“Brother Yue!” Ji Yuan went cold all over. “You can’t bear to watch me die?”
“You know I never accept threats,” Yue Ding stood up calmly, looking at the bustling street outside. “Look, today’s sunshine is so nice, perfect for golf.”
He then dialed a phone, instructing his secretary to arrange a golf game with Boss Lin.
“I’ll go with you,” Ji Yuan crawled forward. “You know I’m best at golf. You were the one who taught me.”
“Yes,” Yue Ding recalled the past, a slight smile on his face. “Back then, you knew nothing. Now you know how to do drugs and find other men behind my back. You’ve grown up.”
“Brother Yue, it’s all my fault. I truly know I was wrong. Will you forgive me this once?” Ji Yuan cried bitterly.
“When I taught you golf, what did I tell you every time a ball went out of bounds?” Yue Ding suddenly changed the subject.
Ji Yuan’s tears stopped, his face turning pale.
“One ball isn’t worth worrying about.”
He remembered Yue Ding’s exact words and understood his meaning. He knew Yue Ding had always treated him as a plaything, but Yue Ding was so gentle that he’d forgotten his own status, thinking he could be forgiven for anything.
“Brother Yue…”
“Let’s part on good terms.”
Ji Yuan looked deeply at Yue Ding. Although he looked as scholarly as always, Ji Yuan felt utterly hopeless. Heartbroken and dispirited, he left the room.
Only then did Chu Daizi emerge from the bedroom, her smile impossible to hide.
Yue Ding had just finished his phone call: “Come golf with me today.”
“Okay,” Chu Daizi walked over and linked her arm with his. “I’ll do anything as long as I’m with you.”
“You’re very happy today.”
“Of course I’m happy to be with you, Brother Yue.”
“Are you happy seeing Ji Yuan’s outcome?”
“Happy,” Chu Daizi blurted out, then immediately realized, her face turning pale. “Brother Yue, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”
“Want me to tell you what you’ve done?” Yue Ding’s mouth curved, but his deep eyes flashed a dangerous light.
Chu Daizi swallowed and honestly said, “I had someone post Ji Yuan’s photos online.”
“Why?”
“Because I hate him,” Chu Daizi lowered her head, looking somewhat aggrieved. “Especially since Brother Yue liked him so much.”
“Who said I liked him?” Yue Ding’s eyes flickered.
“Lin Xiaoman,” Chu Daizi’s voice was almost inaudible.
Yue Ding’s smile grew wider.
“Brother Yue, blame me if you want. I don’t think I did anything wrong.”
“Since you did nothing wrong, how could I blame you?” Yue Ding put his arm around Chu Daizi’s shoulders. “Come, let’s go play golf.”
Chu Daizi was somewhat surprised. Yue Ding had always been extremely intolerant of others interfering, but this time he was unexpectedly agreeable.
Chu Daizi suddenly remembered the words she had just overheard—
“You’ve provoked someone you shouldn’t have.”
Yue Ding must care most about her!
Chu Daizi proudly nestled in Yue Ding’s arms, feeling extremely pleased.
★, Chapter Forty: Negotiation
After Ji Yuan’s photos were posted online, Lin Xiaoman’s suspicions were cleared, and most online comments sympathized with her.
Hashtags like #InnocentLinXiaoman and #DontCryLinXiaoman became trending topics.
Lin Xiaoman directly returned to City A, preparing to confront the company. Unlike last time’s lack of preparation, she had brought a recorder this time to collect evidence and force the company to compromise.
As for the reason for confrontation, it would naturally start with the bundled marketing—
I have the contract between you and Ji Yuan’s agent in my hand. What do you think would happen if I were to publish this contract online?”
The contract was obtained with Xie Chi’s help. As long as she knew from Xiao Bai that such a contract existed, getting the electronic file was not difficult for Xie Chi.
“Why haven’t you posted it online?” Chang Zong quickly calmed down to assess the situation, despite being surprised she had the contract. “Because you know that if we bite back and say you agreed, you won’t be able to escape responsibility either.”
Lin Xiaoman smiled slightly: “That’s right.”
“Lin Xiaoman shook her head. “I won’t agree to such a betrayal. The program team made me popular, debuted me, and held fan meetings. I’ve finally gained some fame, and I won’t terminate my contract with them.”
“Are you stupid?” Chang Zong, who had known she was pragmatic, continued persuading her, “Even if Xinhe offers better conditions, with so many artists, how can they fully focus on cultivating an artist signed to another company? Only our own company would treat you like this.”
“I know the company means well, but this would weigh on my conscience, and it would set a bad example for my fans.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
Since they planned to make Lin Xiaoman the top star of Starry Entertainment, they naturally wouldn’t let others smear her reputation like before.
“We’ll push all blame onto Xinhe’s side.”
“But it’s Xinhe,” Lin Xiaoman pretended to be surprised. “Isn’t this tantamount to attacking a rock? I don’t want the company to offend other companies because of me.”
“We’re about to get investment. Who will win or lose is yet to be seen,” Chang Zong laughed slyly. “Besides, being associated with them isn’t bad for us. Most importantly, netizens are stupid. Just play the victim, and they’ll believe you.”
“I won’t agree,” Lin Xiaoman stood up. “I’ve already suffered so much online violence. I know the grievance and pain of being cyberbullied, so I won’t do this to others.”
“You don’t have a choice,” Chang Zong’s face turned cold.
“As long as I can terminate the contract, I’ll do as I please.”
“You think you can terminate the contract?” Chang Zong’s face was full of sarcasm. “You don’t dare release what you have, and even if you confront us publicly, you won’t gain anything.”
He leisurely took a sip of tea.
“I won’t say more. You’re smart and know what’s best for you.”
“You also said that after experiencing so much, netizens will believe me. Even if you smear me, I believe my fans will always support me,” Lin Xiaoman said righteously.
“You’re refusing the toast and will be forced to drink the penalty?”
“No matter how you threaten me, you can’t force me to do something I don’t want to do.”
Chang Zong still smiled: “In that case, we’ll meet in court. But before that, you still need to complete the company’s announcements according to the contract.”
“During the contract period, I will naturally act according to the contract,” Lin Xiaoman walked towards the door. “Send the schedule to Xiao Bai, and we will go.”
“No need,” Chang Zong followed Lin Xiaoman, “I’ve already arranged people.”
The door to the adjacent room suddenly opened, and two large, sturdy men walked out.
“To avoid affecting work, we’ll also manage your phone temporarily.”
After Chang Zong spoke, the two men snatched Lin Xiaoman’s bag and took out her phone.
“You’re violating my human rights,” Lin Xiaoman was inwardly panicked but remained calm on the surface. “Meeting in court won’t be good for you.”
“Take her to the hotel,” Chang ordered.
Lin Xiaoman realized what was happening. She had heard that some small companies would forcibly take uncooperative female celebrities to be traded with big shots in the entertainment industry. When they returned, they would have leverage against them and be disciplined, naturally becoming obedient.
They wanted to send her for a transaction.
“Wait,” Lin Xiaoman looked at Chang, no longer pretending, her usual arrogant expression restored, “Do you think I’ll comply after you do those disgusting things to me?”
Chang found this familiar, thinking her previous act was less like herself.
Although he intended to negotiate with Lin Xiaoman, Chang had always believed someone like her wouldn’t be easily compliant.
