Ch 176: The Cannon Fodder Won’t Play Along Anymore [QT]

Mu Xing hadn’t expected Mu Lin to support him so quickly on Weibo. This could only mean Mu Lin had been keeping an eye on the matter all along.

You had to know, in the original storyline, Mu Lin was a typical workaholic, someone who hardly ever looked at apps like Weibo.

He clicked into Mu Lin’s account, and sure enough, it was spotless. The only post was the one she had just made.

It might even be that this account was specially registered just to support him.

The comments under that post had already reached thousands:

【Holy shit!】

【Hua Shi’s CEO? Mu Lin? Mu Xing? Siblings?】

【Good lord, who was it that said before Mu Xing was from a poor family and grew up in a mountain village? Who! Stand up and admit it!】

【I’m laughing my ass off. This is the parent rushing out to protect their kid after seeing them bullied? And what did Jiang Shengyu say again? That Mu Xing was after his and Qin Song’s money and resources, threatening them? I declare this the biggest joke I’ve heard all year.】

【So there really was a rich young master hiding his identity to join the entertainment circle? No need to explain further. Does Jiang Shengyu’s face hurt? Mu Xing lacking money? If he really wanted resources, would he need to threaten you two?】

【I never thought the melon I’ve been eating would turn out like this.】

Mu Xing replied to Mu Lin on Weibo: Thanks sis, I didn’t expect I was actually this poor [cat sigh].

【Dying, so this is what they call not-knowing-your-own-poverty Mu Xing?】

【I just want to know, what must Qin Song and Jiang Shengyu be feeling right now?】

Mu Lin’s reply shot straight up to number one on the trending list.

Meanwhile, netizens began piecing together Mu Xing’s entire public life trajectory in the entertainment circle.

He had never revealed his connection to the Mu family, and once when paparazzi followed him, the address they caught was in an ordinary residential complex. From the few times he’d been photographed, there was absolutely no trace of a wealthy background.

At this point, a netizen came forward claiming insider knowledge, saying their family and the Mu family were longtime acquaintances, and they knew some details. Mu Xing and Mu Lin were real siblings, but their parents had divorced when they were young. The sister followed their father, while Mu Xing lived abroad with their mother. His maternal grandfather’s side was also a wealthy family.

He had only returned from abroad last year, and not long after, entered the entertainment circle. He had a flash marriage with Qin Song, which caused a huge falling-out with his family. It was said that at his angriest, Mu Xing’s father had even threatened to kick this unfilial son out of the family.

The poster sighed: who would have thought, he turned against his family for Qin Song, and this was the result.

【Anyone got proof for this? Is it true or fake?】

【If it’s true, then Qin Song really is trash. This young master was willing to fight with his family just to be with him, and what does he do? Comes up with some sham of an agreement marriage, and during the marriage itself, sneaks around with Jiang Shengyu. That’s cheating, no way to wash it.】

【No wonder Mu Xing couldn’t even be bothered to hide it on the show. His dislike for the two of them was written plainly on his face. I think his restraint was already impressive. If it were me, I’d have crushed those two dogs.】

【The truth isn’t even out yet, why are people rushing to brand Qin Song guilty?】

【And besides, Qin Song already said he mentioned the agreement marriage beforehand, and Mu Xing agreed. One was willing to hit, one was willing to take the hit. How is that deception?】

【Don’t twist concepts. Agreement marriage is one thing, but Qin Song only said “let’s try.” He didn’t say he could cheat during the marriage, did he?】

【Qin fans, stop whitewashing. Watching you mindlessly defend him is disgusting.】

【And you can still stan a lying, cheating scumbag?】

【Go check Weibo, this is hilarious.】

The gossip crowd shifted focus, and it turned out Huo Jing had also posted on Weibo. His account was clearly verified as the director of Hongtai Real Estate.

Hongtai Real Estate was the biggest real estate group in Nan Province, and one of the top in the country. Its developments could be seen nationwide.

Huo Jing v: What kind of house does little brother like, a large flat or a villa? Brother-in-law will give you one.

【Good lord, eating this melon brought me to tears of envy.】

【Is this the world of the rich? Houses are just given away like that.】

【This guy really doesn’t lack houses.】

Huo Jing?

Mu Xing froze for a moment when he saw the name, the other party calling himself brother-in-law.

He thought for a bit before remembering who this was.

His sister Mu Lin’s boyfriend. But after Mu Xing had returned, he hadn’t really seen much of him.

In the original storyline, there hadn’t been much description of the sister and brother-in-law either, only that Mu Lin had a long-term, stable boyfriend, who later likely became her husband.

He politely replied: Thank you, brother-in-law.

*

The moment Jiang Shengyu saw Mu Lin’s reply, his face went pale.

He angrily called Qin Song: “Why didn’t you tell me Mu Xing was the Mu family’s young master?”

Qin Song was irritated too: “How would I know? He never said anything!”

If he had known Mu Xing was the Mu family’s young master, how could he have proposed such a ridiculous agreement marriage?

The Mu family was absolutely not someone he could afford to offend.

Jiang Shengyu demanded: “Then what do we do now?”

With Mu Xing’s identity exposed, their previous words became a joke. Just like Mu Xing had said: “No matter what, I would never covet your money or resources.”

He had just opened his own Weibo, and the comments below were unbearable.

Although a large part of his fans still supported him, many were unfollowing, and there were plenty of passersby mocking him.

Jiang Shengyu’s voice was trembling: “I just finished filming a drama, and that drama could win an award! Director Wang even contacted me a few days ago, I had hope to be in his movie and appear on the big screen. How could something like this happen?”

Qin Song heard the trembling in his voice, and couldn’t help but soften inside. After all, this was the person he had loved for many years.

He spoke gently: “Don’t be afraid, Shengyu. I’ll find a way. Leave it to me, okay?”

Jiang Shengyu cried out: “I told you before, I told you to restrain yourself, not to expose our relationship. You didn’t listen, you even got mad at me and went to find some substitute who looked like me. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be facing this situation at all!”

Qin Song felt bitter. He said heavily: “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of this.”

Two hours later, Qin Song logged into his account and posted an apology statement.

He didn’t make excuses anymore. Instead, he honestly apologized to Mu Xing.

He apologized for his “fraudulent marriage,” for his “cheating during marriage,” and for previously trying to smear Mu Xing to clear his own name.

He took all the blame on himself.

He said Jiang Shengyu knew nothing.

He explained that the marriage with Mu Xing had been his and Mu Xing’s cooperation, a deal of interests, for the purpose of protecting Jiang Shengyu, who didn’t want to reveal his real relationship with Qin Song.

Jiang Shengyu had truly believed Mu Xing was cooperating with Qin Song for money. That was why he had said those things before.

It was also because he knew about Mu Xing and Qin Song’s arrangement that he felt secure continuing with Qin Song, so he wasn’t really a third party.

In short, Qin Song shouldered all the blame himself.

Mu Xing read his statement, a little surprised: “He really does love Jiang Shengyu more than I thought.”

Qin Song couldn’t possibly not know what admitting to all this meant.

His career would likely collapse, and he’d completely offend the Mu family.

He could have pushed the blame back and forth with Jiang Shengyu, but he didn’t.

As expected, when the statement came out, netizens cursed him. Some, though, said he still had a bit of responsibility:

【Although you’re a scumbag, I still want to say, at least you’re a real man.】

【From Mu Xing’s standpoint, I wish I could slap you twice. From Jiang Shengyu’s standpoint, you’re indeed a reliable lover.】

【Does having responsibility cover up being trash? I’m disappointed in you.】

【Unfollowing. No matter how you spin it, you’re still a scumbag who played with someone’s feelings.】

Overnight, Qin Song lost countless fans. Even some longtime big fans and fan-site leaders who had spent a lot of money on him issued statements declaring they were unfollowing.

Several luxury endorsements he held quickly released statements canceling cooperation and even said they would pursue further responsibility.

The scripts he had been negotiating for suddenly went silent.

Qin Song’s agent called him. Even though he tried to restrain himself, the anger couldn’t be hidden: “You really are something. A lovestruck fool. Protecting your little lover spotless and innocent. And you? Don’t you want your career anymore?”

Qin Song said in a deep voice: “It’s only temporary. I’ve been in this circle for so many years, I still have a foundation. It’s not impossible to make a comeback. But Shengyu is different. He’s still too shallow in the industry, and relies on fans. If such a scandal broke out, he’d be ruined.”

The agent, Cheng Hua, laughed angrily: “Shengyu, Shengyu—do you really think he’s some innocent child who doesn’t understand anything?”

“Cheng Hua!” Qin Song called his name in displeasure.

Cheng Hua sneered: “Fine, I won’t say more. Do what you want.”

He hung up and sighed.

Hope you don’t regret it.

Meanwhile, with Qin Song covering him, Jiang Shengyu’s side was full of joy among fans.

Weibo comments were quickly controlled.

【This has nothing to do with my idol.】

【He’s also an innocent victim who was deceived.】

【It’s all that scumbag Qin Song’s fault.】

In the industry, many watched coldly. Though many didn’t really believe Jiang Shengyu was that innocent, his reputation was preserved, and he even gained sympathy. His popularity and traffic soared.

He was still that top trending young idol.

That night, Jiang Shengyu called Qin Song.

“What is it?” Qin Song’s tone was weary.

He would be stuck for a long time, busy and exhausted, dealing with the consequences of this matter.

Jiang Shengyu said softly: “Thank you, Qin Song.”

Qin Song smiled and comforted him: “It’s nothing. You understand my heart. As long as you’re doing well, that’s enough.”

With Mu Xing’s identity revealed, naturally some were happy while others were worried.

Mu Xing’s phone suddenly became very lively.

People like Fu Chen, who had only recently added him as a friend, were yelling at him on WeChat for not being straightforward.

At the company, both the general manager and director personally called him several times. Their tone was gentler than ever before. They said the company had gotten several scripts and variety shows for him, and he could choose as he pleased.

That was when Mu Xing remembered that only Zhong Ling knew his identity, and apparently hadn’t told the company.

Some colleagues from the same company whom he had never interacted with also rushed to add him as a friend. Anyone who didn’t know better would think he was extremely popular.

Mu Xing ignored all the friend requests and asked Zhong Ling one thing.

“The script we talked about before—did Jiang Shengyu still take it?”

Zhong Ling quickly confirmed.

Mu Xing nodded: then they would follow the original plan, finish filming that drama from the storyline, and then terminate the contract as previously agreed.

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