After Marrying My Silly Childhood Friend - Chapter 6

As the scandal escalated, the other two members of the TR boy band, Meng Cheng and Ou Kai, finally buckled under pressure and issued apologies.

The company suspended all their appearances, and brands began negotiating contract terminations. Not only were they facing unemployment, but they also had to bear exorbitant breach-of-contract penalties.

Meng Cheng and Ou Kai released lengthy posts, downplaying their actions while repeatedly apologizing, trying to win sympathy and gain Ju Xiao’s forgiveness.

Meng Cheng even went live late at night, sobbing uncontrollably and threatening to jump into the neighborhood fountain, claiming it was his way of atonement.

It was so ridiculous that it made people laugh.

Bystanders weren’t fooled, pointing out that his performative personality was strong—why didn’t he show such good acting skills on screen?

However, fans defended him, saying, “He’s already apologized, what more do you want? Do you want to push him to suicide? Isn’t this cyberbullying?”

Fans and bystanders argued online, while the instigator of it all, Rong Jin, remained in hiding.

Any unfavorable news about Rong Jin was quickly deleted, including related search terms that were blocked.

It seemed that Rong Lin intended to let Meng Cheng and Ou Kai take the heat, shielding Rong Jin.

But how could he be allowed to get away so easily?

The PR department had Ju Xiao record a video explaining the primary reason behind his suicide attempt.

The earlier humiliation and isolation were just the tip of the iceberg. The forced injection of banned substances and the absurd bet between Rong Jin and the other two were the main reasons he couldn’t hold on.

This incident finally caught the attention of the police and the AO Regulatory Bureau, and Rong Jin was taken in for investigation.

It was reported that the police intercepted him at the airport while his family was helping him flee the country to lay low.

It wasn’t until Rong Jin’s arrest that his identity as the young master of the Rong family was exposed.

In no time, Ju Xiao and Rong Jin became the top trending topics.

A powerless Beta standing up to a despicable, privileged Alpha heir resonated deeply with many who had experienced similar injustices.

In the video, the pale and fragile Beta evoked deep sympathy. He didn’t deliberately seek pity, not even a single tear fell.

He recounted everything calmly and numbly.

His empty eyes looked as though his soul had been drained.

Among the TR boy band, he was the most approachable and polite, with no negative press.

Many bystanders became his fans.

Directors and actors who had worked with him before also came forward to support him.

As Ju Xiao’s fan base grew, Rong Jin’s social media pages were flooded and overrun.

Previously, Ju Xiao’s fans were timid and low-key, mirroring his personality, with little fighting spirit.

Even at the beginning of the scandal, when they knew he was being bullied, they couldn’t outargue Rong Jin’s fans.

All they could repeatedly say was, “You can’t bully people like this! How could you?”

Some young girls were even crying as they typed.

But upon learning about Rong Jin’s heinous actions, even the previously mild-mannered fans were enraged.

They couldn’t help but unleash every venomous word they knew.

Meanwhile, Rong Jin’s delusional fans were still shouting in his defense on forums, saying things like, “He bought such expensive drugs to turn you into an Omega, you should be grateful! If it were me, I’d never repay kindness with ingratitude.”

Netizens just wanted Rong Jin in jail, but his fans seemed to want him dead.

The situation escalated, and the impact grew too significant. Rong Jin’s forums were soon shut down, and his accounts on major platforms were muted.

When the authorities step in, it’s usually a sign that his crimes were nearly confirmed.

At this time, Star Entertainment also issued a statement, strongly condemning the actions of Rong Jin and the other two, and announced that they would immediately terminate their contracts.

Some accused Star Entertainment of jumping on the bandwagon, ignoring the issue until Rong Jin’s arrest, but others reasoned that if the company hadn’t intervened, Ju Xiao would truly have had no one to turn to, given Rong Jin’s influence.

It was important to note that previous news about Rong Jin had all been suppressed.

Soon, Ju Xiao personally posted, thanking the company, his fans for their support, and especially Young Mr. Duan for his unconditional help during this ordeal.

His words were heartfelt, clearly not just part of a corporate act. Those who were initially skeptical began to change their view of Star Entertainment.

Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

“Did you see today’s trending topics?”

“Yes, I saw. Ju Xiao’s situation is truly tragic. I think the punishment for those three scumbags is still too light. They should have their glands removed so they can’t be Alphas anymore!”

“Exactly. In recent years, laws have focused on protecting Omegas, but Betas are like marginalized individuals, always lacking proper protection.”

“Yeah, if Ju Xiao were an Omega, they wouldn’t have dared to bully him like that.”

“Thankfully, Star Entertainment didn’t shield them and even helped Ju Xiao file charges against Rong Jin.”

“I read a rumor yesterday that Star Entertainment’s Young Mr. Duan had a huge fallout with the higher-ups to help Ju Xiao. Everyone in the company knows about it.”

“Really? A domineering CEO Alpha and a bullied celebrity Beta, this is such a ship!”

“But I heard that Young Mr. Duan is married.”

“Who’s so lucky? It must’ve been a family-arranged marriage!”

“Hiss—” Zuo Nian accidentally pricked his finger while sewing a doll costume. He smiled apologetically at the two girls and blew on his finger.

“Little boss, do you follow celebrities?” The girl with glasses turned to ask.

The two girls were at the shop to DIY phone cases.

Zuo Nian’s shop not only sold finished products but also provided workstations and material kits so customers could create their own designs.

The two girls were regulars. Every time they visited, they would gossip and often pull Zuo Nian into the conversation.

Although Zuo Nian rarely spoke, he was an excellent listener.

“I don’t follow celebrities,” Zuo Nian replied slowly. “But I watch dramas and have actors I admire.”

“I’m running out of dramas to watch lately. Do you have any recommendations, little boss?” The other girl asked.

Zuo Nian nodded emphatically and said, “New Bamboo and Moonlit Vows, both are great!”

“I saw the trailer for New Bamboo. It looks pretty good. I’m waiting for it to finish airing before I start.” The girl with glasses said.

Zuo Nian held up four fingers. “Just four episodes left!”

“Aren’t both of these dramas starring Lu Li?”

“Mm-hmm.” Zuo Nian nodded again.

“You like Lu Li?” The girl asked.

Zuo Nian waved his hand. “Not like, admire. He’s… A good actor.”

“He’s handsome too, but he seems a bit like a player.”

Zuo Nian tilted his head in thought, Lu Li’s face and Duan Baisui’s appearing in his mind. He seriously commented, “Not handsome.”

The girls: …

At 5 p.m., Zuo Nian closed the shop, counted the cash in the drawer, and noted it down in his small ledger.

He had made 459 yuan today and planned to buy some new items for the kitten.

Yesterday, when he took the kitten for a bath, he had only bought cat food, goat milk powder, and canned food. Today, he needed to buy a litter box and litter.

As for a cat tree and some toys, he had already picked those out online.

With his plan in mind, Zuo Nian slung his small satchel over his shoulder, put on a yellow knit hat, and left the shop.

Near the plaza was a bustling street lined with many pet shops that sold a wide variety of goods—only a five-minute walk away.

Crossing the street, Zuo Nian could see the large blue sign for Pet Home from a distance.

Clutching his small bag, he walked a few steps forward but then backed up.

A new shop had opened on the street corner.

The sign was pink, and the mannequins in the window were dressed in seductive black lace outfits, barely covering their thighs, with barely-there underwear on display.

Since it was a new opening, the entrance featured a balloon arch and a large standee advertising their launch promotion with the catchy slogan: “Pick the right lingerie, and your husband will come home early.”

Zuo Nian stared at it for a while, watching many people go in and out, and couldn’t resist joining the excitement.

As soon as he stepped into the shop, a sales associate enthusiastically greeted him.

“Is this your first time here, sir?” The man asked with a warm smile.

“Uh…” Zuo Nian hesitated for a moment before replying, “Mn.”

“Are you an Omega?” The man continued.

Zuo Nian nodded.

“Are you in a relationship or married?”

Zuo Nian answered honestly, “Just… married.”

The salesperson’s enthusiasm made him feel a bit uneasy, so he clutched the strap of his satchel tightly.

“Congratulations, sir! You’re so adorable, your Alpha must be amazing, right?”

Hearing someone compliment Duan Baisui instantly eased Zuo Nian’s nervousness, and he softly replied, “Mm, he’s… great.”

“So, would you like to add some spice to your marriage?”

Zuo Nian blinked in confusion. “Spice?”

A skilled salesperson always knows how to make customers willingly open their wallets.

By the time Zuo Nian realized what was happening, he was already walking out of the store carrying several large shopping bags.

The salesperson who had attended to him followed him out, smiling broadly. “Mr. Zuo, we look forward to seeing you again next time.”

Zuo Nian glanced at the text message notification on his phone. He had just spent 13,000 yuan—painful! It was so painful!

But the salesperson had confidently assured him that if he followed the instructions, his Alpha would be unable to resist, rushing home to him, and they would share a passionate, unforgettable night. From then on, his Alpha would never want to leave him.

Thinking of this, Zuo Nian put his phone back in his bag. Spending money for Gege was worth it.

…

That evening, Duan Baisui had a social event.

He was having dinner with several business partners.

The film they had co-invested in was set to release during the Lunar New Year holiday. Its special effects had cost a fortune, and the investors had high hopes for it.

Over drinks, they exchanged toasts and polite compliments.

“With Chairman Duan and Xu absent, Young Mr. Duan has been managing the company impeccably. Truly surpassing your mentors.” Wang Qing, the president of Enyue, said as he toasted.

Duan Baisui clinked glasses with him and said, “You flatter me, Mr. Wang.”

“Young Mr. Duan is so talented at a young age and still keeps to himself, it’s unusual.” Bai Mushan said, lounging in his chair with a suggestive smirk while caressing the Omega beside him. “Don’t follow your father’s example. He’s henpecked, what are you afraid of?”

News traveled quickly in this circle.

Although it wasn’t public knowledge, they all knew that Duan Baisui had married someone considered a “fool.”

Duan Baisui’s expression darkened. “You’re joking, Mr. Bai.”

“Go, go keep Young Mr. Duan company.” Bai Mushan said flippantly, patting the Omega beside him.

Everyone at the table, except for Duan Baisui, had brought male or female companions—either well-known actors or minor online celebrities.

Just as the young actor was about to get up, Duan Baisui smiled and said, “No need. Mr. Bai is used to being romantic, and Mrs. Bai doesn’t mind. But the one at my house would make a scene.”

The way he spoke was as blunt as his Omega father, making it hard for people to respond.

“Tsk, Old Bai, look at you. Young Mr. Duan is newly married and deeply in love, why are you meddling?” Wang Qing joked, giving them a way to smooth things over.

Bai Mushan patted his forehead, quickly raising his glass. “Look at me. I drank too much, drank too much. Haha, Young Mr. Duan, don’t take it to heart.”

Duan Baisui raised his glass slightly toward him and said, “Of course not.”

After draining his glass, Duan Baisui felt his phone vibrate twice in his bag.

He took it out and saw that it was a WeChat message from Zuo Nian.

At this hour, he’s still awake. Was he scared?

Duan Baisui clicked into the conversation.

Two photos loaded in the chat.

One was of their bedroom bed.

The other was of Zuo Nian’s feet in black socks.

The lighting was rather dim, so Duan Baisui couldn’t see clearly or understand what Zuo Nian meant by this.

He assumed it was Zuo Nian expressing fear and reluctance to sleep alone.

He replied: Almost done, will be home in half an hour.

Author’s note:
Nian Nian: 13,000 Yuan is worth it! Gege said he will be home in half an hour.
Duan Baisui studies the photos for a long time: Wearing socks when sleeping?