Chapter 562: Press Conference (IV)
Luo Dan scoffed, her demeanor displaying a mix of anticipation and frustration, and she took a deep breath before addressing the room. "I knew there would be those among you who would question the authenticity of my words. That's precisely why I've prepared something for you."
With a graceful nod to her assistant, a large screen on the stage flickered to life, revealing wedding photographs of Han Zihao and Xu Nuan. The guests were standing behind them, and the date, prominently displayed in the corner, confirmed that the images were taken four months prior.
Most striking was the figure of Han Liang, standing proudly beside the groom.
"As you can see," Luo Dan began, her voice firm, "Xu Nuan married Han Liang's brother, Han Zihao, who is also the president of Han Corporations. They were in a committed relationship for nearly two years before they decided to marry with the consent of both families."
She continued, her voice tinged with a challenge, "Now, do you comprehend why Han Liang was present at the hospital? As the baby's uncle, it was only natural for him to be there. Jia Fei and I, being close friends with Xu Nuan, were also present. In fact, we were the ones who accompanied her when she went into labor and ensured she reached the hospital."
"Also, as Luo Dan's girlfriend, is it strange for me to be present at his happy moment?"
The room was still as she added, her voice thick with disbelief, "Sometimes, I am astounded at the public's readiness to believe in any rumor, to sensationalize it, and to be poised to ruin someone's life without even seeking to hear their side of the story. How did we arrive at such a state?"
The room went dead quiet as everyone absorbed what they had just heard. The reporters looked like they wished the floor would swallow them up, and the fans watching online probably felt a messy mix of relief and guilt. The whole story they had concocted had just come crashing down, and the truth?
Luo Dan surveyed the room, her eyes narrowing at the embarrassed expressions of the reporters. Her voice was icy as she declared, "With this, I make my fourth and final announcement. We will not take this matter lightly. Legal measures will be taken against the media outlet responsible for disseminating this fraudulent news, which caused both mental and physical distress to our artists."
She continued, her tone unyielding, "Also, Mr. Han, Xu Nuan's husband, has decided to pursue legal action against the media outlet to seek justice for his brother, Han Liang for defamation, and for Xu Nuan, who was unjustly forced to unveil her private life in such a distasteful manner."
"Those responsible for this unwarranted controversy will be held accountable, and legal action will be taken against those who have sent threats and hateful messages to our artists. See you in court, everyone. Thank you."
The room was thick with tension as Luo Dan's eyes swept over the reporters, who were too stunned to speak. "If you have any more questions, ask me now," she challenged.
Silence greeted her, and with a polite bow, she announced, "With this, I declare the end of this press conference. Have a nice day."
As she stood to leave, she paused, looking over the reporters one last time. "Oh, one more thing. There's a feast waiting for you all in the next hall. It's a little 'thank you' from Han Liang, to celebrate the birth of his beloved niece. Hope you all like it."
The room remained silent, the reporters' faces turning a shade redder with embarrassment. They had been so vocal earlier, and now, after the revelations, how could they possibly face the feast awaiting them?
____
Fans watching the live press conference were taken aback, and social media was abuzz in moments. The reactions were filled with a range of emotions.
"I can't believe I believed those rumors. Jia Fei and Han Liang deserved better from us, and I'm sorry I doubted them."
" Xu Nuan is married to the President of Han Corporations? That's huge news! How did we miss this?"
"It's starting to make sense why Han Liang and Xu Nuan were close. She was dating his brother all along. Everything fits together now."
"Considering that Luo Dan and Xu Nuan are friends, I think that's how Han Liang must have met Luo Dan. It's all coming together. How did we overlook this?"
"I looked up and found that the Jade Hotel is owned by Han Zihao. Now it's clear how a new entertainment company could hold a press conference there."
"I'm truly sorry, Jia Fei, Han Liang. I should never have doubted you. I feel foolish for believing those rumors."
"I knew they couldn't have done what people were saying. I'm so glad everyone knows now."
"I am so glad that HJ Entertainment is taking a stand for their artists. I can hardly wait for the legendary collaboration."
The overall sentiment was a blend of regret for being misled, guilt over doubting their favorite stars, relief that the truth had been revealed, and genuine shock over the unexpected news about Xu Nuan.
The unfolding story was a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread, and the real damage it can cause to those who are innocent.
____
Seeing public opinion shift so dramatically after the press conference, Xu Nuan, who was reading the comments online, couldn't help but scoff at how quickly people's attitudes could change.
One minute they were ready to tear someone down without even a shred of proof or a chance to tell their side. And the next, it took heaps of evidence and a full-blown press conference to make them see reason. The way people could be so wishy-washy was enough to make her roll her eyes. It was all a bit much, really.
After wrapping up an online meeting, Han Zihao headed to their bedroom and found Xu Nuan engrossed in the online drama unfolding on her tablet, their baby Zixuan sleeping in her crib next to Xu Nuan.
He climbed onto the bed and pulled her into his embrace, planting a kiss on her lips before asking, "Isn't it a shame that we had to announce our marriage like this? I wanted this moment to be something special."
Xu Nuan looked at him and smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Every moment with you is the most special moment of my life. These formalities don't matter to me."
She then playfully nudged him and asked, "By the way, Mr. Han, have you seen all those girls swooning over you in the comments? They're saying that Han Liang might be an idol, but his brother is even sexier. What should I do with these girls who are head over heels for you?"
Han Zihao chuckled at her pretend-jealous expression, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her lips again. "Well, it doesn't matter. Because this handsome man is already claimed and married. I'm a one-woman man, so for the next few lives, I'm already booked by my wife." He said with a smirk, showing off his wedding ring.
Xu Nuan laughed and planted another quick kiss on his lips, then pulled away teasingly. "Don't tempt me anymore. The doctor said I need to rest for a few more days before pouncing on you."
Han Zihao let out a playful grunt, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I can't wait for that day." He pulled her in for a tight hug, both of them reveling in the warmth of each other's embrace, the online drama forgotten in the joy of their own love story.