Chinese entertainment industry has been booming since 2008.

Zhang Yangxinlang's Weibo post was well-organized and meticulously clarified the so-called negative rumors.

Regarding the claim of "dating three girlfriends at the same time": Zhang Yang frankly admitted that he did have two short-term relationships during his studies abroad, which overlapped in time. He said that he was immature when he was young and apologized to his ex-girlfriends. However, he claimed that the party photos of the so-called "three girlfriends" were photoshopped to mislead people, and he attached the original photos of the scene.

Regarding the "bullying of classmates": Zhang Yang attached scanned copies of official documents from the US school and local police at the time. Of course, key information has been redacted. The documents clearly show that Zhang Yang was the one being bullied. He fought back and called the police, which led to the conflict with the bully. He provided the police report receipt and the school's notice on the handling of the incident.

Regarding the accusation of "discrimination against Black people": The evidence is a complete, unedited video recording of a classroom discussion on a film involving racial issues. Zhang Yang's remarks were taken out of context. The complete recording shows that his views were neutral and based on film analysis, and there were absolutely no discriminatory remarks.

Regarding the drunk driving incident: A clear photo of the traffic ticket from that time has been attached. The person being penalized is his friend, although his name has been blurred. Zhang Yang accompanied him during the process. The time, location, and event on the ticket are completely inconsistent with the description in the rumors.

Regarding the possession of firearms: Zhang Yang showed his valid hunting license and firearms permit at the time, as well as the purchase record of the firearms safety lock. He explained that he owned the firearms out of interest in outdoor sports and strictly abided by all safety regulations.

At the end of the long post, Zhang Yang wrote: "I am not a perfect person. I have made mistakes and have been a victim. But I will never tolerate the fabrication of facts and the defamation of character. The law is the bottom line, and the truth is the weapon. I have entrusted my legal team to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the malicious rumors and the behind-the-scenes instigators, and I will resolutely pursue their legal responsibility, no matter where they are."

After Zhang Yang released his evidence, which included pictures and supporting details, public opinion began to take a surprising turn.

Some tech enthusiasts took the lead, analyzing frame by frame the photos posted by Zhang Yang to see if there were any signs of them being photoshopped. At the same time, some legal professionals also began to interpret US police documents to confirm their authenticity.

Some international students in the US shared their experiences, confirming the campus environment and gun control regulations at the time.

"This isn't dirt on us at all; it's a record of the victim fighting back!"

"A frank apology and a powerful counterattack! Support Zhang Yang!"

"This is terrifying! This is an organized frame-up! We must thoroughly investigate who's behind this!"

The initially clamorous calls for resistance were quickly drowned out by voices of support, sympathy, and demands for accountability from those behind the scenes.

China Film Group's official Weibo account immediately reposted Zhang Yang's clarification post, adding the comment: "The innocent will remain innocent, and the guilty will remain guilty. We support using legal means to protect legitimate rights and resolutely resist malicious acts that undermine the healthy development of the industry."

The fate of China Film Group quickly shifted the online sentiment, and those trolls who had been clamoring for Zhang Yang to leave the entertainment industry fell silent.

.....

In the Huayi office, Wang Xiaoer's celebratory smile froze on his face before he had even finished his champagne. Looking at the overwhelming public opinion reversal on the screen, and Zhang Yang's impeccable evidence package—almost a textbook example of legal knowledge—his glass shattered on the floor with a loud crash.

He knew that he had once again suffered a crushing defeat.

Wang Xiaoer became even angrier after receiving Han Shanping's call. It happened once, twice, every single time.

It's so frustrating, so incredibly frustrating.

"Zhang Yang, I refuse to believe you'll always be this lucky."

......

Although online public opinion has reversed after the clarification statement was released, the atmosphere in Zhang Yang's company's meeting room was not relaxed.

Zhang Yang sat in the main seat, his face stern, his fingers swiping across a tablet computer, which displayed an analysis chart of some of the online trolls and the IP addresses of the sources of the leaks that the technical team had initially tracked.

"Brother Yang, the legal letter has been officially sent to Rotten Apple Daily and several of its affiliated mainland marketing accounts."

The lawyer reported, "But prosecuting Fatty Lai would be a very complicated process and would take a long time."

Zhang Yang raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the lawyer's face: "Legal procedures must be followed, that's the bottom line, but in a war of public opinion, we can't just defend ourselves. They attack my past, so I'll expose theirs."

"Sun Yu, release the first phase of materials we've prepared. The focus isn't on Fatty Li, but on the 'writers' behind him who regularly take money to smear domestic celebrities, and their financial dealings with certain overseas entertainment capital. The headline needs to be scathing: 'Exposing the Black PR Industry Chain: Who's Manipulating Our Public Opinion?'"

Zhang Yang's approach was simple: start by targeting the small players in this industry chain. This would both deter others and serve as a warning, letting them see who would jump out first.

"in addition!"

"Qi Mingwei, taking advantage of this wave of attention, publicly announced that 'Future Pictures' will establish a 'Newcomer Legal Protection Fund,' with an initial investment of ten million yuan, specifically to help its newcomers and collaborators deal with legal issues such as online defamation and contract disputes. He emphasized our determination to protect the creative environment."

.....

Although Fatty Li caused some trouble for the box office of "You Are the Apple of My Eye", Zhang Yang's response was too timely. Before the negative news could spread completely, Zhang Yang produced evidence to refute it.

Thus, on August 9th, "You Are the Apple of My Eye" reached 480 million yuan at the box office, surpassing "Transformers 2"'s 460 million yuan, becoming the highest-grossing film in Chinese film history.

Although the box office record of "You Are the Apple of My Eye" may soon be surpassed, there is no denying that "You Are the Apple of My Eye" will leave a significant mark on the history of Chinese cinema.

"Zhang Yang, who stumbled into the entertainment industry, directed his first film, which defeated 'Transformers 2,' allowing Chinese-language films to reclaim the top spot in Chinese film history!"

"Zhang Yang is a successful Chinese director, that's undeniable."

"Zhang Yang has written an impossible legend."

"Liu Yifei has finally shed the label of 'box office poison' and become the undisputed number one rising star in the Chinese entertainment industry!"

"You Are the Apple of My Eye has become the new highest-grossing film in Chinese film history, but this is not the end, it's the beginning. Where will its box office end? Will it be 6 million, or 10 billion?"

"A celebration banquet will be held for 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' on August 15th!"

"Zhang Yang's sudden emergence has filled the void left by the lack of new generation directors in Chinese cinema, and the release of 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' has brought the championship back to Chinese-language films!"

Even the usually rigorous CCTV Daily published a commentary on its homepage titled: "Chinese Cinema Enters the 5 Million Yuan Era; Zhang Yang, the Leader of the 5 Million Yuan Era!"