# 6
As the controversy heated up, the other two members of the TR boy group, Meng Cheng and Ou Kai, could no longer withstand the pressure and came out to apologize.
The company suspended all their appearances, and brand partners began discussing contract terminations with them. They were not only facing unemployment but also potentially astronomical breach of contract penalties.
Meng Cheng and Ou Kai published lengthy statements, downplaying their own actions while repeatedly apologizing, appealing to emotions in hopes of gaining Ju Xiao’s forgiveness.
Meng Cheng even started a late-night livestream, crying profusely and threatening to jump into the neighborhood fountain, saying he would atone in the same manner.
It was so foolish that it made people laugh.
The public wasn’t falling for it, many commenting that this person had a strong theatrical personality, asking why he never showed such good acting skills in his performances.
But fans were still defending him, saying he had already apologized—what more did people want? Were they trying to drive him to suicide too? Wasn’t this cyberbullying?
While fans and the public battled it out, the instigator of all this, Rong Jin, was still comfortably lying low.
Any unfavorable news about him would quickly be deleted, including related search terms that would be censored.
It seemed Rong Lin intended to let Meng Cheng and Ou Kai draw away the heat and extricate Rong Jin from the situation.
But how could they let him off so easily?
The PR department had Ju Xiao record a video explaining the main reason for his suicide attempt.
The previous humiliation and isolation were merely the tip of the iceberg. Being forcibly injected with prohibited drugs and the outrageous bet among Rong Jin and the other two were the primary reasons he couldn’t hold on anymore.
This finally caught the attention of the police and the AO Management Bureau, and Rong Jin was taken away for investigation.
The police reportedly intercepted him at the airport, where, under his family’s protection, he was preparing to flee the country.
It wasn’t until Rong Jin’s arrest that his identity as the young master of the Rong family was exposed.
Suddenly, Ju Xiao and Rong Jin topped the trending charts.
A Beta with no power or influence standing up against a vile, despicable rich Alpha resonated with many who had similar experiences.
In the video, the pale and fragile Beta was so pitiable. He didn’t deliberately play for sympathy; he didn’t even shed tears.
He just calmly, numbly recounted everything.
His eyes were hollow, as if his soul had been extracted.
Of all the TR boy group members, he was known for being the most approachable and polite, with no negative news.
Many casual observers began to become fans.
Directors and actors who had previously worked with him also came forward to support him.
As Ju Xiao’s fan base grew, Rong Jin’s social media was completely overwhelmed.
It’s worth noting that Ju Xiao’s fans had previously been very meek, like him, with weak fighting spirit.
Even when the incident first broke and they learned about the bullying, they couldn’t out-argue Rong Jin’s fans.
They just kept repeating phrases like “you shouldn’t bully people” and “how could you do this?”
Some young girls were even typing while crying.
Now, learning that Rong Jin had done such bestial things, even these peaceful fans were enraged.
They wanted to use every vicious word they knew.
Meanwhile, Rong Jin’s delusional fans were still clamoring in their fan forums: “Brother bought such expensive medicine to turn you into an Omega, you should be grateful! If it were me, I would never repay kindness with enmity.”
The general public just wanted Rong Jin to go to jail, while his fans were practically asking for his death.
As the situation became serious and the impact widespread, Rong Jin’s fan forums were quickly shut down, and his accounts on major platforms were muted.
When official intervention occurs, it usually means the crimes committed are almost certainly confirmed.
Xing Entertainment also took this opportunity to express its stance, strongly condemning the actions of Rong Jin and the other two, and stating they would immediately terminate their contracts.
Some people accused Xing Entertainment of being opportunistic, ignoring the situation earlier and only appearing after Rong Jin’s arrest. But rational observers pointed out that if Xing Entertainment truly didn’t care, given Rong Jin’s identity, Ju Xiao would have had nowhere to turn for help.
It’s important to note that previous news about Rong Jin had been suppressed.
Soon after, Ju Xiao personally published a statement thanking the company and fans for their support, and especially thanking Director Duan for his unconditional support and help during this incident.
His words were sincere, clearly not just cooperating with company PR. Those who had previously been skeptical gradually changed their views about Xing Entertainment.
Everything seemed to be developing in a positive direction.
_
“Did you see today’s trending topics?”
“Yes, Ju Xiao is truly miserable. I think the punishment for those three scumbags is still too light. They should have their glands removed so they can no longer be Alphas!”
“Right, in recent years there’s always legislation for Omega protection, but Betas are like marginalized people, never getting effective protection.”
“Indeed, if Ju Xiao were an Omega, they wouldn’t dare bully him like this.”
“Fortunately, Xing Entertainment didn’t cover for them and even helped Ju Xiao sue Rong Jin.”
“I saw a rumor yesterday saying that Director Duan from Xing Entertainment fell out with all the company executives to help Ju Xiao—all Xing Entertainment employees know about it.”
“Really? Domineering CEO Alpha and bullied star Beta—I’m shipping it!”
“But I heard that Director Duan is married.”
“Who’s so lucky? Must be a family arrangement marriage!”
“Ouch~” Zuo Nian pricked his finger while sewing a doll costume. He smiled apologetically at the two girls and blew on his finger.
“Boss, do you follow celebrities?” the girl with glasses turned to ask.
The two girls had come to the shop to DIY phone cases.
Zuo Nian’s shop not only sold finished products but also provided workstations and material packages for customers to make their own styles.
The two girls were regular customers who always chatted about gossip during their visits and often tried to include Zuo Nian in their conversations.
Although Zuo Nian rarely spoke much, he was a good listener.
“No,” Zuo Nian answered slowly, “But I watch dramas and appreciate some actors.”
“I’ve been in a drama drought lately. Do you have any recommendations, boss?” the other girl asked.
Zuo Nian nodded vigorously, saying: “New Bamboo, Moonlight Vow, both are good!”
“I saw the trailer for New Bamboo and it seemed pretty good. I want to wait until it’s completed before watching,” the girl with glasses said.
Zuo Nian held up four fingers: “Just four more episodes until it’s done.”
“Both of these have Lu Li as the lead, right?”
“Mm-hmm.” Zuo Nian nodded again.
“You like Lu Li?” the girl asked.
Zuo Nian waved his hands: “Not like, appreciate. He… acts well.”
“And he’s handsome, though he seems a bit of a playboy.”
Zuo Nian tilted his head and thought for a moment. The faces of Lu Li and Duan Baisui appeared simultaneously in his mind, and he seriously evaluated: “Not handsome.”
The girls: …
At five in the afternoon when the shop closed, Zuo Nian counted the money in the drawer and recorded it in his little notebook.
Today he had sold a total of 459 yuan worth of goods, enough to buy some new things for the little kitten.
Yesterday when he bathed the kitten, he had only bought cat food, lamb milk powder, and canned cat food. Today he needed to buy a litter box and cat litter.
He had already selected a cat tree and some small toys online.
Having made up his mind, Zuo Nian shouldered his small bag, put on his yellow knitted hat, and left the shop.
Near the plaza was a bustling small street with many pet shops that carried everything he needed, just a five-minute walk away.
Crossing the road, Zuo Nian could see the blue sign in the distance: Pet’s Home.
He clutched his small bag, took a few steps, then retreated.
A new store had opened on the street.
Its sign was pink, and the mannequin in the window wore sexy black lace clothing that barely reached the top of the thighs, with the lower half semi-visible, along with a tiny pair of underwear.
Being newly opened, there was a balloon arch outside the door, and a large billboard advertisement announcing the opening promotion with an eye-catching slogan: “Choose the right underwear, and your husband will come home early.”
Zuo Nian looked for quite a while, seeing many people going in and out, and couldn’t help wanting to join the excitement.
As soon as he stepped into the store, a sales consultant enthusiastically greeted him.
“First time here, sir?” the man asked with a smile.
“Uh…” Zuo Nian was momentarily confused, “Yes.”
“Are you an Omega?” the man continued to ask.
Zuo Nian nodded.
“Are you in a passionate relationship or already married?”
Zuo Nian answered honestly: “Just… married.”
The stranger’s over-enthusiasm made him somewhat nervous, and he could only tightly grip the strap of his shoulder bag.
“Congratulations, sir. You’re so cute, your Alpha must be quite excellent, right?”
Upon hearing someone praise Duan Baisui, Zuo Nian’s nervous heart immediately relaxed, and he softly responded “Mm”: “He’s… very good.”
“Well then, would you like to add some excitement to your marriage?”
Zuo Nian was confused: “Excitement?”
An excellent sales consultant can always make customers willingly pay for merchandise.
By the time Zuo Nian realized what was happening, he was already walking out the door with packages large and small.
The man who had served him followed closely behind, smiling broadly: “Mr. Zuo, we welcome your next visit.”
Zuo Nian looked at the text message on his phone—he had just spent 13,000 yuan. Painful! So painful!
But the sales consultant had earnestly assured him that if he followed his instructions, his Alpha would be irresistibly drawn to him, eager to see him immediately. They would have a passionate, unforgettable night, and from then on, his Alpha would never want to leave him.
Thinking of this, Zuo Nian put his phone back in his bag. If it was money spent for his brother, then it was worth it.
_
Duan Baisui had a business dinner that evening.
He was dining with several business partners.
Their jointly invested film was scheduled to premiere during the Spring Festival, and they had spent a considerable amount on special effects. All the investors had high expectations for the film.
At the table, glasses clinked as flattering pleasantries were exchanged.
“With Chairman Duan and President Xu away, Director Duan has managed the company so well—truly surpassing his predecessors,” Wang Qing, the president of Enyue, toasted.
Duan Baisui clinked glasses with him and said: “President Wang, you’re too kind.”
“Director Duan is so accomplished at a young age, yet so ascetic—it’s not right,” Bai Mushan sprawled in his chair, one hand caressing the Omega beside him, his expression lewd: “Don’t learn from your father. Your father fears his spouse, what do you have to fear?”
News traveled fast in their circle.
Though not publicly announced, they all knew Duan Baisui had married a fool.
Duan Baisui’s expression darkened: “President Bai is joking.”
“Go, go keep Director Duan company,” Bai Mushan tapped the Omega beside him flirtatiously.
Everyone present, except for Duan Baisui, had brought companions, either actors known in the industry or minor internet celebrities.
As the young actor was about to stand up, Duan Baisui smiled and said: “No need. President Bai is accustomed to being a playboy, and Mrs. Bai doesn’t mind, but my partner would cry and make a fuss.”
His way of speaking was as direct as his Omega father’s, giving people a headache.
“Hey, Old Bai, look at you! Director Duan is still in the honeymoon phase, his feelings are still intense. Why are you worrying about this?” Wang Qing used a joking tone to give both men a way out.
Bai Mushan patted his head and quickly raised his glass: “Look at me, I’ve had too much to drink, too much, haha! Director Duan, please don’t mind.”
Duan Baisui raised his glass slightly in his direction and said: “How could I?”
After drinking it all in one go, Duan Baisui felt his phone vibrate twice in his pocket.
He took it out to see a WeChat message from Zuo Nian.
At this hour, he still wasn’t asleep—was he afraid?
Duan Baisui clicked into it.
The chat loaded two photos.
One was of their bedroom bed.
The other was of Zuo Nian’s foot wearing black stockings.
The lighting was quite dim, and Duan Baisui couldn’t see clearly. He also didn’t understand what this meant.
He assumed Zuo Nian was expressing fear and didn’t want to sleep alone.
He replied: Almost done, I’ll be home in half an hour.
