[Some people are desperate to break into the circle, using all kinds of tactics. Let's spill the tea on SWW's past!]
Soon enough, Su Wanwan's eighteen years in the countryside were dragged into the spotlight. The original post was sharply worded and seemingly well-argued.
First, how could a woman like Su Wanwan, with barely any formal education and no academic background after returning to the Su family, even have access to a piano?Second, even if she had touched a piano, how could someone of her age and supposed talent reach Level 10 in just four years?
The poster claimed to be an expert in piano performance and insisted that while Su Wanwan's posture suggested a cursory understanding, she clearly couldn't master such complex pieces. In short, Su Wanwan was faking it—the audio was dubbed after the fact.
Naturally, chaos ensued in the comments.
Some lashed out at the poster, accusing them of jealousy and malice. Others supported the claim, doubting such a miraculous transformation.
[From what I know, Su Wanwan has been working full-time for two years.][Learning piano favors the young. The older you are, the more time and energy it takes.][She works 9 to 5 every day. How could she possibly have time for intense practice?][Obviously fake. Her sister Su Nian has actual certificates and still struggles. You're telling me a complete amateur is this good? Not buying it.][Forget it, it's clearly a publicity stunt.][Just another clickbait post fishing for attention.]
The thread grew longer and the arguments fiercer.
As Su Wanwan was reading it intently, Xia Kelan's call came through again."How are you holding up? Is it horrible? Want me to come over and hug you right now?"
Su Wanwan's delicate brows knitted slightly. She turned on the speakerphone and set it aside, her expression puzzled."Why would I be upset?"
Xia Kelan blinked in disbelief, thinking she must've misheard."You're being flamed like that, and you're not even a little sad?"
Su Wanwan gave a light "oh," and the sound of running water filled the room."The innocent need no justification."
Xia Kelan rolled her eyes hard enough to strain something, shouting in exasperation,"Innocent, my ass! They've already thrown mud in your face, and you're still playing saint?"
"Hey! You're Fu Liangmu's wife now. Isn't the Fu family going to do anything about your reputation getting trashed like this?"
Su Wanwan sank into the water, leaving only her head above the surface. She closed her eyes in contentment and leaned back lazily."This is my problem to handle. I don't need the Fu family to intervene."
Xia Kelan snorted,"Fine, whatever. As long as you're okay.""You know, if you didn't send me this garbage in the first place, I'd be even more okay.""You heartless witch!"
Beep—beep—beep—
After her bath, Su Wanwan wrapped herself in a robe and stepped out, only to find Fu Liangmu still awake. She was about to speak when he beat her to it."So, how do you plan to handle this?"
Su Wanwan paused, momentarily confused."The post," Fu Liangmu prompted.
"This level of traction isn't organic. Someone's clearly pulling strings behind the scenes. The best solution is no solution," Su Wanwan replied unhurriedly, brimming with quiet confidence."Besides, the real moves haven't even started yet."
Fu Liangmu looked at her composed demeanor, the faint smile at the corner of her lips, and felt the knot in his chest slowly unwind. She showed no trace of distress or fragility—perhaps his worry had been entirely misplaced?
He had just been preparing to order the posts taken down when he overheard Su Wanwan's conversation with Xia Kelan. Now, he was genuinely curious to see how she'd handle it.
As expected, Su Nian released a video later that night. In the footage, she cried like a weeping willow in the rain, pleading with viewers to stop attacking her sister. Her voice trembled pitifully, practically dripping with performative innocence.
Su Wanwan was half-asleep when she heard Su Nian's voice. She cracked one eye open and saw Fu Liangmu watching the video.
Su Nian sobbed uncontrollably.
"I'm sorry, this was my mistake.""I only made this video because I want people to stop attacking her.""My sister is not like what you say… She's actually very insecure. After all, she spent years growing up in the countryside, missing out on many things.""Maybe it's that long-standing lack of security that made her want to become an actress like me.""That's why I agreed to help her with this performance.""I never expected it would cause such a commotion.""I'm truly sorry for taking up public resources.""I apologize on her behalf."
Su Nian then bent at a ninety-degree angle in a deep bow.
As the beauty wept, public sentiment quickly shifted.
[This has nothing to do with you. You're a victim too.][Exactly. You've got a Level 10 certificate. Su Wanwan doesn't. We're criticizing her, not you.][Faking is faking. No amount of spin can change that.][And why should you be the one apologizing? You did nothing wrong!]
…
The post's popularity soared, topping the trending lists day after day. Meanwhile, the comment section under Su Wanwan's name became a battlefield of scorn and ridicule.
People hurled insults with unrelenting fervor, but the target never responded.
Still, they never tired of it. For them, it had become daily entertainment.
Little did they know, Su Wanwan no longer paid attention to any of it—and hadn't in quite some time.
Soon, the date she had arranged with the old man arrived.
On Saturday morning, Su Wanwan rose early.
As she came down for breakfast, Fu Liangmu looked at her in surprise."Isn't today your day off? Why not sleep in?"
Su Wanwan took a seat across from him and asked the maid to bring her a bowl of porridge."I've got something to take care of."
Fu Liangmu nodded,"Perfect timing. I have to head out as well. Want a ride?"
Su Wanwan shook her head,"No need. It's a bit out of the way."
Fu Liangmu gently dabbed his mouth with a napkin."Alright then, I'll get going."
"Bye."
Only after he left did Su Wanwan slowly begin eating her porridge.
West City. Golden Hall.
One of the country's most prestigious concert venues, where countless renowned pianists had performed.
Fu Liangmu, wearing a mask, entered quietly through a side door and made his way backstage.
"Professor."
Luen's body trembled. He turned slowly, eyes faintly red. He let out a low snort and reached out a trembling hand.
Fu Liangmu's fingers quivered, but he didn't pull away and let the old man grasp them.
"You brat! You finally remembered to visit me! I thought you weren't coming!""And what's with the mask? Take it off—now!"