Chapter 304: Chapter 304: Scumbag, Get Out of the Entertainment Industry!

Jiang Chaoyuan felt a pang of heartache for the girl. He remembered the meticulous care Chen Ling had shown to everyone, thoughtful in every aspect.

Perhaps she had suffered herself, which is why she was so eager to help others.

His heart softened, “Chen Ling, how much do you owe?”

“A lot, a lot. I won’t disclose the specifics to you. Thank you for being willing to hide it for me.” Chen Ling revealed a smile, radiant and unsuspecting of someone in debt.

She stood up, intending to return to her dormitory to rest.

Suddenly, Jiang Chaoyuan grabbed her wrist, “You know my identity. I can lend you money first for you to pay off your debts. Owing me is better than owing them. If I had arrived even a bit later today… you would have been in danger.”

It was the first time Chen Ling had heard someone offer to help her. Though she was moved, it was false to claim she wasn’t. However, the sum was so immense that Jiang Chaoyuan couldn’t help her.

“No need, I’ll pay it back slowly. If I avoid them next time, I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t you think owing me is better than owing them?” Jiang Chaoyuan voiced his confusion. Even if he and Chen Ling were not close, they had spent so much time together in the same show. Did Chen Ling really not trust him that much?

“Jiang Chaoyuan, we are just from the same show. I’m very grateful that you’re willing to help me conceal this, but let’s leave the money issue out of it. The amount is really too vast,” Chen Ling replied.

Chen Ling sighed softly, seemingly unperturbed on the surface.

Only she knew the immense pressure hidden in her heart. Apart from paying off the debt slowly by herself, no one else could help her.

“Is it so large that even I can’t produce it?” Jiang Chaoyuan faintly perceived the enormity of the sum.

His curiosity about Chen Ling grew stronger. She seemed like such a sensible person, without any bad habits. How could she owe so much?

“Yes,” Chen Ling acknowledged candidly.

Jiang Chaoyuan released her hand. The sum he couldn’t produce–he couldn’t begin to imagine the pressure Chen Ling was under.

Outside

The group that was expelled by the security guards, though dissatisfied, obediently left, aware that making more of a scene wouldn’t benefit them.

They hadn’t even made it back to the parking lot when several figures suddenly appeared before them, blocking their path.

“Who are you?”

“Our miss wishes to speak with you, please follow this way.”

Lu Jiao sat in the car, watching them, her red lips curving into a smile. She had come today to pick up Wang Danteng, not expecting to stumble upon such a piece of news.

If Chen Ling was disgraced and unable to debut, the vacant spot would move down the line. Thus, Wang Danteng, who was ninth in line, would have a chance.

–

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[Breaking #Chen Ling is actually a girl, with photos and solid proof. She is also said to owe money to loan sharks. Does such an artist deserve to be in the public eye?]

[Our agency was unaware of female artist Chen Ling’s unauthorized participation in a male idol selection under the disguise of a man. We will deal with this matter seriously and apologize to everyone here.]

The accompanying images highlighted the gender and name columns of Chen Ling’s debt records, as well as her identity card with the information redacted.

…

“…Family, this is fake, right? My adorable Chen Ling brother, so cute and cool, how could he be a woman?”

“With pictures, there’s the truth, no use denying it. No wonder Sang Qiao brought Chen Ling hemorrhoid cream, turns out it’s because she’s a woman. It’d be awkward for a man to give that. Sang Qiao really opened my eyes, making a woman disguise as a man to fight for the C position.”

“No need to spew nonsense at someone without evidence. I suggest you do your research; Chen Ling isn’t an artist under Sang Qiao.”

“Feels like it’s time to leave the circle, you shameless woman, where do you get the face to hold the C position.”

“I am feeling very conflicted. I don’t know how to face Chen Ling now. I’ve been a fan for so long, voting and supporting every day, and now you tell me he’s not really my brother. It’s hard for me to adjust.”

“Add one, what’s even harder for me to accept is the massive amount of debt Chen Ling has at such a young age. It’s hard not to wonder if there’s some kind of… unsavory past.”

The hot search was flooded with this incident, with undeniable evidence from the photos. The show’s producers had no choice but to let Chen Ling leave and, as per the contract, pay the breach of contract fee.

“Director, I…” Chen Ling tried to struggle but found she couldn’t even utter a word.

She had no chance to struggle; the proof against her was too solid, and her ID information had clearly been released by her company, indicating they’d given up on her.

“You better leave quickly. I really thought highly of you, but I didn’t expect…” The director sighed, feeling it was a pity, but there was nothing to be done.

He turned and walked away; he had to reassign the debut spots, calling back the one who was ranked ninth to fill in the vacancy.

Chen Ling watched the director’s fading figure, clutching the handle of her suitcase, eyes downcast, a sense of despair growing inside. After this incident, she likely had no chance to continue working in the entertainment industry, nor would her company give her another chance. How was she going to pay back such a huge debt?

Just as Chen Ling was about to leave through the main door, Jiang Chaoyuan ran after her, “Chen Ling, believe me, I didn’t leak this. I promised to keep your secret, I…”

“If it’s not you, then who could it be? After Chen Ling leaves, you’ll be in the C position. I never saw it coming that you were this kind of person, Jiang Chaoyuan. Earlier, pretending not to want to debut, hoping to be eliminated quickly, it turns out it was all an act, adopting a lackluster attitude to attract a bunch of fans, huh?”

Chen Ling’s roommate, who was ranked third, accused him. He was also shocked when he saw the hot search this morning.

After thinking it over, he found it made sense. No wonder Chen Ling never went to the public bathhouse with him, always locking the door of the restroom when changing clothes.

“I admit that at first, I indeed didn’t want to debut. Later, I changed my mind, but I would never harm others for my own benefit,” Jiang Chaoyuan said, extremely anxious.

He was indeed the most suspicious person, but he hadn’t…

“It’s okay, I believe you. I’m leaving now. You guys work hard, the debut spot shouldn’t have been mine anyway. My appearance in this show was never meant to be.”

Chen Ling forced a smile, trying to appear untroubled.

Indeed, it was her fault that now she’d been exposed. Whether someone revealed it or not, it didn’t matter.

“Chen Ling, you…” Jiang Chaoyuan felt an indescribable discomfort deep inside, a C position he would rather not have.

Chen Ling didn’t look back, walking away decisively.

As she carried her large and small bags to the door, a crowd had already gathered outside, hurling placards at her.

“What are you, a woman, doing in a boy band talent show? Do you know how long I’ve followed this variety show for you!”

“That’s too much! You’ve deceived everyone’s feelings! Can you compensate for our once passionate support?”

“Get lost from the entertainment industry, you bitch!”

The fans grew more impassioned as they hurled their insults and support items, none of the security guards at the door intervened or tried to maintain order.

Chen Ling stood straight, alone against the crowd of fans, the cold wind blew over her, making her appear frail. She moved her lips, guiltily: “I’m sorry.”