Chapter 42: He Is Truly Finished

As the main character in this incident, Yu Xi attracted a great deal of attention. Some speculated about the power backing her, thinking she must be the daughter of a big shot trying to experience ordinary life. But those rumors were quickly dispelled by her former classmates, who insisted she came from a regular working-class family—everyone knew as much from the parent-teacher meetings.

Others wondered if Yu Xi had become involved with a powerful figure; after all, in this circle, whether one was a reporter or a celebrity, as long as they were connected to the entertainment world, outsiders always assumed there was something unsavory going on.

As more and more people speculated, the strangeness of the situation grew. How could an ordinary girl from a modest family defeat a top-tier celebrity and take on a corporation as formidable as a colossus—and actually win? The more people discussed it, the more incredible it seemed.

Then, just as the discussions reached their peak, all traces of the story vanished from the internet. Even searching yielded nothing.

“I’m trembling. I don’t even dare talk about it anymore. Time to protect my account.”

“I saw it myself—the accounts that were the most active in the discussion have all been banned.”

“Unbelievable! This woman is something else—not only did she bring down Cheng Zhun and summon Fang Zeming, now she can control the narrative itself.”

“The person backing her must be extraordinary, someone truly powerful. I can’t believe it.”

“With a protector like that, why settle for being a reporter? She’s beautiful enough to be a star herself.”

“Not everyone wants to be a celebrity. Maybe her ambition is to be a great journalist.”

Gradually, the focus of the conversation shifted to the choice between being a star or a reporter, and the heat around the incident began to die down.

But things were very different for Luhua Corporation.

They were now facing enormous losses—first, for reasons they couldn’t identify, though they suspected the influential person behind Yu Xi; second, because Cheng Zhun’s public image had collapsed, causing many fans to abandon him. Advertisers withdrew their contracts, brands stopped inviting them, and even their television appearances were cut by more than half.

Third, they had lost their lawsuit—against Fang Zeming, no less; in his hands, there was no way they could win.

And on top of all that, they were in the wrong, and their defeat was devastating. Fans were even hurling rotten eggs at the company’s front doors.

“I told you to be careful! Are you satisfied now that you’ve completely ruined everything?” Cheng Zhun’s manager, a heavyset man, slammed a stack of contract termination notices onto the table—letters from brands ending their agreements.

Cheng Zhun hung his head, unable to comprehend how he could have lost to a mere reporter. He had assumed she would come to him weeping, begging for mercy. Now, even the company was being dragged down with him…

The thought of the consequences made Cheng Zhun collapse to his knees at his manager’s feet, sobbing uncontrollably. “Please, you have to help me! We’ve worked together for years—surely you won’t abandon me now!”

At any other time, his manager might have relented—he had, after all, guided Cheng Zhun’s entire career. But this time, his face was etched with fear.

“It’s not that I won’t help you—even the company can’t help you now.” He patted Cheng Zhun’s shoulder. “Do you know who orchestrated all of this?”

Cheng Zhun looked up, trembling with anxiety, as his manager pointed above his head.

“The news online was taken down by the Lian family.”

Cheng Zhun froze, his lips quivering so much he couldn’t utter the word “Lian.” He crumpled to the floor, despair written across his face.

The Lian family. Yu Xi was backed by the Lian family. This time, he was truly finished.

—

Gu Zhishu flashed a mischievous grin and trotted over to Lian Hanqi. “It’s all taken care of, bro! This time, not even the gods can save that Cheng Zhun.”

“Oh, and as for Luhua—Qin Yi has been wanting to go after them for ages. Finally, a proper opportunity. These people really had some nerve, going after our little sister-in-law’s friend. But she’s impressive, too—how do you think she knows Fang Zeming?”

Lian Hanqi set his pen down and gazed at Gu Zhishu in silence, his eyes cold as ice.

Gu Zhishu instantly jumped back, miming a zipper across his lips. “I’ll stop talking now. I’m leaving.”

He hurried out of Lian Hanqi’s office, slamming the door behind him. Still, as he was leaving, he couldn’t help muttering, “So heartless—use me and toss me aside. Truly my brother.”

Yu Xi, who had been following the matter closely, was full of questions. When she finally saw Yun Fu, she couldn’t help but ask.

But before she could go on, Yun Fu frowned and asked, “The news online?”

“Yes, all the posts and comments have disappeared. Even Luhua…”

Yun Fu sat down on the sofa, her expression grave as she pulled out her phone. Yu Xi didn’t dare interrupt. After about a minute, she saw Yun Fu’s face relax.

Yun Fu turned to her. “It’s been taken care of.”

Yu Xi let out a sigh of relief. Judging by Yun Fu’s calm, she clearly knew the person who had resolved everything.

At that moment, Yun Fu’s WeChat conversation with Lian Hanqi read:

[Was it you?]

[No, Gu Zhishu and Qin Yi handled it.]

[…Thank you.]

[No need. Just remember to buy me dinner.]

[…]

Looking at Yun Fu, Yu Xi felt a surge of warmth. She had never expected that, when all her options had run out, the one who stood by her side and helped her would be Yun Fu.

She had once felt bitter about their friendship—she had treated Yun Fu sincerely, considered her a true friend, but never imagined she would one day receive such kindness in return. She had never expected repayment for her past sincerity.

The girl before her was exquisite, her gaze cool and remote, as if she stood apart from the dust of the world. Yet at this moment, Yu Xi felt a warmth from her she had never known before.

Yu Xi sat down beside Yun Fu, took her hand, and smiled. “Yun Fu, thank you. You have no idea—I really thought I was done for this time. All those so-called friends abandoned me, and my family…”

Her words trailed off in a bitter smile.

Yun Fu remembered Yu Xi’s strained relationship with her family—because she was a girl, they had raised her with little warmth or affection.

But this girl before her was unexpectedly optimistic. She smiled again. “Yun Fu, don’t worry. I won’t let your help go to waste. You just focus on your acting, and I’ll keep being a good journalist. One day, I’ll interview you—just you.”

Her eyes shone with a fierce light; through them, Yun Fu seemed to glimpse the future she envisioned.

And Yun Fu, too, allowed herself a small smile.