt, into the milky white soup, instantly enhancing its sweetness.

Xie Qingci scooped it out with a spoon, blew on it, and fed it to Yu Xia.

"Is it good?"

"Especially—especially—delicious. You’re amazing, little brother."

Xie Qingci smiled, put the spoon down, and gently held her chin for a deep kiss.

"I don’t need verbal rewards. Next time you want to tame me, remember to use this."

Yu Xia punched him, hitting his arm.

Life as a young couple in love was wonderful.

Thanks to this scandal, they once again enjoyed a shamelessly blissful temporary cohabitation.

However, a happy and beautiful life is always short-lived, and on the third day, Yu Xia had to leave.

Xie Qingci didn’t want her to go back, even urging her to move in, but she sternly refused, even patting his shoulder like a good buddy, saying:

"This place is nice; buy it if you can afford it."

He questioned, "If I buy it, will you move in?"

"Dream on; you think you can sway me with this one unit? I’m a rich girl myself, you know; such trivial things won’t deceive me."

Xie Qingci stood at the door with pursed lips, "Then can I go with you to your place?"

"..." Her brother only taught her how to resist small favors, but not how to resist someone offering themselves.

She restrained the urge to pocket him immediately and said, "Call your manager and ask."

Predictably, Mr. Yang didn’t agree.

Yu Xia left regretfully by herself, with Xie Qingci standing at the door like a statue, watching her go into the distance.

She almost couldn’t resist turning back and saying she wouldn’t go.

Finally, she could understand how ancient tyrants thought; indeed, beauty can be misleading.

Leaving the Yishan District, after much ordeal, when Yu Xia returned to her own home, the first thing she did was catch up on sleep.

After a long sleep, she regained a bit of energy, and then the next day she normally went out to work with He Ci and Mei.

This time it was to attend an event for a brand she endorsed, which didn’t take long and didn’t require rehearsals.

After finishing the job briskly, He Ci found a place to take photos of her for posting on the studio’s account.

Mei, both assistant and photographer, directed her on poses with the camera in hand.

She sat on the carpet with her legs bent, leaning against a black sofa, one long leg exposed, and her arm resting on the sofa.

"Good, just like that, bend your leg a little more!" Mei was really into taking photos of her and worked very happily.

He Ci was sitting on the side handling messages, occasionally glancing at her.

"The actress looks pretty good."

Yu Xia maintained her photo pose, lazily replying, "You’re flattering me. It’s just natural beauty."

"You are quite narcissistic. Change location to stand in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, take a breathtaking photo there, and show those hopping individuals what it means to attract attention with real skills."

Yu Xia then moved to the window, bathed in sunlight, her skin tingling slightly from the prolonged exposure.

"Look outside, imagine you’re the owner of this building, overseeing tens of billions, looking down on the chattering ants."

He Ci checked again, still not satisfied, and said, "Oh, not quite right, your gaze should be more pronounced. Picture this: Xie Qingci is downstairs talking deeply with a woman not as beautiful as you. Yes, yes, that look filled with disdain and killer intent, as if you’re ready to storm down in five seconds to tear a chicken!"

Yu Xia: "..."

Damn, now mentioning tearing chicken makes her a bit hungry.

After the photo session, they left in the car.

Mei swiftly refined the photos, while He Ci told her about the upcoming schedule.

"Recently, the main focus is the escape-themed variety show. In May, ’Different Paths’ might start airing, and you’ll need to attend interviews with Yu Zhi. The variety show ends at the end of May, then take a break and prepare for the broadcast of ’Burning Spring.’ During this, there will be promotional materials for endorsements, as well as galas..."

She interrupted, "By July or August, when Xie Qingci and the others disband and go solo, going public will have to be on the agenda, so during those two months, it’s best to maintain a low profile."

He Ci had already anticipated it with Mr. Yang, so it wasn’t too surprising, and he sighed, "Then refuse unnecessary appearances, replace them with a lifestyle vlog, and have Mei film it for you."