Chapter 43

But what shocked netizens even more was yet to come. Five minutes later, Tang Jing posted on Weibo as well:

@Tang Jing: Since joining "Era Idol," I had gained a lot, made some new friends, and learned many things. Tomorrow was the finals, but unfortunately, I could no longer stand on that stage this time.

Here, I wanted to apologize to all the fans who supported me. I'm sorry!

The Sugar Fans who had been watching the drama from the sidelines were instantly dumbfounded. What was going on?

Had Tang Jing been involved in the fight too?

Or had Tang Jing been implicated by Ye Zexi again?

They had followed the gossip only for it to land on their own heads. They nearly died on the spot.

"??? Tang Tang, what happened!"

"No, Tang Tang! I've watched you come this far, and I really like you!"

"Another contestant forced out of the competition by Ye Zexi?"

"Fuck, I'm stunned. The CP I just started shipping has already broken up?"

"The house has collapsed..."

"Tang Tang, don't withdraw from the competition like this! What exactly happened?"

Just as countless Tang Jing fans fell into panic, Tang Jing Studio finally spoke up and released a video.

Netizens were eagerly following the drama, and the official statement with solid proof had arrived so quickly. Within just a few minutes, the likes and comments soared.

Tang Jing Studio's Weibo was flooded with accusations and insults aimed at Ye Zexi.

"Fine, this is finally solid proof. Let's see how Ye Zexi tries to whitewash this!"

"I thought Ye Zexi's marketing had gone too far long ago. He's finally crashed and burned. Serves him right!"

"I seriously suspect Ye Zexi has violent tendencies. People like him should be banned outright. Don't let him come back and make trouble again."

"The contestants Ye Zexi bullied before had it bad, but Cui Yi had it even worse. Ye Zexi, get out of the entertainment industry already!"

The comments contained not only gossip-hungry netizens, but Cui Yi's fans as well.

Anyone would explode upon seeing their idol suffer such injustice. Cui Yi's fans were practically dying of anger.

Now that they saw there was more than one person who had been bullied by Ye Zexi, Cui Yi's fans naturally came to seek justice for Tang Jing.

But gradually, different voices began appearing in the comments.

"...Have those of you cursing Ye Zexi above actually finished watching the video?"

It was only then that the netizens who had been preparing to keep insulting Ye Zexi realized something was wrong.

The video was not long, only five minutes, but who besides fans had the patience to watch the whole thing?

The netizens and Cui Yi fans who sensed something was off finally clicked on the video belatedly.

The video opened with a recording. A man's voice sounded flippant and somewhat familiar. "Who the fuck does Tang Jing think he is? He's just some slut who's been fucked to pieces. What fake purity is he putting on in front of me?"

"Hey, but I have to admit, Ye Zexi does have good taste. A guy that hot is only fun to play with in bed. Hahahahaha—"

"Fuck, acting all high and mighty with me. Sooner or later, I'll fucking—"

One obscene phrase after another poured into the listeners' ears. Though the recording had been censored in post-production, that filthy, vulgar tone still made everyone physically sick.

The netizens who had been busy attacking Ye Zexi were dumbfounded.

"Is that... Ye Zexi's voice?"

"That clearly isn't Ye Zexi's voice!"

"Fuck, what the hell? What kind of idiot is spewing this garbage here?"

Cui Yi's fans froze as well.

Unlike the utterly confused netizens, they had noticed something strange.

Because that voice sounded exceptionally similar to Cui Yi's—

Cui Yi's fans felt their hands and feet turn cold, silently praying that they had heard wrong.

But soon, after the full minute of abuse ended, a chat screenshot flashed before their eyes, shattering their last sliver of hope.

At the top center of the screenshot was a two-character contact name: Cui Yi.

The chat itself was even more explosive.

Cui Yi: Wanna meet?

Tang: ?

Cui Yi: Didn't you break up with Ye Zexi? Am I not good enough?

Cui Yi: #Image#

Cui Yi: Is it big? Don't you like it?

Cui Yi: #Drool##Drool##Drool#

The photo had been censored as usual in post-production, but it still dealt no small blow to netizens and fans alike.

"Fuck, is it what I think it is?"

"Holy shit, my eyes are filthy!! Anyone selling eye drops?"

"Ugh, ugh, ugh!"

"Fuck, I'm going to throw up."

"Isn't this sexual harassment?"

"I really... can't imagine Cui Yi saying something like that. And I used to be so into his looks..."

"I'm stunned... Is that really Cui Yi?"

"Has he gone insane? Wasn't Ye Zexi supposed to have bullied a contestant and caused Tang Jing to withdraw? What is this supposed to be?"

"I don't believe it! Brother Cui Yi was definitely framed! Anyone can Photoshop chat screenshots—I can do it too!"

Until Cui Yi's disbelieving fans saw one comment:

"I advise the Cui Yi fans throwing a tantrum in the comments to finish watching before they speak."

Suppressing the panic in their hearts, Cui Yi's fans forced themselves to keep watching.

The next two minutes of footage completely recreated the truth behind the fight for fans and netizens—

Not only had this matter had nothing to do with Ye Zexi, it could even be said that without Ye Zexi, things would only have become more serious.

Before the "Era Idol" finals, in order to help the contestants relax before the upcoming competition, the production team had arranged a small gathering for them.

At the gathering, Cui Yi repeatedly approached Tang Jing.

Tang Jing said nothing the first few times, only taking the initiative to walk away.

But his repeated forbearance only made Cui Yi worse, until Cui Yi eventually began getting handsy.

Yet before Tang Jing could lose his temper, Cui Yi was the one who struck first.

With the crisp sound of a wine glass smashing against the floor, the two instantly began grappling with each other.