Chapter 59 But I can't wait to see you...
Chen Ci stared at Zhou Shilin's profile picture on the screen; it was the same photo she had recently changed to, the one with the hickey. She took a deep breath, composed herself, and then answered the video call: "Hello, Mr. Zhou, what can I do for you?"
Zhou Shilin looked at the forced smile on her face, paused for a moment, and then said, "Don't smile when you don't want to."
"..." Chen Ci's lips immediately fell into a slump. "You were all over the world, and you saw the trending topic?"
"Yes, the hotel has internet access too."
"..." Okay, "My mom just called me too, saying she'll explain to Shijie. Did your board of directors give you any trouble?"
“You don’t need to worry about my affairs. This matter was originally aimed at Shijie. You are the one who suffered an innocent misfortune.”
"..." Chen Ci looked at him on the small screen, her nose tingled, and she spoke with a sob in her voice, "Waaaaah, the best Zhou Shilin in the world!"
"...Whether you're expressing your true feelings or if it's an act, it's all a bit exaggerated."
“My mom just scolded me for hitting someone. That guy stole my cheese rind, he deserved to be beaten!” Chen Ci’s voice lowered as she said this. “But I didn’t expect them to use my identity to smear Shi Jie. I’m in the news now. I will definitely be more careful with my words in the future. Forgot the rest.”
Zhou Shilin: "..."
She seems to really want to be a female celebrity.
"The group's legal and public relations departments are already handling this matter. They are a professional team, so you can rest assured."
"Hmm..." Shen Ci believed that Zhou Shilin could definitely handle the trending topic, but there was still one thing she wasn't so sure about, "But your board of directors won't let you break up with me, right? And my aunt and uncle's impression of me might also be greatly diminished!"
"...Don't worry, we'll release the full video, and we'll definitely clear your name then." Zhou Shilin paused slightly after saying this, "If you need it, we can even have the Science and Technology Expo send you a banner to thank you for your bravery."
"...Thank you, but that's not necessary."
Zhou Shilin was still busy, so the video call didn't last long. But after talking with Zhou Shilin, Chen Ci's mood miraculously improved, and she stopped worrying about the outcome. She was sure that Zhou Shilin could solve the problem perfectly.
Unfortunately, this good mood didn't last long before things changed again. Chi Yifei, who had been taught a lesson by Chen Ci before, suddenly posted a Weibo post implying that she had hit him at the TV station, so it was not surprising that something like this happened today.
Chen Ci: "..."
When it comes to hitting people, Chi Yifei has the least right to speak, right?
He really thinks those things can't be exposed, right?
Chi Yifei has appeared on many variety shows recently, which has increased his number of followers. His Weibo posts quickly sparked heated discussions, and more people online joined in criticizing the porcelain.
However, Chi Yifei's Weibo post was deleted shortly after it was published, which made netizens even more agitated, saying that Shijie had gotten involved and that their brother had been set up by capital.
Some even worriedly reminded Chi Yifei to remember to log on every day to report that he was safe.
Chen Ci: "..."
Sometimes she really felt that the technology for preventing miscarriage was too good.
The most likely reason Chi Yifei's Weibo post was deleted is that his company ordered him to do so! Speaking out at this time shows that even if he doesn't feel guilty, his company will!
Despite the fluctuating online situation, Chen Ci quietly awaited Shi Jie's response. Miao Duo had just messaged her, saying they had requested the surveillance footage from the Science and Technology Expo organizers, but the person in charge said the footage from that day was broken and unavailable.
The timing of this surveillance camera breaking down is really perfect.
Miao Duo: President Zhou personally contacted someone else, and now the surveillance is working again.
Sinking porcelain: ...
Chen Ci: I see, so Mr. Zhou is the one who repairs surveillance cameras.
Miao Duo: ...
Miao Duo: Even if we didn't get the surveillance footage, it's okay. Some kind netizens contacted us and filmed the video at the time, which we have already obtained.
Chen Ci: Waaaaah, there are still so many good people in the world!
Miao Duo: [pats shoulder.jpg]
While Shijie was organizing evidence and materials to prepare a counterattack, Zhou Mingye suddenly jumped out and posted a Weibo post.
His Weibo post only contained the six characters "Justice resides in the hearts of the people" and a smiley face emoji, but the video attached below was the real bombshell.
—He released the video he had secretly filmed at the TV station.
The video details how Chi Yifei confronted the staff because of his dissatisfaction with the shared lounge, even attempting to physically assault them, before being punished by Chen Ci.
The video immediately caused a huge uproar when it was released, and the news of Chi Yifei assaulting someone quickly became a trending topic.
Netizens initially thought they were gossiping about capital, but unexpectedly, it turned into gossip about the entertainment industry.
Chi Yifei's fans immediately started fighting with Zhou Mingye's fans, but because of the huge disparity in numbers, and the fact that bystanders were also condemning Chi Yifei, Chi Yifei's fans were completely overwhelmed.
So they started saying the video was generated by AI, and that capital was starting to target Chi Yifei.
Chen Ci: "..."
Why didn't she think of this way of whitewashing it? She could also say the video of her hitting someone was AI-generated. :)
The turning point came when Xu Ning, who was in charge of arranging the dressing room for Chen Ci, said on Weibo that the person in the video was her and that the video content was genuine. Li Linrui reposted her Weibo post, saying that she was also at the scene and could prove that the video was real, and even sarcastically remarked that Chi Yifei had done this before.
With this starting point, staff members who had been beaten by Chi Yifei began to speak out online, and Chi Yifei was increasingly criticized, with his online profile turning bright red.
"..." This must be the most famous moment of his life.
After a dramatic online spectacle, Shijie Group's official Weibo account finally released an official statement, along with the complete surveillance video and the police's case acceptance receipt.
In addition to the porcelain sinking incident, they also responded to several other trending negative searches that they had previously collaborated on, and completed the collection of evidence against several marketing accounts that spread rumors, preparing to file lawsuits against them.
Chen Ci: As expected of Shijie, they get things done with lightning speed! [Shijie Professional Team Version.jpg]
Miao Duo: ...
She stared at the row of CEO Zhou's names on the screen, lost in thought.
Zhou Shilin: If you know you're a professional team, then stop sending meme images. [smile]
Wu Junnan: Yes, since President Zhou doesn't like it, then don't post it. If you must post it, then post mine.
Chen Ci: "..."
I don't want to post it.
Zhou Shilin: We will handle the rest. We've caused you trouble this time.
Wu Junnan: Not at all, I should indeed be more careful with my words and actions after the porcelain was melted down.
Sinking porcelain: (。)
Zhou Shilin: She did the right thing by catching the thief, but she shouldn't have been so reckless; she could easily have gotten hurt.
Wu Junnan: "..."
He was the one who talked too much.
After netizens figured out the ins and outs of the assault incident online, they gradually started paying attention to other things.
I thought the clarification would be about clarifying that this person wasn't the CEO's girlfriend [laughing and crying emoji]
Haha, I thought so too! I didn't expect this kind of clarification [doge emoji]
So this really is the girlfriend of the CEO of Shijie?
[It can't be wrong, Zhou Mingye personally came out to protect her, it must be her real sister-in-law]
[Isn't she the one who trended on social media with Zhou Mingye before?]
[Hot fact: The guy trending on social media is Zhou Mingye's brother, and it's confirmed that he's his sister-in-law.]
This statement is pretty conclusive, hahaha.
On another note, she's a really good fighter! Watching her beat up Chi Yifei was exhilarating!
People like Chi Yifei deserved to be beaten up a long time ago!
After reading the online comments, Zhou Mingye went to Shen Ci to boast: "Heroine, how was it! The video I filmed back then played a decisive role at the crucial moment, right?"
Chen Ci: I remember you said back then that you and Chi Yifei were from the same company, and that it was inconvenient for you to show your face in many things. How come it's convenient for you to do so this time?
Zhou Mingye: Isn't it because Chi Yifei has gone too far! How dare he speak up!
Chen Ci: Wouldn't you be in a very awkward position at the company now?
Zhou Mingye: No, everyone knows now that my brother is the president of Shijie Group and my father is the chairman of Shijie Group.
Chen Ci: ...Sorry to bother you.
Zhou Mingye: I've done you a great favor this time, shouldn't you thank me?
Chen Ci: Okay, pick a time, I'll treat you to dinner.
Zhou Mingye: Can I have something else? I saw the cheese-themed drawing you made for my brother, it's so cute! Could you design one for me too? I can use it to make my own merchandise!
Chen Ci: ...Okay, but I need to think about how to draw it.
Zhou Mingye: Take your time thinking about it, I can wait!
Before Chen Ci could figure out how to design a chibi version of Zhou Mingye, Zhou Shilin returned from a business trip abroad. He arrived a day earlier than planned, and by the time Chen Ci found out, he was already home.
"Why didn't you tell me? I could have picked him up at the airport." It was the National Day holiday, and Chen Ci was on vacation anyway, so she could have easily picked him up from the airport.
Zhou Shilin, wearing headphones, stood in front of the dressing mirror, changing his clothes while talking to Chen Ci: "Thinking that you must be tired from the Science and Technology Expo these past few days, you don't need to pick me up, I came back by myself."
"..." Hmm, you really are a mature Zhou Shilin now. "I don't need to keep an eye on the Science and Technology Expo all the time. After all, I'm the director. They only come to me with problems they can't solve."
Zhou Shilin unbuttoned the last button of his shirt and chuckled softly, "Hmm, you're already a mature director."
"..." Shen Ci suddenly felt that she and Zhou Shilin were of the same mind. "But you're only telling me now that the hot pot restaurant is already fully booked, and it's super crowded during the holidays."
Chen Ci checked the time; it was almost four o'clock. The first group of people eating hot pot were already waiting outside the restaurant.
Zhou Shilin took off his shirt and threw it into the laundry basket: "It's okay, we can cook hot pot at home."
Chen Ci's eyes lit up: "Great idea!"
"Then come over now, I'll have someone prepare some ingredients, and we'll eat at my house later."
"Okay! I'll set off now!"
"I'll have the driver pick you up."
"No need, it'll be faster to just take a taxi!"
Zhou Shilin paused in his hand holding the towel, a slight smile curving his lips: "So eager to see me?"
"...What? I just can't wait to eat hot pot," Chen Ci retorted stubbornly.
Zhou Shilin said on the other end of the phone, "But I can't wait to see you."
Even though the words were spoken through the receiver, they sounded as if Zhou Shilin were whispering in her ear, his warm breath still carrying them, instantly making Chen Ci's ears turn red. Chen Ci coughed lightly, holding her phone, and slung her bag over her shoulder as she walked out: "Um, so, what are you doing right now?"
Zhou Shilin said, "I'm all naked and about to take a shower."
Chen Ci: "..."
There's no need to explicitly say words like "naked" to her; she already has the image in her mind!
"Really? I don't believe it." But her mouth had a different thought, and she said something that even she herself did not expect.
Zhou Shilin paused for a moment, then hung up the phone and sent her another video call request.
Chen Ci: "..."
There's no need to test her like that.
She's the kind of person who can't withstand any tests.
Chen Ci unconsciously held her breath, then reached out and answered the video call.
The exciting scene I had imagined didn't happen. Instead, the camera focused on Zhou Shilin's shirt and tie, which he had just changed out of.
Chen Ci: "..."
"No, what do you mean?" Chen Ci protested on the other end of the phone. Zhou Shilin's voice came from off-screen: "It means that I'm indeed not wearing anything right now."
Chen Ci: "..."
Then show it to me!
"You seem dissatisfied with what you saw?"
Chen Ci: "..."
No, she seems to have used that line in "The Domineering CEO's Pampering", but not like this!
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