OFBL Chapter 43

When he found a rare moment to catch his breath, Zhang Yuze decided to call an old high school friend of his who used to work in the media. He hoped that, through this connection, he could clarify the fake news and bring the truth to light.

 

The phone rang only a couple of times before the friend picked up. “Dr. Zhang,” the familiar voice said, tinged with surprise, “what kind of wind blew you here? Never thought you’d take the initiative to contact me.”

 

“I don’t have time for small talk,” Zhang Yuze said bluntly, his usual formal demeanor slipping because of his urgency. After a quick greeting, he explained everything: the false reports, the harassment, and Xu Li’s innocence.

 

For a moment, there was silence on the other end. Then his friend sighed before answering, sounding resigned: “I’m sorry, Dr. Zhang. I can’t help you with this.”

 

“What do you mean you can’t help?!” Zhang Yuze’s voice rose, incredulous. “Xu Li was wronged! This isn’t just a misunderstanding, it’s a malicious lie!”

 

The friend sighed again, his voice still tinged with resignation. “I know you’re telling the truth, but it’s not that simple. Media today doesn’t work the way it used to. The big players won’t touch a story like this since there’s no upside for them and nothing to gain. But the smaller outlets? They’re just in it for clicks. They’ll stir up drama, milk it for traffic, and then vanish. No one cares about follow-ups or truth.”

 

“This is slander!” Zhang Yuze’s frustration boiled over. “He’s being attacked for something he didn’t do! There has to be a way to fix this.”

 

“You’re right,” the friend said softly. “It is slander. But slander isn’t easy to fight. Can you identify exactly which outlet started the rumors? Do you have proof of Xu Li’s innocence? Even if you do, these small media companies are like water… They’ll dissolve into thin air before you can pin them down. By the time you collect your evidence, the damage will already be done.”

 

Zhang Yuze felt like the air had been sucked out of his lungs, and a profound feeling of helplessness weighed on him like a stone. “So you’re saying there’s no way to clear his name?” He finally asked.

 

His friend hesitated, then said: “I’ll be honest with you. Stories about a ‘doctor who let his own father die for money’ are way more sensational than a ‘deadbeat gambler collapsing in the street’… And that’s without even mentioning the truth of the matter. Even if someone publishes a clarification, no one’s going to read it. The damage is already done.”

 

“I don’t care about sensationalism,” Zhang Yuze said, his voice cold and determined. “I’m not going to sit back and let this happen. Xu Li doesn’t deserve it.”

 

“Suit yourself,” the friend replied, a trace of weariness in his tone. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

 

After hanging up, Zhang Yuze clenched his jaw and leaned back against the wall, his hand gripping the phone tightly. The entire system was broken, he realized… Public perception was driven by clicks and outrage, not truth or justice. But he wasn’t about to give up. Both Xu Li’s career and his future depended on clearing his name.

 

Rubbing his temples to ease the tension, Zhang Yuze sent a quick message to his trusted colleague, Li Chenghong.

 

Zhang Yuze: Can you help me check Xu Hai’s medical records? See if there are any within Yanjing. Specifically, anything that proves he’s been suffering from heart disease for years. Medical records, treatment history—anything.

 

Li Chenghong: Got it. Leave it to me. Don’t worry.

 

…………

 

Under the watchful supervision of Old Bi’s lackeys, Yellow Pineapple and his two brothers, Shen Mo reluctantly led them to Zhang Yuze’s home. As they approached the community, Yellow Pineapple snapped a picture of the entrance, attached the address, and sent it to Old Bi.

 

That Old Snake Bi’s intentions were clear: leak the address to the media and let them swarm the area. Shen Mo’s conscience pricked at him, but he knew that if he didn’t cooperate, he’d be the one suffering the big boss’s wrath… After all, Shen Mo had learned the hard way to choose self-preservation over morality.

 

Yellow Pineapple stuffed his hands into his pockets and said lazily: “Didn’t you have a thing with Zhang Yuze before? Did you get a key to his place? Or know a way to get in? What if Xu Li is hiding in there?”

 

Shen Mo stiffened. “I… I don’t.” He instinctively wanted to deny it, but fear made him hesitate. His eyes darted nervously, betraying him.

 

“You do, don’t you?” Yellow Pineapple sneered, kicking Shen Mo lightly on the calf. “Stop lying. Come on, take us up there. Let’s drag Xu Li out and settle this. Zhang Yuze isn’t home. Let’s see how bold Xu Li really is.”

 

Shen Mo opened his mouth to protest, but his words caught in his throat. He felt a firm hand shove him toward the building entrance. Under their insistence, they climbed the stairs to the apartment. The Pineapple Brothers even snatched Shen Mo’s keychain in their impatience, testing all the keys one by one. Since Shen Mo had lived with Zhang Yuze before, his spare key still fit. And so, the lock clicked open.

 

Yellow Pineapple pushed the door open and yelled: “Xu Li, get your ass out here! Your grandpa’s here to teach you a lesson!”

 

However, the apartment was silent. Not a sound answered him.

 

“What, he’s not home?” Red Pineapple didn’t even bother taking off his shoes, trampling mud across Zhang Yuze’s pristine floor. Black footprints followed him deeper into the apartment.

 

“Boss, maybe we should go…” said Green Pineapple, the single lackey who sounded a bit smarter and nervous about the entire situation. “Breaking into someone’s house, even with a key, is illegal. Let’s leave before we get into trouble.” He continued.

 

“Relax. I’m not taking anything,” Yellow Pineapple scoffed. “Just making sure no one’s here. Shen Mo, go check the rooms.”

 

Shen Mo reluctantly shuffled through the apartment, shouting half-heartedly as if searching, but without any intention to find anyone at all. He finally returned to the living room, shaking his head while saying: “No one’s home.” However, just as they were about to leave, Shen Mo’s gaze landed on the coffee table. A folded note sat there, filled with innocent waiting. His curiosity piqued, and he reached for it.

 

We’ve found a county house that’s hidden from the wind. The address is written below. It’s not convenient for me to contact you. If you want to look for me, please call this number. Everything is all right. Don’t worry, boyfriend.

 

Underneath the note was an address and phone number. Realizing the potential danger, Shen Mo panicked. Thinking quickly, he pretended to fumble with his phone and dropped it onto the floor. As he squatted down to pick it up, he discreetly swept the note under the sofa, hiding it from view.

 

“What’s taking you so long?!” Yellow Pineapple grumbled. “Let’s go.”

 

“Yeah, let’s go…” Shen Mo said, his voice shaking slightly. He followed them out with his heart racing while thinking that since Zhang Yuze was willing to take him in at his worst, that was the least he could do… Keep that note hidden from Old Bi and the media, and keep Xu Li’s location safe, at least for now.

 

As they exited the apartment, Red Pineapple finally noticed his muddy footprints. “Damn it, now we’ve got to clean up! Can’t leave any evidence!”

 

And just like that, poor Green Pineapple muttered under his breath as he wiped the floor: “We came here only to find no one, and now I’m even cleaning floors… What a waste.”

 

…………

 

Just as they left, Zhang Yuze returned home, driving through the early evening to avoid the rush hour traffic. As he parked, his heart skipped a beat. His prim and proper mother, the renowned Empress Dowager, was waiting for him outside his building…

 

… And so was a mob of reporters and curious onlookers.

 

Zhang Yuze stepped out of his car, his face darkening. “Mom, why are you here?! I didn’t ask you to come!”

 

“I couldn’t just sit at home worrying about you,” the Empress Dowager said, her expression calm but her voice tinged with exasperation. “Look at this mess! The reporters were already here when I arrived.”

 

“Let’s go upstairs,” Zhang Yuze answered, glancing warily at the growing crowd. “Xu Li should still be at home. Keep your head down and follow me.”

 

As they walked toward the entrance, a sharp-eyed reporter still noticed him and suddenly shouted: “Hey, isn’t that Dr. Zhang? Xu Li’s boyfriend?” And with that sign, the mob erupted. Microphones and cameras surged forward as questions bombarded him:

“Dr. Zhang, are you aware of Xu Li’s alleged actions? What’s your response to the rumors?”

“Do you condone your boyfriend’s behavior?”

“What’s your opinion on dating someone like him? Are you that desperate?”

 

The insults and insinuations hit him like a storm. Zhang Yuze’s fists clenched, but before he could respond, the Empress Dowager stepped forward. “Enough!” She snapped, her voice slicing through the chaos. The reporters froze, momentarily stunned by her commanding presence.

 

“Where’s your professionalism?” Mother Zhang demanded coldly. “Blocking someone’s residence and spouting baseless accusations—is this what journalism has come to? If you have questions, go through the proper channels. Otherwise, leave. Or should I call the police to remind you of the law?”

 

The crowd murmured, and some of the more timid reporters backed away. Seizing the moment, the Empress Dowager dragged her son inside, slamming the door behind them.

 

“See what I mean?!” She said as they ascended the stairs. “This is what you’re up against. Are you sure you want to involve yourself in this mess?”

 

“I don’t have a choice,” Zhang Yuze replied grimly. “Xu Li’s going through worse than I am. If I don’t stand by him, who will?”

 

The Empress Dowager sighed, resigned. “So what’s your plan?”

 

“For now, Xu Li can lie low here,” Zhang Yuze continued. “Once the media’s attention dies down, we’ll figure out our next steps. I’ll start collecting evidence to expose the lies and track down the source of the rumors.” Picking up his keys, he continued with a smile: “I’m afraid I’ll have to ask for your help this time. Those famous lawyers that you’re friends with… Please help me contact them.”

 

The Empress Dowager sighed and answered: “In the past when you were looking for a job or chased a promotion, I always said that I wanted to help you, but you never agreed. I can’t even remember how many times you told me that you wanted to rely on yourself. And now, here you are, begging for help because of a man?”

 

“It’s a big deal now, unlike before.” Zhang Yuze pushed the door open, knowing very well that his mother’s tongue was sharp, but she still agreed to help them.

 

At that point, there was nothing left for Mother Zhang to say. She just sighed and scolded: “Let me say this, you child… You’re so easy to take advantage of. Before there was a Shen Mo, and now there’s a Xu Li. In this way, you’ll only end up hurt.”

 

“Mom, you’re ruining my character setup.” Zhang Yuze smiled and said. “I’m not being a fool this time. I’m sure about Xu Li, he’ll be next to me for many years to come.”

 

The Empress Dowager glanced away, obviously not paying attention to what he said.

 

As they entered the apartment, Zhang Yuze called out: “Silly dog, I’m back! My mom’s here. Don’t keep her waiting.”

 

Silence.

 

Frowning, Zhang Yuze checked the bedroom, only to find it empty. The wardrobe was also open, with all of Xu Li’s belongings gone. Zhang Yuze’s heart sank. “He left…” he murmured, staring at his left-behind clothes, all neatly stacked.

 

The Empress Dowager placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s probably trying to protect you. He’ll contact you when he’s ready.”

 

But Zhang Yuze wasn’t convinced. He tried calling Xu Li’s phone, only to hear the same automated message: “The number you dialed has been turned off. Frustrated, he slammed his phone onto the table. “I have to find him. Something must have happened. He wouldn’t leave like this.”

 

“Don’t worry.” When Mother Zhang saw her son so frightened, she finally couldn’t bear it and helped him come up with an idea: “Xu Li is not a child. As soon as he settles down, he’ll naturally contact you. He probably took his mother to hide and protect her. Please wait patiently.”

 

Up to that moment, Zhang Yuze had been functioning on sheer determination alone. There were things that he needed to do, so he had to do them, even if it meant letting his body collapse. As soon as his mind relaxed for a second, he felt that his entire world was bound to crumble around him. “Then I’ll contact the lawyer first. Mom, do you have anyone to recommend me?” He weakly asked.

 

However, Mother Zhang finally took control of her son and arranged everything forcefully, grabbing the mobile phone out of his hands: “We’re not doing that now. You need to rest. You’ve been running on fumes all day, just go take a nap and let me deal with those things. Don’t just waste your energy here. It’s useless.”

 

Zhang Yuze wanted to disagree but was ruthlessly interrupted by the Empress Dowager. “I know you want to fix Xu Li’s reputation by suing the media, but it’s a long process to collect evidence and you definitely can’t do it today. Just rest and wait for Xu Li to contact you. We’ll take the next step after you catch up with your sleep, we can’t afford you collapsing as well.” With that, she pushed Zhang Yuze into the bedroom.

 

However, just before leaving, Mother Zhang continued: “Why is your house so messy? Let me call a cleaner for you, just go to sleep. Let’s talk about everything when we wake up.”