Chapter Ninety-One: The Power of the Media

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Entertainment Around Us—No Pop-Up Ads
Story period: April–May, 2006
Recommended song: Olivia—Intersleep (from the anime Nana OST)
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is a coincidence!

“Jiang Yihan assaults a senior, causing hospitalization!”
“Jiang Yihan utterly lacking in manners—nothing like a prince.”
“The terrifying true face beneath the mask of kindness—Jiang Yihan.”
“The true face of the rising new star revealed.”
“Open your eyes and seek the truth behind the cover-up.”
...

These were the headlines across major newspapers today. After Lv Xianfeng’s tearful, emotional press conference, the media was unanimous in condemning Jiang Yihan. Amid the overwhelming outcry, Zhang Nian’s commentary, “Who holds the truth?” was drowned out and ignored. In his article, Zhang Nian carefully analyzed Lv Xianfeng’s statements and evidence, raising doubts and defending Jiang Yihan, but no one paid attention.

At the press conference, Lv Xianfeng appeared with bandages and presented his medical report. After describing in detail how Jiang Yihan had treated him rudely and then physically assaulted him, MS Company produced their so-called evidence—a surveillance video from the airport lounge that day.

In the video, Jiang Yihan first bumped into Lv Xianfeng. After Lv Xianfeng said only a couple of sentences, Jiang Yihan rushed at him, and then Lv Xianfeng fell. Jiang Yihan then blocked Lv Xianfeng for an entire minute, after which the footage abruptly cut off.

The media was completely shocked. Coupled with the tearful performances of Lv Xianfeng and Cheng Shi, the next day’s headlines were inevitable.

But Jiang Yihan and ABC Company, prepared for this, quickly held their own press conference. At the event, Jiang Yihan recounted the day in detail and then said, “I won’t deny my initial mistake, and I accept the senior’s criticism. But the main point is that the senior refused to let it go, which is why we confronted each other. But until the end, I never laid a hand on him—absolutely never. Didn’t you find it odd that there are so many missing segments in the footage? Isn’t it strange that the senior was so severely injured from a single fall and yet the people around remained indifferent? Is it really the media’s sole responsibility to uncritically accept one side’s word? I’m a journalism student myself, and the first priority of news reporting is truth, isn’t it? Why did you rush to publish before confirming the facts? If it turns out your reports are false, do you not realize you’re breaking the law?”

By the end, Jiang Yihan’s tone had risen, clearly angered by the irresponsibility of the reporters before him. “Everyone here is a familiar face. Think carefully about everything since my debut, even the scandals—have you ever thought I, Jiang Yihan, could ever be such a person? Someone who would strike a senior? Is my reputation so fragile in your eyes?”

The reporters fell silent. Indeed, they had all witnessed Jiang Yihan’s growth since his debut, and he had never seemed like such a person. Doubt began to creep in about whether they had been too hasty. Then, a reporter stood up and demanded, “But weren’t there rumors right after your debut that you disrespected Senior Lv? How do you explain that?”

“I doubt you attended that press conference at the time, did you?” Jiang Yihan retorted. “Since it was a rumor, it wasn’t true. I already explained everything back then and the truth was made clear. Why bring it up again now?”

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“We bring it up because if your explanation back then was false and the incident was real, then today’s events would make sense,” the reporter persisted.

“I made myself very clear at the time. There were plenty of witnesses present, including Brother Kang Ho-dong—you can ask any one of them to confirm my innocence. Just as with this incident, there were plenty of people around who saw what happened. Why haven’t you tried to verify their accounts?” Jiang Yihan’s exasperation was evident.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be asking them afterward. Right now, we just want to hear your side.”

“Isn’t that what I’m telling you now?” Jiang Yihan explained again. “And aren’t you curious why, both times, the other party was Senior Lv? Isn’t it odd that the same sort of incident keeps happening? Shouldn’t you be questioning why? No matter whom you believe—me or Senior Lv—you should investigate more thoroughly before passing judgment. Isn’t that fair? You’re all my seniors in this field; I shouldn’t have to remind you, a junior who hasn’t even graduated yet.”

The press conference ended in a strange, contemplative atmosphere. The reporters began to truly reflect on the statements of both Jiang Yihan and Lv Xianfeng, wondering where the real truth lay.

As soon as the news broke, a barrage of calls from Chae-yeon, Park Kyung-lim, Han Chae-young, Yoon Eun-hye, Yoo Jae-suk, Park Myung-soo, Shin Ji, and Shin Jung-hwan bombarded Jiang Yihan’s phone. The concern from these familiar faces in the industry brought him some comfort.

Lee Hyori and Kang Ho-dong remained his staunchest supporters. After hearing Jiang Yihan’s account, Kang Ho-dong said with concern, “Yihan, it’s obvious someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Their motives aren’t simple. I doubt the reporters are truly oblivious. The fact that they’re all siding with Lv Xianfeng suggests there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

“Big Brother Ho-dong, I know there’s a mastermind, and I even know who it is. But the issue isn’t their motive; it’s that I need evidence to expose their tricks and clear my name.” Jiang Yihan felt powerless.

“Have you searched for evidence? That video at the press conference was clearly doctored. Have you found the original?” Kang Ho-dong pressed.

“My agent and the company are looking, but who knows what they’ll find. Judging from how prepared the other side was, our chances aren’t great,” Jiang Yihan replied, disheartened.

“Don’t lose hope, Yihan. Whatever the outcome, I’ll stand by you,” Kang Ho-dong said, his words like a bowl of hot soup on a cold day, warming Jiang Yihan’s heart.

Since his first appearance on “Love Letter,” Kang Ho-dong had always taken care of him—a kindness Jiang Yihan never forgot. For a complete newcomer to be treated with such trust and care was truly moving.

After hanging up, Lee Hyori’s visit brought him more comfort.

“Yihan, what’s going on? Why is this blowing up so much?” Lee Hyori asked anxiously, sipping her water.

“Hyori, it’s obvious they’re stirring things up deliberately, trying to draw attention and smear me for their own ends,” Jiang Yihan replied, gritting his teeth in anger.

“Yihan, if you don’t find the original video, this won’t be resolved, and I’m sure this won’t be the end of it. They went through all this trouble for their first move—they won’t let you off easy. I suspect they have more lined up to bring you down,” Lee Hyori warned, her concern not unfounded. She had already grasped the intentions of Cheng Shi and his associates.

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“Let them come. I have nothing to lose,” Jiang Yihan declared, unconcerned. “They probably think my popularity will make me fear these challenges. But popularity is fleeting—no one knows when it’ll end. I’ve only been in this business a little over a year; my achievements are nothing compared to the true veterans. I have nothing to fear. If they’re determined to bring me down, they’d better make sure I never find evidence—otherwise, I’ll see to it they’re utterly disgraced.”

As he spoke, a sense of resolve radiated from Jiang Yihan. Only in moments like this did his Scorpio tenacity show—unyielding, never showing mercy to his foes.

“Yihan, I’ve seen many battles in this industry, and been through plenty myself,” Lee Hyori said, gently touching her neck, her head tilting with a touch of sensuality. “Everyone who makes it here fights hard to get where they are, and once they have it, they cherish it for fear of losing it. But you’re different. Success came easily for you, and you’re not afraid of loss, so you can face these challenges openly. I’m happy for you. Many have seen your hard work. If you’re brought down like this, it won’t just be you who’s unwilling to accept it—everyone who’s watched you climb step by step will feel the same. So keep fighting.”

“Hyori, I won’t accept an unearned defeat. Unless even my own fortress abandons me, I won’t admit defeat,” Jiang Yihan replied with resolve.

“Seeing you like this makes me so happy—you’ve finally pulled yourself together.” Lee Hyori’s expression grew somber. “I know about your grandmother and your girlfriend. I wanted to help, but I couldn’t. It broke my heart.”

“Hyori, my grandmother’s passing was part of life’s natural order. I couldn’t accept it at first, but grief is my right—being trapped in it isn’t. As for Yimei, in love there’s no right or wrong, only misunderstandings and missed connections. She wasn’t at fault. I couldn’t be there for her, couldn’t give her a sense of security. Our ending was a missed connection. Of course I regret it, but I don’t regret loving her. At least I loved her, tried my best, even if I didn’t get the ending I wanted. I sincerely hope she finds happiness, even if thinking of her still makes it hard to breathe.” Jiang Yihan’s smile was tinged with tears, a calm but sorrowful smile that made one’s heart ache.

“At least with a love that passed you by, you still had it once, didn’t you?” Lee Hyori’s tone was light, with a hint of regret. “Sometimes the timing, the place, the people—all are slightly off, leading to different outcomes. Even if it hurts, watch them walk away and smile. That kind of love is even more unforgettable.”

Jiang Yihan glanced at Lee Hyori beside him. The sunlight and shadows in the room shrouded her, half her face and her shining lips glowing in the dim light. It brought to mind that mistaken kiss, as if the taste still lingered. A breeze stirred her hair, and with a graceful twist of her wrist she tucked a stray strand behind her ear.

Coming back to himself, Jiang Yihan closed his eyes for a few seconds before turning his gaze to the sunset outside the window. “Perhaps,” he said, sipping his coffee—bitter yet smooth.

The memory of his grandmother was tinged with both regret and happiness, a piece of his youthful years. The memory of Li Yimei held pain and love, traces of his devotion. The memory of Lv Xianfeng was marked by betrayal and bitterness, a lesson from the world.

In our lives, we meet many people who leave us with memories—some sweet, some bitter, some sour, some spicy, sometimes all at once. But every person who colors our memories is worth remembering, whether we love them or hate them.

Life’s setbacks will always find you. You can either accept them or run away. Those who accept will see the rainbow after the storm; those who flee will never know the taste of youthful pain.

Lv Xianfeng’s press conference had yet to settle when another interview drew the media’s attention back to Jiang Yihan.

This time, the interviewee was a senior named Li Nam-gyu. The exchange was brief, but it piqued every reporter’s interest.

“Jiang Yihan? Yes, I know that junior. He’s quite the big shot.”

“Why do you say so?”

“Our show invited him several times, but he always turned us down. Does he think our show is beneath him? Only after I personally went to his company’s CEO multiple times did he reluctantly agree to appear. Hmph. The kid hasn’t been in the industry long, but his ego is massive. He barely participated—just showed his face and left. Honestly, I don’t understand how someone like that can be so popular these days. He’s really nothing special.”

Such a simple interview, yet it once again turned the spotlight—and the criticism—on Jiang Yihan.