Xiaoxiao, though seemingly carefree, was the most sensitive of them all, and she was carrying twins. You’ve been in this industry for so long, you know that some people will do anything to climb higher. Never let yourself be used. If any inappropriate scandal were to arise with some unsavory woman, and it scared Xiaoxiao, I wouldn't forgive you, even if you were an idol!
The warning from Ling Fenghan still echoed in her ears when Xia Qing Tian found herself becoming the very definition of an unsavory woman in her own words. What a… Xia Qing Tian’s mind went blank, with only an electronic voice repeating: Save me! Save me!! Save me!!!
When Gu Yao Yang brought out the pastries, he saw Xia Qing Tian staring blankly at her phone. "What happened?" Gu Yao Yang put down the baking tray with the pastries, removed his oven mitts, and walked towards Xia Qing Tian. "Here." Xia Qing Tian then handed her phone to Gu Yao Yang.
Seeing the phone, Gu Yao Yang immediately understood the reason for Xia Qing Tian's distress. He glanced at the female celebrity's attire in the photo, then at Xia Qing Tian’s clothes: "Back to the love nest?"
"What love nest? It's Ling Fenghan's place. I just went over to his house for a bit, really!" Xia Qing Tian said helplessly, "I came here right after leaving his place."
"You're quite busy then." Gu Yao Yang raised an eyebrow, "Should I praise you?"
"Stop it! If you can't help, at least don't tease me!" Xia Qing Tian pouted and reached out to snatch her phone back. Gu Yao Yang held the phone high and looked at Xia Qing Tian, saying, "I remember Ling Fenghan is your idol, and you've always considered yourself a fan of Ling Fenghan, right?"
"Hey! Are you suspecting me?" Xia Qing Tian's hand missed, and upon hearing Gu Yao Yang's words, she stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes. If this jerk dared to utter even half a word of disbelief, she'd slap him to death!
"I just don't know what identity or angle to use to handle this matter." Gu Yao Yang said, "And to see how likely Ling Fenghan is to become my love rival."
"I can't be bothered with you!" Xia Qing Tian shot Gu Yao Yang a glare and turned her head away, saying, "There's nothing between him and me. Believe it or not."
"What identity and angle do you want me to use to handle this matter?" Gu Yao Yang held the phone out to Xia Qing Tian.
"What do you mean?" Xia Qing Tian didn't take her phone, instead looking at Gu Yao Yang. She didn't quite understand what he was saying. Wasn't he the CEO of Gu's Entertainment? Did she need to tell him how to handle this?
"The most effective and simplest method..." Gu Yao Yang switched Xia Qing Tian's phone to camera mode, turned on the front-facing camera, put his arm around Xia Qing Tian's waist, pulling her closer to him. Before she could react, he pressed the selfie button, then handed the phone back to Xia Qing Tian: "Option A: Be my girlfriend, announce our relationship, and say you were visiting as the boss's lady and a business partner."
Taking her phone back, Xia Qing Tian blinked at Gu Yao Yang. She had to admit that the suggestion Gu Yao Yang made was simple and direct enough. But she couldn't shake off the feeling of being manipulated, which made her unhappy, very unhappy.
"Option B: Have Ling Fenghan come forward to explain. You remain silent, and the PR team will assist in guiding public opinion. However, this has low trust value and might even expose his secret marriage." Gu Yao Yang crossed his arms and took half a step back, "Li Meng Xiao is probably five months pregnant now, and according to his agent, it's twins. It's better to keep the pregnancy care behind the scenes."
"You!" Xia Qing Tian was taken aback, "You know everything! Then why did you ask like that just now..."
"Even I have moments of insecurity." Gu Yao Yang looked at Xia Qing Tian and said, "I told you long ago that I like you. Although I suspect you like me, that's just my one-sided speculation."
"So you're trying to force me to make a statement now?" Xia Qing Tian narrowed her eyes dangerously.
"No intention of that, I just feared you might forget that I like you." Gu Yao Yang spread his hands, "If you're not satisfied with either Option A or B, there's Option C: Use the company's name and hand it over to Gu's Entertainment's PR department to resolve. You both deny it simultaneously, and then the PR team releases other news related to you, using these true and false messages to distract the public. All three methods can temporarily solve this problem. And soon, when bigger news breaks, this matter will be forgotten. Once Li Meng Xiao has a safe delivery and the hype dies down, and Ling Fenghan has established himself firmly behind the scenes through his own efforts, he can then clear your name, and this matter will be completely resolved. However... I personally hope you choose A."
Xia Qing Tian knew that every option Gu Yao Yang mentioned could solve the problem. He had given her the choice. Choose A if she accepted Gu Yao Yang's confession. Choose C if she did not. Xia Qing Tian looked at Gu Yao Yang, her gaze shifting. Before she could speak, her phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, Xia Qing Tian answered, "Hello? Dad, what's up?"
"Where are you now?" Xia Hong Lang frowned, his voice sounding a bit nervous.
"I'm at Mr. Gu's place." Xia Qing Tian glanced at Gu Yao Yang and said to Xia Hong Lang on the phone, "You saw the trending topic, right? That's fake. I was just at his house, and someone took a photo. Don't take it seriously."
"Oh, is that so." Xia Hong Lang replied, "Then let Mr. Gu take the phone."
"Tsk, you still don't believe me?" Xia Qing Tian muttered unhappily, then handed her phone to Gu Yao Yang, "My dad wants to talk to you."
"Mm." Gu Yao Yang took the phone and said, "Hello, President Xia." Hearing Gu Yao Yang's voice, Xia Hong Lang finally relaxed. He couldn't help but nag a bit more about his daughter needing Gu Yao Yang's care. Gu Yao Yang lowered his head, responding vaguely and praising Xia Qing Tian a few times to reassure Xia Hong Lang. Xia Qing Tian listened from the side, her gaze fixed on Gu Yao Yang's profile, tracing his features. She had to admit, Gu Yao Yang's looks were absolutely perfect according to her aesthetic. Moreover, it seemed that whenever she had any problems, Gu Yao Yang would help her deal with her family, informing Xia Hong Lang in advance, coming up with excuses for her, and maintaining her image in the Xia family's hearts so that Xia Hong Lang wouldn't worry. From exploring the secrets of the divine mountain, to the dangers encountered in City C, to her entry into the entertainment industry, filming variety shows, accepting scripts… They were friends, confidantes, neighbors, superiors and subordinates, and partners. They hadn't known each other for long, not even two full years, yet Gu Yao Yang seemed to understand her better than she understood herself. She also knew everything about Gu Yao Yang, including the past he didn't want to mention.
Meanwhile, after Gu Yao Yang had repeatedly assured Xia Hong Lang that he would resolve the matter and hung up, he handed the phone back to Xia Qing Tian, "Alright, he's at ease now."
"Gu Yao Yang," Xia Qing Tian didn't take the phone Gu Yao Yang offered. Instead, she looked into his eyes and said, "I choose A. Shall we... try?"