CHAPTER 23: CHAPTER 23 PRESS CONFERENCE

Half an hour before the reception, reporters from different media outlets had already arrived, sitting in rows inside the splendid conference room, whispering and exchanging their news and opinions.

"What do you think is President Su’s purpose in holding this reception? To specifically deny her relationship with Qin Jiran? Isn’t that counterproductive? President Su isn’t the type to do that," said a reporter in a tone that suggested familiarity with Su Yanyi, but heaven knows he might have never even seen Su Yanyi’s face before.

"How do you know it’s a denial? I think President Su and Best Actor Qin are quite a match, a talented man and a beautiful woman, no, I mean a talented woman and a handsome man—why must they deny it?" Another reporter sitting nearby countered with some dissatisfaction, looking quite excited.

"Talented woman and handsome man? You got it wrong there. President Su is talented indeed, but her looks are definitely top-notch. When President Su first took over Splendid, she attended the Starlight Award ceremony with the artists, and countless reporters thought she was a debut star. It was only later that they discovered she was the new President of Splendid, which was a real eye-opener. Tsk, President Su’s attractiveness can certainly match that of Best Actor Qin," said another journalist on the other side, speaking of his past observations with a well-versed tone and loud voice, attracting the attention of those around him.

"Yeah, President Su really is beautiful, but just too cold. Each time I see President Su from a distance, I don’t dare look at her, afraid of getting frozen."

"Look at you, spineless. President Su is my idol, although I always thought she was a single by choice. It came as such a surprise that she’s actually dating Best Actor Qin; it’s so unexpected," chimed in a young lady, excited whenever she mentioned Su Yanyi.

"Pfft, dating? Didn’t you see those scoops? Queen Su is sponsoring Best Actor Qin. That’s how messy the circle is; only outsiders talk about dating," jeered the reporter with a sharp tone, seemingly speaking out of sheer jealousy.

"Saying she’s sponsoring him is going too far, isn’t it? Best Actor Qin is a genuine acting talent, and President Su has both talent and beauty. There’s no need for talk of sponsoring. I bet those who say that are just slinging mud, grumbling because they can’t eat the grapes," another reporter rebutted sharply, the reporters were always quite articulate, immediately encountering opposition.

And amidst this buzz of discussion, the press conference time finally arrived. Kang Zhong took his place as the host first, and then Su Yanyi and Qin Jiran sat down on the presidium, one after the other, facing all the reporters.

"The press conference now begins. Please welcome President Su to speak. Reporters, friends, no need to rush; there will be a twenty-minute Q&A session after President Su has spoken."

Kang Zhong handed the floor to Su Yanyi. With a cold face and equally indifferent voice, she began, "The role of the media is to let more people know more things, to expose more factual truths to the public, to be a loudspeaker, but certainly not to spread lies. I know you are all very concerned about my relationship with Qin Jiran, but I have always thought this is a private matter between me and Qin Jiran that did not need to be made public. Now, considering Qin Jiran’s status as an artist, and the many false rumors circulating on the internet, that is why we are holding this press conference, to especially declare our relationship."

Su Yanyi rarely spoke so much at once, her words sharp and unapologetic, even with a very clear tone of reproach, making many reporters present feel quite awkward but without the standing to explain themselves out of their guilt.

And Su Yanyi clearly also understood the art of speechmaking. She paused at this point very deliberately, leaving everyone in the room holding their breath, eager and anxious.

Su Yanyi stood up, and in full view of everyone, smoothly pulled Qin Jiran up with her, hand in hand, inducing a buzz of astonishment throughout the venue.

"Qin Jiran and I are married; we have a very good relationship, so there’s no need for you all to worry anymore." Standing on the stage with her head slightly raised, Su Yanyi’s tone was cool and filled with authority. Such a Su Yanyi truly exuded the air of a queen, making many feel as if they had no choice but to look up to her.

Qin Jiran too felt the power and dominance of Su Yanyi beside him, feeling thrilled. This Su Yanyi was just like the one he saw at the beginning, tightly capturing all his attention, making his heart unable to accommodate anyone else.

Su Yanyi was utterly unique; a single glance at her was enough to leave a lifelong impression on anyone.

The astonishment of the others was indescribable. Countless people swore silently in their hearts, and just as many eyes went wide, staring at the hand-in-hand couple as if they were looking at aliens.

They’re married? Queen Su and Best Actor Qin are already married? When did this happen? Why didn’t they know? How could they not know!

"President Su, when did you and Mr. Qin get married? Why are you announcing it only now? Have both your families agreed?" some reporters couldn’t wait to ask.

"Best Actor Qin, is it true that you’re married to President Su? Do you genuinely like her? How long have you two been dating?" another reporter followed up with questions.

"President Su, is your family happy with your marriage to Mr. Qin? When are you planning to have children?"

"Best Actor Qin, was it your intention to make your marriage public, or were you forced to reveal it? Do you think your fans will be disappointed to learn about your marriage?"

"President Su, what do you like most about Best Actor Qin?"

"Best Actor Qin, President Su, who pursued whom first, and who proposed to whom?"

For a time, all sorts of questions popped up, leaving Su Yanyi and Qin Jiran somewhat speechless. What were all these random questions?

"Cough, cough, please, one at a time, or it will just be a waste of time. Everyone has only twenty minutes for questions, starting now," Kang Zhong interrupted the crowd’s inquiries, restoring some order to the venue.

The reporters understood this rationale and politely took turns asking their previous questions one by one.

Su Yanyi answered first, "Our marriage, of course, has the blessings of our families. Our relationship is very harmonious. Jiran is a very outstanding person. He’s hardworking, has great acting skills, and his cooking is also excellent. He makes me feel secure, and I am very comfortable with him."

Su Yanyi responded to most of the questions, directly ignoring the ones she did not want to answer, and then it was Qin Jiran’s turn.

"I really like Yanyi. I’m very happy with her, and marrying her is the luckiest thing in my life. Thank you everyone for your concern, but please do not pry too much into mine and Yanyi’s life in the future. We are very happy, thank you."

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