The public restroom was very remote, and with its creepy atmosphere, they felt that a girl like Xu Keyu wouldn’t have such guts and had subconsciously ignored it.

As Zheng Lingshan took a few steps inside, someone ran out screaming, which startled everyone.

Ning Qiuxiu and Zheng Lingshan immediately became alert.

Could it really be a kidnapping case?

Zheng Lingshan instinctively took a defensive stance, protecting Ning Qiuxiu behind her.

The person running out cried: “Family! You’ve found me! I’m going crazy!”

At the same time, the announcement came on: “Time’s up. All six students have been found. Challenge successful.”

“……”

Zheng Lingshan calmly withdrew her defensive stance and asked Xu Keyu with a straight face: “Was hiding in the restroom comfortable?”

“Not at all. I’ve been freezing and enduring the stench here for half an hour. It’s inhumane. I never want to study again.”

The two of them: “……”

So, who came up with this terrible idea? What kind of top student would hide in a public restroom in the freezing winter to study?

How much do they love studying?

Wouldn’t they think the knowledge they absorb tastes bad?

National TV station, we misjudged you.

---

The next day.

“Sorry, Miss Ji,” Song Qiao, who had single-handedly established Ji Weilang’s studio, now had to dismantle it with regret and guilt. “I tried my best to negotiate with Mr. Zhan, but he’s not the second young master. I’m… very sorry.”

Ji Weilang was taken aback: “Was it Zhan Qingyue?”

She thought it was Zhan Qingyuan being ruthless, withdrawing the investment right after she refused him.

Hearing it was Zhan Qingyue made her feel a bit better.

“Yes. He also took control of the marketing studio. You’ll need to prepare for yourself.”

Ji Weilang: “……”

Their studio only had that marketing team.

Since both sides were separate registered studios and not merged, she relied on her agent for public relations, while the rest depended on the other side.

Zhan Qingyue had truly cut off all support.

No, Zhan Qingyue had no personal grudge against her.

This must be the work of Ning Qiuxiu.

Ning Qiuxiu had been holding back for half a year, and now that she had the chance to show her triumph, she wasn’t going to let it pass.

How could she not make the most of it, especially after everything she had gone through?

But why was she in this situation?

The studio was funded by Zhang Qingyuan, and the profit split was 70/30, similar to what Ji Weilang would get from the entertainment company she might sign with.

Aside from having more freedom and less supervision, Ji Weilang didn’t feel she had taken advantage of Zhang Qingyuan.

His investment was also a way for him to earn a profit from her.

Even though Zhang Qingyuan didn’t care about the money, this setup ensured that both parties were on equal footing.

Even now, if they broke up, the studio’s finances would still transfer Zhang Qingyuan’s share without any deductions.

So, they were in a legitimate and fair employment relationship.

If Zhang Qingyuan withdrew his investment because of the breakup, Ji Weilang would accept it as a matter of course.

But if Ning Qiuxiu was retaliating maliciously, Weilang would not take it lying down.

She had no grudge against Ning Qiuxiu, yet she felt constantly targeted.

What had she done to upset this young lady so much?

“Song Qiao,” Ji Weilang looked at him intently, “could you please help me ask Mr. Zhan for a meeting?”

“Well…” Song Qiao hesitated, “I can’t see Mr. Zhan casually right now, but I’ll try my best.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Ji Weilang forced a smile, “I’ll treat you to a meal later.”

“About that… Mr. Zhan,” Song Qiao still felt he should speak up for his boss, “he and Jia Qing really have nothing going on. Miss Ji, it’s not worth breaking up with Mr. Zhan over this.”

Ji Weilang waved her hand, she knew her own mind.

It took Zhang Qingyue two more days to visit Zhuosen again.

Song Qiao reported the progress of the tasks to Zhang Qingyue.

Zhang Qingyue’s expression remained unchanged from the beginning until Song Qiao finished.

Song Qiao couldn’t tell if he was satisfied or not.

There was no response at all, as if he had been speaking to the air.

Song Qiao had no choice but to continue, “Miss Ji wants to meet with you.”

“Oh?” Zhang Qingyue finally reacted.

He looked up at Song Qiao, “Forgot to mention, a new rule has been established. From now on, any requests from Miss Ji or Miss Jia to meet do not need to be approved by me. Just reject them directly.”

Song Qiao: “……”

“But…”

“However,” Zhan Qingyue leaned back in his chair with a smile, “Assistant Song, I really admire you. You seem to have a bright future. I suggest you enroll in an assistant training course for further development.”

The unexpected praise left Song Qiao momentarily stunned.

He didn’t understand Zhang Qingyue’s tactics and initially thought the praise was genuine.

But before the joy of being valued could fully sink in, the cold reality set in.

Zhan Qingyue likely wasn’t genuinely impressed with him.

If it weren’t for Zhan Qingyuan’s return, Song Qiao might have been the first to be dismissed.

The praise was a warning: as an assistant, he should focus on his role and not meddle in other matters.

If he didn’t understand this, he should go to an assistant training course.

Song Qiao closed his mouth and dared not speak further.

….

The “Super Uncommon” show was recording five episodes in a row for half a month, which was incredibly exhausting.

In between recording sessions, Ning Qiuxiu heard that “Magic Gate” had released a new update with character skins.

She had lost interest in the game, but the new skins caught her attention. Seeing her warrior character’s previous ugly appearance, she was intrigued. During a break, she logged in to the game using her laptop.

Since her account was a “celebrity account,” many people came to watch and message her as soon as she logged in.

After greeting them, she went to the skin shop.

Although the female warrior skins weren’t as good as the fox girl’s, they were much prettier.

Ning Qiuxiu happily bought them all.

She didn’t forget to show off by sending screenshots to Zhan Qingyue.

Zhan Qingyue didn’t respond.

After buying the skins and taking screenshots, Ning Qiuxiu chatted with the fans who had come to see her.

They were most interested in where the “Chi Yu” player had gone and asked her to reveal more information about him.

Seeing how many girls missed her “Chi Yu” and how they called him “husband” in the fan forums, Ning Qiuxiu was about to mention that “Chi Yu” was probably too busy to log in when the system notification popped up: “Your friend Chi Yu is online.”

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

She almost slapped herself.

Why didn’t he tell her he was online?

Zhan Qingyue sent her a team invitation and flew to her character’s side.

Ning Qiuxiu hadn’t seen the “Chi Yu” account in a while.

Seeing the name “Pool Fish” above someone’s head gave her a surreal feeling.

Hmm, still as handsome as ever, Ning Qiuxiu thought happily.

The nearby chat channel instantly exploded with excitement.

After more than half a month, nearly a month, “Chi Yu” was online again.

If there were fireworks in the game, they would have celebrated with them.

However, a few seconds later, a message appeared in the nearby channel.

[Nearby] Chi Yu: Not the real one.

“……” Everyone’s excitement turned to disappointment.

After sending that message, Zhan Qingyue didn’t say anything further and chatted with Ning Qiuxiu in the team chat.

[Team] Chi Yu: This skin is nice.

[Team] Gu Yuan: Of course, you must have been captivated by my stunning looks and couldn’t wait to come see me.

[Team] Chi Yu: Yes, couldn’t wait.

Ning Qiuxiu was still basking in her joy when Gu Yuan’s name appeared with another message.

[Team] Chi Yu: Came to see my “wife’s” cosmetic surgery.

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

[Team] Chi Yu: Looks good. I used to question my sexual orientation whenever I called her my “wife.”

“???” Does this mean he thought she didn’t look like a woman before?

Was it her fault if the game character was designed that way?

Ning Qiuxiu was heartbroken and challenged Zhan Qingyue to a duel, thinking that if he beat her, she wouldn’t talk to him for three days.

Zhan Qingyue accepted the challenge but, as if reading her mind, stood still while Ning Qiuxiu attacked him vigorously, and he died.

Her volatile emotions were not satisfied but only made her more angry.

[Team] Gu Yuan: Why aren’t you attacking? Do you look down on me?

[Team] Chi Yu: If you’re not afraid of your practice partner spreading rumors about you, I don’t mind fighting.

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

Zhan Qingyue had just denied that the “Chi Yu” account was him, and if he fought her and killed her, it would reveal the truth:

Ning Qiuxiu’s character logged in, and her long-absent practice partner also showed up, claiming not to be himself, only to duel with Ning Qiuxiu.

If others knew, they wouldn’t believe it was just a coincidence!

Ning Qiuxiu thought about how her fans might criticize “Chi Yu” for shamelessly flirting and using her for publicity… never mind, she’d let him off this time.

As Ning Qiuxiu was about to suggest that Zhan Qingyue buy some new outfits to look more handsome, a world announcement popped up in the center of their screens.

[World] Tianxia First Hammer: Chi Yu, stop pretending to be dead. Come and duel. I’m going to crush you to pieces!

“……” Tianxia First Hammer still wasn’t giving up. Didn’t he get enough of being beaten by Zhan Qingyue last time? Now he was looking for a fight again.

Tianxia First Hammer sent several messages, which were paid shoutouts that couldn’t be blocked.

Others joined in, saying that Tianxia First Hammer had been training hard to get revenge and asking “Chi Yu” to give him a chance.

It seemed like Tianxia First Hammer was taking things too seriously.

It was just a lost duel.

But thinking about how this person probably spends a lot of money on the game, it made sense that they would be sensitive about their pride.

[Team] Chi Yu: Let’s log off.

[Team] Gu Yuan: Okay.

Ning Qiuxiu noticed that Zhan Qingyue, who was almost 30, was indifferent to the provocation.

He wasn’t as passionate as younger people and probably wouldn’t have played this game if not for accompanying her.

She felt a little happy about this, but just as her message appeared, Tianxia First Hammer posted another new announcement.

[World] Tianxia First Hammer: If you don’t dare fight me, you’re the child of me and Ning Qiuxiu!

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

Why provoke someone like this? Why not just enjoy life?

But Zhan Qingyue was probably quick to log off, so he didn’t see it.

Tianxia First Hammer’s announcement appeared for just a second before his icon went dark.

Though Ning Qiuxiu was annoyed, she knew not to get too worked up over someone online.

If someone had no manners, she couldn’t force them to have some.

Feeling disinterested in the game, she was about to log off when she received a message from Zhan Qingyue.

[Black-hearted Onion: Don’t log off yet, wait five minutes.]

[Ning Qiuxiu: Huh? What’s up?]

[Black-hearted Onion: Pretend someone else is using the account.]

“……” He was quite thoughtful.

Ning Qiuxiu couldn’t help but laugh.

He must have seen the messages.

Sure enough, after five minutes, the Pool Fish icon reappeared.

With Chi Yu online again, Tianxia First Hammer started sending more provocative messages.

Chi Yu accepted the challenge.

Tianxia First Hammer’s gear and skills had obviously improved, and even though Zhan Qingyue hadn’t played in a while and was initially at a disadvantage, he managed to defeat Tianxia First Hammer after adapting to the situation.

Ning Qiuxiu was relieved and found the match exhilarating.

A crowd of people gathered to watch Pool Fish, making it feel like a fan meeting.

Their enthusiasm was high when he won, and Ning Qiuxiu’s small laptop was almost overwhelmed.

[Team] Gu Yuan: Zhan Daddy is so amazing (flowers)

[Team] Chi Yu: …

[Team] Gu Yuan: Let’s log off. Show off and then run.

[Team] Chi Yu: Okay.

However, they didn’t manage to escape.

As they were logging out, a new announcement appeared in the center of the screen.

[World] Tianxia First Hammer: [Chi Yu] Dad, [Gu Yuan] Mom.

Ning Qiuxiu: “……”

Seriously, where’s your sense of decency?

We don’t have a child as big as you!

Ning Qiuxiu was furious and, after logging out, couldn’t help but message Zhan Qingyue: [Did you see Tianxia First Hammer’s last announcement?]

[Black-hearted Onion: Can’t afford such a stupid child.]

[Ning Qiuxiu: Yeah, this person is really shameless. I seriously suspect they have a mental issue! Probably an idiot.]

[Black-hearted Onion: Yeah, this child’s IQ is below our minimum threshold. We can’t recognize him.]

Ning Qiuxiu: “???”

That sounded strange.