Zhou Yachen is a rising star in the entertainment industry.
As for Yan Ting, he is an award-winning actor who has been famous for a decade.
Yan Ting's fans were forcibly dragged into the fray. With over 100 million followers on his personal account, their combativeness was formidable.
Zhou Yachen's name was instantly tarnished.
Meanwhile, Rong Yu managed to extricate herself from the quagmire of online bullying.
Rong Wangtian, who had been furious just moments ago, sighed in relief after seeing the news. "I knew Rong Yu couldn’t be that kind of person..."
Rong Ruoyao bit her lip.
How had the situation reversed so quickly?
Shouldn’t it have escalated, leaving Rong Yu with no chance of recovery?
She would rather be overshadowed by Lisa or He Qiqi than be outshone by Rong Yu.
This feeling was unbearable.
Shen Lin spoke calmly, "We should find an opportunity to meet Secretary Lan again and finalize the collaboration."
Rong Wangtian nodded. "Since Rong Yu has become the spokesperson for the Ji Group, our cooperation with them should be easier."
Rong Ruoyao clenched her fingers.
It was she who had connected them with Lan Rouxue.
Yet now, her father credited all the success to Rong Yu.
"Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!"
Rong Wangtian's phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen and froze.
The caller ID displayed "President Hai" of Hai Corporation.
Years ago, he had pulled strings to secure an invitation to Hai Corporation's banquet, which allowed him to exchange contact information with President Hai.
But in all these years, he had never dared to call that number.
After all, Hai Corporation was a top-tier conglomerate with close ties to the Haicheng government. A company like that was far beyond the reach of the Rong Group.
He had always dreamed of collaborating with Hai Corporation.
But in the face of such a giant, the Rong Group was nothing more than an ant.
He had never mustered the courage to dial that number.
Yet now, the name "President Hai" was flashing on his phone screen.
Could it be a mistake?
Rong Wangtian's hand trembled as he took a deep breath and answered the call.
Before he could speak, an elderly voice came through. "Is this President Rong of the Rong Group?"
That voice—it was unmistakably President Hai!
Rong Wangtian shot to his feet, bowing instinctively even though the other party couldn’t see him. "Yes, President Hai! This is Rong Wangtian of the Rong Group."
"Your company specializes in parts manufacturing, correct? Hai Corporation’s factories need to outsource a batch of components. Would you be interested?"
It felt like a massive pie had fallen from the sky, leaving Rong Wangtian dazed. After a long pause, he stammered, "P-President Hai, are you saying… you want to collaborate with the Rong Group?"
"Hahaha, indeed," President Hai replied cheerfully. "I’ve heard you’ve raised an outstanding daughter. A good daughter reflects a good father—your character and capabilities must be commendable. Hai Corporation enjoys working with principled individuals. If you have time, come to Hai Corporation to sign the contract."
Overjoyed, Rong Wangtian eagerly agreed.
After hanging up, he turned to Rong Ruoyao with excitement. "Ruoyao, you’re incredible! Even President Hai recognizes your excellence. Because of you, the Rong Group is about to partner with Hai Corporation! If this collaboration stabilizes, our family will soon rise among Haicheng’s elite..."
The gloom in Rong Ruoyao’s heart dissipated instantly. She smiled sweetly. "And if we secure the deal with the Ji Group, the Rong family’s growth will be unstoppable."
By evening, Rong Yu had finished shooting her first commercial.
She picked up her phone and saw numerous missed calls—Rong Wangtian’s among them. She ignored it outright, knowing it couldn’t be anything good.
She opened Lin Rang’s message instead. Her senior had sent her a project proposal from the Fourth Aerospace Research Institute. After skimming it, she realized it wasn’t too difficult—Lin Rang wanted her to complete it independently.
She guessed it was likely for her elite university recommendation.
Stepping out of the studio, she saw Ji Zhiyuan and Ji Yanting waiting at the entrance.
Spotting her, Ji Zhiyuan strode forward and naturally took her handbag.
Ji Yanting: "..."
His elder brother wasn’t even this attentive to Old Master Ji, yet here he was, doting on a great-grandmother he’d only recently met.
When they got into the car, Ji Zhiyuan opened the door, shielded the roof with his hand, and carefully fastened Rong Yu’s seatbelt.
"Second Brother, take notes," Old Master Ji remarked dryly. "This is the standard for serving your great-grandmother."
Ji Yanting had no choice but to reply, "Understood."
Back at Hibiscus Manor, Ji Zhouye, who had spent the day gaming, eagerly greeted them. "Great-Grandma, you’re finally back!"
He dutifully fetched her slippers and took her coat.
He had learned his lesson—offending Old Master Ji was one thing, but displeasing Great-Grandma was unforgivable.
Pleasing Old Master Ji went unnoticed, but serving Great-Grandma well earned praise.
Sure enough, Old Master Ji nodded approvingly. "Second Brother, look how filial Fifth Brother is. Filial piety comes first—he sets a fine example."
"Wow, Second Brother’s back!" Ji Zhouye spotted Ji Yanting and immediately dragged him aside. "Uh, Second Brother, could you spare some pocket money?"
He was nearly broke.
The money he earned from reciting poems and memorizing vocabulary wasn’t even enough for a single in-game purchase.
Old Master Ji was penniless, Eldest Brother was tight-fisted—but surely Second Brother had cash to spare?
Ji Yanting, with his hefty acting fees, certainly wasn’t lacking.
Just as he was about to pull out his card—
A small, fluffy head popped up. "Uncle, nooo! Auntie said no one’s allowed to give Little Uncle money..."
"You traitorous little turncoat!" Ji Zhouye tickled her mercilessly. "I’m your blood-related uncle! Can’t you cut me some slack?"
Rong Yu shot him a cold glare.
Ji Zhouye instantly behaved.
Ji Yanting hastily retracted his wallet.
After all, his first encounter with Great-Grandma had been… less than pleasant. He didn’t dare provoke her further.
The family settled around the dining table.
Then, Ji Yanting’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen—it was Zhou Yachen’s manager.
After a brief hesitation, he answered.
"Mr. Yan, something terrible has happened. The online backlash is so severe that several of Yachen’s endorsements have been canceled, and his lead roles have been revoked. He… he took sleeping pills in despair..."
Ji Yanting bolted upright, instinctively moving to leave.
Old Master Ji slammed his chopsticks down. "Sit back down and finish your meal!"
