"Who told you to speak of these things without permission? They were clearly arranged and dealt with for you. Why did you have to act so smart on your own?"
"Do you think telling the truth will earn you praise? Forgiveness? And everything will be fine? Let me tell you, an act like yours could land you in jail! You've become a disgraced artist, and the entertainment industry will never accept you again. Do you realize you've ruined your own career?"
"It's not just you; you've ruined me too!"
"Just watch, the brands will call to terminate contracts any minute now. Do you know how far into the future your work was scheduled? How many contracts you've signed? How much compensation you'll have to pay for breach of contract? If you wanted to kill me, you should have done it directly. Why did you have to do this to me in this way? Huh?"
From the moment Peng Fei decided to post the video, he had foreseen the consequences. Therefore, at this moment, he could accept anything his agent said.
At worst, he would go to jail. It was what he deserved, and he was calm.
After the agent finished scolding him and saw him staring blankly as if he were a dead pig unfazed by boiling water, he angrily went to discuss revoking the trending topics with the public relations team.
However, before he could do that, the police arrived first.
Peng Fei's self-exposure of such a serious matter, with so many netizens watching, how could it not be investigated?
He was taken away. Due to the suddenness of the event, he couldn't take any precautions. Many people saw Peng Fei being taken away. Photos were posted online, and it became another trending topic.
The brands knew, and they all clamored to terminate their contracts. The agent was heartbroken.
With the incident escalating so widely, Chen Dongyang, Chen Jiaojiao, and Tiantian naturally knew about it.
Looking at the videos circulating everywhere and listening to Peng Fei's sincere explanation, while surprised, they also felt a bit of respect for his frankness.
However, despite their respect, they wouldn't step in to do anything; this was what he deserved.
They only hoped that Chun Chun wouldn't see it. She had finally calmed down and shouldn't have to endure this again.
Peng Fei was questioned extensively by the staff, then signed and fingerprinted, and went to a cold, sterile room.
This was the second time he had been in such a place. The first time, he was filled with defiance, frustration, and an eagerness to get out.
But this time, although he was also worried he might never see Zhan Jingchun again, he was generally calm and at ease.
He inquired with the staff about how long he might be detained in his situation. The staff said they needed to gather evidence and find everyone involved in the chain before making a decision.
Peng Fei waited quietly. To his surprise, he was released after only a day.
When the staff called his name for him to leave, he thought he was going to be questioned again.
Instead, they directly had him sign the paperwork, and he was free to go.
Peng Fei was very surprised. "I'm okay? You're letting me go just like that? You're not going to do anything?"
"Insufficient evidence. Without concrete proof, we have no right to detain you for too long. Why do you seem to enjoy being here? Don't want to leave?"
It wasn't that he didn't want to leave, but he felt he had done something wrong, and if he didn't accept punishment, he wouldn't feel at peace.
Seeing his honest expression, the staff decided to tell him the truth.
"Someone has vouched for you to be released. They said they are the victim's family and aren't pursuing charges against you. The person is at the door; go and ask them yourself."
What? The victim's family had come to bail him out and weren't pursuing charges?
Could it be Chen Dongyang who had come?
Peng Fei hurried outside. A gleaming black commercial van was parked there. Just as he reached the front of the car, someone got out and opened the door.
"Peng Fei, right? The gentleman has been waiting inside for a long time. Please get in."
Peng Fei got into the car with a confused expression.
Inside the spacious and clean cabin, Zhan Beijue, dressed in a black suit, was looking at him coldly.
Peng Fei didn't recognize Zhan Beijue, but seeing his imposing presence and his resemblance to Chun Chun, he quickly understood.
He had actually met Chun Chun's father!
Recalling his past actions, he felt both nervous and ashamed, not knowing how to react.
He opened his mouth several times before he could speak.
"Are you... Mr. Zhan?"
Zhan Beijue scrutinized him from head to toe, finding that the young man wasn't much different from his photos and was indeed good-looking.
Furthermore, his features were upright and honest, not the kind associated with trickery.
As the saying goes, one's appearance reflects their heart. Seeing him like this, Zhan Beijue felt his trip was worthwhile.
"You know me?"
The few words, spoken with a tone as oppressive as a monarch's, confirmed Peng Fei's suspicion, making him even more nervous.
"No, but I guess you must be Chun Chun's father. Mr. Zhan, my name is Peng Fei..."
Zhan Beijue lightly interrupted him.
"Of course, I know who you are, or I wouldn't be here. Do you know why I've come?"
Peng Fei didn't know and dared not ask, staring at him blankly.
Zhan Beijue told the driver to start the car and looked at him meaningfully.
"Peng Fei, you harmed my daughter. By rights, you should be severely punished. However, I learned about what you did a while ago, and I also watched the video you posted online yesterday."
"I believe you're not irredeemably bad, and there's still hope for you. You're also young, and I don't want to see your life ruined like this, which is why I've intervened."
"Our Zhan family has always advocated for the principle that correcting mistakes is the greatest virtue. I'm doing this not just for you, but for my own beliefs. Do you understand?"
Peng Fei felt like crying as he listened.
This was Zhan Beijue.
A legendary figure in Nancheng, everyone spoke his name with reverence.
He had harmed his precious daughter, spared him the first time, and now, for the second time, he had personally come to save him!
Not only save him but also tell him personally that correcting mistakes is the greatest virtue?
It made him feel utterly ashamed.
"I understand what you mean, Mr. Zhan, and I know I was wrong. I'm sorry to Chun Chun..."
"Don't say such useless things in the future. I believe you can create more value outside than inside. Therefore, starting today, you are free, and I will handle this matter."
"Go back to your hometown honestly, do what you should do. As long as you don't bother Chun Chun anymore, you should live out your life peacefully."
Zhan Beijue would help him resolve all these messy affairs?
Peng Fei should have knelt down and kowtowed.
But he asked him to promise not to bother Chun Chun anymore.
"Mr. Zhan, I know I'm not worthy of talking about love with Chun Chun. Even in the next life, I couldn't repay the harm I've caused her, but..."
"But what? Do you think my daughter's life is over? That she has to be with you?"
"No, no, no, that's not what I meant..."
"Whatever you mean. What I've done is the greatest mercy. Don't push your luck."
Peng Fei dared not speak again. He was indeed pushing his luck.
Now, he was infamous throughout the country and could no longer enter the entertainment industry. His remaining life was destined to be unknown.
Even if his heart still ached for Zhan Jingchun, what could he do?