The bright lights of the press conference room flickered as Mo Tianyi stepped up to the podium. Cameras flashed incessantly, and reporters leaned forward, hungry for answers about the swirling rumors that had gripped the city for weeks. The air was thick with anticipation.
Mo Tianyi adjusted the microphone and smiled—a carefully measured smile that showed no signs of nervousness. He was no stranger to the public eye, and tonight he was here to set the record straight.
"Thank you all for coming," he began smoothly, his voice calm but firm. "There have been many rumors circulating about my relationship with Lu Jingyan. Let me be clear—I am her cousin, and I am happily married to Hua Shu. There is no scandal, no secret relationship between us. That is the truth."
A wave of murmurs and clicks echoed through the room as reporters quickly typed down his words. For some, this was the closure they had waited for. But Mo Tianyi wasn't finished.
He paused just long enough to capture everyone's attention before continuing with a subtle shift in tone, laced with mischief. "I understand the public's curiosity about Lu Jingyan's personal life. She's a remarkable woman, strong and independent. But, as we all know, people often look for someone who can truly stand by their side and understand them."
A sly smile crept onto his face as he glanced at the crowd. "Whether such a person exists in her life... well, that is something I cannot confirm or deny. But I can say this—she deserves nothing less than the best."
The reporters immediately sensed the double meaning, the hint of mystery. Questions rose like a tide: Was Mo Tianyi suggesting Lu Jingyan had moved on? Was there a new suitor in the picture? The speculation began before his words had even settled.
As the press conference ended, the storm broke out online. Social media exploded with reactions:
#@XuanmoArmy: "Did Mo Tianyi just say there's a 'new person'? What's going on??"#
#@LuFanatic: "Tianyi cleared his name but definitely dropped some shade about Lu Jingyan's love life. Who is this mystery guy?"#
#@TeaTime: "Classic Mo Tianyi — vague enough to stir the pot but clever enough to dodge questions!"#
#@LengXuanmoFan: "If there's someone new, it better be Xuanmo!!"#
#@DramaWatcher: "Tianyi's playing 4D chess while everyone else is stuck on checkers."#
Comments flooded in from every corner—fans debating, shipping wars erupting, and even some accusing Mo Tianyi of deliberately creating chaos. Meanwhile, Lu Jingyan's name trended, her every post dissected for clues about this supposed 'new guy.'
Two hours later, in the quiet sanctuary of her apartment, Lu Jingyan sat by the window, her phone buzzing nonstop with notifications. She scrolled through the headlines and posts, lips pressing into a thin line. The public spectacle wasn't new to her, but this time, it felt personal.
Her phone buzzed again, a message from Mei Xiaotong lighting up the screen: *"You okay? That press conference... I saw it. Want to talk?"*
Lu Jingyan sighed, then typed back: *"Not really. This isn't over, is it?"*
Minutes later, her decision was made. She needed answers—and there was only one person who could give them.
---
The dimly lit office where Mo Tianyi often held meetings felt unusually tense when Lu Jingyan arrived. She didn't announce herself; instead, she waited until the moment was right. Mo Tianyi looked up, surprise flickering across his face before he masked it with a polite smile.
"Lu Jingyan," he said smoothly. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
She didn't waste time. "Why did you do it? Why stir rumors about me when you just cleared your own name? What are you trying to achieve?"
Mo Tianyi leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Achieve? I'm just being honest—well, as honest as I can be in public. I didn't say you were dating anyone, did I?"
She narrowed her eyes. "You didn't have to. You played with words, knowing full well how people would interpret it. You're trying to mess with me, with Xuanmo's fans, and drag me through this endless gossip."
He shrugged, unfazed. "Sometimes, you have to create a little chaos to keep people interested. You're a public figure now. This is the price."
Lu Jingyan's voice dropped, sharp and cold. "I never asked for this. I don't need you or anyone else to shape my story."
Mo Tianyi smiled, but it was faint, almost regretful. "Maybe not. But this world we live in—public opinion, media frenzy—it doesn't care about what you want. It cares about what sells."
Her jaw clenched. "Then don't sell me out."