Anchor Effect - Chapter 22.2: Public opinion management

Ye Yuchen finally understood why Yu Xiu seemed like a different person now – he had apparently caught onto his "weakness." Yu Xiu had initiated the conversation about Ye Yuchen's life not to admit that he was the one who cared more, but because he had realized that Ye Yuchen cared even more than he did. So, he deliberately brought up the topic to test the waters.

"What's the matter?" Having comprehended the reason, Ye Yuchen regained his composure. "This is the playback history."

"You've been watching my movies," Yu Xiu pointed out.

"Well, I'm interested in seeing how you're doing," Ye Yuchen responded. "You did say you'd be delighted if I weren't doing well. So, I'm watching to see when you'll decline."

"..." Yu Xiu frowned. "Then why are you helping me find endorsements? Aren't you contradicting yourself?"

Ye Yuchen had to admit he was contradicting himself. But he didn't like the way Yu Xiu had cornered him into this situation, making him feel uncomfortable.

But it seemed that Yu Xiu had also realized that pressing him for answers wasn't productive, so he eased up a bit and let out a sigh. "You must be very disappointed. I've been doing well all these years."

Ye Yuchen was aware of Yu Xiu's success in his career. If it weren't for the Shao family's interference, he'd be working non-stop and not even have time for a vacation.

"But you're facing some difficulties now," Ye Yuchen casually remarked.

Yu Xiu chose to ignore that comment and continued, "You know, I made a gay-themed film after graduation. At that time, people started rumors that I was gay. They even produced 'evidence' from the school's forum."

Ye Yuchen vaguely recalled what Yu Xiu was getting at but didn't respond.

"But those rumors never really gained traction," Yu Xiu went on. "Even rumors that I was being kept by a wealthy man, among others, inexplicably disappeared."

Ye Yuchen knew why there was a rumor about him being "kept by a wealthy man." He had used his connections to secure a top luxury endorsement for Yu Xiu and outmaneuvered another potential candidate. After that, people began to speculate that there was someone powerful backing Yu Xiu.

That rumor had actually originated from Ye Yuchen, so it was only right that he helped Yu Xiu address it.

"I usually don't pay much attention to things other than acting," Yu Xiu explained. "It's always my mother who's worried about them. Do you know how all those rumors were resolved?"

"Auntie must have some ways," Ye Yuchen guessed.

"Really?" Yu Xiu tilted his head. "I thought it had something to do with you."

Ye Yuchen's heart skipped a beat again.

"Weren't you the one who used to handle all those incidents on the school forum?" Yu Xiu continued.

Thinking it over carefully, Ye Yuchen realized that was indeed the case. He had been managing public opinion for Yu Xiu ever since their college days.