Chapter Fifty-Six: Indeed, No Action Was Taken

The only explanation is that they've been bewitched—or, to put it plainly, controlled.

Even the usually lively voice of Green Coriander grew somber, but she quickly spoke up again, "Host, wait a moment, I'll get you something for protection!"

However, Shen Qingli refused.

"These people are all fans of Rong Qiaoyi. If I lay a hand on them, I won't just be trending tomorrow—I'll be spending the night at the police station," Shen Qingli replied. Just as Green Coriander was about to ask what they should do instead, the woman kicked open the car door with a single motion. The person who had been clinging to it was sent sprawling to the ground by the sudden force.

"Host, is this what you call… not using force?" Green Coriander asked.

Shen Qingli's lips curled into a slight smile. "This is what I call genuine self-defense."

She stepped out of the car, grabbing her umbrella, ready to fend off any objects that might be hurled at her. Yet, the aura she exuded simply by standing there with her black umbrella was enough to keep some people from coming any closer.

"You'll be paying the car wash bill," she said irritably, casting a glance at her newly purchased car.

"And why should we?" someone shouted.

"Why?" Shen Qingli's presence filled the space, her black umbrella lazily poised, her gaze drifting to the media who had arrived late after receiving the news. She spoke with indifference, "Because you damaged my car and caused me both psychological and material harm."

Her languid demeanor only fueled the crowd's resentment. They were about to argue when the cold glint in her eyes made them choke on their words.

"So this is the true character of Rong Qiaoyi's fans. I must say, it's an eye-opener," she sneered.

The media, already present, began recording everything they witnessed.

"Ms. Shen, do you have anything to say regarding the rumors online?"

"Yes, Ms. Shen, is any of it true? Are you really best friends with Rong Qiaoyi?"

Shen Qingli laughed. "When did I ever say I was her best friend? Isn't she the one always trying to gain clout by associating with me?"

"And besides, if you believe everything you read online, is there any point in asking me?"

As she spoke, her phone vibrated. Reading the message, her smile deepened.

"In response to today's trending topics, our company, Tianqi, has issued a full statement on our official website. If there's anything else you wish to know, please follow the proper procedures."

Before getting out of the car, she sent the evidence she had collected the previous night to Li Xi, just in case. She hadn't expected the girl to act so quickly and handle everything with such efficiency.

With that, Shen Qingli turned and headed for the elevator.

Suddenly, the man from earlier appeared before her, a gleaming knife in his hand that made Shen Qingli's body tense.

"Go to hell, you filthy woman!" he shouted, rushing at her with inhuman speed.

Everyone gasped and stared at Shen Qingli in horror.

Some, unable to bear the sight, closed their eyes, convinced she was doomed. But then, a loud crash resounded.

Bang!

Shen Qingli dodged swiftly and kicked the man aside. The sound had come from his back slamming into the elevator doors.

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" The man's eyes were blood-red, his expression utterly deranged. Brandishing his knife again, he charged at her once more.

"Someone like you deserves to die a thousand deaths!" he roared.

Shen Qingli rolled her eyes at his outburst, scoffed coldly, and, instead of dodging, kicked him squarely in the chest. With a spinning side kick, she sent him sprawling to the ground and didn't stop—she slapped him hard across the face.

What the onlookers didn't know was that with this slap, Shen Qingli had knocked the demonic energy right out of him.

"Are you awake now?" she asked coldly, stepping back, her eyes icy.

This scene was caught on all the media cameras; everyone was stunned by the woman standing there.

"Wh-what did I do?" the man stammered, his mind finally clearing.

"I've already called the police. The rest is up to you," Shen Qingli said, stepping into the elevator as the crowd finally came to their senses.

The police arrived swiftly. Reporters wasted no time uploading footage of what had happened in the underground parking lot. Combined with the evidence already circulating online, Shen Qingli was now indisputably seen as the victim.

Now, the pressure shifted entirely to Rong Qiaoyi, whose social media was instantly overwhelmed.

After all, Shen Qingli had produced evidence that her dress was a fake, surveillance had captured Rong Qiaoyi’s attack, and Shen Qingli had clarified that they were merely business associates.

It was a savage blow to Rong Qiaoyi’s image.

"Damn it, damn Shen Qingli, that wretch!" Rong Qiaoyi was seething, wishing she could tear Shen Qingli apart with her bare hands. She swept everything off the table in a fit of rage, and only the sound of breaking objects soothed her temper a little.

"Why haven’t you fixed my PR crisis yet? Move! Now!" she screamed at her manager, who quickly fled to handle the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Rong Qiaoyi tried to suppress the malice in her heart.

"All of them are wretches," she muttered. Thinking of the online chaos, she sneered, "Shen Qingli, what right do you have to compete with me?"

With that, she pulled out her phone and resumed her carefully crafted persona.

"I never expected Qingli to dislike me so much. I truly wanted to be her friend, and I had no idea my fans would defend me so fiercely. On their behalf, I sincerely apologize to you, Qingli. I’m very sorry."

"This entire matter is my fault. I’m really sorry, Qingli—please forgive me. I apologize to you here and now!"

But reading Rong Qiaoyi’s posts, it was plain to see she showed no intention of taking responsibility.

"This is no apology at all!" Li Xi couldn't help but curse, especially after seeing the comments beneath. She wanted nothing more than to punch those people.

"These people are awful! How can they say you were the one seeking attention, when it was clearly Rong Qiaoyi doing so!"

Shen Qingli smiled gently at the fuming Li Xi.

"People have mouths—what they say is their business. Getting angry over people like that simply isn’t worth it."

She had long anticipated this outcome. After all, Rong Qiaoyi was no simple character. Since she dared to stir up such trouble, it meant she was never afraid of what people would say online.