The CEO’s Unkown Wife
Chapter 518: Encountering Trouble_1

Chapter 518: Chapter 518: Encountering Trouble_1

With thoughts of Huo Qilin’s feelings towards Xia Qingtian, a bitter expression emerged in Cheng Bingbing’s beautiful, captivating eyes.

She did not speak, but gazed at Huo Qilin, waiting to see whether he would insist on escorting Xia Qingtian home, or follow Xia Qingtian’s words and take her home instead.

Huo Qilin fell silent for a moment, and finally nodded, "Alright, I will take Bingbing home."

Fearing that Xia Qingtian might encounter danger, he added, "We will stay with you until Bo Jingyan arrives. After that, we will leave."

Seeing that Huo Qilin had made up his mind, Xia Qingtian did not try to dissuade him further.

After a while, Bo Jingyan arrived.

Before leaving, she told Cheng Bingbing and Huo Qilin, "I’m going to go now. Drive carefully and update me when you get home."

After giving her instructions, she left with Huo Qilin.

Over the next few days, Huo Qilin frequently appeared in the hot search. His music received unanimous praise online, with netizens dubbing him the successor to the king of music.

Huo Qilin was on fire.

And so was Huo Qilin’s music.

Everywhere on the streets, many places were playing songs from his album.

However, with fame comes controversy. Soon, people online started to question the legitimacy of Huo Qilin’s album sales. The highest-selling artist in Asia over the past decade only sold a little over seven million albums.

How was it that Huo Qilin, a newcomer with only one album under his belt, sold over six million copies of his second album within half a month of its release?

Soon after, online armies were mobilized to spread the rumor that Huo Qilin’s album sales were fabricated.

Many unsuspecting netizens began to fall for the narrative.

Huo Qilin’s reputation was quickly buried under a deluge of doubts and mockery.

If not addressed, this issue would significantly damage his commercial value and popularity, and have detrimental effects on his career.

Therefore, Xia Qingtian immediately organized a meeting to discuss how to handle this public relations crisis.

"Someone is clearly trying to smear Qilin," the PR manager stated right away.

As insiders in the company, they knew best whether the data was fabricated. Huo Qilin’s album sales were undoubtedly genuine with no padding.

Xia Qingtian rubbed her temples, "We know that. However, the netizens don’t. Under the manipulative lead of these online armies, they’ve started doubting Qilin. How do we convince them and silence the haters?"

The others fell silent.

Fake rumors online are the most difficult to clear up, especially when internet trolls are deliberately muddying the waters.

Normally, they would choose not to respond and wait for the issue to cool down.

Some artists would even deliberately create such topics for the attention.

The entertainment industry prioritizes traffic.

Someone suggested, "Should we just ignore it? Treat these criticisms as free topics and traffic? Once the heat dies down, no one will remember it anymore."

Upon hearing that, before anyone could react, Huo Qilin frowned.

He just wanted to focus on music. He neither wanted this kind of attention nor any association with fabrication.

However, he also understood that he was the company’s artist. Everything couldn’t be decided accordant to his desire. The company had its own considerations and ways to handle things.

He instinctively looked at Xia Qingtian, curious about her decision and feeling a bit nervous.

Xia Qingtian quickly noticed his anxious gaze. Knowing what he was worried about, she gave him a reassuring smile, as if telling him not to worry.

Seeing her smile, Huo Qilin felt a sense of security miraculously.

He knew Xia Qingtian. She wasn’t a calculating businesswoman. He should trust her.

Xia Qingtian didn’t disappoint him. She respectfully shook her head, disagreeing with the previous suggestion, "No, the internet has memory. Qilin’s path is based on real strength. He doesn’t need stunts, attention, or traffic."

In conclusion, she said firmly, "This issue must be handled properly. All the accusations made against him need to be washed clean."

Her tone made it clear that there was no room for negotiation.

The others couldn’t think of a good solution for now.

Xia Qingtian didn’t wish to waste more time at the meeting. She stated, "If no one has a solid plan yet, let’s adjourn the meeting for now. Make sure to control the online comments and prevent further souring of the situation."

After announcing the adjournment, everyone left.

Only Huo Qilin and Xia Qingtian were left in the meeting room.

Huo Qilin saw Xia Qingtian looking troubled and, despite his reluctance, compromised, "If you feel challenged, you can do as they suggested. Let it be."

Upon hearing this, Xia Qingtian gave him a surprised look.

"Don’t you just want to focus on music? If this issue is not addressed, it will lead to a lot of controversy later. The tag of fakery will follow you all your life."

A flicker of endurance flashed in Huo Qilin’s eyes, "That’s okay. I will prove my ability to everyone in the future. I, Huo Qilin, don’t need to resort to forgery."

Seeing his determination, Xia Qingtian felt reassured. She seemed not even slightly swayed by the online turmoil.

She stood up, lightly pat Huo Qilin’s shoulder, and said jokingly, "Don’t make such a drastic decision. As your manager, my job is to shield you from controversies. I won’t let this incident affect you."

"Have you found a solution?" Huo Qilin asked curiously, seeing her decisive statement.

"I have a clue," Xia Qingtian nodded with a smile.

Huo Qilin’s eyes brightened, "What is it?" He asked eagerly.

Xia Qingtian initially intended to keep it a secret but remembered that Huo Qilin was the principal party. He could feel anxious if kept in the dark.

After considering for a while, she leaned over to Huo Qilin’s ear and shared her plan.

"That’s a good idea." After hearing the plan, Huo Qilin felt relieved and smiled. His anxiety was completely gone, and he said, "I don’t need to worry anymore."

Xia Qingtian patted his shoulder and left the meeting room.

For the following two days, Xia Qingtian left early in the morning and came back late at night. Apart from Huo Qilin, nobody knew what she was busy with.

However, despite their efforts at controlling online comments, the controversy over the legitimacy of Huo Qilin’s album sales escalated. The backstage planner did not seem to intend to let Huo Qilin off easily.

If left unaddressed, Huo Qilin would undoubtedly become an artist covered in scandal.

Everyone in the company, who had been celebrating over the good sales of Huo Qilin’s album, became serious. Everyone carefully watched what they said at work for fear of losing their jobs.

Thankfully, this atmosphere didn’t last for too long.