CH 109

Just as the battle between the two sides on Weibo was in a stalemate, an entertainment gossip account with hundreds of thousands of followers suddenly exposed the behind-the-scenes photos from the day of the STAR—T endorsement shoot.

@GossipGroupV: Wow, so this is how the “first-class photographer” JonLi took photos of Shan Qi~ No wonder they had to change the photographer, taking photos like this is worse than setting up a tripod and doing it yourself.

[Images]

In these photos, Shan Qi was clearly adjusting his facial expressions, his eyes didn’t meet the camera, and there was even a photo with his eyes closed.

What’s even more shocking is that these photos leaked were unedited.

Without the magic of Photoshop, Shan Qi’s looks, although still impressive, were no different from candid shots taken by an ordinary person.

As these leaked photos matched the clothing and background in the official release, this revelation immediately attracted a large number of netizens’ attention:

“Is this for real? My boyfriend takes better pictures of me…”

“Is he serious with his eyes closed? I thought this kind of thing was too absurd to happen, but reality is more exciting than fiction [eating popcorn]”

“@JonLi-Shenv, are you here? Explain why you took photos of our Qi Ge like this?”

“Earlier, the staff posted a long Weibo complaining that JonLi took ugly photos. I was wondering how ugly it could be… now I’ve seen it [awesome]”

…

On the sofa, Rong Yuheng was munching on chips, and Wen Zhecheng, holding a phone, acted as a perfect automatic phone stand.

Wen Zhecheng, “Where did these photos leak from?”

Rong Yuheng, “The camera is connected to the computer via Bluetooth, automatically uploaded. JonLi left early that afternoon, didn’t delete the backup.”

Wen Zhecheng’s hand movement on the phone paused for a moment. He felt that Rong Yuheng saying “left early” didn’t sound very auspicious…

“Shouldn’t we step in?” Wen Zhecheng felt a bit itchy. Ever since experiencing the joy of carefree surfing, he couldn’t help but want to do it again.

Rong Yuheng pointed and gestured, as if there were deep thoughts in his mind. “Not in a hurry, let’s wait until it’s properly exposed.”

Wen Zhecheng obediently said, “Oh,” and then turned to drop a “kiss-kiss” on the fluffy head of his little hamster, “You’re the best, I’ll listen to you.”

Rong Yuheng smugly lifted his chin a little, thoroughly pleasing the hamster with a stroke.

After ten minutes, as expected, JonLi came out with a reply:

@JonLi-Shenv: These photos were not taken by me at all. Some people are orchestrating this attempt to discredit me! I can endure your insults, but I won’t accept your slander against my professional standards!

After the explosion of the JonLi and STAR—T controversy, the public opinion on the internet reversed one after another. People were now a bit afraid to speak out. Although the gossip group’s exposure and the clarification by the staff matched perfectly, without conclusive evidence, everyone returned to a watchful state.

“Well… there’s no evidence to prove that these photos were taken by JonLi.”

“The photos are too bad, it seems unreal, as if intentionally used to smear JonLi.”

“Tired of watching the show, just present the real evidence. A solid blow is what’s needed [tired]”

Seeing the trend gradually returning to their side, JonLi took the opportunity to post a long Weibo, stating his years-long journey pursuing dreams in the photography industry.

Rong Yuheng glanced at it and said every word was tearful! It was as if he could cry upon hearing it, and it was heart-wrenching for anyone who saw it.

He cleared his throat and, with a deep and melodious voice, emotionally recited on the sofa… the mournful tone, the sad expression, as if mourning for JonLi.

Holding up the phone, Wen Zhecheng: Huhuhu~

…

As the heat continued to rise, and the controversy increased, the gossip group once again released the second round of evidence.

The second wave of evidence was a recorded video, capturing the computer screen.

2:48 PM, the first group team photo was uploaded to the computer.

3:15 PM, Shan Qi’s personal photo was uploaded to the computer.

3:58 PM, a new device connected to the computer.

4:03 PM, Shan Qi’s personal photo was uploaded to the computer.

…

With the release of the records, what else do netizens not understand? Using the 3:58 timestamp as the dividing line, the photos before were taken by JonLi, and those after were taken by the external photographer. Each moment corresponds to photos that are clear and evident.

What was once dramatic has now turned into absurdity—this is the level of the “first-class photographer.” 

At this point, a few discarded photos have been completely debunked and laid to rest on JonLi. Probably even he didn’t expect the exposure of the computer records.

With the solid blow, STAR—T’s public relations team, who had been closely monitoring the situation, immediately issued a press release, strongly condemning JonLi for splashing dirty water on their side! 

Not only STAR—T’s fans but also bystanders joined in tearing down JonLi. His long Weibo, written with every word as if shedding tears, was the biggest slap in his face—especially the line “I won’t accept your slander against my professional standards,” which immediately earned him the title of the annual “Lotus Words.”

Netizens:

“So disgusting. Just ten minutes ago, he was still defending himself and now he’s slapping himself in the face.”

“@JonLi-Shenv, the ‘professional standards’ are truly eye-opening [thumbs up]”

“Now that it’s proven, is there anything more to say? @JonLi-Shenv”

“Both his character and photos are rotten.”

The online condemnation poured like a torrent, mixed with sharp rocks and mud, burying JonLi’s Weibo completely. Since the evidence was presented, he remained silent and didn’t say a word.

As netizens were happily scolding, suddenly someone remembered the foreign photographer for Taiqing:

“To be honest, Taiqing’s endorsement was done pretty well, and the professional standard is not inferior to JonLi’s so-called ‘first-class.’ I just don’t know who the photographer is?”

At this point, the heat of the controversy had not subsided. As soon as the topic was raised, it instantly attracted the attention of other netizens. Everyone left messages under the official Taiqing account, asking for the photographer’s Weibo and name.

Before Taiqing’s official team could contact the three paparazzi from that day, the gossip group once again revealed information.

@GossipGroupV: The Taiqing instant noodle endorsement photos were taken by @DingMR @ParrotParrot @SongXiaoTian, three photographers.

The gossip group’s revelations have always been true and reliable, and netizens had no doubt. They all quickly followed the internet trail.

These three Weibo accounts had very few followers, but their homepages recorded many of their own photographic works. In terms of composition, coloring, and framing, they were no worse than the ones JonLi released yesterday.

“Oh my god, these are also shot so well! Why aren’t they popular?”

“I’ve seen this picture in a public account before, didn’t expect the original photographer is here!”

“Followed! Just for saving STAR—T’s endorsement!”

The Weibo accounts of the three “former paparazzi” quickly gained followers, and several marketing accounts used their works to promote under the topic #TaiqingEndorsementOfficialPhotos#.

In front of the screen, Wen Zhecheng could easily swipe three or four messages. He said, “Looks like it’s going to be popular.”

Rong Yuheng said, “Of course, investing in them by spending money will definitely make them popular.”

“Spend money? Who spent money?” Wen Zhecheng didn’t think it was STAR—T’s PR team, and it wasn’t likely to be Taiqing. “Did you spend it?”

“Not me, it was Boss Shaodou who spent it.”

Wen Zhecheng suddenly realized, “It was Boss Shaodou.”

Rong Yuheng, “…”

Wen Zhecheng, full of ideas! Rong Yuheng looked at him with a deep gaze, “So, in your heart, my brother is a sand sculpture?”

Wen Zhecheng realized his mistake instantly—he guessed wrong! Rong Yuheng decided to spare him, as Wen Zhecheng had been a human stand for so long. He also had to repay the favor.

With a beautiful heart, Rong Yuheng proactively changed the topic, “It’s not my brother; it’s President Qiu.”

Wen Zhecheng fell into deep thought.

… Who is that again?

Rong Yuheng sighed, as if doing a dictation for an amnesiac elementary school student, “Qiu Jianlun, Shubai’s brother. You met him during the talent show.”

Wen Zhecheng’s confused eyes instantly sharpened! It’s him…

Since when did Rong Rong get so close to Qiu Jianlun?

Rong Yuheng, while “crunching” on potato chips, explained, “I negotiated with President Qiu earlier. He signed those three photographers now, just needs to spend a little money on publicity, taking advantage of this wave of popularity to increase exposure. It’s a low-cost, high-return investment with good cost performance.”

“My three friends who do photography have never had a stable job. Signing under President Qiu’s name is also considered having a rice bowl—after all, it’s a mutually beneficial thing.”

“So, Gossip Group Entertainment is a marketing account bought by President Qiu.” Wen Zhecheng couldn’t help but admire the power of capital. “Those scandals were also bought by President Qiu?”

“Of course, if he wants to promote someone, he definitely pays for it himself.”

Wen Zhecheng went up to praise, “Your move of using someone else to achieve your goal is quite beautiful~”

Ignoring Wen Zhecheng’s expression of admiration, the tone and style of his words sounded extremely sarcastic.

Fortunately, Rong Yuheng generously chose to be inclusive.

He continued to showcase his grand blueprint to Wen Zhecheng, “Our small account can also hitch a ride. President Qiu has nurtured this soil very fertile, suitable for the growth of small accounts.”

This was also the place where the “Tolerance Plan” slowly took root.

So, JonLi’s wave of popularity was indeed wonderful.

Wen Zhecheng spoke again, “Well done, using Boss Shaodou follows the principle of sustainability~”

“…”

Rong Yuheng planned to enroll Wen Zhecheng in a basic Chinese language tutoring class in a few days, specifically guiding him on the correct use of positive and negative connotations!

Now, having finished the chips, Rong Yuheng “smacked” his fingers and pulled out a tissue to wipe them.

“Getting ready to surf, master.”

Wen Zhecheng’s eyes lit up, as if a kindergarten child had been taken to the amusement park by his parents after school.

Rong Yuheng reached for his phone, swiped to the Gossip Group’s post revealing the identity of the photographer, and began commenting with his small account:

@RongYuhengsSmallAccount: Thank you, three teachers, for making me and my brothers look so good. [Heart]

Wen Zhecheng looked at his comment. “What should I say?”

“Sing with the same voice, whatever you want to say!”

After thinking for two seconds, Wen Zhecheng strictly followed the principle of “sing with the same voice” and imitated the style.

@WenZhechengsSmallAccount: Thank you, three teachers, for making Rong Rong and others look so good. [Flower]

In a comment section that was originally filled with curses, suddenly two comments with completely different tones appeared, instantly causing a wave of laughter:

“Hahaha! How come it’s you guys again?”

“Zhe ge’s small account is too humorous. What does ‘Rong Rong and others’ mean? Really made me laugh. In Zhe ge’s eyes, people are divided into only ‘Rong Rong’ and ‘others,’ right? That’s very real.”

“Hahaha, Language Sisters are really experts! [Dog Head] Today, I also learned something new, thanks~ [Flower]”

“I originally wanted to follow the photographer, but now I’m following you guys together [Dog Head] Please continue with the drama~”

…

Looking at the comments, Rong Yuheng stretched out his small finger and poked Wen Zhecheng’s screen, “Next time, be a bit more creative. Don’t always imitate my style.”

Wen Zhecheng, very teachable, said, “I got it.” He then dived back into the comment section.

Rong Yuheng floated a faint guard in his heart, “What are you going to do…?”

Wen Zhecheng indulged him, “Since you don’t like simple imitations, I’ll give you extreme creativity.”

@WenZhechengsSmallAccount: Continuing my education. When Rong Rong and I take wedding photos, I’ll invite you all to be the photographers.

Author’s note: Wen Zhecheng: Today, I am a brilliant language artist!

Rong Yuheng: (…I really should enroll him in a class for Wen’s master soon.)