Rong Wangtian's expression was complicated.
To be honest, when he first heard that his daughter had signed up for this variety show, he thought it was just a whim and didn’t take it seriously.
Who would have guessed that this kid would actually make it to the top three, with popularity so high it was almost frightening, even catching the attention of the Fourth Aerospace Research Institute...
Since his child had achieved something remarkable, he, as a father, naturally had to come and see for himself.
Rong Yu paused in her steps: "Were you waiting for me?"
Shen Lin looked at her with an unreadable expression: "Congratulations on securing first place in the team competition and third place in the individual rankings."
Rong Ruoyao tilted her head: "Sister, what’s the deal with the Fourth Aerospace Research Institute?"
"Just had some business there," Rong Yu replied coolly, raising her eyes. "Anything else? If not, I’ll be on my way."
Shen Lin suddenly remembered.
Several days ago, she had seen Rong Yu with Professor Lin Rang at Haicheng University.
At the time, she thought she must have been mistaken.
But now it seemed Rong Yu really did know Lin Rang—otherwise, how could she have gotten into the Fourth Research Institute?
Though Lin Rang was physically disabled, his academic achievements were extraordinary, earning him admiration from various research institutes. Many unmarried faculty members at Haicheng University had tried to court him, but Lin Rang always remained cold and indifferent.
Every time Lin Rang gave a public lecture, female students flocked to attend, packing the lecture hall beyond capacity. He was immensely popular.
And yet, someone like him would actually bring Rong Yu into the institute?
Regardless of how Rong Yu had gained the support of the aerospace institute, the current situation was clear: Rong Yu’s popularity was unprecedented, and they had to capitalize on this wave of attention.
With this in mind, Shen Lin spoke up: "Since you and Ruoyao are both participating in this show and are sisters, I have an idea. Why not publicly reveal that you two are siblings? A joint marketing strategy could create a synergy effect, making one plus one greater than two..."
The moment these words were spoken, Rong Ruoyao’s face instantly twisted in displeasure.
She had been in the entertainment industry since childhood, with hit songs and TV dramas under her belt. She was the most popular contestant on the show—being tied to Rong Yu would only drag her down!
She was about to voice her objection when Shen Lin shot her a warning glare.
Shen Lin’s reasoning was simple.
Since Rong Yu had gained official recognition, it meant she had value.
Which celebrity in the entertainment industry wouldn’t want to be associated with official institutions? It was like having an unshakable, solid backing.
As long as they could establish this connection, Ruoyao’s future in the industry would be smoother.
Everything she did was for her daughter’s sake.
Shen Lin continued: "We don’t even need to do anything special. Just going out for a family meal and letting passersby snap photos to post online would be enough."
A mocking smile tugged at Rong Yu’s lips.
Back when she had first returned to the Rong family, this stepmother had been so afraid of her embarrassing them that she never took her anywhere.
Now that she had gained a bit of fame, the stepmother was suddenly eager to latch onto her.
On the surface, this stepmother appeared indifferent and principled, never competing for anything—but in reality, she was all about profit.
Just as Rong Yu was about to respond, Ji Zhouye walked in: "Great-gr—uh, Rong Yu, what are you doing? We’ve been waiting forever."
Rong Wangtian glanced at Ji Zhouye, finding him somewhat familiar but unable to place where he’d seen him before. He asked, "And who is this?"
Rong Ruoyao hesitated before whispering, "He’s... my sister’s boyfriend."
Someone who fooled around in high school didn’t deserve to be tied to her in marketing—it would only tarnish her image in the eyes of fans.
"What?" Rong Wangtian’s temper flared. "Rong Yu, instead of focusing on your studies, you’re getting into early relationships?"
"Early relationship my ass!" Ji Zhouye snapped. "Rong Ruoyao, you’ve got a fiancé yourself, parading around school together every day. So it’s fine for you to have a fiancé, but Rong Yu can’t even date? Not to mention, Rong Yu and I are just friends. Stop spreading nonsense!"
Rong Ruoyao bit her lip.
How could her situation with Song Huai be the same?
Their engagement was arranged by their families—a proper match between equals.
Besides, she and Song Huai were restrained, never going beyond holding hands. Unlike Rong Yu and Ji Zhouye, who were even living together...
She retorted, "If you’re not dating, then why are you picking Rong Yu up so late at night?"
Before she could finish, a crowd surged in through the door.
"Zhouye, did you find Rong Yu?"
"Here she is! Rong Yu, the whole Class 20 came to cheer you on!"
"Rong Yu, your performance tonight was amazing! Sign this for me—once you debut, I can sell it for big bucks, haha!"
Dozens of students from Class 20 swarmed around, laughing and joking.
Rong Wangtian’s anger dissipated at the sight of these kids.
Rong Ruoyao was stunned.
Rong Yu had only transferred to Class 20 less than a month ago—how had she already gotten so close to her classmates?
With the pressure of senior year, how could so many people be willing to come support her in person?
Since when was Rong Yu this well-liked?
Rong Yu said calmly, "I’ll head out with my classmates now."
Turning to her peers, her expression softened into a smile. "Why did you all come? I didn’t see you in the audience."
"The tickets were impossible to get!" the class monitor said. "We couldn’t get in, so we cheered from outside."
The academic officer added excitedly, "This is my first time chasing a star like this. The atmosphere was incredible—we met so many of your fans, and they were all so sweet!"
As the group stepped outside, they ran into Old Master Ji and Ji Duoduo, both holding Rong Yu’s light boards—the elder leaning on a cane, the younger needing to be led by the hand.
The academic officer, mistaking them for fans, marveled, "From seventy-nine years old to just learning to walk—true geniuses really do attract all kinds of admirers."
"You must all be Rong Yu’s classmates?" Old Master Ji said warmly. "It’s late—why don’t we all grab a meal together and get to know each other?"
He was always interested in the people around his mother.
He had considered approaching the Rong family, but after looking into their affairs, he lost interest. Not causing trouble for them was already an act of generosity on his part.
These teenagers, however, seemed far more entertaining.
When you got old, you enjoyed being around young people—it made you feel young again.
The class representative waved his hands. "No need, we just came to have some fun..."
Rong Yu interjected, "I haven’t eaten all day. I’m starving. Keep me company—my treat."
The crowd surrounded Rong Yu as they walked off.
Rong Ruoyao frowned. "Treating this many people would cost thousands. Doesn’t Sister spend money too recklessly? Maybe her allowance should be cut."
Rong Wangtian turned to Shen Lin. "How much do you give Rong Yu for living expenses each month?"
Shen Lin froze. "I... haven’t given her anything."
When Rong Yu first returned to the Rong family, she had given her 2,000 yuan, and the grandparents had each given her a 500-yuan red envelope. After that, no more money had been provided.
She hadn’t given any, and neither had Rong Wangtian.
So... where was Rong Yu getting her money?
Rong Ruoyao was even more shocked.
If Rong Yu’s money wasn’t from the Rong family, then it had to be from her boyfriend. But Ji Zhouye was an orphan, dirt poor—how could he possibly afford to spend on Rong Yu?
Unless... Ji Zhouye and Rong Yu really weren’t in a relationship?
Could it be that Rong Yu's boyfriend is actually someone else?
