Chapter 177: Grim Reaper Has Arrived
The Quirk family discovered Isabella was not only the top trending topic, but occupied the top three trending spots. Only then did they see news about the scandal involving the disgraced celebrities.
One headline showcased netizens' faith in Isabella as a "Justice Upholder," idolizing her. Another encouraged trusting her judgment for unwavering stardom. A third requested Isabella to judge a celebrity.
"This is insane!" exclaimed a member of the Quirk family. "Who started this?" They wanted to laugh but refrained, noticing the tense atmosphere.
Isabella, suspecting manipulation, initially believed someone had used her as a shield. However, Danielle confirmed no one was orchestrating the trending topics. "It's the netizens' love!" she exclaimed, exasperated.
The Quirk family coughed nervously, suspecting they were being mocked for the trending news. Their glances confirmed their suspicions; they immediately started gossiping about the disgraced celebrities.
The situation was dire. Besides those already in trouble, even respected figures and former drug rehabilitation advocates were implicated. Numerous films and videos were pulled overnight, brands terminated collaborations, and productions were heavily censored. Industry staff openly complained.
It was a sudden, sweeping purge. Artists' Twitter accounts were blocked, leaving only agency statements and fans with blacked-out profile pictures. Many fans, including international ones, denied the severity of the situation, accusing the local industry of overreaction. However, the domestic audience overwhelmingly opposed the artists' drug use.
One online commenter wrote: "Before, I hesitated to comment. Now, seeing the full extent, I demand justice. A former police officer involved? Disgusting! They're supposed to be idols, corrupting youth. The distorted values of young people are terrifying. Morals often stray, guided by appearances, until faced with a significant dilemma. Blacklist these artists. They should never return. I don't understand their actions; it’s harmful, tainted. Mindless fans are societal scum. If we excuse these artists, how can heroes who sacrificed themselves find peace? We owe much to the 'Justice Upholder' for exposing them. The show's ability to unearth Isabella's talent speaks volumes about the director and producer. 'My Acting Skill' should be renamed 'Grim Reaper Has Arrived'! It silences everyone."
The commenter continued: "I underestimated Isabella. I thought the gossip in the previous episodes had peaked, that her popularity would wane. But she crossed boundaries and collaborated. After the moral rectification, she’ll appear on a legal program. Online, there's ridicule and laughter. Officials praised the production team and Team A-list, acknowledging their contributions."
Opportunists falsely accused others, creating confusion. Initially, slandered artists released statements, citing unlocked Twitter accounts as proof of innocence, to little avail. Then, Scarlett became involved.
Isabella was shocked by the new trending topics. "Can you believe someone said Scarlett was involved?"
The Quirk family immediately investigated. "Because of Javier, Scarlett, as his ex-girlfriend, must have been involved. What kind of logic is that?" exclaimed Rosalie.
Selena asked, "Does Scarlett have enemies?"
Christopher noted, "The industry knows we signed Scarlett. Who would dare offend the 'Justice Upholder'?" Isabella, though speechless, agreed.
David asked, "Someone outside the industry?"
Evian suggested, "Relatives? Planning revenge?"
Isabella confirmed, using the system, that Sienna and Bartholomeo were seeking revenge, believing Scarlett's accusations were a final strategy. The Quirk family agreed it was foolish.
Unexpectedly, Scarlett clarified the situation on Twitter. Sienna and Bartholomeo, with IDs in hand, appeared to accuse Scarlett of prioritizing justice over family, lacking filial piety, and being ungrateful to Sienna, who raised her.
As relatives, their accusations swayed many netizens. "Her mother wouldn't harm her, would she?" Loyal fans remained skeptical. "If Scarlett was involved, she’d be on the list with Javier." Someone recalled Sienna and Bartholomeo pressuring Scarlett into marriage.
Skepticism flooded Sienna and Bartholomeo's Twitter accounts, but as doubts were deleted, netizen rebellion ignited.
Scarlett, however, was no longer a victim. Ignoring the accusations, Danielle orchestrated a Twitter interaction: "Celebrating another powerful addition to the agency." Christopher, Isabella, and Rebecca retweeted, welcoming Scarlett.
Isabella's persuasive power was evident. Ninety-nine percent believed Scarlett was innocent, despite Sienna and Bartholomeo's pleas and false statements. Danielle jokingly tweeted, "The first step to joining our agency is a health check-up."