AFVSIBS Chapter 229: Chen Xiaoyu's Downfall
Soon, the news about Chen Xiaoyu's team faking a 100 million donation hit the trending lists, with major websites pushing it through pop-up notifications. Almost everyone online became aware of the scandal.
Unsurprisingly, the backlash against Chen Xiaoyu swept across the internet. His Weibo followers dropped by 8 million in an instant—a record-breaking speed, setting a new Guinness World Record.
"Strongly oppose Chen Xiaoyu's fake charity and donation behavior. I suggest relevant units and departments ban such artists."
"It's outrageous for the entertainment industry to have such a scandal. If the relevant departments and associations don't respond, it won't be justifiable. Chen Xiaoyu's actions are truly disheartening."
"You could have chosen not to donate or stayed silent, but claiming to donate 100 million is too much. It's not just about gaining attention; it's outright deceit. I'm unfollowing this artist."
"If Chen Xiaoyu isn't dealt with this time, there will surely be another one like him. So, once again, I call for boycotting Chen Xiaoyu and expelling him from the entertainment industry."
...
Many netizens tagged associations like the Arts Association, Music Association, and Film Association, demanding action. These associations were the ones who praised Chen Xiaoyu the night before, deceived by his false generosity. Their anger was evident upon learning the truth.
Meanwhile, Chen Xiaoyu was oblivious to the online uproar until his assistant knocked on his room door.
"Brother Yu, something terrible has happened, really terrible."
"Get lost! I was sleeping comfortably, and you woke me up. What could possibly happen in the middle of the night?" Chen Xiaoyu cursed.
"Brother Yu, I'm not lying. Something big has happened. You should check online."
The assistant, afraid to spell it out, urged Chen Xiaoyu to see for himself.
"Fine, I'll check. If it's nothing, I'll dock your week's pay."
Chen Xiaoyu, still unaware, rubbed his eyes and opened his phone, only to see multiple news alerts about his fake 100 million donation. Clicking through the reports, he was horrified and sank to the floor.
"It's over. It's really over."
Stunned, he kept muttering, understanding the gravity of the situation. If the fraud hadn't been discovered or exposed, there would be no problem. If a regular netizen had exposed it, he could deny and issue a lawyer's letter, and his fans would believe him. But now, the Red Cross, an official organization, had issued the statement, making it a whole different scenario.
Worst of all, the entire internet was tagging related organizations to boycott him. At this rate, he was on the brink of being blacklisted.
"Brother Yu, are you okay? Please get up."
The assistant helped Chen Xiaoyu onto the sofa.
"Damn it, didn't Wei Wentao say nothing would happen? What do I do now?"
"Brother Yu, don't panic. Call Wei Wentao and see if he has any solutions," suggested the assistant.
"Right, I'll call him now. He dug this pit, so he has to help me out."
Chen Xiaoyu immediately dialed Wei Wentao's number, not knowing that Wei Wentao had already turned off his phone. Wei Wentao, aware of the latest developments online, knew Chen Xiaoyu was doomed and anticipated the call for help. Without a solution, he chose to shut down his phone.
"Director Wei, what now? Everything was going as planned, and now the Red Cross's statement has ruined it all," Wei Wentao's assistant asked bravely.
"Chen Xiaoyu can't be saved. I was too careless, claiming a 100 million donation. The amount was too large, so the Red Cross had to investigate," Wei Wentao sighed.
"But he's the top star in the entertainment industry. Despite Zhou Chen's rising popularity, Chen Xiaoyu's foundation is solid."
"You don't understand. The entertainment industry is never short of top stars. It's a game of the capitalists. Once Chen Xiaoyu is blacklisted, they can easily promote the next Chen Xiaoyu. Many want him gone to take his place. With such a scandal, even his sponsors can't protect him," Wei Wentao explained, fully aware of the industry's workings. Capitalists prioritize profit and will abandon anyone with a significant scandal, knowing they can create another star with their money.
"Okay, so Chen Xiaoyu is really done for. He's probably trying to call you now for help."
"I can't help him, so I've turned off my phone. He was just a tool to counter Zhou Chen's popularity. Now, with this scandal, he's no longer useful."
Wei Wentao, embodying the capitalist mindset, felt no guilt or responsibility for deceiving Chen Xiaoyu. In their world, personal gain comes first, and being too kind or moral would only lead to being devoured by others.
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