CHAPTER 14

“…Fine, sixty-forty,” Yan Yucheng finally straightened up, suppressing his laughter. “I’ll have Director Fang draft a new contract right away.”

Jiang Su nodded in satisfaction, then pointed at the crack on the table. “That’ll cost money… I’ll cover sixty, and you cover forty, okay?”

They both hit it, after all.

Seemed like a fair split.

Yan Yucheng wanted to laugh even more. “This restaurant belongs to the Yan family… No need to pay a cent.”

Oh, great.

Jiang Su gave him a polite smile before leaving.

Yan Yucheng stared at her retreating figure, momentarily lost in thought.

She rarely smiled at people… At least, from what he’d seen on the show, she never smiled.

Online, people described her as—

A flower blooming atop a high mountain, cold and untouchable, yet fragile and melancholic, as if a single gust of wind could break her.

…So when she did smile, it felt exceptionally rare and stunning.

Yan Yucheng lingered at the table for a moment, then let out a quiet chuckle through his nose before slowly getting up to leave.

His mood was unexpectedly good.

The incident at the restaurant was quickly reported back to the Yan family.

Madam Yan looked at her nephew and asked, puzzled, “Why tell me something so trivial?”

The man across from her stiffened slightly, then forced a smile. “I just thought it was a bit stingy of our cousin to host a meal at his own restaurant and still end up breaking a table… Doesn’t it make the Yan family look bad? And the guests were company artists—he wouldn’t be messing around with them, would he?”

Madam Yan shook her head. “If he’s going to use the Yan family’s resources, he should do it openly. Using just a restaurant is a bit petty, but it’s his anyway. As for inviting female artists… What’s the big deal? He can play with as many as he likes. Every rich young master in Beijing grows up this way. The more he indulges, the less I have to feel like I owe him.”

After saying that, she turned around and went to find her card game partner, not paying much attention to these trivial matters.

The man opposite her was left speechless for a long moment.

The first round of performances for Idol Trainee Girls was about to begin.

Dong Jiayu had been in the hospital for several days without catching even a glimpse of Cheng Yue.

Sister Wang looked worried as she escorted her to the show’s venue, advising, “I know that when President Cheng gets busy, even his own mother wouldn’t be able to see him. But you can’t just leave things as they are… Remember what I told you? Men only find things valuable when they have to fight for them. If Zhao Qiuying starts paying more attention to you and treats you specially, President Cheng will snap out of it and turn his focus back to you.”

Dong Jiayu remained composed. “Mm, I’ll talk to Zhao Qiuying more and make sure Cheng Yue notices.”

As Dong Jiayu entered the recording studio, Jiang Su was backstage, eyes closed, letting the makeup artist do their work. Wan Yue had come by two or three times, hovering around Jiang Su but unable to bring herself to speak humbly.

Forget it.

Wan Yue gritted her teeth. This time, she had joined Ding Xuan’s group. They had chosen a classic girl group song, and their choreography was nearly perfected.

Ding Xuan was very experienced and had taught her a lot.

Wan Yue felt like she was finally starting to have the aura of a real girl group member.

Unlike Jiang Su.

Wan Yue scoffed inwardly.

Cold and distant, always talking to people as if she were doing them a favor…

Thinking this, Wan Yue turned and left.

When Ding Xuan saw her, she immediately smiled and approached. “How’s your practice going?”

Wan Yue responded confidently, “No problem!”

Ding Xuan and her teammates exchanged subtle glances. No problem?

As if.

Had Wan Yue already forgotten how she embarrassed herself last time?

But they didn’t say anything and instead started chatting with her about foreign girl groups.

“Wow, she trained under the same agency as Ding Xuan? She’s really popular now.”

They were talking about a currently famous female idol, though she was based overseas.

Listening to them, Wan Yue became excited, as if knowing Ding Xuan meant she was now indirectly connected to that famous idol—as if a golden bridge had been laid out before her.

Meanwhile, Wu Qingqing stood behind Jiang Su, whispering, “I’ve interacted with Ding Xuan before. She may not have many other skills, but she’s definitely scheming.”

The makeup artist nearby pretended not to hear.

In a show like this, scheming was inevitable. So many contestants fighting for just a few spots—how could everyone be all sunshine and kindness?

Jiang Su hummed in response.

Her eyes were still closed as she savored the memory of the food she had eaten yesterday.

It had been so enjoyable.

This new world was so full of joy that she felt no desire to return to the old one.

Yu Xinyan, who was now fully loyal to Jiang Su, couldn’t help but ask, “Do you think Ding Xuan is trying to win Wan Yue over and use her as a spy?”

Just then, the makeup artist finished Jiang Su’s eye makeup.

Jiang Su slowly opened her eyes.

The moment she looked up, Yu Xinyan and Wu Qingqing both felt their breath catch.

Her makeup today was slightly bolder, with a subtle upward tilt at the outer corners of her eyes—not an obvious seduction, but an understated allure that could hook people’s hearts.

Jiang Su tilted her head. “What’s there to spy on?”

“Our progress,” Yu Xinyan replied.

Jiang Su smiled faintly. “It wouldn’t matter even if they did.”

Yu Xinyan frowned, puzzled. Why not?

Wu Qingqing, on the other hand, seemed to realize something. She leaned in and asked, “We’re still missing one person for this performance… The show is about to start. Did you already pick someone?”

Yu Xinyan cut in hurriedly, “It’s not Wan Yue, is it?”

Jiang Su shook her head and gestured toward a spot in the distance. “She’s over there.”

Wu Qingqing and Yu Xinyan looked up at the same time. Even the makeup artist beside them was startled.

Across the room, Li Mo’er was smiling at them.

Yu Xinyan gasped, “She’s an A-rank too! Why would she join our group?”

Wu Qingqing already knew the answer.

“Didn’t you also get an A?” Wu Qingqing countered.

Yu Xinyan mumbled, “That’s different…”

She bit her lip. “Everyone thought Li Mo’er was going to perform solo… She hasn’t practiced with us. Won’t that be a problem?”

Jiang Su lightly tapped her fingers. “The song we chose doesn’t require intensive rehearsals.”

Yu Xinyan froze. “So you planned this from the start…?”

Wu Qingqing wasn’t curious about that part. What she really wanted to know was, “Jiang Su, are you really helping Li Mo’er?”

“She’s an A-rank. She doesn’t need my help.” Jiang Su’s voice was indifferent, as if none of this mattered to her.

But Wu Qingqing no longer underestimated her.

She understood now—the seemingly delicate girl before her carried grand ambitions in her heart.

Jiang Su stood up, smoothed her hair, and thought for a moment before saying, “Mm. It’s just… if it’s Li Mo’er, Wan Yue will regret it even more.”

Yu Xinyan murmured, “She’ll definitely come crawling back to beg you…”

Wu Qingqing fell silent.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Jiang Su had just effortlessly tamed Wan Yue like a disobedient pet with just a few casual words.

To Jiang Su, Wan Yue was nothing more than an insignificant plaything. They weren’t even on the same level.

Why did Jiang Su always manage to appear both innocent and, at the same time, eerily ruthless?

Was she really doing all this for the company?

Wu Qingqing wondered to herself.

Her fingertips felt cold, yet deep down, she felt a strange, inexplicable thrill.

Meanwhile, Ding Xuan was still talking to Wan Yue. “By the way, do you know what Jiang Su’s group is performing?”

“It’s some song I’ve never heard of. They barely rehearsed any choreography…” Wan Yue shook her head. “I have no idea what they’re doing.”

Ding Xuan chuckled softly. “It doesn’t matter. She’ll still get an A.”

Wan Yue felt a tinge of bitterness in her heart. “Are you that certain of her ability?”

“It’s not about ability.” Ding Xuan turned her head and smiled. “What, you didn’t know?”

“Know what?”

“She has a special relationship with Mentor Zhao.”

“Oh, you mean that? Wasn’t it just a mention in a social news article?”

“It’s more than that.” Ding Xuan lowered her voice. “That day, I saw Mentor Zhao deliberately speaking with her alone, away from everyone else…”

Wan Yue’s eyelids twitched. “R-Really?”

Ding Xuan looked at her with curiosity. “What? Jiang Su hasn’t shown her true colors in front of you?”

Wan Yue pressed her lips together, feeling unsettled. “…She’s quite good at this. Just a few days ago, even our company’s president specially invited her to a private meal. She was treated differently from everyone else.”

Hearing this, Ding Xuan’s heart sank slightly.

She had heard about it—San Jin Entertainment’s new president was now the young master of the Yan family.

That was the Yan family.

Just then, the mentors began to take their seats, and the live broadcast of the show officially started.

Ding Xuan immediately fell silent, saying no more.

The performances were arranged in order based on their ranking.

[Generally speaking, going first is the toughest.]

[Yeah, second or third usually have an advantage. The last ones don’t fare well either—by then, the audience is too tired to remember them.]

[Whoa, are they really drawing lots from the A-rank group first? This is intense!]

[I’m so curious! Why didn’t they release rehearsal footage in the teasers?]

[Probably to maintain the mystery. Let’s wait and see.]

As the audience waited, Zhao Qiuying drew a lot and unfolded it, revealing a name.

His gaze flickered slightly. “Jiang Su.”

She was the first one up.

Would she be nervous?

Hearing the name, Dong Jiayu immediately straightened in her seat.

Like the netizens, she also thought that being the first to perform was a huge disadvantage.

Those who performed later could learn from earlier mistakes and adjust accordingly.

Dong Jiayu smiled slightly. “I’m really looking forward to this. This is the contestant who got A twice before, right?”

Zhao Qiuying: “Yes.”

Dong Jiayu’s smile deepened. “Then she must be quite impressive?”

Zhao Qiuying hesitated for a moment before replying, “…Yes.”

He was worried about Jiang Su, but in front of the cameras, he wanted to believe in the girl’s extraordinary talent.

She was just that good.

Xuan Wen spoke up. “Please begin your performance.”

A staff member carried a drum set onto the stage.

[What’s this? Are they doing a rock performance?]

[It’s happening! Damn, she really teamed up with Wu Qingqing and Yu Xinyan. She actually formed a group!]

[Wait… Who is that? Why is she on stage first? Am I seeing things?]

As the audience in the comment section reeled, the other trainees also froze for a moment, even the mentors were briefly stunned.

[Why is Li Mo’er in their group?!]

[This group… Three A-rank contestants. I’m speechless.]

[Holy… I’m getting chills. Are they planning something big?]

Wan Yue momentarily lost her composure and blurted out, “How is this possible?”

She had chosen to team up with Ding Xuan, thinking that Jiang Su would regret it upon finding out. She expected Jiang Su to be envious, even remorseful.

But before Jiang Su could even react, Wan Yue herself was already feeling the regret.

Li Mo’er, an A-rank contestant, had willingly joined Jiang Su’s team! Had she lost her mind? Or… did Jiang Su have some kind of hidden trick up her sleeve that even Li Mo’er couldn’t resist?

Wan Yue felt her breath hitch, her chest tightening as she realized what she had missed out on.

Ding Xuan quickly turned to look at Wan Yue and, seeing her expression, knew this wasn’t good.

Would Wan Yue lose control again?

Ding Xuan could only smile and say, “Let’s just watch for now…” subtly hinting to Wan Yue that it was too soon to jump to conclusions.

Onstage, Jiang Su was the last to step forward.

Zhao Qiuying’s eyelids twitched, and his breath hitched for a moment.

Her long hair cascaded down her back, adorned with a forehead pendant, its deep red hue making her fair complexion stand out even more.

She wore a golden, exotic-style dress with a high slit running up to her thigh. Her arms were bare, her waist wrapped in sheer fabric, revealing a glimpse of a red gemstone at her navel.

She shimmered under the lights.

[Ahhh, Jiang Su looks breathtaking!]

[Wu Qingqing is killing it too! She’s got a long black ponytail and a flowing dark gown. It’s a mix of ancient and modern aesthetics. And that figure—insane!]

[Yu Xinyan looks absolutely stunning. She’s got that classic beauty vibe going.]

[Li Mo’er looks so sweet!]

[Wait… Why are they all carrying large bags onstage? Wu Qingqing is the only one without one.]

[What’s happening? Are they about to play suonas together?]

[This doesn’t match the drum set at all. Their outfits are gorgeous, but what’s the connection?]

The live audience was just as puzzled.

Wu Qingqing took a few graceful steps forward to the center of the stage, lifted her phoenix-like eyes, and spoke:

“My name is Shi Yiguang, born in the western village of Zhuluo…”

[Wait, what?! Is this… a rap?!]

[Holy—Wu Qingqing’s eyes are mesmerizing. She’s embodying the role perfectly.]

Jiang Su bent down and opened the bag beside her. The audience held their breath, watching as she pulled out…

A pipa?

She had already tuned it in advance. With a flick of her fingernail, she plucked the strings, adding melody to the performance.

[A guitar?]

[Wait, she can play this too?!]

[Not a suona this time—now it’s a pipa! Whoever said she only plays the suona, step up!]

“Cold blows the northern wind, the war drums thunder, desolation and turmoil…”

Wu Qingqing shifted her tone, adding depth and power to her voice.

Just then, Li Mo’er bent down, unzipped her bag, and pulled out a guzheng.

She set it up, placed it on its stand, plucked her nails against the strings, and seamlessly joined in.

[Ahhh! I didn’t know Li Mo’er could do this! I thought she only played the piano!]

[Unbelievable. Is today some kind of national folk instrument showcase?]

[Is that background vocal Yu Xinyan? Has she trained in opera? Practiced falsetto? It sounds amazing!]

Wu Qingqing stepped down from the center position, picking up the drumsticks.

Yu Xinyan stepped forward, replacing her: “Let me say this first—I don’t blame Mao Yanshou. What is favor or disgrace to me? Lowering my head in submission is something I would never desire…”

[Wait, these lyrics—are they singing Wang Zhaojun??]

[Ohhh, so Wu Qingqing was singing about Xi Shi.]

[Damn, that proud look in her eyes…]

[These lyrics are giving me chills! This is incredible!]

Wu Qingqing struck the drum forcefully. The sharp “ding” rang out, like the clash of metal.

[Wu Qingqing on the drums is so damn cool! Holy crap! I just now truly get why people call her badass!]

[Yeah, this is way more appealing than those forced “cool and androgynous” personas.]

[They really know how to make choices. I’m tired of repeating this.]

At that moment, Li Mo’er stepped into the center, cradling a guzheng.

“The sages are long gone, the world is in chaos, choking back words unspoken, a hundred years, a thousand years, the Dao remains above, I bow to the moon, seeking guidance…”

“If fate so grants, let this body turn to ashes…”

A solemn expression flickered across her delicate face.

[I never knew Li Mo’er had this side to her…]

[This is Diao Chan! Absolutely stunning—delicate yet carrying the weight of a nation’s fate!]

Finally, it was Jiang Su’s turn.

She held a pipa, and the sound she played was sharp and intense, filled with a murderous aura. Yet as she bent at the waist and turned, her supple movements danced with an air of seductive allure.

[??? Jiang Su can dance classical too??]

[I’m shocked!]

She lifted her gaze to the camera, her eyes both coquettish and proud.

“Powdered my face, painted my lips, shaped my brows dark with a careful grip—since I was three, I swore this vow: I’ll live in beauty till I die somehow…”

[Crying—YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!]

[Now I understand why the emperor abandoned his court affairs (：з」∠)]

[Is this the legendary “Rainbow Garment Dance”?! Unreal!]

The sounds of the drum, guzheng, and pipa blended into one.

Yu Xinyan, now Jiang Su’s dance partner, gently held her wrist.

Jiang Su lifted her gaze, radiating both nobility and arrogance.

Wu Qingqing: “How dare I even dream, a humble soul by the stream’s edge…”

Yu Xinyan: “Yet permit me this wild ambition, to stand tall in the halls of power…”

Li Mo’er: “For I, too, have a heart that yearns, guided by my own path…”

Jiang Su, in a hushed voice, sang:
“I live for passion, reveling in music, my name echoes through the lands, offering myself to the splendor of art…”

She slowly leaned back, her arm brushing past her ear, fair and slender.

The comment section exploded.

[Ahhh why is every single one of them so captivating?!]

[I’m losing my mind—you’re all amazing! It’s a group performance, but each of you has such a distinct charm!]

[Wild yet delicate, proud yet alluring—how do you do it?! You’re exactly the kind of girls I’d fall for…]

[I’ll say it again—Jiang Su, eternal legend!!!]

The performance concluded with a final note from Li Mo’er’s guzheng.

Only then did they slowly gather together, standing in place, awaiting the mentors’ evaluations.

This time, Yelena was particularly excited: “That was incredible! I’ve always wanted to create a song that incorporates traditional elements like this. Our culture has such a deep history—there’s so much that could be used in music! This gave me so much inspiration!”

Jiang N nodded along. “While there were still many technical imperfections, this performance was already brilliant enough. Sometimes, what we seek isn’t balance or perfection, but a core that truly grips the audience.”

Upon hearing this, the other trainees felt their hearts sink.

Too strong.

It was clear that the mentors thought so too.

And the praise didn’t stop there.

Xuan Wen: “You complement each other so well. As a team, you move in unison, but when apart, each of you shines uniquely. Everyone’s strengths were fully displayed—no one’s brilliance was overshadowed.”

[Crying—Xuan Wen said exactly what I wanted to say!]

[Yes, yes, even Yu Xinyan stood out again!]

[This was eye-opening! I can’t believe they have so many talents—respect. How can anyone not love them?]

[Not gonna lie, I kind of want to be the emperor now.]

[The emperor wouldn’t be able to handle them. Yu Xinyan would call you a “stupid dog emperor” in no time.]

Finally, it was Zhao Qiuying’s turn to comment. He pressed his lips together tightly, barely daring to meet Jiang Su’s eyes.

After her dance, a few strands of hair stuck damply to her forehead. Her eyes, just as dewy, held a breathtaking allure. Zhao Qiuying could almost hear his own heartbeat growing erratic.

To him, Jiang Su was the most dazzling one of them all.

His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as his hand tightened around the rating card. Finally, he spoke succinctly: “I’m giving all of you an A.”

Wu Qingqing instantly relaxed.

Finally!

Her choice had been the right one after all!

This song—completely overlooked at first—had been transformed by Jiang Su into something uniquely powerful, nearly overwhelming the entire stage.

[Qingqing! Finally!]

[Wu-jie, let’s gooo!]

Then, Zhao Qiuying suddenly turned his head and addressed Dong Jiayu, “Teacher Dong, do you have any comments?”

He deliberately wanted to rack up more positive feedback for Jiang Su’s group.

Under the table, Dong Jiayu’s hands clenched so tightly her nails almost dug into her palm. If not for her years of acting experience, she would have already lost control of her expression.

She did want to talk more with Zhao Qiuying—but not about Jiang Su.

“…Teacher Dong?” Zhao Qiuying prompted again.

Dong Jiayu barely knew how she forced the words out. Staring at Jiang Su’s exquisitely beautiful face and graceful figure, she smiled and said, “They were all… very good.”

She couldn’t afford to break character.

So, Dong Jiayu forced herself to add, “They’re all truly wonderful girls. I’m really amazed.”

After saying this, only she knew how hard she was digging her nails into her palms.

On stage, Jiang Su lifted her eyes at the sound of the comment, glancing at Dong Jiayu with an unreadable expression.

That glance made Dong Jiayu’s heart stop for a second.

Wait, what am I afraid of?

She’s so delicate…

Dong Jiayu reassured herself.

Jiang Su moved her lips slightly. “Thank you.”

But for some reason, Dong Jiayu felt like the words carried another layer of meaning, leaving her unsettled for a long while.

Zhao Qiuying also felt uneasy.

He didn’t know why, but he really wanted to hear Jiang Su say “thank you”—just for him.

Meanwhile, as Wan Yue watched them take their ranking cards and exit the stage, she couldn’t stop herself from trembling.

Jiang Su… Jiang Su…

Ding Xuan’s expression was also complicated, but at this moment, she was more afraid that Wan Yue would lose control. She quickly pinched Wan Yue.

Even so, Wan Yue was still dazed.

The others weren’t much better off, either.

They had all been saying that going on stage first was the biggest disadvantage, but now? The ones at a disadvantage were them.

Jiang Su’s group had been too stunning. Their performance completely dominated the stage. When the later groups came on, their flaws would only be magnified in comparison.

A pearl had shone before them.

They were destined to be nothing but rubble.

For a moment, no one could find it in themselves to smile.

Lin Sifeng muttered with a complicated look, “No wonder Li Mo’er joined their group…”

Because after this performance, no one else would be remembered.

And right after the first public performance, the voting phase would begin!

The second group took the stage next.

But on the other side, Jiang Su was already trending.

#Jiang Su#

#The Four Great Beauties are Unbelievable#

The two tags climbed the ranks rapidly. Among the four of them, Jiang Su’s name stood out the most.

Some people who didn’t even watch the show were puzzled:

[Why is this name trending again?]

[Does this show buy trending spots this often? Even the competition doesn’t do it this frequently.]

[Oh, my bad. I watched the performance and came back. The trending spot wasn’t bought. I’m going to follow this show now, bye.]

Those who already knew a bit about Jiang Su flooded the comments:

[Jiang Su, how many more surprises are you hiding from us?]

[When Li Mo’er appeared, the whole place must’ve lost it. How did Jiang Su convince her to join?]

[I’m Wan Yue. I’ve already collapsed in the bathroom. clown emoji]

[Jiang Su’s waist is so soft. I wanna touch it, sob.]

[How does she do it? She can play the mournful and grand suona, the chilling and imposing pipa, and she can even dance with stunning flexibility… On top of that, everyone wants to be friends with her?!]

[I’m voting for her! Loudly!]

—

As Jiang Su’s popularity surged, Wan Yue’s group was still waiting to go on. The longer they waited, the more panicked she felt.

By the time it was finally their turn, Wan Yue was already feeling dizzy.

Ding Xuan sensed trouble, but it was too late to back out.

She had deliberately placed Wan Yue at the end of the lineup to prevent her from disrupting the rhythm.

But it was useless.

As soon as Wan Yue opened her mouth, the entire group lost their timing.

Ding Xuan swallowed her frustration, but she was terrified that her ranking would plummet again. Her votes were already far lower than Lin Sifeng’s group.

As a result, Ding Xuan’s pace became more frantic.

The others couldn’t keep up. The performance fell apart, even worse than their initial stage.

And this time, there was no Jiang Su to save them.

“Ding Xuan, C.”

“Wan Yue, F.”

Wan Yue’s head snapped up in shock.

She had fallen to F!

That meant she was at risk of being eliminated!

As they left the stage, the presence of the cameras made everyone hold back their emotions. No one spoke, but the silence was suffocating.

[Poor Ding Xuan, tsk.]

[Poor? She knew exactly what kind of person Wan Yue was and still let her join. You really think she had no ulterior motives?]

[Come on, maybe she just felt sorry for her.]

[If even Jiang Su didn’t pity her, does Ding Xuan really think it’s her place? If Wan Yue was smart, she should’ve just sucked up to Jiang Su.]

[Wait a second… I just realized. In this show, Jiang Su is basically the little emperor, and everyone else is just competing for her favor.]

[?? LMAO, love that perspective!]

—

The first public performance ended quickly.

This time, even fewer people received an A ranking—just four. And they were all from Jiang Su’s group.

Because of their outstanding performance, the mentors had raised their standards for the later contestants. Many who had just earned an A were immediately knocked down a tier. Some were nearly in tears.

Those who were demoted to F exceeded the available spots, so a few trainees had to sit out and wait for another chance to compete.

Jiang Su and her group exited the stage.

“Jiang Su,” Wan Yue called in a low voice.

Jiang Su turned back to look at her.

Wan Yue stood there, pitiful and disheveled, like a foolish little quail shivering in the wind.

Jiang Su withdrew her gaze and walked away with Yu Xinyan and the others.

Wan Yue looked completely lost for a moment.

Ding Xuan was also embarrassed beyond words. She wanted to yell at Wan Yue but couldn’t, since she had been the one to invite her in the first place. In the end, she left quickly.

Watching this unfold, Wu Qingqing only felt more grateful for what she had.

She wanted to get on Jiang Su’s good side, but she wasn’t sure how to go about it. After hesitating for a moment, she cautiously asked, “…Jiang Su, can I treat you to a meal?”

Jiang Su’s eyes lit up slightly, and she quickly responded, “Okay!”

Wu Qingqing couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. Was the girl actually happy? In the minds of all the trainees, Jiang Su was practically a final boss. Was she really this easy to coax?

Meanwhile, Dong Jiayu walked out of the building.

Sister Wang quickly approached her and asked in a hushed voice, “So? Did you watch carefully this time?”

Dong Jiayu tugged at the corner of her lips. “I watched carefully…”

She had watched very carefully.

Taking a deep breath, she admitted, “…You were right. I can’t look at her the way I used to. Jiang Su…” She forced herself to suppress her discomfort and said, “She’s really impressive.”

Sister Wang’s expression remained serious. “Exactly. Look at this…”

She handed Dong Jiayu her phone, showing her the trending searches.

Dong Jiayu felt dizzy, almost unable to continue looking.

Sister Wang glanced at her and whispered, “Don’t leave yet. Call Zhao Bo’ang, ask him to come here, and invite Zhao Qiuying to join for a meal.”

“…Alright,” Dong Jiayu responded.

She got into the nanny van and started making the call.

But no one picked up.

At that moment, in a spacious conference room, several high-ranking business figures sat in silence.

The man seated at the center wore a tailored suit, his features sharp and brooding. He toyed with a pen in one hand without saying a word.

Yet, everyone in the room feared him.

To his left sat another well-dressed man, his navy-blue suit immaculate, gold-rimmed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. He was a few years older, and his assistant respectfully addressed him as “President Zhao.”

Across from President Zhao sat Yan Yucheng, dressed casually in a button-up shirt with his sleeves rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms.

A middle-aged man urged, “President Yan, say something…”

Yan Yucheng casually played with his phone, barely paying attention. “I’m just here to make up the numbers.”

“Then, President Zhao…”

Zhao Bo’ang turned his head toward the silent man in the center. “Let’s hear from President Cheng first. Everything else can be discussed later.”

Cheng Yue pressed his pen down on the table, bending the tip with sheer force.

He looked up.

Before he could speak, Yan Yucheng suddenly clicked his tongue. “Had I known, why did I even come here? Watching the show would’ve been better!”

His eyes burned with intensity as he stared at the screen, completely absorbed in Jiang Su’s segment, unable to look away.

If he had known it was going to be like this, he would’ve stayed in his VIP seat at the live recording!

The video played out loud.

Cheng Yue frowned slightly.

Was he hallucinating again? Jiang Su’s voice was practically haunting him at this point!

“President Yan is talking about that show on Weiguang, right? I recall President Yan’s company, Sanjin Entertainment, is involved in it…”