On the day the results were announced.
The promotional video featuring Rong Yu, filmed at the Beijing First Aerospace Institute, was broadcast on the National News Network.
Official accounts on major platforms forwarded it frantically, accompanied by various positive commentaries. In an instant, the name Rong Yu shot to the top of the trending charts.
"When the rocket tears through the sky, it's not just the burning of fuel; it's the passion boiling in the hearts of 1.4 billion Chinese people!"
"The light in her eyes while explaining orbital mechanics is ten thousand times brighter than the fake smiles in the entertainment industry. This is the true top-tier celebrity who deserves to trend!"
"Watching her casually write equations I can't understand on the blackboard, while I can't even figure out the food delivery discounts... I'm shattered, folks."
"After watching the video, I angrily solved five math problems, then weakly crawled back to bed. The disparity between humans is indeed greater than the distance between the Earth and the moon."
"This promotional video should be played on a 24-hour loop; it's more effective than cram school."
"..."
In less than half a day, the video spread overseas.
Some foreigners began commenting.
"Seeing China's aerospace achievements shattered the arrogance of my country, the 'beacon of the world'."
"After the retirement of the Soyuz, our astronauts might have to train at the Chinese space station. History really does move in cycles."
"According to historical records, 'Chang'e' was originally a name from our country, appropriated by China..."
This comment was swarmed by millions of Chinese netizens and ultimately led to the account being banned.
On a film set in Beijing.
Rong Ruoyao was momentarily stunned when she saw the online frenzy.
It finally dawned on her that Rong Yu's recent trip to Beijing was for filming this aerospace promotional video.
Being repeatedly featured as the national face of aerospace on major platforms, her public recognition instantly skyrocketed. How did Rong Yu always get so lucky?
Shen Lin's eyes also held complex emotions.
However, being an adult, she quickly adjusted her mood and said, "Yaoyao, she is your sister. The light she radiates can shine on you too."
Rong Ruoyao pursed her lips tightly. "But she's just too bright. I feel completely overshadowed."
No matter what she did, it seemed Rong Yu's brilliance would eclipse her. How could she possibly adjust her mindset?
Shen Lin took her phone. "Many celebrities are reposting the video. As Rong Yu's own sister, you have the most right and the best reason to repost it, don't you?"
Rong Ruoyao turned her face away. "Mom, you post it for me."
Shen Lin sighed.
She reposted the video from the largest national public account, adding the text: "Sister, the sight of you chasing the stars is the light I will follow for the rest of my life."
As soon as the Weibo post went live.
The comments section instantly exploded.
"I almost forgot, Rong Ruoyao is Rong Yu's sister! Yaoyao, can you ask Rong Yu for me, when on earth is she going to open a Weibo account?"
"My older sister only steals my snacks, while yours is contributing to China's aerospace industry."
"I kicked my lazy older sister awake—get up now and explain the Roche limit to me!"
"If only I were Rong Yu's sister, I can't imagine how happy I'd be."
"The pressure is now on all older sisters out there—"
"..."
Some of Rong Yu's fans started following Rong Ruoyao. In just over an hour, Rong Ruoyao gained over a hundred thousand followers. The number might not seem huge, but they were all genuine, active fans. Only those who follow celebrities know just how valuable that number is.
The Ji family had no time to follow the online news.
As soon as Old Master Ji heard that Great-grandmother had taken first place and Fourth Brother had taken second, he immediately asked Steward Yu to prepare a celebration banquet.
Ji Zhouye instantly went into self-isolation mode: "Old Master, please don't ask me to serve Great-grandmother. Big Brother, don't ask me to look after Duoduo. Fourth Brother, don't ask me to play games. Duoduo, don't ask me to eat fruit. From now on, I am an emotionless learning machine. I will study hard, surpass Fourth Brother, catch up to Great-grandmother, and seize first place!"
Rong Yu smiled. "That's a good realization. Later, I'll arrange for ten top tutors to come for your winter break tutoring sessions. Starting at 6 AM, ending at 9 PM."
Old Master Ji chimed in, "At 9 PM, nightlife is just beginning. He should study until midnight. Otherwise, how can he secure first place?"
Ji Zhouye: "..."
He silently retreated upstairs to study, closing himself off from the world.
Ji Jingchuan smiled, but then his phone vibrated. He picked it up, and his smile instantly vanished.
He looked towards the lively lawn, then walked to an unoccupied corner and answered the call. "Uncle He."
This was the uncle from his time as He Jingchuan.
When no one cared for him, it was Uncle He who gave him a bowl of rice. When Zhang Cui'e refused to pay his tuition, it was Uncle He who gathered money from relatives to come up with a thousand yuan for the fees.
Uncle He had helped him quite a bit on his path to growing up.
"Jingchuan, something's happened at your home." Uncle He sighed. "Your dad was..."
"He is not my father," Ji Jingchuan interrupted. "I'm willing to call you 'uncle' out of regard for the past. It doesn't mean I'm still willing to acknowledge the He family."
Uncle He was silent for a while before speaking again. "Zhang Cui'e was sentenced to nine years. Your dad—oh no, He Cheng—went back to the village to sell the house, only to find out that the family's homestead land had already been sold off by that He Liuguang long ago. The orchard was mortgaged too. There's nothing left at home. He Cheng was always a scoundrel, and He Liuguang is no good seed either. The father and son got into a fight. In the end, He Cheng was pushed into the river and almost drowned..."
"Villagers helped pull him out and sent him to the hospital. The hospitalization fees are a huge sum. I can't afford it." Uncle He sighed. "Jingchuan, no matter what, he was your father for twenty years. He's half-dead in the hospital. You have to take some responsibility, don't you?"
Ji Jingchuan laughed. "He Liuguang is his real son. And you come to me?"
"He Liuguang ran off after pushing him into the river. No one knows where he went." Uncle He's voice was full of anxiety. "Tell me, who else can I turn to but you?"
Ji Jingchuan was silent for a moment.
He rubbed his fingers lightly and said calmly, "Legally speaking, He Liuguang's actions constitute attempted murder. I suggest reporting it to the police. Once the police are involved, I will give you fifty thousand. Whether you, Uncle, are willing to use that money to save He Cheng will have nothing to do with me."
Uncle He was stunned.
Fifty thousand yuan was more than a year's income for villagers. Even after paying the hospital bills, there would be at least thirty thousand left.
Just by reporting to the police, he could get that much?
He immediately said, "That child Liuguang isn't as sensible as you. He's brought shame to the He family. Even if you didn't say it, I would report it..."
Ji Jingchuan hung up the phone.
He transferred the fifty thousand, then immediately blocked Uncle He.
His ties with the He family ended here.
He looked up towards the manor. Great-grandmother and the Old Master were chatting on the rattan chairs. Duoduo and Songguo were running around on the lawn. The aroma of dinner wafted through the air. The winter sunset was truly beautiful. This was the home of his dreams.
