The Beijing Young Master was silenced by Li Yuan's counter-offer.
He assumed Li Yuan's mother was corrupt, but not that rich. 100 million was pocket change?
Even he, a Beijing elite, couldn't say that. He couldn't produce that cash.
Is he really rich, or bluffing?
"I didn't expect Brother Li to be so wealthy. My apologies. But I hope Brother Li gives me face. This is my last tournament; I can't afford to lose." The Young Master remained polite but arrogant. My face is important.
"Bad luck for you. I either don't compete, or I leave no stains on my record. Give up," Li Yuan said flatly.
"Brother Li, must you go this far? I recorded this call. With your mother's position, having such wealth is suspicious. You don't want an investigation, right?" The Young Master's tone turned cold, threatening.
He cited the recording because of the background moans. A sex party? Releasing this would ruin Li Yuan's reputation.
Plus, a corruption investigation on his mother would surely find something. Officials with unexplained wealth always fell.
"Speechless... why do you think wealth comes from parents? Just because you rely on family money doesn't mean everyone does. Do whatever. You'll be crushed in two days." Li Yuan scoffed, hanging up and blocking.
What a retard. Is fate forcing a generic villain on me?
Officials are dirty? Sure. But not my mom.
She only cares about promotion. She doesn't need to embezzle when her son sends her tens of millions monthly.
The problem isn't Mom; it's ME.
Playing women, leaving seeds, arranging businesses.
But technically... no rules broken.
Consensual sex. Silver Crests ensure loyalty. No one will sue for rape.
Investigate all you want. If you find a problem, it's on me.
The Young Master was furious. "Damn it! What is he? Refusing face? Thinking a parent official makes him invincible?"
As a Beijing big shot, he was used to getting his way. Offering 10 million was generous; usually, he'd arrange a "sickness."
But Li Yuan was weird, sticking with Champion Diantha. No chance for covert action.
He didn't even know where Li Yuan lived (teleportation).
So he used the primitive method: buying a win. And he got mocked. Who can tolerate this?
Since you refuse face, I'll destroy you.
The Young Master posted the edited recording online anonymously. He hired water armies (bots/trolls) to spread it, accusing Li Yuan of promiscuity, orgies, and corruption.
Even without proof, public pressure would force the organizers to disqualify him.
A sharp sword indeed.
Under the water army's rhythm, the recording went viral.
The Young Master edited out his threat, leaving only implications of Li Yuan's corruption and adultery. Public anger exploded.
Li Yuan was already a tall tree catching wind. Dating a Champion and hugging contestants made many jealous. Now, with a "scandal," people sprayed venom.
By the time Li Yuan woke up the next day, the internet demanded an investigation.
It was big enough to attract official attention. Li Yuan's mother was summoned.
The tournament organizers were in a bind. The stream chat was flooded with hate.
Li Yuan hugging women on stage was undeniable. Disqualification seemed the only option.
But they knew Li Yuan had backing and provided Mega Evolution. Touching him was harder than ascending to heaven.
Plus, some officials were Li Yuan's women. They argued fiercely against disqualification.
Li Yuan found out too late.
"Li Yuan, why is your phone off? Something big happened!" Cynthia called anxiously.
"Just knew. A fly was annoying last night, so I turned it off," Li Yuan said calmly.
"You might turn yourself into a prison cell." Cynthia complained.
"Relax. Not a big problem."
"Corruption isn't, but public opinion is fermentation. The higher-ups have to act."
"Tch. This is fermentation? I'll show you real fermentation later."
"You have a solution?"
"You guys overthink it or get scared by public opinion. It's a small matter. Since the Young Master wants noise, let's make it bigger. I recorded the call too. I'll send it to you. Edit it."
"Clarify with the recording?"
"Clarify? No. Continue framing me. Slander me. Attack me. The more ridiculous, the better."
"Why?"
"Clarification is useless now. It just makes it look darker. Instead, edit the call to accuse me of everything: serial killings 20 years ago, impregnating the village widow, causing the Pokémon world collapse. Make it so exaggerated that even netizens think it's insulting their intelligence."
"I think I understand." Cynthia realized.
Right now, people were angry but unsure.
If more ridiculous rumors flooded in, rational people would dismiss everything—including the original rumor—as fake nonsense.
And they didn't need to buy water armies. They were the water army.
Tens of thousands of wives, united and obedient.
They would spread fake news, mix truth and lies, and then have the "Big Influencer Wives" livestream a "rational analysis" to debunk the absurdities.
As long as the highest officials valued Mega Evolution and didn't touch Li Yuan, he was invincible. Other moves were just noise.
Could rumors beat official clarification?
Since the Young Master wants to play, I'll show him a real open plot. True social death.