The rest of her words dissolved into sobs.
"Zijin, don't panic. Take your time..."
There was a rustle on the other end. Someone took the phone from her.
Zhao Nan's voice came through.
"Xiaoliang, don't panic. Zijin was perfectly calm just now. She only broke down when she answered your call."
Zhao Nan spoke quickly, but clearly. "I'll send you a video link. Watch it yourself. It's all bullshit. These people are rotten to the core. I'm right here with Zijin. I can vouch for her. She's completely innocent. There's nothing going on. Watch the video first, then we'll talk."
Another video.
Another goddamn video.
Wang Xiaoliang hung up and stared at the screen. Five seconds later, a link popped up in his chat with Zhao Nan.
He tapped it.
The headline read: "Xu Zixiong breaks down in tears at press conference, directly addresses relationship controversy for the first time."
Wang Xiaoliang's temple throbbed.
The video loaded. It showed a standard press conference, with a sea of reporters seated below the stage and cameras of every size set up everywhere.
Xu Zixiong sat onstage. He wore a black shirt buttoned all the way to the top, his hair slicked neatly back. He had little makeup on, and his ashen face looked forlorn. Beside him sat two men in suits, who looked positively radiant by comparison.
The press conference began.
Xu Zixiong first read a statement. In essence, he admitted to misconduct in his private life, to betraying his fans' trust, and to letting down his company and his team. He was deeply sorry for taking up public resources with his private affairs. He would reflect on his actions and become a responsible public figure.
Toward the end, his eyes reddened. His voice began to tremble, then tears streamed down his