Please Be More Serious Chapter 71-72

Chapter 71 Tempest in a Teacup

Zhengqing was

distressed by her tears, he tried to placate her, ‘There is no need to

apologise. You have not done anything wrong. The event is still continuing.

There is no mess.’

Yin Ting sobbed,

‘I want to fix this, but I have sat for a long time and haven’t been able to do

anything. It seems inappropriate to say anything, but it is also not

appropriate to do nothing. I don’t know what to do.’

The more she

spoke, the sadder she got.

‘And you’ve been

dragged with me. They’re jealous of you; they are bad mouthing you and Xiu.

It’s all so ugly. I’m so sorry.’

‘There is no

need to apologise, you’re not responsible. This is they way it is on the

internet. You can’t control what others do.’

‘But it’s my fault.

The more I think about it, if I don’t write, I won’t be suspicious and it won't

cause embarrassment.’

‘I said I don’t

blame you, if it weren’t for you I won’t have had the inspiration to propose

this event.’ He said trying to comfort her.

But Yin Ting got

even sadder, ‘Then I’m even guiltier. It was my entire fault. Because of me,

you went through so much trouble. I ruined your efforts.’

‘Xiaoting, you

didn’t think about it because you aren’t someone to think like that. You have

never considered these kind of sixes and seven things that person had written,

hence, they are completely wrong. You do not need to feel responsible for this

matter I was also smeared, but that is fine. We are lovers, these kind of

shared hardships will incur sentimental marks, won’t they? You always taught me

to be optimistic about everyting. Looking at things that way, fighting the

dispute will be umpleasant, but if handled properly, this situation will make

more people understand and approve our activities. It’s not bad for business.’

‘It’s not the

same. The hype you spoke of before was controlled. You can’t control this;

it’s not hype it’s criticism. You can’t make this people do what you want. They

are also smearing you. You are obviously very outstanding and work very hard

but they don’t know you, yet they insult you and satirise you.’

‘Xiaoting,’ he

called, he was desperately trying to persuade her, ‘Do you know them?’

‘Who?’

‘These people

who are jealous of me.’

‘I don’t know

them.’

‘Neither do I,

so why do we need to be apologetic to people we don’t know and who we may never

know?’ He said, ‘Whether or not I work hard or I am good at it, they don’t

care. They are safe behind their computer screens, they don’t have to be

responsible for their words. Let them come to the company and say those words

to my face, do you think that they would dare?’

Yin Ting

sniffed, she understood what he was saying but she was still very upset by it

all.

‘But-but because

of this, they would always come back to this matter and hold on. What would

happen to the event? I saw someone in the comments saying that they were

withdrawing from the competition. Some people are saying they were boycotting

the Xiu brand, because of me, I really don’t know what to do. I’m really sorry.

‘Xiu has a

dedicated Crisis PR tem to deal with this matter, they are currently preparing

a statement. You don’t do anything at this moment, don’t engage - don’t

explain. Wait for the Xiu team’s statement. Someone from the Marketing and PR

will contact you to follow up. If there is something you need to do, they will

let you know. If you have any questions or ideas, you can also consult with

them.

Yin Ting was

silent for a moment then she said, ‘I don’t think I want to participate

anymore.’

‘Is that so?’

Zhengqing said his tone hardening, ‘This isn’t something my angel would say. My

angel is brave.’

Yin Tin sniffed

and replied, ‘I’m not an angel, I'm just an ordinary person.’

‘Yes, you’re an

ordinary person. You’re not a bank note, how can everyone like you? If they

don’t like you, you’re just wasting your sadness on them.’

Yin Ting did not

reply.

‘Are you home?’

he asked.

‘Yes.’

‘Now listen to

me. Switch off the computer, don’t read anymore. Go and wash your face, drink

some water and drink a glass of water and lie on your bed. Don’t read anymore.

Will you do that for me?’

Yin Ting thought

for a moment, then she replied, ‘Hao.’

‘Do you need

someone to be with you? You can ask one of your friends to come over or you can

come to me.’

‘I want to be

alone.’

‘Alright,’ he

said softly, ‘Just turn off your computer, don’t look at your phone, wash your

face and sleep for a while. I’ll pick you up after work, okay?’

‘Alright.’

‘Then turn your computer off now.’

He said. She looked at her computer screen, she had the urge to look at the

comments some more, but she thought of Zhengqing, grit her teeth and turned it

off.

‘Turned off.’

‘Good, would you like to talk?’

Yin Ting thought about it then

replied, ‘No, I’ll wash my face.’

‘Okay, just call me if you need me

okay?’

‘Hao,’

After he rang off, Yin Ting still

felt uncomfortable. Remembering the jealousy and vitriol, she almost cried

again. She washed her face and went to lie on her bed and tried to relax. After

a while, she began to feel better. As Zhengqing said; those people did not know her, what kind of person she was

or where she was going? She did not know them either.

She took a deep breath to quell the

resentment. She couldn’t change her heart. They had looked down on her and

criticized her, but she shouldn’t be upset. She should cheer up and explain.

But how did she do that? She did know about the event in advance, Zhengqing

even said he was inspired by her. But if she said that, she would be setting

herself up for derision and ridicule.

They would say she had no brains, and still showing off. (Zuben: Well...it would look that way)

She also got to the recommendation

page with Zhengqing’s influence. This was indeed back door. How to explain it?

Can’t explain it.

More and more, Yin Ting thought she

wasn’t in the right. She even thought that the person’s points were somewhat

reasonable; it was just that it was accompanied by malicious speculation and

personal attacks. Unbearable.

Yin Ting sighed, she really could not

continue in the event. Looking at things as it were, no matter what she wrote or

sent, she will be defamed, mocked or satirised. She didn’t want this. She

wanted to share the feelings of happiness; that was what she wanted to convey.

Thinking of the abuse of her blog, she didn’t feel any courage to continue.

The more she thought, the more

agitated she got, but she couldn’t think of a solution. Her phone rang, it was

one of her friends. She knew they wanted to talk about the situation but she

really couldn’t deal with it right now. She was embarrassed. She sent a text:

I’m sorry, I will call you later.

They were understanding because she didn't get another call from them. One by one, Yufei, Jiaqi, Huizhu and many others called her, but

she was completely paralyzed and responded with the text message. No one called

back.

They had wanted to comfort her, but

when she text them, they understood and didn’t bother her. What she didn’t know

was that the good sisters and quickly formed a group and had begun to retaliate

against the jealous trolls.

Even Qin Yufei with her huge

pregnant belly had not lost her fighing power. She went directly after the

originator of the post and wrote: If people don’t know how to talk, they go and

learn. Maybe you should take the time to look at yourself in the mirror; you

may find it has a weight loss effect. (Zuben: this is the line“人話都不會好好說，還學人呵呵。你呵呵的時候麻煩照著鏡子呵，有減肥功效。”if someone

has a better translation, let me know)

Jiaqi also posted: Xiaoting is a

stupid and silly girl, I make fun of her all day, but if anyone bullies her, I

will not turn a blind eye. She has a tall, handsome and golden boyfried, what

is wrong with that? Can’t you? She is young, beautiful and has money, what’s

wrong with that? How much joy does her blog give? Is it more than yours? You

should go and read her blogging for the past five years and learn what is the

beauty of the soul. A person like you who only sees bad things, I doubt if you

would even know what a dream is even if you go to the horizon to find it. Your

eyes only see ugly things, your mind is full of evil thoughts, so you can only

see the actions of others as malicious, your mouth can only spit foul language,

how do you have a dream? Dreams see you and run saying; you’re too disgusting, don’t

come near me.

Yin Ting’s fan’s were not idle either.

They linked Yin Ting’s old posts as evidence that she was always this kind of

person; kind and caring and liked to write pieces of chicken soup. She has

travelled extensively, and is fully qualified to be part of the Xiu: Searching

for a Dream event. Her post being on the recommendation’s page was only for one

day, just like other people. As for her and her boyfriend, everyone has

witnessed snippets their cute and sweet love that they post, and they bless

their relationship. Just because of her boyfriend’s identity, she knew of the

event in advance and wanted to participate, it does not equal fraudulent

behaviour. What is wrong with going to buy a pair of shoes with her friend?

What is wrong with advertising? The event is not a lucky draw, it is a vote. If

you don’t like her, don’t vote!

Both side exchanged comments online,

but the trolls had the upper hand.

That afternoon, Xiu issued an official

statement:

1. In order

to ensure that the event went well, the company issued invitations to a few

online blogging personalities, Tinting Yuli413 was one of them. Her blog has

been running for five years, and she has published more than two thousand posts. The vast

majority of which are travel journals, food and life insights. Her articles are

full of positive energy, which have attracted thousands of fans. She also has a

steady positive interaction with her fans on Weibo. Therefore, we believe that

she is a suitable candidate for this event. Prior to the start of the event,

Xiu issued one hundred and fifty invitations to prominent bloggers that suited

the event. Whether or not the bloggers wished to participate or not is

determined by their personal wishes. There were no unsatisfactory aspects to

any of our one hundred and fifty invitees. They, like other users, have done

through the same checks and abide by the same rules. We welcome the supervision

of all friends.

2. Tingting

Yuli413 is indeed in a relationship with the Vice President of the Yongkai

Group, Mr Qiu Zhengqing. This event is not a lucky draw event. It does not depend

on a committee to select the final winner. We are using a voting system, and

there are notary and third party platforms for supervision of the votes.

Therefore, family members and employees of other companies within the group are

not prohibited from participating in the even. Hence, Tingting Yuli 413 is

eligible to participate in this event.

3. Tingting

Yuli413’s blog was put on the event’s recommendations page yesterday the 11th

of May. This is because her blog is rich in content that is thought provoking

and positive. We believe that this was worth her placement on the

recommendations page. On the event’s official page there is also a descriotion

of the event’s recommended pictures. The officials screen the participants each

day to collect ten picture recommendations. The recommendation cycle is from

five p.m. to five p.m. the next day, a twenty four hour rotation. As such,

Tinting Yuli 413 enjoys the 24-hour recommendation period like the nine other referees;

she does not get special treatment.

4. Tingting Yuli413

has the same absolute autonomy as the other participants in this competition to

post what ever content they wish during the event. Since the start of the

event, many othe participants have blogged about the use and purchase of Xiu

brand footwear. This is in strong support and recognition for the Xiu brand.

Xiu Company expresses their thanks for this and promises to continue to work

hard to live up to everyone’s trust and love.

5. “Show

Beautiful – the Journey to find a Dream” is a fair competition. The results are

determined by whoever gets the majority vote. Xiu welcomes all parties to put

forward their valuable opinions and accepts supervision of all parties. Xiu

will ensure that each applicant’s qualification to participate is not

undermined by factors such as identity of the participant and geographical

location.

6. A large

amount of users have provided us with many suggestions. These are evidence of

the love and support these users have for the Xiu brand. We have seen this and

express deep gratitude. The article that caused today’s doubles and

misunderstandings shows that we have not done our work properly in detailing

the parameters for participation. This has caused everyone troubles; we deeply

apologise. We well endeavour to make profound self-examination and learn

lessons from this incident. Xiu will continue to work hard and promise that

there is no “black box” operation within this event. All procedures are open

and fair.

Before they released their (Zuben:

long winded and mildly repetitive) statement, Xiu’s general manager contacted

Zhengqing to read through and approve of the statement. The PR proposal was to

directly respond to any doubts. Therefore, since they were going to confirm

Zhengqing’s identity as Tingting Yuli413’s boyfriend, they needed his approval

first.

Zhengqing accepted this and gave his

approval. He was willing to bear the consequences. Once the approval was given,

the response was released.

Zhengqing called Yin Ting so she could

be prepared for what may come after.

Chapter 72

When he called Yin Ting her line was

busy. He waited for a bit then called her again.

Yin Ting informed him that she had

been on the phone with Xiu PR, and they were informing her that they are

handling the incident and issuing a statement. They have also requested that

she does not withdraw from the event.

‘I was also calling you to tell you of

this. The statement has been issued. Of course, it will take all parties a

while to calm down and for things return to normal. Anyway, Xiu’s side seems to

be handling things well. The rest is up to you. I don’t want you to withdraw

from the event. You quitting doesn’t help anything at all. It would only

vindicate them and confirm your guilt in their eyes, and they will celebrate

their victory. To them they have vanquished the evil in the shadows, they won't

think that it is because you had been hurt that you withdrew.’

Yin Ting didn’t reply. (Zuben: may have fallen asleep)

‘Do you understand, Xiaoting? Such

people are blindly convinced of what they believe, and will only believe what

is convenient to them, they would not accept another possibility. Whatever you

do, the result will be the same. If you continue, they will insist you are a

“black box” operation. If you quit, it will not change their minds. They would be

even more incited, they will feel proud of themselves are the heroes of

justice. You have done nothing wrong, why should you make them proud?’

‘But…’ she began to say, but she did

not continue.

‘Don’t give up, Xiaoting.’ He implored

her.

Yin Ting bit her lip, she wanted to

say ‘Yes’ loudly, but she felt too disappointing. She was very worried. She

could not bear the guilt that drowned her. (Zuben: No chicken soup saying to

help alleviate your doldrums?)

‘I’m scared,’ she said in a small

voice, ‘I can’t post anymore. Whatever I write, I would feel embarrassed. It

was too hard to hear. I had wanted to write about Xiu being derived from my

mom’s name, but then they would say I was advertising again, and I am using my

deceased relatives for money (Zuben: That would have been a huge mistake). I

had also wanted to post about your proposal, take photos when we buy our rings,

but now I don’t dare do it. They’ll be jealous, they will ridicule me. And I

will drag you down with me. I can’t think of what I can write. If I can’t

write, what is the point of me continuing?’

Zhengqing sighed inwardly. What she

said is true, but he still decided to patiently encourage her not to give up.

‘Xiaoting, there is no cost to

insulting people on the internet. Those who are jealous of you will not win or

lose anything. No matter how good you are, it doesn’t matter to them at all.

After you leave, they return to their lives. They have not been affected at

all. But you, you like to share. Because you are being misunderstood, you don’t

want to share anymore? It isn’t a question of the event. It is a question of

your life; will you no longer enjoy your life?’

Yin Ting could not reply.

‘Xiaoting,’ he continued, ‘your fans

and friends are cheering for you. So am I. I fell in love with you because of

your open attitude to life; you are so happy and see the good and the beauty in

everything. With you, I have also become happy. I hope you can always be happy.

Be brave, Xiaoting.’

‘Okay,’ she replied. Her voice still

small, her attitude was not big enough. But he knew he couldn’t force her. She

would get frustrated if he pressed her.

His Xiaoting was a smart woman; she would eventually work it out for

herself.

‘Shall I come and pick you up to go to

the hospital?’ he asked, changing the subject.

‘No. I, I don’t want to go to the

hospital. I’m afraid I can’t control my emotions and I will worry Dad.’

‘Alright then. After work, I will go

and see your father, then pick you up for dinner.’

‘Hao.’ She replied in agreement.

He hung up.

Yin Ting tried to keep away from the

computer, but in the end she could not help herself. She went to the event

webpage on her phone.

The press release seemed to have upset

the detractors.

They were maligning Xiu and accusing

Yin Ting of being shameless. They were saying that Tingting Yuli413 had a

backer. She wasn’t only hooking up with Yongkai’s VP right? Then someone

commented that someone broke the news and helped Tingting Yuli 413 confront the

accusers. That there was Yongkai PR and Yongkai’s Eldest lady. There were also

a few daughters and wives of certain enterprises that were supporting her.

There was another furore. (Zuben: Gosh these people have time)

No wonder, ah, they said, so

shameless. So she is a rich second generation heiress. They would only buy

brand names and show off their wealth, spending their parents’ money. They were

low and disgusting.

Then some people blew a new trumpet.

They claimed that they had a friend working in Xiu, and this news is absolutely

true. The event was created for ‘Tingting Yuli413’ as a springboard for her

career. The event was created to hold her. It wasn’t for her to win the prize

but through this activity create a “beautiful little girl next door” image for

her so she could use it to enter the entertainment circle. She was going to

publish a book and Yongkai was going to invest to help her get into acting.

(Zuben: It’s getting more preposterous)

Any why are they going through all

this trouble? Because Tingting Yuli413 has no talent, no beauty but she wants

to be an actress. There is no bedding that can’t be red. Therefore, they must

catapult her with this event.

This comment was quickly shared, and

the netizens were incensed and the booed. Many applicants announced their

withdrawal from the competition. Some claimed they were invited to compete in

the event and joined because it seemed interesting. But they didn’t think it

was so bad and so black. Many people turned to “kōng qìqiú”, “ài zǒulù de nǚrén”

and others to dissuade them from continuing in the event. They should not be

stepping stones for “Tingting Yuli413”’s ambition.

A lot of people did not post. They had

seen that the situation was not good. So they neither updated their blog nor

commented on Weibo. Messages filled their blogs but they did not respond.

The so-called insider information was

too ridiculous. Xiu’s PR quickly issued a response, stating the so claimed

insider information was purely false. The person who claimed such had been

reported to the police, and they would legally pursue the source of the rumour.

This caused another wave accusations

and recriminations. (Zuben: It’s getting boring)

After a while the post about the

‘insider scoop’ was deleted. The ‘whistleblower did not make any announcements,

but the seeds of suspicion were already planted. Many began to insist that Xiu

threatened the person who exposed the scoop, and collaborated with the platform

operator to delete the post. They posted screenshots of the deleted posts

claiming; you cannot delete the people’s eyes and justice. (Zuben: snore*)

There were people who were trying to

be reasonable who said that the first statement that was published had been

reasonable. It was indeed impossible to deprive others of their right to

participate in the event because of their identity. Others had visited Yin

Ting’s blog and found her content to be inkeeping with her event posts, which

were very interesting. The second statement was timely and decisive. If the

person who posted it was not guilty why did they delete it? Why don’t they dare

make any more comments?

But the detractors accused the

‘supporters’ of stupidity. The whole comment section was noise and full of bad

words.

Yin Ting’s heart went cold reading

this. She saw so many of her fans and friends arguing on her behalf, it made

her even sadder. She knew she should not be reading all these malicious

comments, but she could not help herself. (Zuben: like watching a train wreck

happen)

Zhengqing left the company on time and

went to the hospital. Guohao had already found out about the situation. Ying

Ting had called Yin Shi to tell him she wasn’t coming to the hospital today.

When Yin Shi found out about the malicious accusations on the event about Yin

Ting, he told Yin Guohao. Guohao called his daughter but she had told him not

to worry about it.

Zhengqing described the situation in

detail to Guohao. He also told Guohao that he didn’t think Yin Ting should give

up. Guohao loved his daughter and thought that she should do what ever she

wanted, even if it was give up.

But Zhengqing countered, ‘She wouldn’t

be happy if she gives up. You were against us being together because you feared

her unhappiness in the long run. That long term pain is worse than short term.

This is the case now, she would not be happy is she gives up. I love her, just

as you do and I can’t accept her being unhappy. So I will insist that she stays

the course, and encourage her and be with her through this.’

Zhengqing left shortly after. He

informed them he was taking Yin Ting out to dinner and she wanted to go. He

also informed Guohao and Yin Shi that he had proposed to Yin Ting the night

before, and she had accepted. It was just that this incident had blindsided

them. It broke the mood and spoiled the timing.

‘I will take good care of her,’ he

told Guohao before he left, ‘you can be rest assured.’

Once Zhengqing was gone, Guohao

complained to his son, ‘Listen, what is with his attitude? Is this how you

propose marriage? Where is the feeling of beseeching?’

‘It is before Xiaoting,’ Yin Shi

answered without hesitation. His father gave him a gamy look, he quickly

changed is mind, ‘Yes, of course, his attitude is really bad.’

He didn’t dare tell his father, he had

come home to find time kissing on the couch. (Zuben: Why would you?)

Guohao continued staring at Yin Shi.

‘What?' He asked.

‘Coming any how…’

Yin Shi touched his nose; good

children did not fight with their parents. This filial piety he still had. (Zuben: A few fights here and there will not

go amiss)

‘However, Zhengqing is right.’ Guohao

suddenly said.

‘He is right.’ The older man repeated,

more to himself.

Yin Shi nodded in agreement. He also

felt that Zhengqing was right. Yin Ting should not withdraw.

❀ Chapter &£x&$