The news of a top idol star having a suitor quickly spread across the internet.
Even when interviewed by reporters, Xuan Hongyi did not deny it.
"Xuan Hongyi, I heard you recently have someone you like, is that true?"
"It's true, and I believe she is the one I want to spend my life with."
"Does that mean you intend to pursue her relentlessly?"
"Of course."
"Can you describe what kind of woman she is?"
"She is a very beautiful and strong woman. Even in such difficult circumstances, she worked hard to protect me, even sacrificing herself. I was truly touched."
Upon seeing this, Wei Yumeng immediately turned off the television.
So, what she had thought was merely her professional duty was actually perceived so differently by Xuan Hongyi?
Wei Yumeng felt a headache coming on. In fact, when she returned home from work that day, reporters were already chasing her for an interview.
Initially, the media did not know who Xuan Hongyi was referring to. However, the all-powerful netizens managed to identify her from the backgrounds of several photos.
This led to news of Xuan Hongyi falling in love with a married woman spreading like wildfire.
Yet, Xuan Hongyi seemed unfazed and continued to send her gifts.
As Wei Yumeng was wrestling with her distress, the sound of a door opening echoed, and Zhan Mohan walked in.
"Mohan, you're back." Wei Yumeng's tone was a little awkward.
She knew that Zhan Mohan must have found out about the situation.
"Mohan, let me explain." Wei Yumeng felt that it was best to clarify things first.
"Okay, you speak."
Zhan Mohan sat down beside Wei Yumeng and watched her quietly.
"Actually, I don't know why it turned out this way. I just did my job, but he saw it differently. I've already explained it to him before, but he wouldn't listen. I don't know what to do now," Wei Yumeng said with a look of helplessness.
Zhan Mohan pondered for a moment before saying, "I've already asked Fang Xun to investigate Xuan Hongyi's background. His family wasn't well-off, and he was bullied by classmates when he was in school."
Hearing this, Wei Yumeng suddenly understood why Xuan Hongyi had such a strong reaction to what she had done.
"So, it's because I protected him that it triggered his past experiences, leading to this situation?"
Zhan Mohan nodded, "It's likely. And you are indeed outstanding enough to be liked."
This unexpected compliment made Wei Yumeng's face flush.
"But what should I do now? Will this affect the project if it continues?" Wei Yumeng worried.
Zhan Mohan suggested, "I think the best course of action now is for you to temporarily withdraw from the project."
"No, I refuse." Wei Yumeng immediately objected, "It took me so much effort to return to my work position. I want to diligently complete the work I'm currently doing. I don't want others to think I can't even handle something like this."
"Yumeng, listen to me. No one will think that. I will find a suitable reason for you to temporarily withdraw," Zhan Mohan patiently persuaded.
"Mohan, do you believe me? Believe that I can handle this. I will give you a satisfactory explanation. And it's not just this project; other projects are also in progress. I can't leave now, and I won't be able to leave."
Wei Yumeng's eyes were determined, and her tone left no room for doubt.
Zhan Mohan knew Wei Yumeng's temperament well, but he was unwilling to back down on this matter.
After all, he was not as calm as he appeared. He had been paying attention to the situation as soon as the rumors between Wei Yumeng and Xuan Hongyi surfaced.
He had given Wei Yumeng time within his limits of tolerance, which was why he had made this suggestion to her today.
If Wei Yumeng could truly resolve this issue, it wouldn't have escalated to this point.
"Yumeng, whether you agree or not, I will make arrangements. This is the best solution for you."
Wei Yumeng bit her lower lip. Zhan Mohan hadn't been so forceful with her in a long time.
This made her wonder if working in the same company as Zhan Mohan always led to problems in their relationship due to work.
"Yes, at Zhan Corporation, you are my boss, my superior. I have no room to object to your arrangements," Wei Yumeng said, her face filled with grievance.
Seeing Wei Yumeng's expression, Zhan Mohan felt a pang of heartache. He reached out to caress her cheek in comfort, but Wei Yumeng slightly dodged.
She said nothing and no longer objected, turning instead and returning to the room, leaving Zhan Mohan with only her retreating back.
Zhan Mohan watched Wei Yumeng, feeling a sense of reluctance, but he could no longer stand by and let the rumors continue.
He feared that he might eventually lose control of his jealousy and do something rash.
He hoped that Wei Yumeng could understand his intentions.
That night, for the first time in a long time, they did not sleep together. Wei Yumeng occupied their bedroom alone, while Zhan Mohan slept in the adjacent guest room for the night.
When Wei Yumeng woke up, Zhan Mohan had already left for work.
As expected, she received a company document on her phone informing her to take a temporary break. She was somewhat angry but felt helpless.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Xuan Hongyi calling.
"Ms. Wei, I heard you've withdrawn from managing this project. Is it because of me?"
Xuan Hongyi's voice sounded a little wronged. "I'm truly sorry. I didn't expect to cause you so much trouble."
Wei Yumeng sighed. Although the incident was indeed caused by Xuan Hongyi,
upon reflection, Xuan Hongyi was considered one of the few with a pure heart. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so touched by such a simple matter.
"It's alright. This isn't entirely your fault, so you don't need to blame yourself."
Xuan Hongyi insisted, "Ms. Wei, could I treat you to a meal as an apology?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Xuan, but I think I need to reiterate. I am a mother of two, and I have no intention of letting my happy family be disrupted. Therefore, I hope you will not contact me outside of work in the future." Wei Yumeng said very solemnly. Although she had told him this once before, he clearly hadn't taken it to heart.
"I really just want to apologize. Can't I even do that?" Xuan Hongyi's voice sounded extremely wronged.