Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

Around 2 p.m. that day, Chen Chao's studio released a statement on its official Weibo account, which was worded very formally.

"The studio has completed the collection of evidence against the entities that have recently fabricated and spread false information about Mr. Chen Chao, and will pursue the legal responsibility of the rumor-mongers in accordance with the law." The statement was followed by a picture of a stamped lawyer's letter.

After sending out the statement, Hao Ren leaned back in his chair, stretched, and sent Ji Ran a WeChat message: "The first batch of ammunition has been stored in the depot, and the rest are still being sorted out."

Ji Ran's reply came quickly: "Focus on Deng Lun's materials. Since he's taken the initiative, we don't need to be polite."

"Understood. I will continue to collect relevant materials and release them when the time is right."

"No rush. We should at least wait until Princess Agents finish airing before taking action, so as not to affect the TV series." Ji Ran already had some ideas on how to deal with Deng Lun. "The materials and evidence are in the hands of outsiders. We have the initiative to decide when to release them."

On the other hand, just over ten minutes after Chen Chao's studio posted the Weibo, the comment section exploded.

"Holy crap, they're going straight for legal action? This studio is really bold!"

"It should have been done a long time ago. Those marketing accounts can spread rumors with a single word, but they have to work themselves to death to refute them."

"Support Chen Chao's rights! Those who spread rumors must pay the price!"

Of course, besides that, there were also some sarcastic voices mixed in, such as "A new studio is so arrogant, there must be someone behind it."

However, these comments were quickly suppressed by the comment control team that He Ren had already set up.

After quickly glancing at the comments and confirming that public opinion was developing in the direction they had envisioned, Ji Ran closed his laptop, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes to rest.

A moment later, he opened his eyes again, picked up the now-cold coffee and took a sip. The bitter liquid slid down his throat, making his mind clearer.

Over the years in the industry, he has seen many scandals, but this time is different because it is the first time he has been in charge as the main agent, and he cannot afford to lose.

Moreover, he also knew that Chen Chao's current upward momentum was too fast, so fast that even his competitors in the same track felt the pressure. This was not the last time such a thing would happen, and there might be others who would emerge in the future.

So this time, he not only wants to win, but he wants to win spectacularly, so that those who are watching will understand one thing: they are not to be trifled with.

Thinking of this, Ji Ran picked up her phone again and sent a WeChat message to her older sister, "Sis, keep a close eye on the public opinion section on Weibo lately. I'm worried that someone might try to target A-Chao around the time he releases his album."

"Okay, I understand."

Just as he was about to explain some more things to his sister, there was a sudden knock on the door. He got up and opened the door, and saw Chen Chao standing at the door with two cups of hot tea in his hands.

"Brother Ji Ran, have some hot tea and take a break." After handing one of the cups of hot tea to Ji Ran, Chen Chao leaned against the doorframe. "I've read the statement; it's well done."

"It's what we should do." After taking a sip of the hot tea, Ji Ran's gaze lingered on Chen Chao's face for a moment. Seeing that he was acting as usual, as if nothing had happened.

Aren't you worried?

Chen Chao smiled but didn't speak. He simply took a sip of hot tea, and his smile carried an indescribable quality amidst the rising steam.

After staring at him for a while, Ji Ran finally couldn't help but speak up, "Sometimes, you really don't seem like a newcomer who's only been in the industry for less than a year."

"Hmm~ Maybe it's just my mindset. Get some rest early, don't stay up too late." Shrugging, Chen Chao reached out and gently patted Ji Ran's shoulder, smiling as he spoke. Then, without waiting for Ji Ran to say anything, he turned and walked towards his room.

After watching Chen Chao's figure disappear at the end of the corridor, Ji Ran let out a soft breath.

—————————————————————————————

Time flies, and it's already December. The filming of "Duckweed" is also entering its final days.

The atmosphere on set became somewhat subtle, a mix of the urgency of wrapping up filming and the melancholy of impending farewell, but Deng Chao remained the one most capable of enlivening the atmosphere.

"These are the last few times we'll get to mooch coffee from Director Han, guys, we need to seize the opportunity!" With coffee beans he'd swiped from Han Han in one hand and a coffee machine in the other, Deng Chao strolled around the set, wanting to show off his brewing skills to the others.

Holding his cup closer, Gao Huayang couldn't help but laugh and chime in, "Indeed, we should drink more."

Filming hasn't wrapped up yet, and only four main actors remain in the crew: Deng Chao, Chen Chao, Zhao Liying, and Gao Huayang. As for Zhang Benyu and Dong Zijian, they finished filming and left the crew more than ten days ago.

Leaning against the prop box, Chen Chao looked up at the sky with boredom, letting his mind wander.

"What are you daydreaming about?" A hand suddenly landed on his shoulder, bringing him back from his reverie. He instinctively turned his head and saw Deng Chao's smiling face.

"Nothing, I just suddenly felt a bit bored." Faced with the question, Chen Chao did not hide anything and answered truthfully.

Sitting down next to Chen Chao, Deng Chao, unusually, didn't argue as usual. The two sat quietly, watching the busy crew members.

"Ah Chao," Deng Chao suddenly spoke, his voice much more serious than usual, "when is your album scheduled for release?"

"It's tentatively scheduled for January, but the exact date hasn't been decided yet."

"When Running Man Season 4 starts filming in January, how about coming here to promote it?" Turning to Chen Chao, Deng Chao said seriously, "I'll talk to the production team and send you an invitation. You can bring your new song and sing it live. The promotional effect will definitely be great."

Hearing Deng Chao's words, Chen Chao was a little stunned, but before he could speak, Deng Chao added, "Don't be so polite with me. You are, after all, the younger brother I have high hopes for. As your older brother, since I have the ability, I will naturally help you."

"Thanks, Brother Chao." Chen Chao let out a soft breath and didn't say anything more, just smiled and extended his hand to him.

"What are you thanking me for?" Deng Chao shook his hand vigorously, his carefree smile returning to his face. "Don't let me down on the show. If you don't perform well, I won't acknowledge you as my brother anymore."

"Then don't worry." Chen Chao raised his chin, quite smugly, "I'm way more adept at having fun than Brother Chao."

"Hey, you little rascal..." Deng Chao reached out to ruffle his hair, but Chen Chao nimbly dodged it, and the two started bickering again.