18

He looks at me, a thousand words unsaid, but finally just says, "Nothing."

"Xin Yanan did this. Han Jun's with her dad's company, and she paid off Wang Yun to accuse you of plagiarism. The trending posts are being pulled, and legal action's underway."

Soon, I get Han Jun's public apology.

A long, handwritten letter details how he harassed me, got rejected, and tried to ride my fame.

His fanbase fractures—some turn on him, others defend him blindly.

Rival agencies fan the flames.

Brands drop him, and he faces massive penalties.

His career's likely over.

Wang Yun denies everything at first.

But when top designers call out his history of plagiarism and bullying, he crumbles.

His reputation's trashed.

Lin Shen's legal team handles both defamation cases, telling me not to worry.

Then Xin Yanan calls.

Her tone's no longer arrogant, almost pleading.

"Qiao Lu, I'm sorry. Please ask your sister and Lin Shen to drop the lawsuit. I know I messed up."

"If I were just a nobody designer, slandered and cyberbullied, my life and career would be ruined.

"You can't just brush this off with a joke."

She senses my resolve and panics.

"I'm really sorry! My dad cut off my cards. I swear I'll never bother you again, okay?

"I don't even like Lin Shen anymore. I was spoiled, thinking I could have anything."

She's crying, but I hang up.