Chapter Ninety-Nine: Clearing the Scandal

"I actually managed to grab ten yuan—Mom, I’ve made it!"
"I’ve only ever gotten a few cents in other livestreams. President Qin is so generous."
...
With a single red envelope, Qin Jingchen once again drew a wave of affection from fans.
"You’re welcome. If you ever need anything, just let me know. Her fans are also my... friends."
Qin Jingchen continued diligently upholding his flawless image as the perfect boyfriend. Meanwhile, Su Wanning stared at her phone, her expression twisted as if she’d just swallowed a fly.
"What do you think he’s really here for this time? Is he planning to silence me, to clear his own name ahead of time?"
On the way to the set, Su Wanning vented to Vincent.
"Come on, don’t let your imagination run wild! What would he gain by silencing you?"
Su Wanning couldn’t figure it out either, but everything about this seemed off.
"Then what do you think he’s here for?"
"You really don’t know? Try to recall what he said to you after you two met."
Vincent’s casual suggestion made Su Wanning recall their first meeting.
That day, he’d said she was different from before...
A flash of realization struck her—suddenly everything made sense.
She understood!
Qin Jingchen must have noticed something was wrong and stayed on purpose to seek more clues.
At that moment, cold sweat broke out down her back. This man was truly no ordinary person—so deep and calculating that he’d even discovered her secret.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Vincent, noticing her expression, asked.
"Nothing. The shoot wraps up tomorrow, right? Once we finish, let’s head straight back to the show’s set overnight."
Staring ahead at the road, Su Wanning spoke in a daze.
"Why? Didn’t you say you wanted a day off after the shoot, that you didn’t want to rush back and suffer?"
Su Wanning shook her head immediately. "I suddenly feel like working on the show isn’t so bad after all."
The best thing would be to leave as soon as possible and get away from Qin Jingchen’s watchful gaze.
At the same time, completely unaware that she’d misunderstood his intentions, Qin Jingchen was still in the livestream, wholeheartedly helping her sell products.

"This mirror—she keeps it right here, so it must be very handy."
"Yes, let’s send out another shopping red envelope."
...
The daily married life of Su Wanning and Qin Jingchen had become extremely popular, especially the contrast between Qin Jingchen’s cold exterior and his warm, attentive nature as a CEO.
That very day, the rumors about Su Wanning and Qiu Rui quickly subsided. More and more people started to clarify in the comments that Su Wanning and Qin Jingchen had a good relationship and that the whole incident must have been a misunderstanding.
Soon after, Vincent published proof that an official case had been filed, stating that the person who filmed the video had malicious intent and that Su Wanning and Qiu Rui were simply performing a scene together. He promised the matter would be pursued to the end.
The comments became increasingly controlled, and the rumors were thoroughly dispelled. Su Wanning suffered little damage, and Qiu Rui even reposted Vincent’s statement, expressing his support.
The storm blew over completely. The next day, Su Wanning finished her final scene, and the production wrapped.
The wrap party was a lively affair. The director was generous, hosting the event in the city’s largest hotel banquet hall and inviting everyone from the cast and crew.
Su Wanning, for once, donned a beautiful dress and mingled with her daughter and son at the event.
"Mama, I want cake from over there."
Nian Nian tugged at Su Wanning’s hand.
"Sui Sui, take your sister with you."
Trusting her son to look after his sister, Su Wanning let them go get food together and continued to toast with others.
Though she hadn’t been on set for long, the atmosphere had always been great, and she’d learned a lot. In her happiness, she unknowingly drank a bit more. It wasn’t until Qiu Rui came over to toast her that she paused.
Standing together in a quiet corner, Qiu Rui clinked glasses with her but didn’t drink—instead, he gripped his glass, his expression grave.
"Is there something else you want to say?" Su Wanning asked kindly.
"We misunderstood the scandal. I’m sorry."
"It’s fine, all in the past," Su Wanning replied cheerfully, tossing back her drink in one go.
Qiu Rui followed suit, his face flushing as he stared at her intently, a new emotion flickering in his eyes.
"Su Wanning, there’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you."
"Go ahead," Su Wanning replied, still smiling.
"When I saw that video, my first reaction wasn’t anger... it was happiness."
Su Wanning’s smile faded as she waited for him to continue.
Qiu Rui, his handsome face tense with nerves, lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear. "I was happy that you’d be so close to me, happy that you’d want to create a rumor with me. Maybe I’m crazy, but..."

"You are crazy," Su Wanning cut him off calmly, a cold smile replacing her earlier warmth.
"What do you want to say? That you don’t know when you started having feelings for me?"
"Yes." Qiu Rui stepped closer, the scent of alcohol wrapping around Su Wanning.
"Don’t be ridiculous. If you really liked me, why did you let your agent attack me while you hid in the background like a coward? Now that everything’s over, you come here with a casual apology. Qiu Rui, your so-called affection is worthless."
Su Wanning didn’t spare a thought for how pale and wounded Qiu Rui’s face became. She finished speaking, tossed her glass onto a nearby table, and continued,
"You are a good actor, I’m grateful you helped me win this role. But Qiu Rui, don’t forget: actors play roles. Drama is like life, but it isn’t life itself."
With that, Su Wanning turned and left without hesitation, leaving Qiu Rui standing there, his face drained of color.
At that very moment, Qin Jingchen strode into the banquet hall and headed straight for Su Wanning.
"What are you doing here?"
"Congratulations."
As he spoke, Qin Jingchen produced a bouquet from behind his back—a lavish arrangement of ninety-nine roses, meticulously wrapped and exuding a heady fragrance.
Su Wanning had already received several bouquets that day, but this was by far the largest. Surprised and delighted, she gathered it into her arms.
"Thank you!"
"I’m glad you like it."
Just then, both children ran over, grabbing onto Qin Jingchen’s legs from either side.
"Daddy! Why are you here? I missed you so much!"
Nian Nian pouted sweetly as Qin Jingchen easily scooped her up with one arm, reaching out to ruffle his son’s hair at the same time.
"I missed you both too."
Then, gazing at Su Wanning with tender eyes, he added, "But I missed your mother most of all."
"Hee hee, how embarrassing," Nian Nian giggled mischievously, burrowing into Qin Jingchen’s arms.