Chapter 59: Antique Street
Gu Wanrong abandoned her plans to go out that day and spent the entire time lounging on the sofa, scrolling through her phone.
In the afternoon, while browsing DouDou, Gu Wanrong stumbled upon a news video featuring herself.
Pai Peng Daily: Man Attacks in the Street, The Reason Is…
The video showed her (face blurred) getting out of a car, followed closely by Tong Shenba (also blurred, only showing her short hair).
The camera then focused on the unblurred face of the security captain, intoxicated, knife in hand, lunging at her. The video ended with the security captain being held down by hotel security.
The comment section exploded.
: This woman clearly cheated on the guy, otherwise, why would he do this?
: So exciting!
: I’ve calculated it; this must be a crime of passion.
: People should have standards; a proper breakup would have been better.
: Yun Jing Hotel, hotel car, you know what I mean.
: Rumor has it the guy was cheated on.
: What are you all talking about, you don’t even know why he attacked her.
: If it were your wife, would you do this?
: I know this guy; he seemed so depressed the other day.
: Yes, I know him too. He’s well-off; I heard he makes a lot of money.
: Choose your girlfriend carefully; don’t go for someone who’s gold-digging.
Gu Wanrong was furious. These people, judging her based on a deliberately edited video without knowing the truth!
The video drastically differed from the actual events, yet the commenters relentlessly condemned her. They seemed only to believe what they saw on the surface, unwilling to understand the truth.
Even more infuriating, the video ended with a pitiable close-up of the security guard, omitting his abusive language, portraying him as the victim.
Tong Shenba’s actions in protecting and subduing him were completely cut out.
This deliberate creation of sympathy was clearly intended to garner attention and views. Pai Peng Daily, in its pursuit of traffic and sensationalism, had distorted the facts, which was appalling.
Manager Liu had gone to Bai Xian Mountain Villa and wasn’t back yet, so Gu Wanrong decided to handle it herself. She opened her chat with Luo Qingquan, forwarding the Pai Peng Daily video.
Gu Wanrong: The young woman in the video is me; the other blurred person is my bodyguard. The attacker was a former employee of a company I own.
Luo Qingquan, receiving the message and watching the video, saw Gu Wanrong’s follow-up message.
Luo Qingquan: Manager Liu already explained everything yesterday. The video is clearly edited. What do you want to do?
Gu Wanrong: Take down the video and get a public apology from Pai Peng Daily.
Luo Qingquan: While the video is very manipulative, pursuing legal action might only result in a fine for Pai Peng Daily. They’re seasoned players in this; a public apology is unlikely.
Gu Wanrong showed dissatisfaction. She’d invested heavily in Ying Yuan Law Firm, solely for Luo Qingquan.
Luo Qingquan: Of course, I have other options.
Gu Wanrong’s eyes showed expectation and satisfaction. She knew Luo Qingquan’s capabilities; he had a proven track record.
Pai Peng Daily had published countless misleading videos for clicks, with only a few taken down after complaints, never a public apology.
To many, Pai Peng Daily remained a highly influential news outlet.
Gu Wanrong wanted Luo Qingquan to secure a public apology, cleansing its image and vindicating those who’d suffered from rumors.
Gu Wanrong: Go ahead with your plan. I hope to see Pai Peng Daily’s apology soon.
Meanwhile, at the Pai Peng Daily office:
Wu Liang and his superior were celebrating the video’s views and comments, having met their KPI.
They hadn’t noticed a private message from the law firm.
Ying Yuan Law Firm: We have filed a lawsuit.
Ying Yuan Law Firm: Image jpg (Lawsuit)
Luo Qingquan had contacts at DouDou. Before long, the video was taken down, and their appeal was denied.
Feeling refreshed, Gu Wanrong decided to visit Qi Shou Gong, a famous antique market in Si Jiu City.
She’d learned about antique appraisal and wanted to put her knowledge to practice. Also, it was a well-known local attraction.
Although Gu Wanrong hadn’t felt like going out that morning, thoughtful Manager Liu had prepared suitable outfits before leaving for Bai Xian Mountain Villa.
Gu Wanrong chose an outfit suitable for shopping and set off with Tong Shenba.
Qi Shou Yuan was supposedly built by a prince for his elderly mother. Later, the imperial examination hall moved nearby, and the area became a hub for scholars.
Gradually, bookstores and shops selling stationery thrived, making it the largest bookstore in Si Jiu City.
By modern times, it became a famous antique market selling ancient books, calligraphy, painting, stationery, jade, porcelain, and more.
Upon arrival, Gu Wanrong found Qi Shou Gong bustling with activity.
“Is this really Yuan Dynasty blue and white?”
“Hey, I’m serious, do you believe it?”
“Fifty will do.”
…
Tourists haggled at stalls.
“Miss, look at this glass cup, so clear! An imperial tribute from the Qianlong Emperor’s era. Beautiful and elegant for display.”
“This jade pendant symbolizes dragon and phoenix harmony, said to have been given by Yue Lao to Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. Buy it for you and your boyfriend, for everlasting love!”
“Watched Zhen Huan? This is the same kind of makeup used by Zhen Huan. Buy one.”
…
Gu Wanrong, subtly protected by Tong Shenba, strolled through the antique street, her eyes scanning the stalls and shops.
Vendors saw Gu Wanrong’s expensive attire and immediately tried to sell their goods.
Gu Wanrong was amused, even without formal training, she knew their stories about Emperor Xuanzong, Yang Guifei, and Qianlong were false.
They clearly thought she was a rich, naive heiress.
Reaching a shop called Ju Zhen Ge, with its elegant décor and antique paintings displayed in the windows, Gu Wanrong decided to enter.
The shop was large, filled with antiques of all kinds, from bronzeware and porcelain to calligraphy and paintings.
The owner greeted them, recognizing Gu Wanrong’s expensive attire and the vigilant Tong Shenba.
He thought: This customer looks important… probably a rich young lady visiting from out of town.
He enthusiastically introduced the shop: “Miss, everything in Ju Zhen Ge is authentic and appraised by experts.”
He started showcasing the items, asking if she had any interests.
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