The next morning.
A trending topic involving Su Ding once again appeared in the public eye.
#Scandalous Actress Su Ding's Kiss
#Su Ding Xue Zhiqiao
#Su Ding's Seduction Failed, Xue Zhiqiao Dominantly Announces Official Relationship
The Weibo posts beneath these trending topics were filled with curses directed at Su Ding. Marketing accounts were fueling the narrative with a GIF of Su Ding kissing a man while seated at a concert.
The photo was taken from behind, so Jin Ye's face was not visible.
Netizens, including anti-fans, flooded the comments, accusing Su Ding of trying to make a comeback by using Xue Zhiqiao's concert. They called her shameless, a slut, and accused her of having a chaotic private life.
Occasionally, a few of Su Ding's old fans attempted to defend her, but they were met with overwhelming attacks.
In an instant, Su Ding became the target of public fury. The incident of her cheating at her wedding was brought up again, though any posts mentioning relevant keywords were quickly blocked.
The general consensus was that anything that could damage the Jin family's reputation was something that capital could not afford to offend.
Additionally, a wave of netizens speculated that Su Ding had found a new sugar daddy, otherwise, she wouldn't dare to show her face in Jiangcheng again and still generate so much attention.
Many also began investigating the identity of the man in the GIF.
Thus, as soon as Su Ding woke up, she saw Jin Ye leaving for the company with a dark expression.
"These marketing accounts are unbelievable."
Su Ding was in a terrible mood. She hadn't expected that just by attending a concert, in such dim lighting, she would be photographed again, and even Jin Ye was captured.
If Jin Ye were identified as the man in the photo, public opinion of the Jin family would plummet.
It could even affect Jin Ye's authority within the company.
After all, any man would find it unbearable to have his wife cheat on him at their wedding, wouldn't he?
If Jin Ye not only didn't mind but also reconciled with Su Ding.
He would surely become the laughingstock of all of Jiangcheng.
*Beep beep—*
Just then, Xin Jia'er's call came through.
"Ding Ding, are you okay? I don't know why everyone is saying such things, it's too much!"
Xin Jia'er said indignantly.
She had been with Xue Zhiqiao yesterday and hadn't paid much attention to the news. Xue Zhiqiao hadn't told her either.
Therefore, she only found out now and immediately called Su Ding.
Su Ding had initially been worried that Xin Jia'er would misunderstand, but upon hearing her concern, she felt a warmth spread through her heart. "It's fine. Let them say what they want; it will pass in a while."
"But they are all slandering you. Should I post on Weibo to prove we are good friends?"
Xin Jia'er didn't understand public relations. She naively thought that if she just explained, netizens would believe her.
However, much of public opinion was manipulated by certain parties.
"No need. If you respond, your Weibo will also become a trending topic, and the matter will only gain more traction."
Su Ding refused and said softly, "Don't worry, Jin Ye will handle it."
Xin Jia'er felt a little relieved. "Alright then, Ding Ding. Don't be unhappy because of these baseless rumors. If you have anything, talk to me, don't keep it bottled up."
"Mm-hmm, okay, I know."
Su Ding replied gently before hanging up the phone.
It would be a lie to say she wasn't affected, but as long as the people she cared about believed her, nothing else mattered.
Besides, she was no longer the person she used to be.
She would now bravely face any external torment and attacks.
"I should tidy up, or Madam Jin will start saying unpleasant things again."
Su Ding took a deep breath, started tidying her things, and prepared to go out.
Meanwhile, at the Shao family's dining table.
"Has Shao Xu really found another sugar daddy?" Madam Shao asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Grandma, it's hard to say for now. We're investigating. I suspect someone is backing her, otherwise, she wouldn't have dared to be so arrogant when she came home last time," Shao Jun guessed with a frown.
Shao Zhengchang pondered for a moment, then looked at Shao Qingqing. "Little sister, you're also somewhat involved in the entertainment industry. If you hear any gossip, remember to tell us. Help the family out."
Shao Qingqing's expression was solemn, and she didn't reply, appearing to be thinking about something else.
With Xiao Xu having this incident, would Xiao Yuan no longer recognize her spot?
Shao Zhengchang frowned, a hint of contempt on his face. He knew his younger sister was useless and couldn't help out at any time.
"Xiao Jun, I'll leave this matter to you. I've already borrowed the five million. I'll discuss it with your uncle again soon and try to get Mr. Bai from Ou Ya Group to approve this project for us."
Shao Jun quickly nodded. "Dad, I understand."
Hmph, Shao Xu, Su Ding, no matter who you are, I will uncover all your secrets!