My Evil Genius Wife

The next day at the Jade Hotel, the main hall was arranged to host the press conference. A small stage was set up, featuring a long table with chairs, microphones, and water bottles.

Below the stage, four rows of chairs with tables for convenience were lined up for the reporters. The interior of the hotel struck a balance between simplicity and luxury, exuding an air of elegance.

Outside the Jade Hotel, security was noticeably tightened. Increased numbers of guards were stationed to ensure that only invited reporters had access to the venue, maintaining order among the eager journalists.

During the press conference, the hotel was off-limits to the general public, with barriers and signage in place to redirect unrelated traffic. These stringent security measures emphasized the event's critical nature and the organizers' commitment to ensuring its successful execution.

Reporters who arrived an hour early for the press conference were impressed by the meticulous arrangements. Even though there was still time before the event started, early arrivals were directed to a resting lounge where they could relax and enjoy refreshments.

This was the first time that the reporters were treated like VIP customers. Among them were some who had reported negatively about the scandal. They began to feel guilty for being treated so well and indulged in delicious food when they had done nothing but tarnish the image of the artists involved.

Luo Dan was keeping an eye on the press conference arrangements, and she couldn't help but smirk when she saw the reporters' mixed looks of pleasure and guilt.

Having worked in the ruthless entertainment industry for years, she understood a crucial principle:  Reporters could be both your best friends and worst enemies. Treat them right, and they'll make you a star; cross them, and they could ruin you overnight.

To maximize the impact of the press conference, Luo Dan invited top media outlets with solid reputations in the entertainment industry, recognizing the weight of their words. And for the fans? A live broadcast straight from the company's website so they could see for themselves what was going down.

But this press conference was about more than just clearing the air.

Luo Dan knew that this wasn't just a simple scandal. The rapid release of more articles seemed to be an orchestrated effort, likely the work of rival entertainment companies threatened by HJ Entertainment's strong and emerging presence.

Unable to lure their artists away, these companies were determined to undermine them, attempting to turn them into a public laughingstock.

But Luo Dan wasn't about to let that happen. This was more than a scandal; it was a game, and she knew how to play.

The goal of the press conference was clear: HJ Entertainment was new, sure, but that didn't mean anyone could just walk all over them.

___

At 2 pm -

When the time for the press conference arrived, the main hall buzzed with activity. Reporters were all set with their questions, fingers flying over laptop keys, while others were live broadcasting to share the event with the world.

"HJ Entertainment is a new company, but they're going all out for this press conference. There's gotta be some big news coming," one reporter said.

"I've got a feeling something major's about to go down. These arrangements don't look like they're just for a regular press conference," another added.

"Can you believe the VIP treatment we're getting here? And just for a press conference!" a third chimed in.

The room was filled with a mix of anticipation and confusion, as the reporters exchanged whispers and speculations, wondering what the event had in store.

As everyone was deep in thought, the door near the stage suddenly swung open. Luo Dan appeared, looking every bit professional in a white formal jumpsuit and sleek ponytail. The transformation was striking; the ex-idol known as an angel in the idol world now looked fierce and businesslike.

Reporters gasped at the sight, and one couldn't help but whisper to another, "Is that really Luo Dan? She looks like a completely different person!"

Another reporter nodded in agreement, replying, "You said it. Whatever's happening today, she's taking it seriously."

Following her, an assistant carried important documents. Luo Dan greeted the assembled reporters with a polite bow before taking her seat at the center of the stage's table.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Luo Dan began, her voice firm and confident. "Thank you for joining us today. We have some important matters to discuss, and I appreciate your attention."

The room buzzed with anticipation. The new, determined Luo Dan meant business, and everyone could feel it.

Luo Dan faced the reporters with unshakable confidence and began with a friendly smile. "I'm sure you're all wondering why we called this press conference today," she said.

"We've arranged this to announce four major pieces of news related to our artists. We wanted to make sure our fans and the public hear about our decisions directly from us. That's why we're holding this press conference," she explained, her expression determined.

The reporters in the audience exchanged glances, suspecting that the news was related to the scandal.

"Four pieces of news? What could that be?" a reporter whispered to a colleague.

"I'm betting it's about Jia Fei's dismissal and an admission of the scandal. She's here to clean up the mess," the other reporter responded, eyes fixed on Luo Dan, waiting for the big reveal.

Luo Dan smiled warmly, ready to make the first announcement. "The first piece of news is regarding the future projects of The Knights," she began.

"With all the success and love they've received, we've decided to reward our international fans with a world tour. Everything is prepared, venues are booked, and the concert dates will be revealed soon. Ticket sales will be available online soon," she explained.

The reporters' faces fell; this wasn't the news they were expecting. They were there to cover the scandal, not hear about concerts and tours. What was all this nonsense about?

Growing impatient, one reporter interjected, "Ms. Luo Dan, we're here for information on the scandal involving your boyfriend and your best friend. Can you comment on that?"

Others joined in, pressing her further: "Is it true that Jia Fei is pregnant with Han Liang's child? Are they cheating on you?"

"We came for scandal-related news. Please speak on that subject!" they insisted.

Luo Dan's eyes turned frosty at the barrage of questions, but she maintained her composure and elegance. "If you're in such a hurry, you're welcome to leave," she said calmly. "But if you want to attend this event, please maintain decorum. Let me finish my announcements first, and then you may ask questions."

She added, with a meaningful look, "However, I'm sure that once you hear what I have to say, you'll have no further questions."

The room fell into a tense silence, everyone awaiting Luo Dan's next move. Her control of the situation was masterful, and the reporters knew they were in for something significant.

After Luo Dan's firm response, the reporters backed off, waiting for her to finish her announcements. They might have been put in their place for now, but that didn't mean they were going to let her off the hook.

If she thought she could dodge their questions with a world tour announcement and some VIP treatment, she had another thing coming. They were reporters, after all, and they were there to get the real story, not to be wined and dined.

No fancy refreshments or smooth words were going to distract them from their goal. They would wait, but when the time came, they were going to ask the tough questions, and they expected answers.

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