Heyo, update time!😎

Sorry babes, I could not update on Saturday. This week was hectic, emotionally, physically. The next week will be too. Just a heads up.

As some of you like to know about my potato life whereabouts, my insomnia has hiked up again and my period is delayed (no, it's not what you think😒), so I am now a bundle of sniveling emotions with panda eyes. Today I teared up looking at an egg that had a hole in it, for no reason at all.😑 And I am listening to all the miserably sad songs on a loop and then watching paranormal videos.😩 Last night I had parsley tea with a bowl of ice cream (don't try that, ever).😖 So, yeah, my life is just peachy at the moment. Oh, I have some new pimples on my jawline now! Yay!😌

I was reading a news article and saw some comments saying people who have everything should not feel depressed. That made me think of something. Guys, if any of you feel guilty for feeling depressed, just don't. It's like saying rich people should not get stomach ache or a broken bone. Your mental health issues have nothing to do with how much materialistic gain you have in your life. Yes, if you are privileged you can remind yourself that to be humble towards life and take lessons from those who are less lucky than you, help them however you can but never feel ashamed of having actual psychological problems just because you have money or a good job or a pretty face or whatever perfection you have. Nor should you judge those who fill those criteria.

Thank you so much to all those lovelies that left comments and votes.

Okay, the class is over. Now, off ya go!

***********************

Chapter-32

If it was bad before it took a turn for the worse now. His assistant blamed Vanessa's agency for ruining whatever chance of damage control they did have, but YiBo knew he never had a chance to begin with. The truth was bound to come up sooner or later and people would neither accept an adulterer nor an absent father. Therefore, this outrage was inevitable.

And outrage it was.

On social media it was fan war; YiBo's versus everyone else's, even though regrettably and predictably, the number of people defending Wang YiBo was getting smaller by every passing hour. They were not to be blamed. It was hard to defend a cheating fiancé who had been hiding a child.

Offline, the scene was less open but equally fatal. An organization for women's development took down his name and contributions from their list of patrons. Two of his endorsements demanded for an official explanation within days or they would pull out as well. An inside source said one of his dramas that was on the line of releasing this month might get shelved temporarily till the fan outrage died down.

YiBo knew what was happening, he wasn't stupid.

"Boss, director Xu is on the line, saying they should maybe postpone your shoot further. The reporters are barging into the site."

YiBo nodded at him absentmindedly, "Sure. Whatever they seem fitting."

"And China Times has mailed another request for an interview."

"How many times do we have to tell them that I won't give them any interview so that they can twist my words and write their own story?"

"Mark has already rejected the offer. However..."

When Xiu Ying did not continue YiBo looked up from the papers in his hand, "What?"

His assistant looked, sheepish, "Our PR thinks you should give an exclusive, explaining things on your terms and all."

"Why, so that they would just publish their own version to make it more scandalous?"

"Not if we agree on our terms only. It's either follow our conditions or there won't be any interview. There will be written contract. Mark says they have it all planned."

"And will it make things any easier?" YiBo asked mockingly, hating the hope that still peeked through his voice.

Xiu Ying chewed on his lower lip guiltily, "Not easier but maybe the paps would stop hounding us this way. There are at least fifteen of them camping outside since last night."

A tired groan left YiBo hearing that. It'd been three days already and the madness did not seem like it would stop anytime soon. He had to cancel multiple shoots already. Some of the brands even asked him to make a more clarifying announcement regarding the issue. While logically he knew he would have to do some sort of interview, his heart was against it. He was tired, tired of strangers wanting a piece of his life, tired of being judged when people didn't know shit.

But this was not about him. He could not afford any weakness, not now, not when he had a family to protect.

It would be a blatant lie if he said he was not scared, he was. Ever since young, all he had known was how to be an actor. Born in an economically affluent family, he never had to worry about fending for himself. His passion for acting was something that gave him a purpose in life...till Zhan came along.

Acting was something he loved, acting was his career. And he was about to murder that.

Because he loved Zhan and his son more.

"Okay, tell Mark to prepare a questionnaire for the interview, run it through me and then I will decided."

Instead of being happy Xiu Ying looked even more worried but the man was of fewer words, so, YiBo did not really expect him to say anything, but still he did.

"Boss, want me to drive you down to Mr. Xiao's house for a little bit? Or maybe I can arrange for him to come-"

"No! Absolutely not!" YiBo yelled out but he knew his assistant was only thinking about his wellbeing, so he went softer in the next moment, saying more patiently, "I can't afford to expose him too, Xiu Ying, you know that."

"Yes, Boss. I'm sorry."

"No, it's...talk to Mark, all right? Go on."

As he watched Xiu Ying doing as he ordered, YiBo knew it was more than a paid service. He had always been the loner, trapped inside with his inexpressible emotions but it took him a long time to realize that maybe he wasn't completely alone. In this downward slope of his life, there were still people who chose to believe in him, stand with him.

If his career died down this time, YiBo would make sure to get Xiu Ying a better position.

XOXOXOX

"Sir, this is madness! Please, think this through."

"I have."

"These questions....they won't solve anything for you!"

"Who says I am trying to solve anything for me? Give these to the interviewer. If they agree I'll give the interview."

"But sir, please, I don't think this is even remotely a good decision."

"I don't pay you to question my decisions. I pay you to see my decisions are taken care of without much fuss."

"...............Sir..."

"Mark, don't worry, you or your team won't go jobless if things worsen for me. I will see to that."

"That's not what I am worried about!"

"Mail the questionnaire to them. And if any of you tell Zhan Ge about it, forget about your own career, got it?"

"................Yes, Sir."

XOXOXOX

Even though it was the statement released by Vanessa's agency that made things harder for YiBo, the two of them still remained on good terms. While YiBo could not blame her agency for attempting to save her reputation, Vanessa called him right after the incident to apologize for not being able to stop the release.

Therefore, YiBo decided to send Vanessa a draft of the questions he had prepared to answer. Vanessa called immediately after the mail was sent.

"Do you know the impact of those words would have on you?"

"It's not hard to guess."

"YiBo....don't do this!"

"There is nothing else that can be done now."

"You may choose to remain silent and let the things go by or maybe-maybe give some vague answers."

"Do you really think people will let it slide? You still remember those dating rumours, don't you? I did nothing and yet was accused of some absolutely baseless rumours. This time they have concrete proof of my "sins". Some of the brands are already in talk with my PR team for pulling my name out. It won't die down on its own this time."

"But if you do this there might not be a way back anymore."

"I know."

"What if we both give an interview together? A press conference even?"

"Do you think your label will keep you after that?"

"The amount of money I earn them will keep them quiet."

"This support means a lot, you know? But I am not going to pull down anyone else with me-"

"It's not pulling down! We will keep a tight front, saying how we still are friends and how I support you unconditionally."

"Then an amiable break up?"

"Well....not right away because then...." She trailed off, realizing how it would be portrayed to the media.

"Because then they'll focus on our relationship and dig up our contract and your past relationships in the process. Can you afford that? Not only you but your ex girlfriend will be at risk. Can you afford that, Vanessa? This would have worked if those photos would not have appeared but now, when the situation is this chaotic?" When she kept her silence, he added, "Too much is at stake here. And it's not about us anymore. It's for the people we love."

What was to say after that? They both fell into silence.

"What will you do if this is it?"

"Raise my kid and grow old."

"With your partner?"

"If he accepts a jobless man."

"You and your theatrics." The eye roll was evident in her voice. "But I'm glad that you have found something more important."

"It had always been that way, only he didn't know that, neither did the world."

XOXOXOX

Of course the news site that YiBo selected for his interview did not agree on the set of questions provided. YiBo's team was prepared for it. Thus, after a long negotiation, both parties came to an understanding. However, YiBo made it clear that the moment the contract was breached, he would stop the interview and the channel would not be able to publish one single part.

YiBo chose his office as the venue and on the day just an hour before the interview he called Zhan. Previously he had decided not tell Zhan anything regarding this interview in fear of being stopped by him but turned out he was not strong enough to face this alone and needed his Zhan Ge's presence in any way possible.

He called.

"YiBo? Where were you? I couldn't reach you over phone!"

"You called? Sorry, Ge, I was inside a studio set up; signal fluctuates with all those gadgets around."

"Studio set up? Are you at a shoot?"

YiBo absently trailed a finger on a frame that held the written accolade of his first ever award in acting. "Ge, I am going to give an interview today."

"An...interview? To whom? About- about the incident?"

"I need to clarify some things to my fans, to the people that deserve to know."

"People need to respect your privacy is what they should."

"Well, that's not gonna happen anytime soon."

Zhan let out a sigh in agreement, "Don't answer any invasive question. Don't let them bully you into saying something that you don't want to. Don't say anything drastic, all right?"

YiBo chuckled, "I won't but to explain things I am bound to give them some information."

Even though it was a statement, there was a question in it, which Zhan caught on.

"Xing is your child too. I might be his legal guardian but how you want to acknowledge him is entirely up to you. I know you won't let any harm come to our son."

Every time Zhan said "our son", the damaged part within him that was created after the separation repaired bit by bit. "Thank you for having faith in me, Ge."

"I always do."

"Whatever happens just know that I have everything planned, okay? Don't forget that."

"....YiBo? What will happen? What do you mean? What have you planned? YiBo, don't d anything stupid, you hear me? Don't. Tell me what are you planning?"

The moment those words came out and he heard Zhan's concern in his reply, YiBo knew he had said more than he should have been and quickly said, "Zhan Ge, I have to go now. They're calling me. I'll call you later, okay? Tell Peanut that I'll talk to him before bedtime."

"YiBo, wait-!"

YiBo rubbed a knuckle in between his furrowed brows after he cut the call on Zhan's face. The stress was getting to him. If only he could just shut off the world, go to Zhan and his son and hide till this shit storm was over. He was scared, felt cornered, wanted to turn back and run but knew he would have to face this head on, without letting on how lost he actually felt. And he would have to tell Xiu Ying to not receive Zhan's call till this was over. He felt like betraying the man again, hiding a decision of such magnitude....but he had no other option. The possibility of Zhan actually letting him do this was none. He would probably propose a plan that would put Zhan at risk of exposing and YiBo could not, would not let that happen. He knew this might create another misunderstanding between them but.....but nothing.

Taking several gulps of breaths, he channelled his face to the one of stony indifference, the one the world thought how he actually was, and went to sit for the interview of his life.

XOXOXOX

Mr. Wang YiBo, let me start this interview by thanking you on behalf of all of us for giving us the first exclusive opportunity to share your thoughts on the matter.

I thank you as well.

How have you been lately? As there hasn't been any further update on your part, your fans are quite concerned about you.

I'm all right, physically. Emotionally, I am reflecting on my past actions and taking in everything my well wishers are advising me.

By past actions you mean...

I mean everything that has led to up the current situation. Every little action that has culminated into this.

Then please, allow me to go straight to the focal point of this interview. About your son. The nation has witnessed how you have acknowledged him publicly in an emotional outburst and also later said that your fiancée, Ms. Vanessa Huang , was not at all involved in this, which was further confirmed by Mr. Vanessa's agency that clearly stated that she was not aware of this child prior to this. If you please, clarify on this matter.

What Ms. Huang's agency has stated is absolutely true. She did not have any prior knowledge of my son and only came to know about him recently.

After your wedding was cancelled?

Yes.

Is that the reason why it was cancelled?

Yes, you can say so.

Pardon me my boldness, Mr. Wang, but does that imply your alleged promiscuity towards your fiancée?

No, it does not as my son was born before I even met Vanessa.

Were you not in contact with your son when you and Ms. Huang met? You have previously stated that she was not aware of you having a child.

No, I was not in contact with my son back then. I had not been with him since his birth.

I'm sorry to know that you were not being able to be with your any sooner. Was the prohibition set in place by the other parent of your child?

Never. The other parent has only been the most welcoming and accepting and I will forever be grateful to them for allowing me to be a part of my son's life.

Then was it your own decision to stay away?

I abandoned my ex partner while they were pregnant.

I am truly sorry to hear that, Mr. Wang. I'm sure you had your reasons. Do you regret it?

Everyday.

What changed your mind?

The love for my family.

Is it safe to presume that you and your ex partner have reconciled things between yourselves or even resumed the relationship?

People are free to assume anything they would like to. However, the other parent of my child is not the subject of this interview, nor have I any right to state anything on behalf of them.

Yes, absolutely. That's very considerate of you to maintain their privacy. But do you think your decisions were fair to Ms. Huang?

No, I do not because they were not fair even remotely. If I had the chance to do things differently to make the situation easier for her, I would have.

Are you two still on good terms?

It won't be fair of me to speak for her but I have nothing but the utmost respect for her. She is an amazing human being.

Knowing the way your fans and people in general are reacting to the situation, what is your own reaction?

I feel disturbed knowing that my personal life has become an inconvenience for others. I apologize to my fans for disappointing them. For not being able to match up to the image they must have had in their minds about my private life. I would also like to say that we actors are also human beings, made of flesh and blood, prone to make mistakes and wrong decisions. Criticise the efforts we put into our work and do not make hasty assumptions of who we are in real life. We should always judge others the same way we would have judged ourselves.

Very well said, Mr. Wang. We should definitely be kinder to others if we expect kindness in return. And what is your opinion about those who have less favourable approach towards you?

You mean my haters? No, scratch that. Not haters. They must not hate me if they have such high expectations of me, right? I actually feel very humble knowing that they thought so highly of me and are disappointed seeing my flaws. Even though I am not deserving but I thank them for putting so much hopes in me. It's is the highest form of appreciation.

It indeed is. We, your fans, all would like for you to get your life together and be back on track soon. Anything you would like to say to the people that will read this interview?

I wholeheartedly thank every one of you for accompanying me so far, for putting your faith in me when I was just a newcomer in this immensely talented industry, for tolerating me when I was less than my best. I know that I have disappointed you with the decisions I have made in my life and there is nothing I would have liked more than to change those but it has happened and I would have to go on with it. I will understand if you choose to withdraw your support from me. I have nothing to complain for. However, I would earnestly request you all to not drag my family- my parents, my infant son, the other parent of my son into the mess. They have no part in my own mistakes. Please, respect their privacy and not direct your anger or frustration towards them. This is my only request to you.

Yes, absolutely. Carrying away with our overflowing emotions, we must not sling mud to innocent people blindly, must not forget that even public figures have a separate, private life. Echoing Mr. Wang's words, I ask the fans to respect his privacy and be patient. Thank you, Mr. Wang, for agreeing to do this very insightful interview today. I, from the Introspective Entertainment, wish you all the very best for your future endeavours. May the coming days treat you well.

XOXOXOX

When it went online, only a day after the interview was conducted, everything went to shit.

Zhan sat motionless in his basement studio for a long time after reading the interview. He had an ominous feeling that YiBo was going to do something stupid but never imagined it would. Be of this proportion.

So this was what he meant by taking the fall.

His phone had been ringing for the past few seconds but it didn't even reach his consciousness. There was only one thing that went on a loop, engaging his heart and mind- what had YiBo done!

He finally picked up the call when the ringing kept going.

"Have you read it?" Was the first thing Xuan said.

"...........What has he done, Xuan? What was that?!"

"Career suicide. It's career suicide."

Zhan physically flinched at those words.

"I don't know what he was thinking or how his team let him do that but Zhan....it's going to cost him massively."

"What should I do? What- he didn't even tell me he was going to do this! I knew- I had a feeling that he was going to do something drastic....if only- if only I could-I was-"

"No, stop it! No, you could not have done anything even if you knew. He is not a kid. He has been in the industry for a long time and knows how things work here. Whatever he has done he must have had some kind of plan, however stupid that seems. Stop blaming yourself for others' actions."

"But how can I not?! Don't you see? He did this to safeguard me and Xing! He did this for us!"

"Yes, I know that but if he is risking everything to prioritize you then the least you can do is to be safe and in control of your rational faculty in this situation. That's the least kind of favour you can do to him now. You both can't be stupid at the same time. Anyway, have you talked to him?"

Those words had hit home and Zhan took a moment to reply, "N-no, I haven't. I just finished reading it."

"All right. I can't reach his assistant and it's not my place to call and tell him this but when you two talk, tell him that our team will assist any way we can if he needs it, okay?"

Zhan shook his head vigorously, then realizing he said, "Okay, all right. I'll tell him that."

"And Zhan, please, compose yourself. He needs you now more than ever."

"I know. I know, Xuan. I know."

XOXOXOX

"I can't believe I had been stanning this rotten excuse of a human for such a long time! Unstan!"

"Holy shit! I still can't believe it. The fuck is happening?"

"I refuse to believe it. It's a published interview. They can spew whatever lies they want. Unless there is an audio visual proof I won't believe someone like Wang YiBo can do such a thing."

"Do a PhD in Denial when you're at it, why don't you? Do you think a popular media house like them would have published a wholeass interview without the person's consent? Just admit that your idol is a fucktard."

"Man, what a mess. I mean I'm all for people's choice and free will but dropping your partner while they're preggers? Nope, that's inexcusable."

"And that also out of wedlock!"

"You can fuck but when it comes to taking responsibility you're suddenly a moral police? Fuck it. Unstan!"

"I always knew there's something fishy about that dude."

"Listen guys, without knowing the whole story we shouldn't punish him like this. I know you'd call me biased but there must be a story on his ex partner's side as well. If YiBo was such an asshole then why did that other person forgive him so easily?"

"He has admitted it himself that not only he had left his partner with a child but also concealed the fact from Vanessa! What more proof do you need for you to see that he is a vile creature? Wake the fuck up!"

"And yet Vanessa is still on good terms with him. So, you claim in invalid."

"You don't know that. He said he still respected Vanessa. Have you forgotten what Vanessa's agency has stated? There's no way someone like Vanessa would stand being duped like this. I hope she sues him."

"Why did that partner have to turn up with the kid now? Couldn't she have stayed in the dark and let our YiBo be happy? I'm sure she has forced and blackmailed him."

"She? How do you know it's a 'she'? YiBo did not confirm the gender."

"YiBo is not gay! None of his previous partners are guys."

"Wait wait wait, did you just say his son's parent should have stayed in the dark? Like, seriously? Bitch, please. That person was ABANDONED with a baby out of wedlock! I can understand the blow you must have gotten as a fan but seriously? Anyway, what more could be expected from fans of such a despicable person."

"At least Wang YiBo has the guts to tell the truth upfront. He could have just stayed quiet about the whole thing. But he risked his image to speak the truth, knowing people will crucify him for it."

"Exactly! He told us the truth without thinking of his image. He is truly a good human being, who made some wrong decisions."

"Bloody hell! Look at you all little simps defending a cheat!"

"Wang YiBo is over. Period."

"Imma just stay in the corner and sip on my tea. You guys go on."

XOXOXOX

"As public figures we must take responsibility of our wrongdoings. We simply can't afford to be reckless knowing that our every little action has an immense impact on those young impressionable minds that look up to us." - Xie XiTong, veteran actor

"I have nothing to say on this matter as it does not concern me. But as someone who has worked with Wang YiBo previously, my only impression of him was that he was a gentleman through and through." -Tomoe Chiaki, director.

"When a young actor raised her voice against this person she was harassed and bullied by his fans mercilessly. This is why we should always believe the victims." - Bi Yu, actress.

"Actors like him give all the others a bad repute." -Su She, film critique.

"I don't understand why am I to be expected to give an opinion on this matter? Isn't it about his personal life? Why are we so obsessed with others' private matters? If you try to dig dirt for others you are bound to get smeared of your own as well." - Cui XiFeng, veteran actor and producer.

XOXOXOX

Sitting in the dark where he could not be sure whether his eyes were open or shut, his breathing was slow and steady. Almost peaceful. As if all the chains around his heart had been loosened, setting him free at last.

He had done it. He had fallen and there was no fear anymore.

Only emptiness of a loss.

His phone was as silent as the night because he had turned it off. He was certain Zhan Ge must be having a fit, even if they had talked briefly just before the interview. He did not want to give him a scare and hoped that Zhan would understand why he did it. Not that he wanted to shut Zhan off but for now, he needed some time to be alone, to be with his own self.

He was not naïve enough to think everything was solved just by that interview. The storm had only started. He would have to go out tomorrow and fulfil his commitment, face those fans that had come out to protest for his banishment from the industry the moment his interview went online, face the reporters that were currently camping outside his house. Face the accusation, the defamation.

He was scared. In the darkness of these four walls he could admit that he was scared and there was no one to run off to. There was no Zhan Ge, no Mum because those were the people he was trying to protect in the first place.

And some fear was worth facing.

This whole situation had been really tough on his team too but this was the only way he could think of. Maybe there were other options as well but this way all the attention would be on him, leaving Zhan and their relationship out of the prying eyes.

He was not regretting it, he could not............but facing the world alone that hated you was....scary.

XOXOXOX

If asked, Zhan would not be able to tell how had he passed the last few days. He was so out of it that MeiLi had to stay with them again. This was the first time that he was not able to tend to Xing's needs.

He could not stand the pain. Seeing YiBo being abused and vilified everywhere, everyday, media ruthlessly attacking him, fans protesting for his removal, irrelevant people coming out to spout lies about him.....Zhan could not take it anymore.

Just yesterday they had a huge argument because of it. Zhan was byond frustrated for YiBo making decisions on his own and was tired of hearing YiBo's forced cheerfulness when they talked. He had asked why was he pretending to be well when he was clearly not and one thing led to another and they had fought. Soon YiBo had hung up and Zhan felt miserable for raising his voice on him.

How could he do that knowing the world was turning against YiBo and Zhan was the reason for it?

This fall, this disgrace, this was all Zhan's fault and while he stayed safe YiBo was taking all the burnt.

Zhan could not take it anymore.

Today YiBo had a meeting at the Sina Weibo headquarter and some entertainment media was broadcasting his arrival live. Xuan had come to check on him in the pretence of giving him some official update and was currently sitting a few feet away, working on his laptop while Zhan's entire attention was on the car that was coming closer to the Weibo building. Xing was running and playing around the room, babbling to himself.

The car stopped, YiBo got out. Face hidden behind dark shades and mask but Zhan still could see his struggle in the droop of his shoulders, in the curve of that slightly bent neck, in the pale shade of his skin. His heart ached.

Amidst the protesting people screaming in the background, verbally assaulting him, his bodyguards physically pushing the reporters that shoved their cameras on his face, demanding to know anything and everything, YiBo approached the entryway.

As he was about to enter through the glass door, a water bottle came flying out of nowhere and slammed into the left side of YiBo's face, knocking the sunglasses off. Startled at this sudden attack, YiBo turned around to look at the direction from where it came and then was hurriedly pushed inside the building, leaving behind everything for the rolling camera to capture.

Xing, who was bouncing on his toes and thumping at the screen, too happy to see his Daddy, gave a fearful jerk when it happened, fumbled back a few steps in fear and began to wail.

And Zhan?

Zhan sat there, motionless as a stone, heart barely beating, throat clogged up, shellshocked. While his son wept and wailed, all he did was to stare at the screen where YiBo could be seen no more. Still he could not take his unseeing eyes off it. Then it went black but he still could see. Still could see the bottle hitting YiBo's face, his glasses falling off, him turning to look, a look full of sudden shock and despair and dejection. A look of a defeated man.

Zhan knew tears were falling from his own eyes but he had no sensation of crying. Only a void that had been ripped open inside him.

"Zhan-"

"Xuan?" He looked blankly at his manager's worried face.

"Zhan?"

"Make preparation."

"For what?"

"I am going to come out to the public."

"What? Wh- Zhan! No! Look, I know you're upset but this is no time to-"

"I am not upset," Zhan said and his voice sounded eerily calm and composed to his own ears.

"Zhan, please, think logically. Revealing yourself at a time like this...you won't e able to take the stress. It will damage your-"

"Will it damage me more than it did watching him being executed for the crimes he did not commit?"

"No but...but Zhan your mental stability-"

"Xuan," he softly called the name and the other man stopped immediately, "I love him. And if I can't stand by my family and protect them when it's needed the most, I might as well cease to exist altogether."

Staring in silence for a long moment, Xuan looked down with a sigh and nodded, "All right."

"Thank you. It's time that I tell the world the actual truth.....because they are not allowed to hurt what is mine."

With this, he got up, picked his still crying son and left the room.

The time had come.

[][][][]

Soooooooo, how many of you are waiting for me with the pitchforks down there? I'm still on the tree.🙃

Also, guys, as you can guess, the next chapter will be very crucial and would need a bit of thorough planning. So, no update next week.🌝