Chapter 16: Stealing and Slipping Away—That’s the True Spirit of the Entertainment Industry

Being muted is actually quite normal, especially since he had been firing shots at multiple celebrities in a row, which clearly stirred up conflict.

While browsing the trending topics, Xu Qingfeng noticed the comment section filled with coordinated responses: "Must be because of tax evasion."

"I knew he was no good."

"Great news for everyone."

"Serves him right!"

Xu Qingfeng just smiled it off. There are countless trolls, but he only targets the heavyweights.

However, since they muted him, surely they wouldn’t spare Zhang Hongbo and those pests—at least a full account suspension package should be in order.

Just as he was about to check their Weibo accounts, Zhao Kaixin called.

"Bro, maybe we should just drop this."

"Hmm?"

"You can't beat them," Zhao Kaixin sighed.

Xu Qingfeng narrowed his eyes, an ominous feeling rising in his chest. "Did Weibo mute only me?"

"Sigh, bro, Xinghui and Houtianxia are veteran entertainment companies. Last year, they mobilized their entire staff at the Weibo Night event. The waters are deep there."

Xu Qingfeng laughed bitterly. "Fine, fine, if that's how they want to play it, screw Weibo—I’ll keep posting anyway!"

"Damn!"

"Calm down, big brother!"

Xu Qingfeng opened the Weibo pages of Zhang Hongbo and others. Sure enough, their accounts were intact and unaffected. Apart from himself, Zhang Hongbo, Miao Qing, Li Deshou, and Chen He had received no penalties.

He filed an appeal with the Weibo administrators, and the official response immediately put his mind at ease.

"Hello, due to content you recently posted violating the Weibo Community Guidelines, your account has been muted for 7 days..."

At this critical moment, a 7-day mute gave Zhang Hongbo and the others a chance to turn the tables.

If they managed to clear their names thoroughly within these days, they could easily shift the blame onto Xu Qingfeng.

"Fuck Weibo!"

Was he helpless just because of a mute?

How naive.

Before Xu Qingfeng could react, Zhang Peng from the Shanghai Tax Bureau called.

"Xiao Xu, your previous report was a great contribution. We’ve decided to help clear your name and give you a reward for your tip-off."

Xu Qingfeng was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Thank you so much, Director Zhang."

Zhang Peng said meaningfully, "We’ve heard about the recent events. Rest assured, we won’t let our comrades suffer injustice. If you have time, come down to the bureau."

"You know, I’m not really up for going out right now... You can just donate the reward for me."

Xu Qingfeng was reluctant to go. If it wasn’t necessary, he preferred to stay home. The outside world was just too dangerous.

"Hehe, this time we’ve arranged interviews with major media outlets. Are you sure you won’t come?"

Xu Qingfeng was taken aback, unsure what Zhang Peng implied.

With his current reputation, there was no way mainstream media would want to interview him.

"What do you mean?"

"For those who gather firewood for others, they shouldn’t freeze in the snow."

Xu Qingfeng’s expression turned strange. Gathering firewood? That phrase sounded more like sending people to their doom.

...

On Weibo, the mindless fan clubs had already started their group activities.

Some people’s thought processes were just that simple: Xu Qingfeng was muted, others weren’t, so it must be his fault.

A gossip platform was actually sentencing someone online, and the users didn’t even find it odd.

Weibo is sick and needs heavy medicine.

At the Shanghai Tax Bureau, reporters gathered, all from mainstream media—not the usual entertainment outlets.

This was a level of attention Xu Qingfeng had never received, even at his peak.

He felt a bit nervous. "Director Zhang, such a big event... I’m afraid I’ll say something wrong."

Zhang Peng laughed. "What wrong could you possibly say? Speak boldly and confidently."

"Won’t they give me a hard time?" Xu Qingfeng remained uneasy.

On Weibo, nonsense could be ignored or blocked, but with official media, one had to be careful.

Zhang Peng patted him on the shoulder like he was looking at a walking success story. "Don’t worry. We’ve told them—this event is to support you."

The tax bureau’s job was taxing, literally. They had to increase revenue while reducing burdens, and even assess tax collection satisfaction. It was a tough task.

Shanghai had countless celebrities; they couldn’t investigate everyone. That’s when the timely rain of Xu Qingfeng appeared. Just a small move from him brought in nearly half a billion yuan in taxes—a true blessing.

Before the tax bureau’s award ceremony even started, Xinghui and Houtianxia launched a major joint offensive.

Artists under Xinghui seemed to have received orders and mobilized fully.

Jiang Wei: "Xu Qingfeng is usually crazy. I suggest he get his mental health checked."

Wang Yao: "Ah, he’s just a lunatic taking his frustrations out on society."

"Terrible reputation. If he wasn’t in the same company, I wouldn’t even bother with him."

"Xinghui Entertainment will never work with Xu Qingfeng."

"Houtianxia will never cooperate with Xu Qingfeng either."

"Xu Qingfeng is a disgrace to the entertainment industry."

"People like him should be expelled from the entertainment world."

The mute on Weibo sent a clear message. Coupled with the actions from Xinghui and Houtianxia, Xu Qingfeng was painted as public enemy number one, reviled by all.

Even the bystanders started to waver.

"Doesn’t it look like Xu Qingfeng’s done for?"

"Really? Is he that disliked?"

"His reputation must be terrible."

"Honestly, I want to see him expose more. It’s thrilling."

Amidst the chorus of condemnation, the Shanghai Tax Bureau’s press conference finally began.

Zhang Peng personally handed Xu Qingfeng a giant plaque for his 100,000 yuan reward. Flashbulbs popped nonstop from the photographers.

Xu Qingfeng held 100,000 yuan in each hand—an almost surreal moment.

After the applause died down, the interview session began.

Xu Qingfeng glanced at Zhang Peng, who nodded, signaling him to speak freely.

Reporter: "Why did you report Zhang Hongbo and Chen He? There are rumors online that it was a personal vendetta. Is that true?"

Xu Qingfeng widened his eyes. "Are you trying to pick a fight? Standing up for justice isn’t personal revenge."

"Then what’s your reason?"

Xu Qingfeng replied firmly, "Paying taxes legally is a citizen’s duty. If I didn’t know, fine, but since I do, I must act. This is also to prevent them from going astray."

"So you mean they should thank you?"

Xu Qingfeng shrugged and smiled, "I’ve always been kind-hearted. No need to thank me."

"How do you view peers treating legal tax payment as optional?"

"I guess they mastered the ‘Quantum Collapse Tax Law’—the money they earn inflates enough to buy rockets, but their tax payments collapse to barely afford fireworks. I recommend they apply for the Nobel Prize in Economics."

"There are rumors that tax evasion and avoidance are rampant in the entertainment industry, with many celebrities involved. Is that true?"

Xu Qingfeng shook his head. "No."

The reporter pressed on, "So it’s not that serious?"

"It’s not just some—more than half of them do it. Tax evasion is a widespread practice in entertainment. What you see is just the tip of the iceberg."

"Damn!?" The reporter was dumbfounded.

Who dares say this?

Attacking the entire entertainment industry? Is this man suicidal?