After parting on bad terms, Wan Tong and Shao Heng left the coffee shop. As for what would happen between Li Zhi and Li Xutian, it was no longer their concern.
As Shao Heng had said, he was already an adult, and it was impossible for Li Zhi to control him.
Since she dared to sign a contract with Li Xutian, she had to bear the consequences herself.
They hadn’t walked far when Li Zhi caught up to them.
She tried to grab Shao zheng, but he skillfully avoided her.
“Shao Heng, what’s the matter with you? How long do you plan to keep causing trouble for me? I’ve raised you for so many years, and now you want me to bear a ten million yuan penalty?” Li Zhi cried bitterly.
Shao Heng knew she was acting and couldn’t help but admire her. Even at this point, she could still continue acting.
“The contract we just signed, you haven’t spent all the money yet, right? You should be able to afford it,” his voice was calm, but his deep eyes were filled with mockery.
Li Zhi hesitated for a moment and suddenly understood. He knew about her contract with Li Xutian.
He knew she was using him and selling him out, so it wasn’t surprising that he had turned on her.
Li Zhi didn’t know whether to continue acting or confront him. Either way, she felt it would be difficult to complete all her three tasks.
“It seems I’ve raised a wolf. Don’t forget, I pulled you out of trouble in the first place. Is this how you repay me? I did keep something from you, but did you have to be so heartless?” Li Zhi said, trying to control her anger.
Shao Heng stared at her expressionlessly and replied, “It’s best if you did as you said.”
Li Zhi felt he was implying something and suppressed her anger. She spoke with restraint, “Shao Heng, you wait and see. Since you no longer cherish our past, I won’t protect you anymore. You’ll have to fend for yourself from now on!”
With that, she glanced at Wan Tong and added through clenched teeth, “Gu Wantong, you wait for me too.”
Li Zhi was about to leave, but Shao Heng stepped in her way, and with a dangerous tone, he squeezed out, “If you dare to touch her again, try it.”
Again?
Li Zhi sneered. He must have suspected her and investigated her a long time ago.
On the way back, Wa Ttong asked Shao Heng, “Li Xutian is successful now, with a wide network of connections. If he comes after you, what will you do? And Li Zhi will probably join forces with him against you.”
“We’ll just wait for him to make a move,” Shao Heng replied cryptically.
Wan Tong could tell he had a plan, so she remained calm.
During the live broadcast that evening, a fan suddenly asked Wan Tong if she knew Li Xutian.
Wan Tong learned something surprising from a fan during her livestream. After ending the livestream, she went back to check her own Weibo. About three years ago, when she was still in university, she had posted a short video…
After searching for a while, she opened it and saw a background of soft music playing. In the video, a girl in a white camisole dress with braided hair walked towards the setting sun. As her slender figure moved, it became dappled in the light and shadows of the camera. Eventually, her shadow became small, leaving only a silhouette.
As Wan Tong reminisced, she suddenly remembered something. That day, the sunset was spectacular, and she happened to be by an artificial lake. Since she didn’t have any friends with her, she asked a passing little boy to help her record a video…
She had long forgotten what the little boy looked like, but now, considering their ages, he was very likely the boss.
Wan Tong left the room and looked at Shao Heng, who was lying on the sofa. She walked over and showed him the video.
Shao Heng’s dark eyes sparkled with a few glimmers of starlight as he softly said, “How do you remember the characteristics of every set of makeup products?”
Wan Tong : “…” Can I punch him?
On the other side, the male student from the art academy faced punishment and finally couldn’t bear the pressure. He revealed Shao Heng’s involvement.
Shao Heng received several calls from journalists and teachers at the art academy. Initially, this matter didn’t attract much external attention, especially since Li Xutian had been actively suppressing it.
However, at this moment, a marketing account suddenly posted the story on Weibo, and since this person had quite a few followers, more people began to pay attention.
—[Who was this proxy who rivaled the genius painter Li Xutian? Were there any secrets hidden in this rivalry? Who had plagiarized whom?]
Li Xutian’s assistant quickly contacted the marketing account, but at this critical juncture, someone dug up a few lines of information about the proxy.
—[Shao Heng, only 18 years old, a graduate of a third-rate high school, with an arrogant and unsociable personality. He would often stay in the art room, but few had seen his artwork. Most importantly, he was the second-highest scorer in the science department in City B, missing the top spot by just one point!]
While the top scorer in the science department had garnered attention recently, there was no news at all about the second-place student who missed the first place by just one point. It was said that he refused all interviews.
Following this lead, someone found Shao Heng’s high school and discovered that the school had been promoting Shao Heng since the exam results were announced. The school claimed that Shao Heng was a well-behaved child who, due to family reasons, often couldn’t focus on his studies. They portrayed his exceptional performance in the exam as a surprise, and there were even photos of him!
Today’s top science scorer had achieved a score of 710 in the exam, with 10 bonus points, for a total of 720 points. Shao Heng scored 719 points, just one point less, and he had achieved that score solely based on his performance without any bonus points.
High looks, high exam achiever, and a good painter, these three labels were all placed on Shao Heng, instantly propelling him to the top of the trending topics.
Li Xutian knew that this series of hype definitely couldn’t have happened without Shao Heng’s involvement.
No matter what Shao Heng intended to do, it was never a good thing for him to appear in front of the public.
So, Li Xutian lost his composure a bit and frantically instructed his assistant to remove the trending topic. Even so, discussions about Shao Heng took a different turn and quickly surged to the top ten in popularity. In the end, Li Xutian could only take the initiative and spend money to have internet trolls spread the rumor that Shao Heng had plagiarized his work.
One was a talented artist with a significant position in the art world, and the other was just a good-looking high-achiever in the college entrance examination. No matter who you asked, the person accused of plagiarism would be Shao Heng.
Furthermore, on Li Xutian’s side, people were also revealing Shao Heng’s pseudonym ‘Wang Xing’ and claiming that Wang Xing had consistently imitated Li Xutian’s style in competitions, turning the tables on Shao Heng.
As a result, public opinion quickly turned against Shao Heng, with everyone questioning whether his high exam scores were also obtained through unconventional means.
Otherwise, how could a student from a third-rate school with mediocre grades suddenly achieve such high scores?
At that moment, Shao Heng became a target, with arrows from unknown people piercing him from all directions.
Meanwhile, at a little pub, Wan Tong, Tu Mi, and Shao Heng were enjoying themselves.
Tu Mi had just returned from an assignment abroad and was venting about the frustrations at work. Shao Heng had joined them without any concern for their girls’ night out.
Looking at that handsome face, Tu Mi couldn’t stay angry, so she treated him like he was invisible and didn’t hold back her complaints.
“Tongtong, I’m quitting my job tomorrow. I want to become an internet celebrity. Can’t I earn more than at the radio station?”
“Being an internet celebrity is hard work too,” Wan Tong picked up her glass, intending to toast with Tu Mi, but Shao Heng took the glass from her.
Both girls stared at him.
Shao Heng placed the glass down and earnestly lectured, “Girls shouldn’t drink so much when they’re out. Didn’t your family tell you that?”
Wan Tong : “…”
Tu Mi : “Hahaha! You’re such a cutie, Little Brother! These fruit wines won’t get me drunk!”
But after saying that, she suddenly threw herself at Wan Tong, hugging her and sobbing, “Tongtong, I also want someone to advise me not to drink, someone to stop me from drinking… *sob*…”
Although she had become a regular employee, she was still a newcomer at dinner parties. Being a young and beautiful woman, she couldn’t avoid the duty of drinking, even if it was her superiors or colleagues who were interested in her.
She suddenly remembered her school days, that boy who nervously and shyly helped her drink at gatherings…
Wan Tong gently patted her shoulder and gave Shao Heng a meaningful look, signaling him to comfort Tu Mi.
On the opposite side, Shao Heng pursed his lips, looking completely innocent.
It wasn’t him who made Tu Mi cry.
Wan Tong had no choice but to wait for Tu Mi to vent her feelings before taking her home.
But Tu Mi didn’t return to her own apartment; instead, she stayed at Wan Tong’s place.
Shao Heng had been sleeping on the couch these past few days. When he saw Tu Mi squeezing onto Wan Tong’s bed, he gave them a few stern glances before exiting the room.
After he left the room, Tu Mi whispered to Wan Tong, “Shao Heng is getting popular online, huh? Did he really plagiarize?”
“No,” Wan Tong replied.
“How do you know he didn’t? I’ve seen his and Li Xutian’s drawings, and their styles are nearly identical. Some of the drawings look exactly like they’re from the same series.”
“That’s because he drew them all, proxy, you get it?”
“What? Are you saying Little Brother worked as a proxy for Li Xutian?”
Wan Tong rolled her eyes, “Little Brother?”
“Come on, don’t be stingy. Your little brother is practically my little brother by association,” Tu Mi said, acting like they were sisters.
Wan Tong smiled, cunningly squinting her fox-like eyes, “Sister, how about lending me some money?”
Tu Mi : “…”
Last month, Wan Tong had sent some money back home and paid the deposit and rent for this apartment, leaving her with very little money in her account. Li Xutian was quite arrogant, relying on his status and fame to control the narrative. Plus, Li Zhi was on his side, giving him the confidence to handle any potential lawsuit. If they had to go to court, it would require more money.
After conning some money from Tu Mi, Wan Tong showed her the next steps of her public relations plan.
Tu Mi couldn’t help but wish she could pass out immediately. Online strategies might seem simple, but they carried significant risks and required utmost precision, especially when going up against Li Xutian and his top-notch PR team.
However, sometimes actions spoke louder than words. If Shao Heng hadn’t plagiarized, he had enough confidence.
Both Wan Tong and Tu Mi had studied emergency public relations and marketing tactics. They quickly tailored a ‘virality package’ for Shao Heng.
Late at night, Wan Tong patted Tu Mi’s shoulder and said contentedly, “Sister, let’s go to sleep.”
Tu Mi : “…”
Wan Tong’s plan was perfect. Even though Shao Heng was currently at a disadvantage, it was all within her expectations. They were just waiting for the rebound.
As Wan Tong came out of the room, Shao Heng had already taken a shower and was lying on the couch. The standing air conditioner in the corner blew cold air, and a wall lamp emitted a warm yellow light.
Hearing footsteps, Shao Heng abruptly sat up on the couch, pulling a thin blanket in front of himself, and asked, “Is there something you need?”
Wan Tong: “…” That vigilant look in his eyes.
Does she look so hungry?
She seems perfectly normal; there’s no flirtation or anything. She treats him like a little brother.
Wan Tong was afraid that Shao Heng wouldn’t understand, so she analyzed the online situation for him.
Although Shao Heng already knew, he still listened quietly, “Why are you helping me?”
“Ah’Heng, you trust me so much, aren’t you afraid I’ll trick you? Of course, I want to help you.”
In the end, Shao Heng said, “You don’t have to do anything. I’ve already arranged everything.”
Wan Tong was somewhat surprised, “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to sue them.”
Wan Tong smiled, “Great!”
“Make some money off them.”
“…” Suddenly felt that the big boss was a bit tacky.
Shao Heng’s goals were indeed clear; he wanted money, fame, and to tarnish Li Xutian’s reputation.
Although he had never been involved in online marketing or publicity before, his logical thinking was strong, and he quickly understood those tactics. Overall, it wasn’t much different from Wan Tong’s planning.
The top scorer in the college entrance examination became a proxy for money and even plagiarized. This ugly incident has already made it to the news, completely destroying Shao Heng’s reputation. But at this moment, he decided to sue the several marketing accounts that accused him of plagiarism.
This news quickly trended on Weibo.
People mocked him for being too young and impulsive.
In reality, his work imitated very well, with only the painting ‘Into the Light’ showing signs of plagiarism. If he had come out and apologized honestly, given his youthful appearance and the fact that he was the top scorer in the college entrance examination, people might have said a few good things for him, and the matter would have blown over.
But he was stubborn and even sent legal letters to the marketing accounts.
As netizens were pondering this, an even bigger bombshell dropped: Shao Heng had worked as a proxy for Li Xutian!
This twist shocked netizens.
Some thought this plot twist was too far-fetched, while others began analyzing whether it could be true.
Netizens dissected the history between Shao Heng and Li Xutian and discovered something fishy.
Li Xutian gained fame overseas as a genius painter, but he went through a period of depression. People thought he had lost his artistic touch until three years ago when he suddenly came up with new works in a different style, impressing everyone and regaining his former glory. In the following years, his reputation soared.
As for Shao Heng, some of his former classmates revealed that he used to come from a wealthy family and attended an elite school. He also participated in painting competitions as a young artist and was considered a prodigy. However, his family faced a crisis, and his talent faded into obscurity.
If three years ago, Li Xutian didn’t change his style but hired a proxy, it seemed plausible…
Li Xutian is facing pressure from the media, experts in the field, and his family. He is resolute in his belief that he cannot lose this battle. Despite seeing speculations from the online community, he still feels a sense of panic.
Because he knows that everything he has right now is supported by Shao Heng’s hands.
But as long as he can protect his reputation this time and then announce his retirement from painting, he will still be seen as the genius artist in everyone’s eyes!
He cannot let Shao Heng destroy everything he has built.
He personally called Li Zhi to confirm that she is on his side before calming down a bit.
Li Zhi said that Shao Heng always takes the paintings out after he finishes them, so there won’t be any evidence left to prove that Li Xutian’s paintings are Shao Heng’s.
No matter the reason why Li Zhi had a falling out with Shao Heng or why she’s helping Li Xutian, as long as Li Xutian gets the results he wants, that’s all that matters.
Li Xutian quickly provided the time it took to create the painting of the girl titled ‘Chase’, from the first stroke to completion. He even had his assistant send a video showing that he could recreate the ‘profoundly beautiful image ingrained in his mind’ in just five minutes.
This made more netizens believe that Shao Heng had undoubtedly plagiarized!
After all, Shao Heng doesn’t even have a Weibo account, and he has never spoken up for himself!
This is clearly a sign of guilt!
It was at this moment that Wan Tong came out to show her support.
Gu Wantong : [He works very hard and is naturally talented in painting. I believe in him. @Wang Xing]
Gu Wantong’s live streaming career was on the right track, with a steadily increasing number of fans. Combined with her frequent appearance in hot searches, when she posted this Weibo, her fans were initially shocked, and then curious netizens followed suit.
Could this Weibo account ‘Wang Xing’ be Shao Heng himself? After all, Shao Heng had used the name ‘Wang Xing’ to participate in competitions!
In the ‘Wang Xing’ account, there were only a few Weibo posts, all related to painting, and most of them were about Gu Wan Tong!
Was Shao Heng actually a fan of Gu Wantong?