Chapter 219 Being Criticized and Trending on Social Media
Chen Runsen has a large following both at home and abroad due to his outstanding design talent and handsome appearance.
Young female fans, in particular, generate a huge amount of traffic.
The news article included a comparison image showing a word-for-word comparison of the two interview segments.
Indeed, there are some similar expressions about inspiration in love.
The comment section below is even worse; it has been completely overrun by Chen Runsen's fans and uninformed netizens.
[I'm disgusted! I thought he was some independent designer, but he's just a plagiarist!]
[Copying homework without even correcting it? So blatantly?]
My heart aches for Alex! His hard-earned ideas were simply stolen and used by someone else!
[Unfollowed! Unfollowed! What kind of soul can a designer like this create?]
[She's definitely trying to ride on Alex's popularity! What a scheming woman!]
[Apologize! Apologize immediately! Remove all related interviews!]
Foul language and malicious speculation surged in like a tidal wave, almost drowning Shangwu.
"how so……"
Shang Wu looked at the vicious comments, her fingers turning cold. "I didn't plagiarize. I had no idea he said those things."
She was furious: "I was just sharing my own design ideas about love and lovers. Many designers have similar feelings. It just so happens that our ideas resonate with each other. It just so happens that he designs menswear and I design jewelry. The theme of both is love. Why do you say I plagiarized?"
Lu Rang's face was already terribly gloomy.
He quickly scanned the so-called evidence and the appalling comments, a terrifying storm raging in his eyes.
He pulled the trembling Shang Wu into a tight embrace, his voice cold yet firm, carrying a reassuring strength: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
He immediately took out his phone, patting Shang Wu's back reassuringly as he dialed a number, his tone cold and stern like Shang Wu had never heard before.
"Yan Yue, immediately, in the name of the law firm, collect all online comments that make personal attacks and defamatory statements against Shang Wu, identify the accounts that are most aggressive and have the worst impact, and gather evidence."
"Draft a lawyer's letter immediately, no, prepare the lawsuit materials directly, yes, sue for defamation and infringement of reputation rights! I want to see the court's notice of acceptance of the case as soon as possible."
"In addition, I have contacted several major media outlets and platforms to issue warnings on my behalf, demanding that they immediately delete false information and maliciously misleading statements, or I will pursue legal action against them."
He acted swiftly and decisively, deploying the plan in just a few words, demonstrating the professional skills of a top lawyer.
He wanted to use the most direct and forceful method to stand up for Shang Wu and make an example of her.
Under Lu Rang's swift and decisive actions, several of the most vocal critics quickly received lawyer's letters.
There was even a case where someone was directly prosecuted due to the severity of the offense and the sheer volume of reposts.
The arrogance on the internet was immediately suppressed, many passersby began to observe, and some excessive comments were deleted.
However, Chen Runsen's fan base is too large. They are convinced that Shang Wu plagiarized and tried to gain popularity. Even though they no longer dare to openly attack him personally, they still engage in sarcastic remarks, spread negative topics, and boycott Shang Wu. The pressure from public opinion remains enormous.
Just then, Mark called again.
His voice was filled with exhaustion and apology: "Shang Wu... I'm sorry, the pressure from the platform and investors is too great. They demand that we immediately remove all content related to your interview to prevent further negative impact. I'm afraid I can't hold on any longer..."
Shang Wu's heart sank to the bottom, but she knew she couldn't blame Mark.
She tried to keep her voice calm: "It's okay, Mark, I understand. I'm the one who should apologize for causing you and the magazine so much trouble. It's fine if it's taken down."
After hanging up the phone, Shang Wu leaned against Lu Rang's chest and remained silent for a long time.
Lu Rang kissed her forehead tenderly: "Don't worry, I will fight the case and clear your name."
Shang Wu shook her head, but her eyes gradually hardened: "That's not enough. Legal procedures are too slow, and they can only punish malicious defamation, but they can't fundamentally reverse the public's misunderstanding. Especially Chen Runsen's fans, they only believe what their idol says."
She looked up at Lu Rang and made a decision: "I'm going to find Chen Runsen in person."
Lu Rang frowned: "Go find him? Going to him now will likely be seen by his team and fans as causing trouble, and the situation will be worse."
“No, I’m not going to cause trouble.” Shang Wu’s eyes were clear and firm. “I’m going to find him to clarify things. If he can come forward, even if it’s just to issue a simple statement saying that it’s just a coincidence and resonance in design concepts and not plagiarism, it will be more effective than us sending a hundred lawyer’s letters. I want to talk to him and try to get a joint statement.”
This is a bold and even somewhat risky decision, but it seems to be the quickest way to quell the storm.
Seeing the renewed courage and light in Shang Wu's eyes, Lu Rang knew she had made up her mind. Although he was worried, he chose to support her.
“Okay. I’ll go with you.” He squeezed her hand. “Whatever you want to do, I’ll be on your side.”
...
Based on the itinerary they found, Lu Rang and Shang Wu went directly to the high-end office building where Chen Runsen's studio was located.
After the receptionist announced the arrival, it wasn't the designer herself who came down, but a stylish, impeccably made-up, yet arrogant young female assistant.
She sized Shang Wu and Lu Rang up and down, her contempt undisguised: "Alex is very busy right now, he doesn't have time to see unimportant people. Especially..."
She paused deliberately, her gaze falling on Shang Wu, her tone sarcastic, "What I mean is, people who are involved in plagiarism controversies, I advise you to have some self-awareness and not humiliate yourselves here. You should leave now."
Shang Wu suppressed her anger and tried to keep her tone calm: "We just want to communicate with Mr. Chen Runsen in person to clarify the misunderstanding. Regarding the similarity in the interview remarks, I believe it's just a coincidence, and we can..."
"Coincidence?" The female assistant scoffed, interrupting her with a raised voice that drew the attention of several people in the hall. "How easy you make it sound! Alex's interview was released last month, while yours only came out these past few days. The core content is so similar, and you think you can just brush it off with a coincidence? Aren't you just desperate to ride on Alex's popularity? Plagiarism is plagiarism, whether you admit it or not, it's a fact!"
Her words were extremely harsh and rude; she was practically cursing him to his face.
Shang Wu was so angry that her eyes turned cold and her body trembled slightly.
She had never been so blatantly insulted and slandered.
Lu Rang's eyes instantly turned as cold as ice. He stepped forward and shielded Shang Wu behind him. The oppressive aura emanating from him made the female assistant subconsciously take a half step back.
Watch your words.
Lu Rang's voice was not loud, but it carried a chilling intensity: "To publicly accuse someone of plagiarism and make personal attacks without solid evidence constitutes defamation, and we can pursue your legal responsibility."
The female assistant was intimidated by Lu Rang's imposing presence, and her expression changed slightly. However, remembering the powerful backer he had, she quickly regained her composure.
She said, her voice stern but her heart pounding, "Who are you trying to scare? I'm telling the truth! If you don't leave, I'll call security!"
Seeing the other party's unyielding and unreasonable attitude, Shang Wu knew that normal communication was no longer possible.
She took a deep breath and calmed down, even managing a faint, cold smile to appear on her lips.
She gently tugged at Lu Rang's arm, signaling him to calm down, and looked directly at the female assistant.
Shang Wu said clearly, word by word, "Alright, since Mr. Chen Runsen is unwilling to meet and communicate to resolve the issue, please convey this message to him."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable force.
“I’m giving him one last chance. Come out now, and let’s talk calmly. Maybe we can find a dignified solution. If he still chooses to avoid me…”
Shang Wu paused, her eyes sharpening: "Then don't blame me for using some extreme measures. The situation might not be very pleasant then. I hope he won't regret it."
The female assistant laughed exaggeratedly, as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world: "Extraordinary measures? Ha, what a joke! What other measures could you possibly have? Nothing more than continuing to play the victim and smear others online! Our Alex is upright and honest, are you afraid of him? Security! Security! Get these two troublemakers out of here!"
Several security guards came over after hearing the noise.
Shang Wu stopped looking at her and coldly said, "The message has been delivered. I hope you can bear the consequences."
After saying that, she took Lu Rang's arm, straightened her back, and turned away with composure and arrogance amidst the strange looks from all the security guards and receptionists, as if she were not being driven away, but rather a queen returning to the palace after her inspection tour.
As soon as she stepped out of the office building and into her car, Shang Wu's forced composure finally relaxed, and exhaustion and grievance welled up in her heart.
Lu Rang didn't start the car immediately. Instead, he turned his head to look at Shang Wu and asked a crucial question: "Did you record what that assistant said just now?"
Shang Wu paused for a moment, then nodded: "I recorded it. I secretly pressed the record button as soon as he said he had brought shame upon himself."
A hint of approval and a cold glint flashed in Lu Rang's eyes: "Very good. Send me the recording."
He took out his phone, received the audio file sent by Shang Wu, quickly operated it a few times, and then dialed Yan Yue's number.
“Yan Yue, listen up. I’m sending you a recording. It’s Chen Runsen’s assistant publicly slandering Shang Wu for plagiarism and insulting her character. The evidence is conclusive.”
"Immediately sue this assistant for defamation and insult! Yes, sue him by name, and at the same time apply to the court to summon Chen Runsen as a related person to testify. Since they are unwilling to communicate privately, then we will see them in court."
"I want everyone to know that slandering my woman will come at a legal price! And I want that arrogant designer to see just how much trouble his team has caused him."
Lu Rang's tone was resolute, carrying an unquestionable decisiveness.
He intends to use the most formal and forceful legal means to compel the other party to come forward and escalate the situation completely.
This move by Lu Rang was ruthless and extremely effective, as it aimed to undermine Lu's position.
Once the court summons was issued, Chen Runsen could no longer hold on.
Whether he likes it or not, he must address this issue directly. His assistant's arrogant words and actions will become the biggest stain on the other team's reputation.
As Shang Wu watched Lu Rang's calm and composed figure as he made his arrangements, she felt a deep sense of security.
With him around, even the biggest storms seem less frightening.
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