LIGHTNOVELONLINE
Chapter 97
Ten minutes later.
Li Dong, Pei Kuang and Song Anan were sitting in the living room.
Li Dong felt like he was a complete victim. He was woken up early in the morning by the news of his artist's new relationship exploding online, rushed over hurriedly, and was force-fed dog food over the phone.
He looked back and forth between the two of them and asked, "Have you two moved in together?"
Song Anan was stunned for a moment. She had thought Li Dong would ask about the hot search, but instead she waited all that time for this question.
But, moving in together?
She reacted for a few seconds, and quickly waved her hands explaining, "No, we're just...we haven't."
Seeing Song Anan's reaction, Li Dong found it amusing and wanted to tease her some more.
Pei Kuang glared at him, and said, "Let's talk business."
Li Dong rubbed his nose.
Alright, business it is.
He cleared his throat, and briefly recounted how their relationship had been exposed.
Pei Kuang had been in the entertainment industry for so many years, he was still very cautious. When they left the restaurant, he could basically confirm no paparazzi had followed them. At first he thought it was just a passerby who happened to take a photo and posted it online, but Li Dong said that after investigating, it turned out it really was exposed by the paparazzi.
It was just a coincidence, that paparazzo had originally followed another celebrity living in their complex, but happened to catch Pei Kuang coming out instead.
Li Dong clicked his tongue, and said, "Not to criticize, but you two were really bold being so lovey-dovey in public. I guess you just wanted everyone to know, huh?"
Normally Song Anan would feel shy being called lovey-dovey, but right now she didn't care at all. Her face was filled with anxiety as she asked, "What should we do now?"
Li Dong shrugged and honestly replied, "You've seen the photos, they're very clear. Anyone could recognize you two at a glance, so trying to deny it probably won't work."
"Plus, knowing how paparazzi work, there's an 80 to 90 percent chance they also filmed video."
Hearing this, Song Anan looked at Pei Kuang helplessly.
Pei Kuang patted her hand reassuringly, "Don't worry, let's just announce our relationship publicly, okay?"
But Song Anan still looked worried, "Will it affect your work?"
Before Pei Kuang could reply, Li Dong confidently cut in, "Don't worry, it won't."
Song Anan uttered an "Ah", seemingly a bit confused.
Hadn't the scandal with Xie Yin three years ago greatly impacted Pei Kuang's career?
Li Dong explained the reasons to her very sincerely. Pei Kuang had successfully transitioned, winning Best Actor meant he had officially entered the ranks of elite actors. Romantic relationships didn't impact them as much.
Plus, after experiencing the turmoil three years ago, Pei Kuang's fans had already gone through one round of thinning out. The fans who remained now generally had high acceptance of his relationships.
"Also, from my observations, Pei Kuang's fans actually look upon you two pretty favorably."
Hearing Li Dong say this, Song Anan felt much more at ease.
Right now, Li Dong's words were more convincing to her than Pei Kuang's. After all, there was a good chance Pei Kuang was just saying that to not worry her.
"However, little auntie, I'm actually more worried about you." Li Dong said.
Song Anan didn't really understand what he meant. "Why are you worried about me?"
She wasn't a celebrity, so dating wouldn't impact her studies.
Li Dong replied, "I'm afraid paparazzi will start staking out your school in this period, which could impact your studies."
Song Anan blinked. "It'll be fine. Our school has very strict security, I don't think they can get in."
If they just staked out the school gates, she could just not go out. She didn't really have anything to do now that her hospital internship was over and Pei Kuang was at filming.
"Plus, I'm going abroad soon. Even if they wanted to stake me out, they won't be able to." she said.
Li Dong looked surprised and asked, "Little auntie, you're going abroad?"
Song Anan nodded, and briefly recounted how her teacher had arranged for her to go abroad for research.
After hearing the full story, Li Dong immediately felt relieved.
He couldn't help sighing, "Looking at it this way, it really is perfect timing for your relationship exposure."
After two years, by the time Song Anan came back, this would have long become old news. No, to be more precise, the dust would have settled.
"Alright, it's finally time for me to fulfill my duties. Come, take a look at the 38th version of my relationship PR plan!"
With that, Li Dong excitedly took out his laptop he carried with him everywhere, and opened up a document in front of the two.
Song Anan: "......"
Was she seeing things? She felt like Li Dong looked a bit excited.
However, while the three of them were looking over Li Dong's PR plan, the relationship scandal online was fermenting even more excitement.
Just as Li Dong had expected, the paparazzo had indeed also filmed video. After warming up the public with photos first, once interest was piqued, a 30 second long video was also released.
It was 8am on a weekday, the time when many netizens were commuting to work. Everyone boredly opened Weibo, but were directly fed this fresh, juicy gossip!
[Holy crap! What's going on, I clicked into the hot search thinking it was just rumors again, didn't expect there's actually real proof this time!]
[Ahhhhhhh, wow, such a clear hand-holding pic, such a clear video, it can't be fake right?]
[Tsk, just looking at Pei Kuang's perverted expression looking at little auntie, there's no way this is fake. Relationship confirmed!]
[Ummm...hasn't Pei Kuang always had a good relationship with the Song family niece? This is just holding hands, nothing much, pretty normal right?]
[Song Linchuan: Lol, I'm his blood nephew, even I don't hold his hand like that. You tell me if it's normal?]
[Too sweet! She's teasing him and he's smiling, little auntie hopping around is just too cute!]
[I can smell the sour stench of love through the screen, I always felt like these two were really compatible]
[Are these paparazzi even trying, they only managed to capture hand-holding? I wanna see more!]
[Ahhhhhhh, I'm going crazy, this confirms Anxin Peiban CP is real, it's real!]
[Oh my god, the CP I ship released sweetness, wuwuwu, this ten finger interlocking hand-holding pic is too sweet!]
[Holy crap! Waking up to such a huge surprise from my OTP, Anxin Peiban yyds!]
[Friendly reminder, CP fans don't get overexcited, keep your joy to yourself. Be careful Pei Kuang's fans come to rip you apart!]
[No way, I'm a Pei Kuang fan, if he really is with little auntie, I fully support them!]
[Pei Kuang fan +1, sincerely wishing them the best!]
[Pei Kuang fan +10086, wishing them everlasting happiness!]
...
Just as Li Dong said, Pei Kuang's fans were very accepting of the relationship. Both of them were well-liked by the public, so netizens ate up the gossip while also expressing their blessings.
Of course, there were also netizens who enjoyed watching the commotion and immediately thought of another person involved in this matter - Song Linchuan.
[Speaking of which, I'm a little curious if Song Linchuan knows about this?]
[I mean, he should know right? It'd be too sad if he didn't.]
[Not necessarily, what if they only just confirmed their relationship and haven't had the chance to tell him yet?]
[OMG you're right, they're just holding hands so innocently, looks like they only just got together!]
[Damn, I'm so curious what Little Brother Gui's reaction is. If only some paparazzi could livestream it, I'd kneel in thanks.]
[No, I gotta go tell Song Linchuan, @Song Linchuan your little auntie is in a relationship!]
[@Song Linchuan, hurry take a look, your good buddy became your little uncle-in-law!]
[Bro don't be mean, but it is necessary to @ Song Linchuan, @Song Linchuan congratulations on gaining a little uncle!]
...
Li Dong's PR plan was very comprehensive, after amending it so many times he had considered every angle, there were basically no issues. It was just that Li Dong seemed to have thought of something, and suddenly looked up at Song Anan and Pei Kuang.
"I feel like you guys forgot one very important matter."
Pei Kuang froze for a second, and under the other's gloating gaze, seemed to finally realize what it was.
Song Anan didn't quite get it. "What is it?"
Li Dong replied, "Song Linchuan probably saw the hot search by now right."
Song Anan: "!!!"
Oh no, how could she have forgotten about this!!
-
And just as Li Dong said, Song Linchuan, who was far away in the deep mountains, did indeed just find out about this matter.
The backdrop of the drama he was filming was about military warlords during the Republic of China era, and most of the scenes were shot deep in the mountains and forests. The crew had rented some farmhouses at the foot of the mountain as lodging for the staff and actors.
Early in the morning, Song Linchuan, Jiang Han, and his assistant were eating breakfast provided by the crew in the courtyard.
The assistant was refreshing the internet while eating, as the signal was very weak deep in the mountains. Whether there was a network completely depended on luck.
Apparently, luck was on their side this morning. When the assistant casually clicked into Weibo, the page actually loaded.
But when he saw the paparazzi photo of Song Anan and Pei Kuang holding hands in the hot search, he panicked.
The assistant looked at Song Linchuan in shock and alarm: "Bro, bro..."
Song Linchuan glanced at him, "What's the matter, making a big fuss so early in the morning."
The assistant opened his mouth, but eventually handed his phone to Song Linchuan.
Song Linchuan didn't pay much attention at first, but when he casually glanced at the photo, his whole body froze.
He snatched the assistant's phone and stared intensely at the photo.
Seeing their reactions, Jiang Han also craned his neck to take a look: "Damn! Isn't that sister-in-law and Pei Kuang? Could they be dating?"
Song Linchuan glared fiercely at Jiang Han, "What nonsense are you talking about!"
Jiang Han rubbed his nose awkwardly.
It wasn't his fault, why was he getting yelled at?
The assistant weakly said at the side, "Bro, don't get agitated first. The photo could just be an issue with the shooting angle."
Song Linchuan paused, "Right, shooting angle. It must be an angle issue!"
Jiang Han secretly glanced at both of them.
Having been a manager for so many years, he was quite knowledgeable about photography. Based on experience, this really wasn't a shooting angle issue.
After all, the two were holding hands with interlaced fingers in the photo. What kind of angle could that be shot from?
"Why don't you call the parties involved and ask?" Jiang Han suggested.
Song Linchuan froze for a few seconds, then took out his phone and called Pei Kuang.
The call connected quickly.
Song Linchuan pretended to be calm and said, "About the hot search thing I saw, I know it's a misunderstanding. I'm calling just to ask how you plan to resolve it, not for any other reason. Of course, I also want to see if I can help in any way."
Then he added, "Of course, I'm just calling to see if I can help in any way."
Pei Kuang suddenly went silent for a few seconds on the other end.
Song Linchuan's grip on the phone tightened involuntarily.
Pei Kuang lightly sighed and said, "Linchuan, it's not a misunderstanding."
Song Linchuan froze immediately.
Pei Kuang continued, "It's a long story, let me deal with things first, then come find you to talk face-to-face."
Song Linchuan only felt his head buzzing, "Pei Kuang, you f*cker... go home and wash your neck clean and wait for me!"
After saying that, he directly hung up, then turned around and walked towards the courtyard gate.
Jiang Han hurriedly caught up and asked, "Linchuan, where are you going?"
"To ask the director for leave!" Song Linchuan gritted his teeth and replied. The next sentence was almost shouted, "F*ck! I'm going back to slaughter that bastard!!"
Jiang Han and Xiao Zhu looked at each other.
This was the first time they had seen Song Linchuan so angry.
But it was understandable. Having someone steal his woman right under his nose, who could keep their cool?