Chapter 390
"What did you say? You said Zhang Shanghua is Qinghe's biological father?" You Rong could hardly believe his ears, thinking he'd misheard.
"It's true! Brother, just look for yourself if you don't believe me!"
Hu Xiaobei handed his phone to You Rong. You Rong quickly took it and looked at Zhang Shanghua's Weibo post. It began with an apology to many netizens, stating that after much consideration, he had decided to formally address the recent rumors circulating online.
In his Weibo post, Zhang Shanghua wrote that in his early days before fame, he worked tirelessly, neglecting his family and daughters. As a result, his wife, disappointed, chose to divorce him and cut ties with him and their daughter, even changing her surname. This daughter, he revealed, was Lin Qinghe.
Zhang Shanghua further wrote that he was delighted to have recently reunited with Lin Qinghe. However, due to various reasons, he initially did not wish to publicly announce their father-daughter relationship. Now, after being photographed by the media in what were perceived as intimate shots, he and Lin Qinghe discussed the matter and decided to disclose their relationship to clarify the rumors.
Attached to the post were the results of a paternity test, along with a photo of Lin Qinghe and Zhang Shanghua. In the picture, Lin Qinghe leaned on Zhang Shanghua's shoulder. Although she was smiling, she appeared somewhat gaunt.
Immediately after Zhang Shanghua's statement was released, Lin Qinghe's studio reposted the Weibo, urging irresponsible media outlets to cease spreading rumors. They also declared that the studio would pursue legal action against anyone who had slandered Lin Qinghe in the past few days.
The tide of public opinion on Weibo turned drastically. Those who had been speculating, mocking, and smearing Lin Qinghe were suddenly silenced. Lin Qinghe, on the other hand, gained a considerable amount of goodwill from netizens.
After all, the straightforward and forceful method of presenting a paternity test result was incredibly satisfying to witness. Her fans, who had desperately defended her, now had solid ground to refute the trolls, further solidifying their belief that they had chosen the right person to support.
Knowing that Lin Qinghe was alright, Hu Xiaobei genuinely felt happy for her. He also expressed his remorse, saying, "Brother, I'm sorry... Yesterday, I didn't fully listen to Sister Qinghe and Director Zhang's conversation, and I... I misunderstood them. Don't worry, when I get in touch with Sister Qinghe, I'll definitely apologize to her!"
You Rong wasn't listening to Hu Xiaobei's words. His mind was consumed by Lin Qinghe's tearful and heartbroken question from that day:
"You Rong, in your heart... am I that kind of person?"
You Rong's heart ached unbearably. His throat felt constricted, and his face had turned pale.
What had he said to her that day? He had accused her of selling herself, of demeaning herself, of being no different from a hired escort, and even called her disgusting.
You Rong felt like killing himself right now!
No wonder she had been so heartbroken!
How could he have been so much of a scoundrel as to say such things to her!
You Rong raised his hand and slapped himself hard. The sharp "slap" sound startled Hu Xiaobei, who widened his eyes. "Brother! What are you doing? Are you okay? Why are you hitting yourself for no reason?"
You Rong pursed his thin lips and didn't answer Hu Xiaobei. He strode past Hu Xiaobei and left in a hurry, prompting Hu Xiaobei to call out anxiously from behind, "Brother? Where are you going? Brother? Wait for me, brother..."
Hu Xiaobei wanted to chase after him, but by the time he reached the elevator, the doors had closed. He could only watch You Rong leave alone, completely unaware of his destination.
You Rong emerged from the elevator, hailed a taxi, and headed straight for Lin Qinghe's apartment in the city center. Before the filming of "Ask the Heavens" began, Lin Qinghe had invited him to her home. Although he had refused, she had sent him her address at the time.
He wanted to see her immediately!
He wanted to apologize to her, to tell her that he liked her too!
***
Zhang Shanghua's villa.
Less than half an hour after the Weibo statement was posted, Lin Qinghe heard the system's notification: "Progress bar increased by 10%, total progress is 77%."
Lin Qinghe raised an eyebrow slightly, as this was within her expectations.
You Rong must have realized his misunderstanding now, and he must be feeling very guilty and uneasy, blaming himself immensely.
Lin Qinghe picked up her phone, intending to turn it on, but after a moment's thought, she didn't. She decided to keep You Rong waiting for another two days, letting him worry a little longer. Then, she would find an opportunity to meet him, which would surely cause the progress bar to surge forward.
With her plans well in hand, Lin Qinghe leisurely got up to go downstairs for lunch.
As soon as she descended, Zhang Shanghua had already prepared a table full of a sumptuous lunch. Seeing her, he immediately pulled her to the dining table and said with a smile, "My precious daughter, come and sit. Dad specially prepared a big feast for us to celebrate. Dad is very happy today, finally able to tell everyone that I have such a beautiful and outstanding daughter!"
Lin Qinghe served Zhang Shanghua some food and sweetly called him "Dad." Zhang Shanghua was overjoyed. In the end, he insisted on having a little drink and got drunk out of sheer happiness.
By the time Lin Qinghe had settled Zhang Shanghua, it was already evening. As soon as she came downstairs, the landline in the living room rang.
Lin Qinghe wondered who was calling. When she picked up, she realized it was Yuan Xiaoai.
"Sister Qinghe, I know your phone is turned off, and Director Zhang didn't answer either, so I called the Director's house landline."
Lin Qinghe asked, "Mm, is there something you need to talk to me about?"
"It's like this, the security guard at your apartment in Jinxiu Garden called and said a Mr. You has been waiting for you and won't leave, no matter how much they try to persuade him. They couldn't reach you on your phone, so they called me. It must be Brother You Rong looking for you. So, do you want to call Brother You Rong? Or should I ask the security guard to ask him to leave?"
You Rong waiting outside her apartment was a bit unexpected for Lin Qinghe. Her eyes flickered, but she maintained her decision from the morning. Sudanshuwang.
Lin Qinghe replied, "It's fine. Tell the security guard not to bother him. Let him wait if he wants to."
"Okay, I understand. Then, Sister Qinghe... have you really moved on? You don't like Brother You Rong anymore? And 'Ask the Heavens' hasn't finished filming yet, when are you planning to return to the set? Brother Yang asked me to ask you."
Lin Qinghe pondered for a moment and only answered part of Yuan Xiaoai's questions, "Help me tell Brother Yang that my popularity is high these days, and ask him to arrange an event for me to make an appearance. As for 'Ask the Heavens,' I will return to continue filming as soon as possible, so he doesn't need to worry."
"Okay, Sister Qinghe, I got it. I'll go tell Brother Yang right away."
After hanging up the phone, Lin Qinghe sat on the sofa, the corners of her mouth curving upward slightly.
Arranging for her to attend an event was naturally to create an opportunity for You Rong to see her. As for keeping You Rong waiting for these few days, it was because he had always been so indifferent to her!
Two days later.
Jinxiu Garden.
You Rong stood downstairs, looking up at a seventh-floor apartment, which was Lin Qinghe's residence.
He had been waiting here for two nights, but the lights in the apartment had never been turned on. Lin Qinghe had not returned at all.
You Rong's heart sank.
His mind was filled with thoughts of Lin Qinghe. Where was she? How was she? Was she sad? Had she... decided not to like him anymore?
Thinking of this, You Rong's face turned pale. He forced a self-deprecating smile.
If she had truly decided not to like him anymore, it was his own fault!