Chapter Ninety-Nine: What It Means to Be Family

The latest chapter of "The Magnate Superstar"...

Rong Qing pushed the door open once more, only to find that only Huo Lingtian remained inside. She couldn't help but be surprised. "Where did everyone go?"

"They've left," Huo Lingtian replied, walking over to embrace her. Rong Qing naturally settled onto his lap; lately, he seemed to favor this position, holding her as they admired the view outside the window together.

"Lingtian, if you have work to attend to, we can go back; I don't mind," Rong Qing said hesitantly. Even though she hadn't overheard their conversation, she could sense that something was amiss with Lingtian's business. She didn't want to become a burden like the infamous Yang Guifei; after all, she still needed her man to provide for her.

"Foolish girl!" the man said, flicking her forehead without mercy. The little darling on his lap pouted in grievance, mumbling under her breath. "You're overthinking. My men can handle these trifling matters. Right now, you are what matters most to me, the most important and precious. So of course, I'll keep my little darling company."

Rong Qing blushed, sweetness filling her with shyness. Rarely was she so docile, curled up in his arms, a hint of drowsiness overtaking her as she rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes. Not bad at all—after a few days, she had developed a habit of relying on him.

When it came to the current entertainment industry, if one asked who was the most popular rising star, the first name to come to mind was always Rong Qing. Whether it was her temperament and looks, acting skills, or domestic and international fame, she was undoubtedly the new generation superstar. Though she had only filmed a few movies, each one was a massive success. Her outstanding performance in "Splendid Years" won universal acclaim, while "Miss Metamorphosis" made a bombshell impact in the film industry, becoming the box office champion just a week after its low-budget Chinese-language premiere. Her portrayal of a striving young woman once again stirred a social trend, embodying the spirit of perseverance and inspiring the new generation. In an era saturated with fast-food films, such works, stripped of superficial glamour, carried profound meaning.

As the film's lead, Rong Qing appeared before audiences in an ugly, coarse image. Rather than alienating her fans, it made more people appreciate her acting prowess. She proved that she was far more than a mere pretty face, though no one could deny even a vase could shine. Her dramatic transformation won audience approval and expanded her limitless potential.

Yet, at the height of her fame, when the adored superstar suddenly vanished from public view, the resulting sense of despair was something few could fathom. Rumors circulated that superstar Rong Qing had married into the Huo family and might retire from acting to become a devoted wife and mother. Nevertheless, her fans, loyal in love, waited patiently, believing she would never abandon them.

Just as the masses eagerly awaited Rong Qing's return, Starshine Entertainment broke news about her background: a lonely, orphaned girl who had made miracles in showbiz through sheer perseverance. The media even dug up a photo of her once-happy family of three. As the furor grew and Rong Qing remained unseen, the press seized the opportunity to sensationalize the story.

As the situation escalated, the media at Starshine Entertainment, who had exposed Rong Qing's story to boost their own ratings, skyrocketed to the top in just days. Rong Qing’s continued absence and the silence from Pinnacle Entertainment only emboldened Starshine further. Somehow, the media even tracked down her distant relatives and paraded the entire clan on live radio, taking photographs and conducting interviews. Watching these familiar, sycophantic faces on TV, Rong Qing was filled with disgust. So, such shameless people really did exist.

"Uncle Rong, we heard that Rong Qing was always an excellent student. What made her switch to joining the entertainment industry? Did she show remarkable acting talent from a young age?" A live interview dedicated to exploring Rong Qing's journey was broadcasting on a local station. The female host, repeatedly calling him 'uncle,' only made Rong Qing feel more nauseated.

"Yes, yes... Rong Qing was an outstanding child, growing up alongside our Hui'er. She was beautiful and clever from a young age—who wouldn't like her?" Rong Yuan, her father's elder brother and her biological uncle, reminisced. Rong Qing had indeed grown up with Rong Hui, but as an older cousin, Hui'er had bullied her often. When her parents died while she was in high school, her uncle not only failed to help but even conspired with his family to seize her inheritance. Rong Qing still remembered that day vividly—how Grandma Li chased them out with a broom, how she had pleaded with them in despair, the last traces of sadness and tears in her eyes. She would never forget the uproar at her parents' grave, nor the ugly faces of those who kicked her when she was down.

"And this must be your lovely daughter. She does resemble Rong Qing a little," the host said even more affably. Sitting beside them, Rong Hui had dressed herself up to look quite attractive, but her aura and bearing were worlds apart from Rong Qing. Even a casual mention of any random person from the star-studded entertainment world would surpass her.

"Yes, Hui'er is skilled in dance and music, but unfortunately, she hasn't been discovered yet," Rong Yuan sighed, putting on a show.

The host forced a dry smile, having seen countless relatives of celebrities touting themselves, never considering whether their children truly measured up. Aside from a face vaguely reminiscent of Rong Qing, she lacked both poise and presence. "Could you share some amusing stories about Rong Qing’s childhood?"

Weary, Rong Qing switched off the television. Some people took her absence as an invitation to bully her. The once-beautiful light in her eyes was now icy cold. She had let bygones be bygones with her uncle before, but if they challenged her limits again, she would show no mercy.

Huo Lingtian entered and saw his usually gentle darling exuding a chilling aura. The afternoon sunlight filtered into the living room, where Rong Qing sat quietly on the sofa, radiating loneliness. Huo Lingtian’s heart ached at the sight, his eyes narrowing. Who had dared to upset his beloved?

He walked over and embraced her from behind. Feeling his familiar, warm presence, Rong Qing’s body relaxed, her icy demeanor thawing. Thankfully, she still had someone to love and rely on.

"Lingtian, let’s go back tomorrow," Rong Qing said softly. Though the peace and comfort here were hard to leave, this was not truly her home. It was time to set things right.

"Alright, whatever you wish," Huo Lingtian replied tenderly. "If you ever want to return, I’ll come with you any time."

"Husband..." The warmth of the man behind her made her heart race at those words, the pounding of his heartbeat echoing in her chest. "Thank you..."

As the sun set, their shadows intertwined, stretching long and warm in the golden light.

Huo Lingtian was a man of action. The moment she decided, the butler arranged everything that night, even packing an entire box of local specialties from the seaside. At their departure, Uncle Tian was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face as he urged the young couple to return for another vacation by the sea.

After three long days and nights at sea, the wind in their hair, they finally arrived ashore. Rong Qing had announced her return online days before. When she stepped off the plane, she was greeted by a crowd of fans holding banners, their love and trust warming her heart with comfort and encouragement as she recalled her first arrival, lost in a sea of waving signs.

Rong Qing and Huo Lingtian appeared in public hand in hand—their first appearance on screen as a married couple. All the major media outlets, having caught wind of their return, gathered at the airport, creating a truly grand and magnificent scene.

As they disembarked, the media and fans surged forward. Rong Qing calmly accepted the interviews. Dressed in a black trench coat, her long hair flowing, she looked relaxed and approachable after her time abroad. Facing the cameras directly, she said, "Thank you to all my fans and the media for your support and for coming to welcome me. I’m truly grateful. As for those who have recently used my name for their own purposes, it’s been troubling. I hope my fans and the media will not be manipulated by those with ulterior motives." Her sincere words were broadcast nationwide and abroad.

Meanwhile, the family now branded as Rong Qing’s relatives watched the news with awkward, resentful expressions.

“Hmph, your niece isn’t one to be trifled with. She’s so famous now, yet she won’t help us at all. Our Hui’er is still relegated to small roles on minor stages,” Rong Yuan’s wife grumbled, her eyes blazing with jealousy at Rong Qing’s success.

“Father, Rong Qing makes it sound as though we’re just riding her coattails. There was even a radio station wanting to make me a star the other day,” Rong Hui added, feeling increasingly unsettled. Since childhood, Rong Qing had outshone her in appearance, temperament, and academics. Who would have imagined that a girl orphaned so young could be so lucky—famous throughout the country and married to a wealthy man? If Rong Qing could do it, why couldn’t she? All she lacked was an opportunity—surely that was the reason!

"Really, Hui’er?" Rong Yuan was overjoyed. He knew how lucrative stardom could be—if his daughter caught a director’s eye, their family could soar to unimaginable heights. The thought alone excited him to no end.

"Of course. I’m going for an audition in a few days. Hmph, who does Rong Qing think she is?" Hui’er declared proudly. But she would never recognize that the only reason people sought her out was because of the superstar’s reputation and status. If Rong Qing publicly distanced herself from their family, who would dare have anything to do with them?

"Good, good..." Rong Yuan’s eyes gleamed with pride. The thought that his daughter might one day be as dazzling and noble as Rong Qing soothed his earlier desire to curry favor with her, his usual arrogance returning to his hawk-like gaze.

The fans’ enthusiasm was boundless. After patiently signing autographs and handling the reporters, Rong Qing and Huo Lingtian finally returned to the Huo residence. Now recognized as the lady of the house, it was only fitting that she live there. The Huo family had already made elaborate preparations to welcome their mistress.

—End of Chapter—

(A side note from the author: Sigh... I got scolded by my editor today, and a comment was flagged for a serious violation. From now on, there’ll be fewer bonus scenes...)