Chapter 193: Surrounded by Paparazzi

While rumors about Qiao Sisi and Fang Zhou were flying everywhere, Fang Zhou was finishing up his last IV drip, packing his bags, and preparing to go home.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the hospital doors, he was swarmed by a crowd.

Some people had cameras pointed directly at his face, while others were shoving microphones toward him, demanding an interview.

“Mr. Fang, we heard you had a past with the big star Sisi. Can you tell us about it?”

“Fang Zhou! As Qiao Sisi’s first love, appearing with her on the dating show, was it accidental or intentional?”

“Are you two rekindling your old flame? When Sisi visited you in the hospital yesterday, what were your thoughts?”

The reporters were chattering so loudly that Fang Zhou’s eardrums felt like they were about to burst. Not to mention the flashing cameras that blinded him.

Instinctively, Fang Zhou tried to retreat back into the hospital, but he found himself surrounded from behind as well, with no space to move.

He was utterly shocked, unable to comprehend how these people knew about his past with Qiao Sisi.

But then it dawned on him—it must’ve been because Qiao Sisi was spotted at the hospital yesterday.

Indeed, their relationship had existed, and it was only a matter of time before it was uncovered. But he hadn’t expected it to happen now.

As Fang Zhou was about to explain, a reporter’s microphone nearly jabbed into his mouth.

Feeling cornered and knowing that saying the wrong thing could lead to backlash, he restrained himself. Moreover, he wasn’t sure about Qiao Sisi’s stance or if there was a need to keep things under wraps.

Behind Fang Zhou, Han Xi’s assistant quickly stepped up, doubling as an impromptu bodyguard.

“Excuse me, please step aside. Mr. Fang isn’t feeling well and can’t take interviews right now.”

The tall, imposing assistant led Fang Zhou through the crowd, then opened the car door and shoved him inside.

He followed suit, instructing the driver Han Xi had sent.

“Drive. Get us out of here.”

The extended Lincoln sped away, leaving behind a sea of envious gazes.

“Fang Zhou is this rich? He’s riding in such a fancy car!”

“Damn, wasn’t he a washed-up streamer? Does he have a secret identity?”

“Hurry, post this! This will definitely go viral!”

In the car, Fang Zhou finally had a moment to pull out his phone and check the situation.

On Weibo’s entertainment section, his and Qiao Sisi’s names were trending in several hot topics.

The most prominent was titled: “Top Star Qiao Sisi Rekindles Romance with First Love Fang Zhou!”

Fang Zhou felt a headache coming on.

What is this?

Who’s rekindling what with her?

Qiao Sisi had only visited the hospital, and it turned into this.

These media outlets were really blowing things out of proportion.

Scrolling further, he saw fans’ shocked and angry comments.

“Damn it! My Sisi has been taken! I’m so mad I could die!”

“Damn man, how dare you break Sisi’s heart after capturing it early on! Unless she dumped you, I’ll drown you in saltwater!”

“Wow, Fang Zhou hid this so well! I thought he was a decent guy on the show, but he pretended not to know Sisi!”

This last comment felt unfair to Fang Zhou.

It wasn’t that he pretended not to know her.

With four ex-girlfriends on the show, he couldn’t acknowledge any of them openly!

If he acknowledged one, what about the others?

Acknowledging all of them was unthinkable!

Among the critical comments, there were actually a few people genuinely shipping the couple.

“Oh my god, my ship has sailed! Everyone, who else is on board?”

“If their reconciliation is true, I hope they stay together forever! Get married already!”

“They look so much like a married couple. I don’t get why some fans are barking. Where will you find someone more handsome than Fang Zhou for Sisi?”

The more Fang Zhou read, the more anxious he became, so he decided to turn off his phone.

He rubbed his temples, feeling a headache despite no physical injury there.

Han Xi’s assistant, sitting beside him, was about to speak when he heard the video call sound and saw it was from the boss.

“Hello, President Han.”

Answering the call, he saw Han Xi’s icy expression.

“Give the phone to Fang Zhou.”

Knowing that she had arranged for him and the driver to take Fang Zhou home, she assumed he was nearby.

The assistant didn’t delay, nudging Fang Zhou’s arm and handing him the phone.

“Mr. Fang.”

Fang Zhou opened his eyes, feeling a bit guilty upon hearing Han Xi’s voice.

Wait, she’s an ex-girlfriend now. Why feel guilty?

After mentally steeling himself, he answered the call.

“Han Xi.”

“How are your eyes?”

Fang Zhou nodded instinctively, replying honestly, “Much better.”

“If you’re feeling better, don’t go home yet. There’s a banquet I need a male companion for. Can you help me out?”

Her gaze was firm, her expression calm, revealing no emotion. She spoke naturally, with no hint of anger, as if she wasn’t bothered by the tabloid news about him and Qiao Sisi.

Fang Zhou was taken aback, uncertain.

“A male companion? Me?”

Han Xi nodded slightly, affirming, “Yes, I couldn’t find anyone suitable on short notice.”

“Can you help?”

The usually assertive and domineering CEO used a questioning tone, tinged with a barely noticeable hint of vulnerability and unease.

As if afraid Fang Zhou might reject her.

Fang Zhou had never experienced this before and felt a soft spot in his heart.

He hesitated, wanting to refuse.

“But I rarely attend such events. I’m afraid I’ll embarrass you. Maybe you should find someone more suitable.”

He was being truthful. Ordinary people rarely had the chance to attend such high-profile events.

On the other end, Han Xi, surprisingly, smiled, like a thawing lake in February touched by the spring breeze.

She said, “It’s alright, I’ll be there with you.”

“Just help me this once, okay?”

Fang Zhou recalled the excellent meals he had been enjoying recently and thought, “I owe her for that.”

Fine, it’s just a banquet. I can stay in the corner.

“Alright, just this once.”

Ultimately, Fang Zhou agreed.