Chapter 258 – Report to the CEO: Madam Has Run Away Again – Press Conference (18)
When Bai Tang woke up, Xiao A showed him screenshots of the overwhelming rumors spreading across the internet.
Especially when he saw his squirrel tail, he froze for a moment before panicking.
“Xiao A, what should I do? I’ve been exposed,” Bai Tang said in a panic. He’d heard that this world had research institutes that specialized in studying bizarre phenomena—what if they came to take him away?
“Don’t be afraid, Host. The male lead will protect you. And if worst comes to worst, I’ll take you out of this world ahead of schedule,” Xiao A replied.
Gu Yan had already ordered the PR team to suppress and remove the video as best they could, but it was clear the other side was targeting him directly. Now, even Bai Tang’s entire background had been completely dug up.
Assistant Jin said, “President Gu, I suggest holding a press conference to clarify your relationship with Mr. Bai. We should deal with the easiest issue first.”
“No,” Gu Yan rejected the idea outright.
Of course Gu Yan understood. But at a press conference, reporters would do anything to uncover the juiciest headlines—their questions would be sharp and relentless. His Tangtang was shy and reserved; he wouldn’t be able to withstand that kind of bombardment.
They were speaking in the study at the villa. Assistant Jin scratched his head helplessly. This won’t work, that won’t work—he was completely out of ideas. How could they possibly silence public opinion?
“I’ll do it.”
A soft, gentle voice came from the doorway.
Gu Yan and Assistant Jin turned at the same time and saw a young man standing barefoot in the doorway, dressed in creamy white cow-print pajamas, holding a squirrel plushie the size of a pillow.
“Tang Tang.”
Gu Yan carried Bai Tang to the sofa. When his hands touched the young man’s slightly cold feet, his brows furrowed. “That was my oversight. I forgot to get you warm slippers.”
It might have had something to do with Bai Tang’s squirrel form—he had a particular fondness for all things soft and fluffy.
Bai Tang playfully wiggled his toes. “I want the really fuzzy kind~”
“Alright.”
“President Gu, please reconsider. Mr. Bai just agreed as well—this really is the fastest and most effective solution,” Assistant Jin interrupted their tender moment. “Mr. Bai, please try to persuade him.”
If things kept going like this, Gu Corporation’s stock was bound to hit rock bottom sooner or later.
“Ah Yan, let’s hold a press conference. Even if the video gets exposed, I’m not afraid,” Bai Tang said. He had already made an agreement with Xiao A—if things really couldn’t be resolved, he would leave this world.
“Tang Tang, you can’t handle it. Be good, stay home and wait for me to take care of it.”
“I want to do something for Ah Yan too.” Bai Tang interrupted Gu Yan. “You’ve done so much for me—I want to do something for you as well. Grandpa Gu said that love is mutual. Actually, I really like you too, Ah Yan…”
“Tang Tang…”
Gu Yan held Bai Tang’s hand, and the words ‘I really like you too, Ah Yan’ echoed in his mind.
He had finally received a response from Bai Tang—but he didn’t want the very next moment to be Bai Tang sacrificing himself for his sake.
“If Ah Yan doesn’t take me to the press conference, I’ll sneak off and go on my own,” Bai Tang threatened.
Gu Yan knew he wasn’t joking—and that he did indeed have the ability to “escape.”
“Alright, I really can’t do anything about you. I’ll take you—but you have to listen to me,” Gu Yan said helplessly. He was happy that Bai Tang trusted him so completely, but also at a loss over how “disobedient” he could be.
“President Gu, I’ll go make the arrangements right away.”
Hearing that Gu Yan had relented, Assistant Jin quickly jumped at the opportunity, worried Gu Yan might change his mind.
As he passed Bai Tang, Bai Tang nodded at him. “Thank you for your hard work, Assistant Jin.”
“You’re too polite, Mr. Bai.” Seeing Bai Tang and Gu Yan back together again, Assistant Jin was full of emotion.
President Gu really stirred up so much trouble—breaking up with him, then trying to win him back, and now all this mess.
Once the outsider had left, Gu Yan pressed his forehead gently against Bai Tang’s. “Tang Tang, what am I supposed to do with you…”
The man’s deep murmur was like the strongest wine. Their lips met, and they melted into a kiss full of sweetness and longing.
…
Bai Tang lay panting against Gu Yan’s chest. “Ah Yan… no… no more… we have the press conference tomorrow…”
They had fooled around all afternoon and evening, and Bai Tang was completely exhausted.
His face was flushed from being so thoroughly loved, and he begged repeatedly for mercy.
But Gu Yan only grew more intense each time, as if he wouldn’t stop until Bai Tang could no longer even get out of bed.
In fact, that had indeed been his plan.
As long as Bai Tang was exhausted enough, he wouldn’t be able to get up for the press conference.
“Ah Yan… Ah Yan…”
Bai Tang cried out Gu Yan’s name through his tears, but it still couldn’t stop Gu Yan’s overwhelming affection.
Afterward, Bai Tang collapsed in Gu Yan’s arms, fast asleep from exhaustion, with tear tracks still visible on his face.
Gu Yan lowered his head and kissed Bai Tang’s cheek.
“Tang Tang, I won’t let you suffer.”
Then he got up and went to the study, signing the documents Assistant Jin had sent over late at night. He transferred several properties and assets under his name to Bai Tang. Even if Gu Corporation couldn’t weather this crisis and went bankrupt, at least he could ensure Bai Tang would live without worries.
Bai Tang was woken up by Xiao A.
“Host, wake up! The male lead is about to head to the press conference. If you don’t get up now, you’ll miss it.”
Although Xiao A could map out the best route to sneak Bai Tang into the conference hall, the “squirrel incident” still hadn’t blown over. It was better to avoid transforming if possible. You could never be too careful—there would be a lot of people there, and it wasn’t Gu Corporation’s turf. If someone caught a glimpse, things could go badly.
Bai Tang had just managed to get up, only to fall right back onto the bed with a heavy thump. The mattress was soft, so it didn’t hurt, but the soreness all over his body made his eyes fill with tears.
Gu Yan had really gone hard on him last night. Bai Tang’s body wasn’t particularly strong to begin with, and now he was paying the price for all that pleasure.
With great effort, Bai Tang pressed the bedside intercom.
“Uncle Butler… I don’t feel good…”
His voice came through the receiver hoarse and tearful. Standing beside the butler, just about to head out, Gu Yan threw aside his tie and rushed back to the room in a few quick strides.
“Tang Tang…”
As Bai Tang looked up, he fell straight into a warm embrace.
“Ah Yan~” Bai Tang clutched the sleeve of Gu Yan’s shirt, wrinkling the perfectly pressed white fabric.
Gu Yan didn’t mind at all. His face was full of concern.
“Tang Tang, tell me where it hurts. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
“This is all your fault…” Bai Tang pouted, his face turning red.
Gu Yan understood instantly. Looking at the green and purple marks on Bai Tang’s body—those were the traces he had left, proof that Tang Tang now belonged to him.
“It’s my fault—all my fault…” Gu Yan gently caressed the bruises with affection.
“Then hurry up and help me get dressed! I need to go to the press conference,” Bai Tang urged.
Gu Yan had calculated everything… except for one thing: Bai Tang’s built-in “alarm clock”—Xiao A.
Xiao A: No need to thank me. Just doing my job.
When Bai Tang clung to Gu Yan to stop him from leaving, Gu Yan couldn’t bring himself to break free. In the end, he had no choice but to help his little lover wash up and get dressed.
There wasn’t enough time to eat breakfast at home, so the butler packed it up for Bai Tang to eat in the car.
“Let me tell you,” Bai Tang warned, shaking his little fist, “don’t think about ditching me. If you dare try to deny our relationship, then I’ll—I’ll find someone else to cuddle up with!”
That phrase “find someone else to cuddle up with” hit Gu Yan like a bolt of lightning. He had worked so hard to win his sweetheart back—just the thought of him going to someone else made Gu Yan panic.
“I won’t—I swear,” Gu Yan said quickly. “I was just confused before. I promise I’m completely devoted to Tangtang now. I’ve chased after this treasure for so long—how could I ever let you go? Only a fool would push away someone so precious.”
Bai Tang hummed in Gu Yan’s lap, using his consciousness to quietly discuss their strategy for the press conference with Xiao A in his mind.
By the time they arrived at the venue, a large crowd of reporters was already camped outside.
Flashes went off non-stop, and questions were fired at them from every direction.
“President Gu, is your relationship with Bai Tang really like what’s being said online?”
“President Gu, it’s been rumored that you and Bai Tang were previously engaged. Is it true that you signed a breakup agreement?”
“President Gu, President Gu—!”
“President Gu—!”
Persistent reporters tried to break through the blockade, desperate to shove their microphones right in Gu Yan’s face. Unfortunately for them, the security guards held the line firmly. They couldn’t even get close enough to touch a single strand of Gu Yan’s hair.
Bai Tang hadn’t seen such a grand spectacle in a long time. These reporters were even more intense than those in the entertainment industry back in his former world.
Gu Yan shielded him tightly and led him into the venue under the protection of the security team.
“Tang Tang, don’t be afraid. Leave everything to me. If you’re scared, just hold my hand,” Gu Yan whispered softly in Bai Tang’s ear.
Bai Tang leaned his full weight against Gu Yan—he really didn’t have any strength left.
When Assistant Jin came into the lounge to inform them that the reporters were already seated, Gu Yan gave Bai Tang a kiss on the corner of his lips, then carefully checked his outfit again to make sure no inappropriate marks were visible. Only after confirming everything was in order did he take Bai Tang out.
The reporters who had been allowed inside were relatively well-behaved, sitting quietly in their seats as they waited for the main figures to appear.
When Gu Yan and Bai Tang walked out hand-in-hand, a ripple of excitement stirred through the press, but overall, things remained orderly.
As the host of the event, Assistant Jin was the first to pick up the microphone. After making sure it was working properly, he addressed the journalists:
“First of all, thank you to all members of the media for attending this Gu Corporation press conference. Regarding the recent rumors circulating online about President Gu’s alleged scandal and some inaccurate claims, President Gu will be providing clarifications shortly. You will also have the opportunity to ask him questions afterward. Now, please welcome the President of Gu Corporation, Mr. Gu Yan.”
Gu Yan adjusted the microphone on the table and swept his gaze across the gathered reporters.
“I’m Gu Yan, President of Gu Corporation. Recently, there have been various rumors online about my relationship with my fiancé. I won’t make excuses. Let me clarify: the initial rumors about a love triangle were false. However, it is true that my fiancé and I signed an agreement.”
As soon as Gu Yan said those words, the entire room erupted into a commotion.
No one had expected that Gu Yan would actually admit it. Even Bai Tang, sitting beside him, couldn’t figure out what he was thinking. Could it be that he still hadn’t given up on distancing himself from their relationship?
If that was really the case, then Bai Tang swore he would never speak to him again. Anyone who did would be a little puppy!
Under the table, Gu Yan gently squeezed the angry little squirrel’s paw, signaling him to trust him.
Hearing Gu Yan’s statement, the reporters immediately started firing questions.
“President Gu, if you and Bai Tang signed a separation agreement back then, why did you get back together later?”
Gu Yan replied, “At the time, Tang Tang and I had a conflict. Later, I realized I was in the wrong and went to ask for his forgiveness. Thankfully, heaven was on my side, and I was lucky enough to win him back.”
As he spoke, Gu Yan looked straight at Bai Tang. The deep affection and longing in his gaze were obvious to everyone present.
The reporter who asked the question quickly scribbled notes, while the others weren’t far behind.
“President Gu, there’s a rumor that your fiancé—Bai Tang—once lived with a female employee of your company named Sha Yao, and then later moved out. There are even photos as evidence. How do you explain that?”
“I’m sure everyone here is familiar with the concept of shared housing,” Gu Yan responded calmly. “After Tang Tang and I broke up, he left my home. As many of you have already investigated, Tang Tang’s background is complicated. With those leeching relatives—his so-called uncle and aunt—anyone in his position would’ve chosen not to return. He had nowhere to go. So what’s wrong with renting a place on his own? It just so happened that he ended up co-renting with Miss Sha Yao, nothing more.”
“President Gu, how do you explain Bai Tang being able to grow a squirrel tail and ears? That video has been reviewed by professionals and confirmed not to be CGI or special effects.”
“What, are a couple’s private games not allowed now?” Gu Yan curled his thin lips into a mocking smile. “I don’t know who installed a hidden camera in my lounge to secretly record footage, but placing a surveillance device in my office constitutes theft of trade secrets. I have very good reason to believe this was done by an internal spy planted by a disreputable rival company. I’ve already reported the matter to the police, and I believe it won’t be long before the culprit is found. I also urge my friends in the media not to spread unverified information. Otherwise, Gu Corporation reserves the right to sue your outlet for defamation.”
The reporters exchanged nervous glances. They were here to gather material, not to end up with a lawsuit.
“Why hasn’t Bai Tang spoken? Since President Gu brought him here, shouldn’t both parties clarify things? So far, it’s been President Gu speaking—let’s hear a few words from Bai Tang.”
Bai Tang was a bit flustered. He thought Gu Yan had spoken quite well and had already said everything he was planning to say. Now he wasn’t sure what was left for him to add.
His misty, shimmering eyes met Gu Yan’s gaze. Gu Yan gave him an encouraging smile.
“Don’t be afraid.”
Encouraged, Bai Tang tried his best to remain calm in front of the cameras.
“Everything Ah Yan said is true. I don’t have much to add. Our relationship is strong now, and I hope you won’t make malicious speculations about us.”
“If your relationship is so solid, then why didn’t you hold a wedding or announce your reconciliation publicly?” one persistent reporter pressed. “Could it be that President Gu just invited you here for show? Also, according to our sources, Bai Tang, you were sold to Gu Yan by your aunt and uncle. They contacted several ‘buyers,’ and Gu Yan simply offered the highest price. So before that, had your aunt and uncle already sold you off to someone else? Was it because President Gu found out he got a used good that he made you sign a separation agreement?”
The reporter’s aggressive barrage stunned everyone in the room. His words were vicious, blatantly implying that Bai Tang was promiscuous and deserved to be discarded.
Bai Tang froze. It wasn’t as though he had never been insulted before—but no one had ever said anything this cruel.
Tears welled up in the young man’s eyes, but he refused to let them fall.
“That’s not true. You’re lying. I’m not like that. Ah Yan and I are truly in love.”
Gu Yan’s expression darkened.
“I’ve already made everything clear. I ask this reporter to stop making baseless assumptions—otherwise, I will sue you for defamation.”
He pulled Bai Tang into his arms and gently wiped the tears from his face with a tissue.
“I didn’t… Don’t listen to him…” the young man sobbed, making Gu Yan’s heart ache.
“I believe in Tang Tang. I know exactly what kind of person he is—better than anyone else,” Gu Yan said, his words laced with subtle implications meant to comfort Bai Tang.
Hearing them, Bai Tang couldn’t help but make some associations, and his cheeks turned crimson.
Gu Yan then looked up and gave Assistant Jin a meaningful glance. The reporter—who was still itching to “press on”—had no idea he was about to be in serious trouble. He was still smug, thinking he’d not only been paid by Liu Corporation but also obtained exclusive material that would make his article go viral.
Author’s Note:
Uh-oh… someone’s in big trouble.