QT: I hijacked a harem system and now I'm ruining every plot(GL)-Chapter 31: Under the bus

Jiang Wei's POV

I grip my phone so tightly that my knuckles turn white.

The screen is flooded with headlines, each one worse than the last.

> "Jiang Yuxi Speaks Out: The Truth Behind the Scandal."

"Once the Film Empress, Now the Phoenix Reborn?"

"Industry Insiders Rally Behind Jiang Yuxi – A Story of Resilience."

Bullshit.

I throw my phone onto the couch, barely suppressing the urge to kick the damn coffee table.

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The article praises her.

The public praises her.

Even the elite media outlets, the ones that normally don't touch entertainment gossip, are covering her story.

Why?

How?

I narrow my eyes, jaw clenched.

She has a sponsor.

That's the only explanation.

Someone powerful. Someone rich.

Someone who can control the narrative and make sure every news outlet reports on it.

I pace back and forth in my penthouse, my frustration boiling over.

"That woman—" I hiss through gritted teeth.

And now, it's like everything I did has been wiped clean.

Like she never fell at all.

No—worse.

And I have no idea who's behind it. It must be the one I saw in that luxury car, a couple of months ago.A soft voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Jiang Wei... maybe you should sit down for a bit?"

I snap my head toward Lin Meyu, who's standing near the doorway, looking hesitant.

Her hands fidget slightly, as if she's debating whether or not she should approach me.

"Sit down?" I repeat, laughing bitterly. "Do I look like I should be sitting down right now?"

She hesitates. "I just mean... maybe you should take a deep breath before you do something reckless. You're just—"

She stops herself.

I glare.

"Just what?" I press.

Her fingers tighten around the hem of her dress.

"You're angry," she says carefully, eyes darting toward the phone I just threw. "And when you're angry, you don't always think things through."

I scoff.

"I'm thinking just fine, thanks."

She sighs, her expression softening as she steps closer.

"Jiang Wei, I know this isn't what you expected, but—"

I don't let her finish.

"Then tell me, Meyu. What should I have expected?" I snap.

She flinches slightly, but tries to keep her face neutral.

"I just think—maybe it's time to stop focusing on Jiang Yuxi," she says quietly.

I freeze.

My blood runs cold.

"Stop focusing on her?" My voice comes out sharp, venomous.

She doesn't answer immediately.

But that silence? That hesitation? It's all I need.

"You think I should let her win?" I demand.

"That's not what I—"

"That's exactly what you're saying!" I explode, stepping closer, towering over her.

She takes a step back.

"Jiang Wei, I'm just trying to help—"

I laugh harshly.

"Help? What help? You're here telling me to roll over and let her walk all over me!"

"That's not—"

"I should've known," I sneer. "You were always too soft."

Her expression wavers.

I don't know if it's hurt or disappointment, but it makes me angrier.

She swallows, forcing a weak smile.

"Then I guess there's nothing I can say that you'll want to hear."

And just like that, she turns around and walks away.

The door clicks shut.I don't stop her, I have no time to coddle her.The silence stretches.

I press my fingers against my temple, inhaling deeply.

I need to calm down.

I need to think.

Soft footsteps approach, and a gentle hand rests on my shoulder.

My manager.

"Jiang Wei," she soothes, her voice careful, measured. "You need to stop letting your emotions control you."

I close my eyes, exhaling shakily.

"I did everything right," I murmur. "I played the game better than anyone. Why is she winning?"

She sighs, stepping in front of me.

"You don't have to lose."

I look at her, searching for an answer.

"How?"

She places a folder on the table.

"A press conference."

I frown. "What for?"

She gives me a knowing look.

"To separate yourself from the sinking ship."

***

The media room is packed,dozens of reporters and flashing cameras.I take a deep breath before stepping onto the stage.

Everything has been carefully planned.

Every word scripted.

I just have to deliver it right.

I sit down, my face arranged in an expression of solemn regret.

"Good evening," I begin. "I appreciate you all being here today."

A murmur moves through the crowd.

I take another breath, perfectly timed, before continuing.

"The recent allegations that have come to light within the industry are deeply troubling. Like many of you, I am shocked and appalled by the information that has surfaced."

I pause.

Let them think I'm on their side.

"I want to make it very clear that I had no prior knowledge of any illegal activities or misconduct. Any association between myself and those accused was purely professional."

The murmurs grow louder.

Some reporters nod. Others look skeptical.

I school my expression into one of earnest disappointment.

"To anyone who has suffered due to the actions of these individuals, I offer my deepest sympathies. I fully support the necessary investigations to ensure justice is served."

And then, the final blow.

The sacrifice.

"Moving forward, I will be cutting all ties with those involved. I had no knowledge of their actions, and I refuse to be associated with such behavior."

Translation?

I'm throwing them all under the bus.

The people who helped me rise to the top.

The directors, the producers, the actors who thought we were allies.

I'm leaving them behind.

For my own survival.

I fold my hands together, looking calm, dignified.

This is how I turn the tide.

This is how I win.

As I step off the stage, my phone buzzes.

A single text from an unknown number.

> "Nice try."

My stomach drops.

I don't know who sent it.

---

Meanwhile, in the System Core...

> SYSTEM 404: [WARNING: MAJOR PLO

T DEVIATION DETECTED.]

SYSTEM 404: [PLOT DESTRUCTION RATE AT 92%.]

SYSTEM 404: [THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.]

SYSTEM 404: [WHY IS SHE STILL INTERFERING? WHY CAN'T I CONTROL HER?]

SYSTEM 404: [HOST. STOP. STOP. STOP—]

CONNECTION LOST.