Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Dig Three Feet if You Must, Find Them!
Meanwhile, Du Sheng drove several kilometers away into a secluded alley. Taking advantage of the darkness and the lack of cameras, he quickly changed his outfit.
Despite the absence of surveillance, he avoided any potential risks and made a detour, ending up several kilometers away. He meticulously burned the gloves, mask, clothing, and socks he had used.
After ensuring no traces were left, he returned to his rented apartment. Wang Yaoyang had not yet returned.
Du Sheng entered a side room and retrieved a DCS 660 digital camera, a product from Kodak three years ago. Though its resolution was only 6 megapixels, the secondhand camera had cost him 500 yuan. Its lightweight and ability to store 300 photos made it ideal for the job.
With gloves on, he connected the camera to an old laptop using a data cable, selecting and printing some of the most "notable" photos. Considering how widely they would need to be spread, he made multiple copies.
He placed three of these into envelopes with pre-written addresses, donned a mask, and disguised himself before heading out to a postal mailbox a few kilometers away.
(Note: At the turn of the millennium, postal mailboxes were still common on city streets.)
His next stop was a bar often frequented by someone he had in mind. Sure enough, he spotted a familiar pink scooter parked outside.
Moments later, the sound of a security alarm pierced the air.
Zheng Ziyan, alerted by a security guard, came out angrily, expecting to catch the prankster. Instead, she found a folder sitting on her scooter seat.
"What's this—?"
Curious, she opened it, and her hands flew to her mouth in shock. Her surprise quickly gave way to excitement.
Glancing around, she saw no sign of the mysterious benefactor. Hastily bidding farewell to her friends, she left with the folder in hand.
This time, if she didn't get her promotion, she'd just blow up the newsroom herself!
Worry about whether it could be published or if it would offend someone? Not a chance.
Her only concerns were whether the material was explosive enough, exclusive enough, and headline-worthy.
From a dark corner nearby, Du Sheng watched her reaction with a wry smile before leaving quietly.
Repeating the same cautious steps, he minimized the chances of anyone tracing the incident back to him.
Now, all that was left to do was sit back and enjoy the show.
He was confident that, come the audition in two days, as long as he performed decently, the obstacles would be minimal.
---
The Explosion Heard Around the Industry
News of Zhang Zhizong's injury from an "affair gone wrong" spread like wildfire that very evening.
Though the firecrackers themselves were relatively small, their close proximity and the lack of protective gear left Zhang with injuries to his hands, face, upper body, and chest.
For fear of infection, he was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
By now, over a dozen reporters were stationed outside the hospital, eager to cover the story.
This wasn't just any producer—they were talking about Zhang Zhizong, a figure with a legendary reputation in the entertainment world.
On top of that, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, his highly anticipated upcoming production, had been the subject of much buzz.
And now? A scandal involving an affair, an injury, and firecrackers? The headline practically wrote itself.
But none of them could beat the sheer speed and precision of someone with insider access.
Exclusive Reveal: Zhang Zhizong's Scandalous Misstep—Injury from an Explosive Encounter!
By 10 p.m., Urban Entertainment Daily had broken the story online, sending shockwaves across the internet.
With photos to back up the claims, the report painted an unflattering picture. While some areas were blurred out, it was clear enough to identify the compromising situation between Zhang and the Hong Kong actress.
And unfortunately for Zhang, the evidence included visible burn marks from the firecrackers—his injuries were undeniable.
Within twenty minutes, the story shot to the top of the trending list like a rocket.
#Producer Zhang Zhizong's Affair Exposed# dominated the top spot, followed by related trending topics:
#Actress Zhang Yu Accuses Zhang Zhizong Again#
#Producer's Scandal: Cheating Twice, Non-Biological Children#
#Actresses Scramble to Distance Themselves from Producer Zhang#
#Dark Side of Fame: The Hidden Rules Behind Rising Stars#
Zheng Ziyan watched her post trend on microblogs, racking up millions of views within half an hour. A smug smile played on her lips.
Soon, she would skip right past the roles of intern and junior reporter, earning her press credentials and a permanent position.
She owed it all to that mysterious "kind-hearted person." A faint image of a certain someone flashed in her mind, but she wasn't certain yet.
As for Zhang Yu's sudden follow-up accusation, that had also been part of the anonymous tip. The added allegations only further fanned the flames of the scandal.
This time, Zhang Yu claimed she had witnessed Zhang assaulting a friend at his home and even had recordings as evidence. According to her, she was forced to come forward after Zhang failed to honor promises of roles.
The entertainment world was now in complete chaos. Zhang Zhizong had been pushed to the center of a media storm.
---
"Damn, what a scandal! Finally seeing Zhang Zhizong get his comeuppance!"
"Who has such guts? Smashing his car windows, snapping photos, and tossing firecrackers? What kind of grudge is this?"
"Whoever did this is brilliant! No fear of retaliation, huh?"
"Quick question: if the 'equipment' was injured, can it still function?"
"The entertainment industry is such a cesspool. Newly married, and he's living like this?"
"And this is just what's been exposed. Imagine what hasn't been!"
"Bet there are plenty of sleepless nights happening in the industry tonight."
The comments under these trending topics were a mix of ridicule, criticism, and sheer amusement.
---
Unlike the masses reveling in the drama, Du Sheng remained calm. Setting aside the script he had been reviewing, he prepared for a good night's sleep.
He wasn't worried that this incident would negatively impact Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.
Sure, there might be some repercussions, but nothing drastic.
Most of Zhang's work as a producer—securing investments—was already done. The rest, from filming to post-production, would fall to the four directors. Zhang's absence would hardly be felt.
In fact, the scandal might even prompt the investors to suggest Zhang temporarily step back, reducing his influence over casting decisions.
At the very least, the controversy had turned Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils into a hot topic before it even aired.
This was exactly the outcome Du Sheng had hoped for.
With the producer out of the picture and Ju Jueliang's support, Du Sheng's chances at the audition had significantly improved.
---
"Investigate! Find them at all costs!"
At Yanhua Hospital, room 308, furious shouts echoed through the air.
"Dig three feet if you must, but I want them found!"
Lying in bed, Zhang Zhizong's face was twisted in rage. His bloodshot eyes bulged, veins popping on his forehead.
He had never encountered such brazen audacity. Smashing his car windows was one thing—but throwing firecrackers inside?
Now, his body was wrapped in bandages, his face swollen, and his lower half mummified like a cocoon.
Swallowing nervously, his assistant stammered, "Boss Zhang, I've already arranged for an investigation, but the area had no surveillance. The perpetrator was extremely cautious—finding them might take time…"
The assistant dared not mention that they could
n't involve the police, as Zhang insisted on handling the matter discreetly. This only made the search feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
Happy New Year Everyone! May this year bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Cheers to new beginnings! 🎉🍻🎊