The next day, Zong Xuan’s studio released an official statement regarding the resolution of the poisoning case.
The fans were already in an uproar over the prenuptial agreement. When they saw that the person behind the poisoning was none other than Zong Xuan’s self-admitted close friend, they immediately shifted their attention away from the agreement and began condemning Teng Yizheng while digging up everything they could about him.
Zong Xuan didn’t stay idle either. He had his studio use anonymous accounts to subtly steer public opinion, “accidentally” leaking all kinds of dirt on Teng Yizheng. After knowing each other for so many years, Teng Yizheng knew plenty about Zong Xuan, and Zong Xuan knew just as much about him.
The reason he exposed the poisoning incident now was to pave the way for what came next.
“Damn, that’s what you call a friend?”
“Movie Emperor Zong, please have better taste in friends!”
“Thank your friend for not killing you!”
“Movie Emperor Zong, after dealing with this, hurry up and explain what’s going on between you and Tangtang!”
“I don’t believe Zong Xuan and Tangtang don’t love each other!”
…
Xu Tang looked through the comments under Zong Xuan’s Weibo. The overall direction of public opinion seemed fairly normal, which put him somewhat at ease.
As for exactly what Zong Xuan had done behind the scenes, Xu Tang had no idea. Zong Xuan had simply told him that everything would be handled and that he didn’t need to worry.
The internet remained lively, but Zong Xuan continued filming every day as usual. Sometimes shooting ran so late that he’d simply stay overnight at the hotel the production had booked near the film studio. Everything seemed normal.
Xu Tang also received messages from He Xin, Fang Tan, and the others asking how he was doing and expressing their concern. He replied to each of them. His days were spent composing music, listening to songs, and passing the time at home.
On the day Xu Tang had scenes to shoot, the two of them left home together at dawn.
As their car exited the residential community, Xu Tang spotted several reporters lying in wait outside.
“They’ve been here this whole time?” Xu Tang asked.
He hadn’t gone out for several days, and Zong Xuan hadn’t mentioned it. Judging by the situation, they definitely hadn’t just arrived today.
“Yeah. Ignore them,” Zong Xuan replied as though he had already gotten used to it.
The moment the reporters recognized Zong Xuan’s car, they swarmed over and began snapping photos nonstop.
Someone shouted, “Xu Tang’s inside!”
The reporters immediately went crazy, blocking the car and refusing to let it leave.
“Xu Tang, could you step out for a moment?”
“Xu Tang! Zong Xuan! Could you answer a few questions?”
“What do you think about the claims that your marriage was contractual?”
“Was your marriage fake?”
…
The endless shouting annoyed both men, who hadn’t gotten enough sleep. But neither of them could lose their temper now, or people would immediately accuse them of becoming angry out of embarrassment.
The community’s security guards were clearly experienced with situations like this. They quickly called over more personnel, separated the reporters from the vehicle, and allowed the car to leave.
However, the reporters immediately rushed back to their own cars and gave chase.
“Drive slower. Safety comes first,” Zong Xuan instructed the driver.
The last time Xu Tang had been chased by reporters, it had ended in a car accident. He absolutely wouldn’t allow that to happen again.
“Understood,” the driver replied.
“If you’re sleepy, take a nap.” Zong Xuan gently rubbed Xu Tang’s hair and picked up the blanket beside him.
Xu Tang nodded, wrapped himself in the blanket, leaned over, and rested his head on Zong Xuan’s lap.
They were riding in an ordinary SUV. The back seat wasn’t particularly spacious for two grown men, and lying down wasn’t exactly comfortable. But Xu Tang hadn’t really intended to sleep. He simply wanted to cuddle with Zong Xuan for a while and rest his eyes.
During the drive, Zong Xuan had already informed the production crew about the situation.
So when they arrived, security immediately escorted them into the lounge. The reporters who followed had no chance of catching up.
The makeup artist happened to be a huge fan of both Xu Tang and Zong Xuan.
She knew that, as a professional makeup artist, she shouldn’t be so nosy. But she was genuinely worried about her idols. After hesitating for a while, she cautiously asked, “Um… Teacher Xu, are you and Teacher Zong okay?”
Xu Tang opened his eyes and smiled at her.
“We’re fine. Don’t worry.”
She nodded vigorously.
“Please don’t let what people are saying online affect you. I believe you and Teacher Zong truly love each other.”
Something like this might be easy to fake for a day or two, but it was impossible to keep acting every single day right in front of everyone.
She had been with the production ever since The Return of the Lord began filming. She had seen with her own eyes how Xu Tang and Zong Xuan treated each other, so she trusted what she’d witnessed far more than the online speculation.
“Thank you.”
Xu Tang smiled and nodded without offering any further explanation.
Today’s scene was the reunion after Heng Xiao had lost his memory and been rescued, when Ye Shao finally found him.
The first shot was Ye Shao walking into the courtyard.
The moment Director Xin shouted, “Action!”
Xu Tang instantly entered character.
Ye Shao’s subordinates had already confirmed Heng Xiao was here and had paid the farming family a generous sum, asking them to prepare good food and take excellent care of him.
Although the family had no idea who the man they had rescued really was, judging from the lavish arrangements, they knew he had to be someone important.
Not daring to neglect him, they slaughtered chickens and pigs, preparing every delicacy they could think of with their limited means.
Ye Shao hurried to the courtyard.
Yet just as he reached the gate, he stopped.
His expression was incredibly complicated.
There was joy.
There was worry.
There was helplessness.
There was also the fear that once he pushed open the gate, Heng Xiao might not actually be inside after all.
Yet he didn’t want to lose his composure completely, so his face remained outwardly calm.
Xu Tang controlled every nuance perfectly.
Every glance.
Every tiny movement.
Everything conveyed Ye Shao’s inner panic.
After standing there for a moment, Ye Shao finally pushed open the gate and walked inside.
“Cut! Good! Next shot!” Director Xin called out with satisfaction.
Xu Tang came out of character but didn’t go looking for Zong Xuan.
Instead, he found a quiet corner, put on his headphones, and began preparing himself emotionally for the next scene.
This was Xu Tang’s secret to getting into character—
Music.
He believed every scene had its own perfect piece of music, and that music could help him grasp the emotional core and immerse himself more completely in the role.
When Xu Tang first explained this method, Zong Xuan had tried it himself.
Unfortunately, his musical sensitivity wasn’t nearly as refined.
To him, music only came in two categories—
Happy.
Or sad.
He couldn’t hear all the emotional layers, symbolic meaning, or psychological expression that Xu Tang described.
But for Xu Tang, it worked remarkably well.
Music helped him capture the exact emotional tone and performance style needed, allowing him to fully become the character.
Once everyone was ready, filming resumed.
Ye Shao slowly pushed open the door.
Inside sat Heng Xiao on the bed, hugging the Jun Gui Sword with a foolish expression.
His injuries had not yet fully healed, and a large scab still covered his forehead.
Seeing Ye Shao, Heng Xiao blinked.
“…Who… are you?”
Ye Shao’s eyes immediately reddened.
He had let Heng Xiao leave.
Then, after learning Heng Xiao had disappeared, he had searched day and night without rest.
Now, after finally finding him…
Heng Xiao no longer remembered him.
This reunion did not bring joy.
Only sorrow.
Ye Shao felt as though his heart had been torn into two halves.
One half mourned the fact that Heng Xiao had forgotten him.
It wanted to cry.
It wanted to seize Heng Xiao by the shoulders and demand to know why he had forgotten.
The other half clung desperately to reason, reminding him that he had to bring Heng Xiao home as quickly as possible.
Only then would they truly be safe.
Ye Shao stood in the doorway for a long time.
Finally, he slowly approached Heng Xiao.
His trembling hand gently cupped Heng Xiao’s face.
Softly, he whispered,
“Heng Xiao…
We’re going home.”
As the words left his lips, tears rolled down his cheeks.
Although Heng Xiao had already lost his memory, for reasons he himself couldn’t understand…
Tears also began streaming down his face.
“Cut!”
Director Xin smiled broadly.
“Perfect. We’ll do a few close-up shots later.”
Zong Xuan reached over and gently wiped away Xu Tang’s tears.
Then he quietly held Xu Tang’s hand without saying anything.
Yet his thoughts were racing.
Ye Shao finding Heng Xiao and bringing him home…
It reminded him of how Xu Tang had once chosen to forgive him and give their relationship another chance.
Heng Xiao would treasure Ye Shao once his memories returned.
And he, too, needed to treasure Xu Tang even more.
Though he was already trying his hardest…
It still wasn’t enough.
At noon, after finishing lunch, they were making coffee when Kang Duo called.
She told them to check Huayan’s official Weibo account.
She didn’t explain why.
Xu Tang assumed something had happened to the family business and hurriedly opened the page.
The pinned post instantly left him stunned.
Huayan’s General Manager, Xu Zhou, and Second Young Master Zong Yi of the Zong family will be getting married at the end of the year! Manager Xu is finally entering a new stage of life. All Huayan employees are celebrating together while waiting for the future boss’s wedding红包!
Normally, an announcement like this wouldn’t have attracted much attention, and Huayan wouldn’t have made it public.
But given the current controversy…
It was the perfect way to shut down the rumors about Xu Tang and Zong Xuan’s “business marriage.”
Very quickly,
#Xu Zhou and Second Young Master Zong Getting Married#
shot to the trending list.
Xu Tang skimmed through the comments.
Just as he’d expected.
“So I believe it now—they weren’t in a business marriage. What family arranges two political marriages with the same family?”
“Congratulations to President Xu and Second Young Master Zong! Guess the haters have nothing left to say!”
“President Xu and Second Young Master Zong probably met each other’s families before Xu Tang and Zong Xuan got married. They must have already fallen for each other. If the older brothers loved each other, wouldn’t it have made more sense for them to marry for the family alliance? Why force the younger brothers into one instead? That makes no sense. So I don’t believe the business marriage story at all!”
“They’re all genuinely in love! Supporting Zong Xuan and Xu Tang! Congratulations to President Xu and Second Young Master Zong!”
“So the rumor collapsed on its own? Hahaha!”
“Wishing TangTang and XuanXuan a lifetime of happiness!”
…
With Xu Zhou and Zong Yi stepping forward like this, Xu Tang and Zong Xuan no longer needed to explain much.
However…
The next second, Xu Tang dialed Xu Zhou’s number.
“Tangtang? Calling at this hour?”
Xu Zhou sounded cheerful, clearly in an excellent mood.
“Brother, I saw Huayan’s post.”
Xu Tang scratched his head.
“But… was this something you two decided suddenly? You didn’t skip the proposal, did you?”
To Xu Tang, two people genuinely in love deserved that special moment.
He and Zong Xuan hadn’t fallen in love before marrying, so they had never experienced it.
Xu Zhou laughed.
“Do you think your brother is that heartless? The proposal was already being planned. Your situation just happened to line up perfectly.”
Xu Tang relaxed.
“That’s good. Otherwise I’d feel bad for Second Brother.”
Xu Zhou chuckled.
“As if I’d ever let him feel wronged.”
After proposing, he felt an even greater sense of responsibility.
He wanted to give Zong Yi the very best of everything.
“Let’s have dinner together sometime,” Xu Tang suggested.
“Sure. We’ll set a date whenever you’re free.”
Xu Zhou laughed softly before adding,
“I’ve already tracked down the reporter who accused you of stealing Zheng Xun’s role. Tonight she’ll post a clarification.”
“Was she paid?” Xu Tang asked.
“Yeah.”
“Zheng Xun has always gotten along well in the entertainment industry, but not because of his acting.”
“He actively uses the casting couch to obtain resources.”
“That kind of thing exists in the industry, but it never involved us, so we ignored it.”
“Now that Zheng Xun has started this, I’ll teach him how to behave.”
The smile had disappeared from Xu Zhou’s voice.
“Thanks, Brother.”
Xu Tang smiled.
Without his brother—
Without Huayan—
This situation probably wouldn’t have been resolved so quickly.
“Silly kid. Just focus on filming. Come home for dinner whenever you have time.”
“I will. I’ll let you get back to work.”
That afternoon, Zong Xuan received a call from Wen Hui.
The investigation had confirmed that both the leaked prenuptial agreement and the rumor that it was a political marriage had come directly from Teng Yizheng.
When he approached Monday See, he had claimed that since his own life had been ruined, he wouldn’t let Zong Xuan and Xu Tang live happily either.
Because Monday See had seen Zong Xuan publicly refer to Teng Yizheng as a close friend before, they believed every word.
After hearing this, Zong Xuan nearly smashed the cup in his hand.
But remembering he was still on set, he forced himself to calm down.
Silently…
He made up his mind.
That evening, the reporter who had accused Xu Tang of forcing Zheng Xun out of the production posted a new statement.
She admitted that Zheng Xun’s assistant had paid her to write the original article.
She apologized for accepting money and publishing false information.
She also attached proof of payment and screenshots of their conversations.
The internet exploded again.
Xu Tang’s fans and Zong Xuan’s fans condemned Zheng Xun.
Passersby also began speaking up in Xu Tang’s defense.
Meanwhile, Zheng Xun’s fans refused to believe his assistant had done it, insisting everything was fabricated.
But before long, internet sleuths began digging into Zheng Xun’s history.
They discovered this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.
The deeper they dug…
The more solid the evidence became.
Even Zheng Xun’s fans could no longer deny it.
After taking a shower, Xu Tang casually opened Weibo.
He immediately saw the long post Zong Xuan had published while he had been bathing.
Thank you, everyone, for caring about Tangtang and me. We’re doing very well, so please don’t worry.
Tangtang and I did meet because of our families’ businesses. He was also the one who fell in love with me first. Because of that, I’ve always felt my reactions were far too slow, so I’ve wanted to treat him even better and make up for the time when he loved me alone.
The prenuptial agreement is real. At the time, we both had considerable assets, so we simply organized our major properties for easier management. It was never meant as preparation for divorce, and I’ve never once thought about divorcing him.
That agreement was torn up and thrown away long ago.
Which is why I’m very curious how a document that only Tangtang and I had ever seen was photographed and later used to slander our relationship.
After investigating, we confirmed that Teng Yizheng secretly photographed it years ago and leaked it. Because I refused to settle privately after he arranged to have me poisoned, he held a grudge and decided that if he couldn’t live well, neither could we.
I admit I misjudged him as a friend, and we’ve long since cut all ties.
I hope that after learning the truth, everyone will stop speculating over an agreement we already destroyed and stop disturbing Tangtang’s and my life.
I love Tangtang.
I’ll spend the rest of my life treating him well.
This is my promise—to him, to myself, and to everyone who has supported us. I welcome your supervision.
Xu Tang curled his lips into a smile.
His heart felt warm and soft.
He licked his lips, knocked on the media room door, and pushed it open.
Zong Xuan was still reading the online comments.
Overall, he was quite satisfied with the public response.
Hearing the door open, he looked up.
Leaning against the doorway, cheeks flushed pink, Xu Tang asked,
“Big Brother… want to roll around in bed?”
Zong Xuan laughed.
“Big Brother… want to try the navel orange position?”
Xu Tang’s face immediately turned an even brighter shade of red.
He simply leaned there without saying another word.
Zong Xuan stood up, walked over, scooped Xu Tang into his arms, and headed toward the bedroom.
“If you don’t want the navel orange…”
“The tree-hugging position works too.”
Xu Tang reached up and tugged his hair.
Even his ears had turned scarlet.
Three months later…
The Return of the Lord officially wrapped filming.
On the final day, dressed in brilliant red wedding robes for the film’s wedding scene, Zong Xuan wrapped an arm around Xu Tang, took a selfie with him, and posted it on Weibo.
Ye Shao and Heng Xiao are doing well.
Tangtang and I are doing well too.
[End of Main Story]