In the following days, Song Yifan's visits to the company increased significantly, which put Wei Yumeng's mind at ease.
This indicated that Song Yifan was no longer being bothered by those people.
Wei Yumeng had initially thought that matter was settled, but she did not expect further trouble to arise.
When she saw the photos in the news, she was filled with anger.
It turned out that someone, using unknown means, had managed to photograph her and Song Yifan at the hotel.
The scene of her accidentally falling was even sensationalized by the media as the two having a private rendezvous in the hotel.
What's more, their past relationship had also been dug up.
"I never expected that Wei Yumeng and Song Yifan were actually seniors from my university, and that they were indeed together during their college years!"
"Is that true?"
"Of course it's true. Our school still has a counselor who was in the same cohort as them. They were also very surprised after seeing the news! They said that at the time, almost everyone thought they would definitely get married, but who knew they didn't end up together."
"Doesn't this confirm the relationship between Wei Yumeng and Song Yifan? Have they rekindled their old flame?"
Wei Yumeng could no longer stand reading further.
She didn't even dare to imagine what Zhan Mohan's expression would be upon seeing this.
Although she had already been upfront about her past with Song Yifan, it didn't mean Zhan Mohan had no right to be angry.
Moreover, the photos that were exposed certainly looked suggestive.
Wei Yumeng paced back and forth in the office, wondering how best to handle this situation.
Indeed, the only solution was to hold a press conference to clarify the matter. The longer this dragged on, the more problematic it would become.
With a plan in place, Wei Yumeng felt a little more at ease, realizing she needed to schedule the press conference as soon as possible.
She had indeed intended to do so, but something prevented her from proceeding.
"Yumeng, can you do me a favor?"
After work, Song Yifan asked her somewhat awkwardly, "Of course, you can also refuse."
"Tell me what it is first."
"I want you to come with me to meet my mother. Yesterday, she suddenly asked me when I would get married. She's worried she won't live to see my wedding, but I don't have a girlfriend right now, and I don't want her to worry about me, so..."
"So you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend?"
Wei Yumeng frowned as she said this.
Originally, this kind of thing was not difficult, and she didn't object to helping a senior feel at ease.
However, she and Song Yifan were currently in the eye of the public storm. If anything were to happen at this time, it would only worsen the situation.
"It's okay, you don't have to answer." Seeing Wei Yumeng's expression, Song Yifan anticipated her answer. "I know my request is a bit much. I'll think of another way."
Song Yifan sighed afterward, appearing somewhat dejected.
Wei Yumeng also knew that Song Yifan had only recently returned to the country and whom else could he ask for help?
If he couldn't find anyone, he would have to tell Song Yifan's mother the truth, and based on her condition, the outcome might not be optimistic.
Wei Yumeng's heart softened. Since she had already decided to hold a press conference to clarify everything, she could explain this matter along with everything else at that time.
"Alright, I'll go with you."
"Yumeng, are you sure? I'm not asking you to agree." Song Yifan confirmed again.
"Of course, I know what I'm doing. Sometimes, for the sake of elders, there's no other choice. If I'm unwilling to help with even this, then I'm not even a friend."
Hearing this, Song Yifan's expression turned bitter. Yes, Wei Yumeng ultimately only considered him a friend.
After buying some health supplements together, Song Yifan and Wei Yumeng headed to Song Yifan's mother's residence.
"Mr. Song, you're back."
An elderly aunt saw Song Yifan and approached him.
"Auntie Wang, thank you for your hard work."
"You're too kind, sir."
"Is my mother awake?"
"Of course, she's awake. She said you were bringing your girlfriend to see her today, and she's so excited she can't sleep."
Auntie Wang said this, then looked at Wei Yumeng beside them, "Is this your girlfriend?"
"That's right. Her name is Wei Yumeng. We've been together since college," Song Yifan explained naturally, as if he and Wei Yumeng had never been apart.
But hearing this explanation, Wei Yumeng felt a sense of betrayal.
Even though it was all a lie, she still felt she had let Zhan Mohan down.
Although Zhan Mohan was out of town on business for the past few days and probably didn't have time to concern himself with her affairs, she still felt uneasy.
"Good, good, good. You two look so compatible, a perfect match." Auntie Wang was clearly pleased with Wei Yumeng.
"Auntie Wang, we're going to see Mom now." Sensing Wei Yumeng's discomfort, Song Yifan quickly bid farewell to Auntie Wang.
After Auntie Wang left, Wei Yumeng felt much more relaxed.
"I really put you in a difficult position, didn't I?" Song Yifan whispered. "If you want to change your mind now, it's still not too late."
Wei Yumeng shook her head, "Once I've agreed to something, how can I go back on my word? I was just a little unaccustomed to it just now. Don't worry, I'll be fine in a moment."
Only then did Song Yifan continue walking towards the room with Wei Yumeng.
"Is that Fánfan back?"
As they reached the doorway of the room, an aged voice called out from inside.
"Mom, it's me. I brought Yumeng to see you." Song Yifan said, pushing open the door and pulling Wei Yumeng inside.
"You are... Wei Yumeng?"
Song's mother clearly still couldn't believe it. She had known that Wei Yumeng and Song Yifan had broken up long ago, but she hadn't expected to meet again in this way.
"Auntie, it's me, Wei Yumeng. I came with Yifan to see you. I've already heard about your health from him. I'm very sorry I haven't been able to take care of you during this time."
Wei Yumeng genuinely meant it. Although her relationship with Song Yifan was no longer the same.
Taking care of an elderly person was not something only a girlfriend could do.
"Alas... I treated you so poorly back then, and I never expected you to think this way," Song's mother said, a look of guilt on her face. "When you were with Fánfan, I tried every way to stop you, and now you're the only one who came to see me."
"Auntie, I don't mind what happened in the past anymore. Otherwise, I wouldn't be seeing Yifan again. Besides, I can understand why you did that back then. In the end, it was all for Fánfan's own good, wasn't it?"
Wei Yumeng's thoughtfulness warmed Song's mother's heart. She even regretted not realizing that Wei Yumeng was a good child back then.