56 Preposterous

"And now, we're going to proceed to the special question and answer part with our queen, Ms. Xu Jia Li." The host announced.

A while back, guests had already said their congratulations to Xu Jia Li for the success of her Asian Tour. They showed their admirations and agreed that she's the best among the stars all over China.

She smiled and thanked each one of them, bowing her heads, showing her gratitude. She was happy but somehow, she couldn't help herself to look for that particular face. She couldn't hide her feelings; a part of her ached to see his handsome face. No matter how grand the party given to her by the company is, it felt like, something's missing.

Xu Jia Li was supported by Li Yun as he held her elbow and guided her towards the chair. When she settled down on the chair provided for her on the stage, she smiled at him and turned her head on the pool of reporters hungry to ask questions to her.

The reporters gathered around in front of Xu Jia Li when they heard what the host had said. They were all eager to ask her of the previous rumors circulating about her. They were even more excited when they saw what Li Yun did.

"I think, this is a love triangle. I just don't know who her real boyfriend is. This is getting more and more intriguing." One of the reporters whispered to another one standing beside him.

And then, one of the reporters raised his hand and threw his questions right away, "Ms. Xu, how true is it that you are dating the CEO of Si International?"

Xu Jia Li was taken aback but didn't show it. She knew that this might be asked yet she's still unprepared especially when she was just thinking about him. Not wanting more speculation to brew, she smiled as she said, "Isn't rumor just a rumor?"

The guy wearing blue long sleeve whose name was Johann Kang looked at Xu Jia Li with disbelief. He raised his hand and said, "Don't lie, Ms. Xu. You're seeing CEO Si. That's the reason why he bought the movie for you. Aren't you ashamed?"

The venue was suddenly filled with speculations. The reporters erupted in heated arguments as some of them nodded their heads, frowning as they gazed at Xu Jia Li.

"Yes, Ms. Xu. How can you explain the fact that Yue Shin isn't the male lead?"

"Are you selling your body to get the lead role for Sweet Memories?," Johann Kang continued, "At first it was Li Yun and now, it's CEO Si. Are you doing this to boost your popularity?"

Some of the guests gasped as shock registered to their faces. They all looked at Li Yun standing a few meters away from Xu Jia Li. A few ladies even covered their mouths as they began whispering to one another.

"I knew she's like that. I can't blame her. I heard she's not that popular with the youngsters now."

"That's really disgusting. I expected more from her. Thought she's different."

A certain someone who witnessed the scene rejoiced. Qi Xenjin was ecstatic. She turned her head and sneered. She loved to see Xu Jia Li as she was bombarded with questions and accusations from the press. She smirked and whispered viciously, "Serves you right, bitch!" Even Hui Ruo wore a triumphant smile.

Xu Jia Li could see the reaction of Qi Xenjin's face, she smiled and then, she looked directly in the eyes of Johann Kang, "I don't need a man to boost my popularity, Mr. Kang. I proved my worth through my works. I'm sure they speak louder than speculations and rumors do. People will always find faults. Isn't it that even gold can sometimes be mistaken as mud? And rocks can sometimes be mistaken for something valuable when it actually isn't. Be very careful spitting false accusations."

"Are you threatening us? You can't buy us. We will see to it that we'll show the world your true color, Ms. Xu." Johann Kang proudly said as he emphasized on the word 'true color'.

"I'd be delighted, Mr. Kang. I hope you'll be man enough to do just that." Xu Jia Li grinned. She held her hands together and vowed slightly.

Johann Kang closed his mouth and then opened it before he decided to close it again. No words came out of his mouth as he eyed her.

"This has been a great night. I think that's all for the night. You can ask questions during the press conference for Sweet Memories. We'll see you all there. I hope that you'll all enjoy the rest of the night. We still have plenty of food to offer." Lan Meixu announced as she stopped the other reporters from asking questions to Xu Jia Li.

The reporters were left unsatisfied as they whispered words to one another. Most questions were not answered and they felt like Xu Jia Li was hiding something.

Lan Meixu approached Xu Jia Li and whispered, "Those people are preposterous!"