Chapter 1342 I’m Here To Back You Up


    “Fine. I’ll sit properly,” Derek grumbled as he reluctantly adjusted his posture and assumed a more


    serious sitting position.


    J chuckled in disbelief, never imagining the day woulde when Derek, the notorious


    troublemaker, would be tamed. She shook her head and teasingly asked, “Shouldn’t you be working


    today? Howe you have time toe here?”


    Derek ced his hands on his hips and proudly said, “I’m here to back you up!” Amused, J raised


    an eyebrow at him. “Back me up? What do you mean?” “Well, I just want to say that don’t worry about


    what others say. I believe in you no matter what happened and that I’ll always be on your side,” Derek


    replied with a proud snort.


    With a smile gracing her lips, Gilda exined further, “Upon hearing about your predicament, he


    rushed back from abroad as he was worried you were struggling with the public bacsh. He said


    himself he wanted to provide you with encouragement and support.”


    With his chin raised high like a proud rooster, Derek dered, “Don’t worry, J. I’ll support you


    forever!”


    J was taken aback by his enthusiasm but, at the same time, moved. “With your unwavering trust,


    I’m not scared even if those Inte users would eat me alive. But… does your agent know you’re


    here?”


    The news of Vivi’s tragic death in a car ident had stirred up a whirlwind of attention on the Inte.


    Despite Brandon’s influential sway over the majority of publicments online and the police issuing


    official report, numerous conspiracy theorists continued to believe that J was somehow involved in


    Vivi’s untimely demise.


    Some even imed that she exploited her family’s influence to manipte the police and silence the


    public’s outcry.


    Despite the abundance of evidence presented by the police, a faction of users stubbornly clung to their


    belief that J was the culprit.


    The incident dealt a severe blow to her reputation, leading to a significant decline in the studio’s orders


    and the loss of numerous previously scheduled clients.


    Given that many of these clients were individuals of wealth and influence who ced utmost


    importance on the designers’ reputation, ites as no surprise that they were hesitant to continue


    their coborations with J, especially after being caught up in a PR storm.


    J understood their motives but still could not help feeling disappointed.


    Nobody wants to be suspected and abandoned, after all.


    Amidst such trying circumstances, Derek’s visit and unwavering support provided J with much-


    needed encouragement.


    At the same time, it was very likely that someone harboring malicious intentions would seize upon


    Derek’s visit as a chance to fabricate a scandal.


    Being a popr model, Derek had garnered a substantial following on his social media, which


    inevitably brought forth many rivals. It was not impossible that someone would provoke the users and,


    in turn, attack Derek.


    In light of this situation, Derek’s agent would most probably not allow him to visit J.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    And from the looks of it, he must havee here without his agent’s knowledge.


    As J weighed the advantages and disadvantages of the situation, Derek nonchntly waved his


    hand and said, “Don’t stress about it. I don’t care about those rumors.”


    With genuine concern etched on her face, J earnestly advised, “Regardless, I don’t want you to be


    attacked by them. As a public figure, you should be mindful of your image. Since not many people have


    noticed that you’re away, you should go back now.”


    Derek slouched onto the sofa and stubbornly refused, “What’s wrong with me supporting my friend?


    Whoever dares to curse me shall face the consequences, as I will counter their curses with my own.”


    J could not help but be amused by his childish response. “I’m just looking out for your best


    interests here. Besides, if you end up getting attacked by the public and your manager mes me for


    it, I won’t be able to bear the guilt.”


    Derek crossed his arms, moved.


    “I’ve been surrounded by negative news and subjected to various insults even before my debut. Fear


    does not reside within me.


    Besides, even if I can’t do modeling anymore, I always have the option of returning home to take over


    the family business. Don’t worry about me, okay? I’ll handle everything on my own. And even if


    something worse happens, I won’t let my agent me you.’