CHAPTER 66: 063 AT THE FOREFRONT OF CONTROVERSY

Yuan Pan had not worked at the television station for so many years for nothing. In the end, he clenched his teeth and dialed a number that was deeply ingrained in his heart.

After hanging up the phone, he slumped back into his seat. It had come to this, after all. He did not want to owe someone a favor, but even less did he want to see his hard work go down the drain. Compared to that, what was dignity worth?

The advertising fees were secured, and the program was saved, but he was determined to find out who was causing trouble behind the scenes. If there was a first time, there would be a second; he had to solve this issue at its root, or else it would happen again.

Leaving the advertising department, Yuan Pan’s cold gaze narrowed slightly.

Although everyone in the advertising department had been strictly ordered to keep silent, he had been able to gather bits and pieces of information through indirect questions. Putting them together and connecting them to the recent news on the internet, he had a pretty good idea of who it was.

Every show or movie went through hyping. It was an unwritten rule for survival in the entertainment circle. Behind Ji Yunya’s popularity was the station’s backing, and Yuan Pan knew the rules well. But he had not gone mad enough to use Ji Yunya’s background and family for publicity. Even more so, he genuinely wanted to protect the young girl, helping her avoid the contamination of the entertainment world at her age and enabling her to grow up healthily.

But things did not go as he wished. After the program aired, there was an abundance of online discussions about Ji Yunya’s family. Yun Shu, Yun Shen, and even Kang Jinse were dragged into the fray. If he couldn’t see the manipulation going on, then all his years at the station had been for naught.

It seemed that this little girl had planned her participation in the show from the start. Remembering when he first met Ji Yunya, she demanded that he absolutely keep the broadcast secret until it was aired. Now it all made sense.

Under these circumstances, how could he not lend her a helping hand?

Before lunch, a rumor spread online suggesting that the hit show "Parent-Child Battle" might face the misfortune of being canceled. The person who released the news claimed to be a station employee with inside information, alleging that the show offended someone who, in return, used three years’ worth of advertising fees to negotiate its cancellation. The message ended with a poignant comment: "With such family members, that poor little girl sure is pitiful."

Although the post was quickly deleted and all information cleared, to outsiders, it seemed like a rash statement made in haste. The person likely cleared the information upon calming down, fearing the station would trace it back to them. Nevertheless, the news spread at an alarming rate online, with the insinuation clear enough for even a fool to see.

Yun Shen, once again, was thrust into the eye of the storm.

If the program really got canceled at this point, Yun Shen would appear guilty as sin, and the netizens’ spit alone could drown him. Crisis management was futile now.

When Yun Shen learned of it, for the first time, he couldn’t help but smash a Ming dynasty blue-and-white porcelain worth millions on his office desk.

"Didn’t you say it was foolproof? What is this now?"

Liang Yu bowed his head, "I don’t know how the news got out from the TV station. I’ve already instructed the public relations department to handle it. President Yun, rest assured, I will take care of it."

Yun Shen did not believe in coincidences. Everything led back to Ji Yunya, no matter how it was spun.

Heh... He scoffed coldly and sat back down in his chair.

If he was outplayed by a five-year-old girl, he wasn’t losing out too badly.

"Let it be, let’s not deal with this matter for now. I want to see what she’s planning to do."

——

A month later.

As "Parent-Child Battle" gained popularity, Yun Ya and Yun Miao became beloved by the public, enjoying high online popularity and heat. In contrast, as the protective father, and vastly different from the stylish man seen on-screen, Ming Han’s patience and meticulous care for his two children, accompanying them as they grew, captured the hearts of countless fans. Titles like national male god, national dad, national father-in-law were endless.

Amidst the father-daughter’s popularity, even big names like Mai Jiehui and his son became mere side characters, although the other three pairs attracted their fair share of fans. Still, compared to Ming Han and Ji Yunya, they seemed a bit lackluster.

Many of Ming Han’s fans affectionately referred to Ji Yunya as "Precious Daughter." With such a father-daughter pair, life seemed complete.

And gradually, discussions about Yun Ya’s family faded away, rarely brought up anymore. But that did not mean the public had forgotten. As long as Yun Ya was still adored, every move she made was watched closely; Yun Shu and Yun Shen had no chance of causing more trouble.

After another episode was filmed, Yun Ya declined Ming Han’s invitation to dine together and left in a car under his regretful gaze.

Outside Ji Family Manor, her car and a red Ferrari stopped at the same time.

As Yun Ya got out of the car, a sultry beauty emerged from the Ferrari, her red dress fluttering, fiery as flame.

Bai Ran raised an eyebrow and looked over.

With a gentle smile on her lips, Yun Ya thought there was going to be a good show.