Fan Xi smiled and recounted her past struggles—the hardships of rising to stardom and the obstacles set by colleagues or malicious parties who had their eyes on her beauty and potential.
Perhaps, during her time, it was a little easier to navigate the industry when big corporations had yet to dominate the entertainment circle. Now, without joining one of them, success was even further out of reach. Yes, artists had an easier time and walked a smoother road, but freedom had become a liability.
Sometimes, they were forced to do things they disliked—including Ling Yunxiang, who was lucky enough to have a solid family background and avoided most of it. However, for others, there was no choice. Even Fan Xi, despite her past prestige, struggled and seemed to be deliberately entangled in schemes designed to make her submit.
That was why Fan Xi had planned to quit and considered opening her own studio before expanding further when she secured enough rewards. Ling Qingyu’s entry completely skipped those steps, allowing her to strive toward a loftier goal.
Ideally, she hoped her company could become a sanctuary for talented individuals, shielding them from exploitation.
In fact, during their conversation, she had been testing whether Ling Qingyu had her own agenda regarding entertainment revenue and whether she intended to use artists as political tools. She was relieved to see Ling Qingyu show no interest at all. Fan Xi didn’t want to become another accomplice, sending artists to serve powerful figures and satisfy their vanity.
For instance, in a northeastern province, scandals had surfaced about artists being coerced into sexual corruption with high-ranking officials. Of course, the identities of these officials rarely made the news—mainstream channels were deliberately flooded with reports on famous artists instead.
Well, Fan Xi had almost doubted her own popularity when Ling Qingyu wasn’t familiar with her at all when they first met. But as they warmed up, she realized that this girl was a complete noob in entertainment—unable to name a single recent popular artist.
Perhaps, except for her sister, Ling Qingyu displayed no interest whatsoever. Only benefits and opportunities seemed to catch her attention.
It wasn’t that Fan Xi didn’t trust Ling Qingyu, but she dared not place all her bets just yet. In fact, Ling Qingyu had indeed expressed her intent to use her media group in the political arena.
Clearly, however, Ling Qingyu’s entry into politics wasn’t through lust, corruption, or desires—she wasn’t ensnaring men and women by weaponizing sex, the easier path.
Instead, she had chosen a harsher and more difficult road—one that Fan Xi both admired and desired. Controlling public opinion on a larger scale, with the potential to influence politics, wasn’t a simple feat. Unlike the usual tactics of handling scandals and smear campaigns, this was a whole new level—one that had skyrocketed beyond ordinary means.
Fan Xi occasionally glanced at Gu Yi during their conversation, having noticed that she played a crucial role in the deal between her and Ling Qingyu.
She had already known that Ling Qingyu had connections in the upper echelons, but befriending even a minister? That left her dumbfounded.
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Gu Yi was a national minister. With her presence, many doors that were shut to even the elite suddenly became accessible.
Of course, this also meant facing Gu Yi’s enemies and getting caught in factional battles.
Fan Xi’s ambition grew as she grasped the stakes. She had no doubt Ling Qingyu could handle these threats. From their conversation, it seemed she wouldn’t even need to.
For Gu Yi to cooperate, there had to be something else at play. Given Ling Qingyu’s remarks about controlling public discourse, Fan Xi understood that this move was designed for Gu Yi’s benefit.
There was no way Ling Qingyu and Gu Yi would collaborate without securing their respective goals.
The answer was obvious.
Gu Yi was already a minister. Beyond her current position, what else could she aim for but the presidency?
Fan Xi swallowed hard at the realization—she was about to become an aide to a future presidential candidate.
A vision she had never even dared to imagine was now within her grasp.
She couldn’t help but marvel at her fate with Ling Qingyu.
It had all started with another beautiful woman competing for her underwear to protect her chastity.
If Ling Qingyu hadn’t raised her hand, and her own belongings had been handed over to a strange man, would she really have ended up where she was now?
Perhaps, in the best-case scenario, she would have been stuck in a small studio somewhere, struggling against major enterprises just to make ends meet.
Or, in some inexplicable twist of fate, she might have ended up entangled with that man instead.
Who knows?
"Alright, we’re done here." Fan Xi clapped her hands joyfully and stretched. "Let’s go fry the spring rolls."
Ling Qingyu ogled at the goddess’s chest, almost reaching out before she glanced at Yang Qingyue with guilt and coughed lightly. "Forget about it. Leave these to the cooks. They’re masters at what they do."
Frying? Smoke and greasiness? Heck no—Ling Qingyu refused instinctively. While cooking could be enjoyable, it certainly didn’t include her.
"Oh, is it because you’re afraid your cooking skills will be exposed? Don’t worry, I get you." Fan Xi hugged Ling Qingyu and whispered in her ear, "I won’t tell anyone. I promise."
Ling Qingyu blushed and tried to distance herself. As expected of a former national goddess—those nuclear weapons attached to her were laced with deadly poisons.
She almost lost control of her hands again.
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Glancing around, she caught Yang Qingyue staring at her like a laser beam.
Ling Qingyu quickly waved and smiled, feigning innocence, but Yang Qingyue simply snorted and continued conversing with Cai Ning, Tang Ziyi, and Xiao Yue.
Relieved, Ling Qingyu pushed away any weird thoughts and regained her sanity. Otherwise, things might escalate into something she feared.
Of course, she liked Fan Xi—her charm, maturity, and self-confidence. Compared to Yang Qingyue, who was younger, Fan Xi exuded a much more fatal attraction.
But now wasn’t the time.
Even though Yang Qingyue had subtly admitted she wouldn’t mind, as long as she was informed in advance and confessed early…
Nonetheless, Ling Qingyu would never believe a woman’s words at face value. They said one thing when they meant another. She wasn’t about to make a fool of herself.
Inwardly, she had already made up her mind to include Fan Xi—after all, she had stolen Lin Fan’s harem.
Usually, Lin Fan’s women encountered trouble through unexpected scenarios, either indirectly via him or due to world factors where their pasts came back to haunt them. Who knew if Fan Xi would face the same fate?
Likewise, Ling Qingyu recalled the beautiful bank clerk whose relationship fate had been severed by her subordinates. She was no longer able to reconnect with Lin Fan.
Maybe the two would meet again.
Either way, Ling Qingyu had ordered Athena to monitor her and ensure she stayed out of danger.
What if she encountered a precarious situation and no longer had the male protagonist to solve it for her?
Taking care of a bank clerk didn’t cost much.
Ling Qingyu swore that lust had nothing to do with her decision.
She was simply fulfilling her role as Miss System in a rational and logical manner.
Miss System: "—||—"
Fan Xi and Ling Qingyu ended their activity under the reluctant gaze of the latter. The two carried their finished products to the cooks for the final touch, making sure to keep their movements discreet from the four elders.
Fortunately, no one paid attention to them, as the elders were fully absorbed in an antique discussion.
Watching their sneaky behavior, the cooks and maids struggled to hold back laughter, their expressions twitching with sheer willpower to avoid embarrassing their boss.
From a distance, Ling Qingyu spotted the trio nearly smothering each other.
Well, no need to guess—she knew about Su Ruomei’s affair.
Ever since the rescue, Tanya had barely left Su Ruomei’s side unless work-related matters forced her to.
Ling Qingyu envied their relationship.
Although Jiang Yu seemed to be resisting, Ling Qingyu knew the outcome was inevitable—based on the experiences compiled in the forbidden books.
And this stupid Su Ruomei had great luck.
Look at herself—Yang Qingyue had to scale a tall mountain just to break through.
As for the easier ones—Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue—she still had to defeat them first.
Despite all her efforts, Ling Qingyu could only sigh and raise her hands in surrender.
Compared to these combat geniuses, her cheats merely balanced things out from a data perspective.
She also realized that her once insane rate of physical enhancement had slowed down.
Not that she could complain—her strength had already reached monstrous levels.
If this continued, who knew if she might one day collapse an entire building just by walking too fast?
"Mind if I interrupt your little moment?" A teasing voice came from behind.
Ling Qingyu turned around and saw Gu Yi smiling at her, her eyes flickering between her and Fan Xi.
"Of course, Lady Gu," Ling Qingyu replied without the slightest change in expression. "This is Fan Xi, who will be leading my new media and news channel group."
"Nice to meet you, Madame." Fan Xi bowed politely. "It’s an honor to speak with you."
"I know you. I used to watch your movies and series whenever I had time to relax. It was quite enjoyable back then—helped relieve my stress. I hope I’m still young enough to ask for an autograph."
"Of course! I’m flattered to have a fan of your caliber. My heart is beating so fast, I need to take a deep breath."
"Relax, I’m not someone dangerous." Gu Yi patted Fan Xi’s shoulder. "I miss those days when talent and perseverance were the keys to rising in the entertainment industry. The modern era… alas."
"Each era has its merits. People’s tastes have simply changed, Madame."
"Agreed. By the way, since you’re familiar with Qingyu, don’t call me Madame. Call me Aunt Gu or Aunt Yi—whichever you prefer."
"…"
Ling Qingyu stared, awestruck, her eyes nearly bulging. Please, tell that to your enemies. Many heads rolled because of you, who didn’t fear you!
A super-friendly mother-in-law?!
Gu Yi: says someone whose ruthlessness is well-known in the business circle. Don’t think that I haven’t forgotten you’ve assassinated so many famous figures because they crossed your eyes.
These must be the exact response Gu Yi would give if she heard Ling Qingyu’s accusation.
Gu Yi’s expression and words seemed genuine, and her admiration didn’t feel the least bit pretentious, Ling Qingyu was amazed, a little frightened at the approachable Gu Yi.
She wouldn’t have any hidden plans and agenda, right? Even if Gu Yi was her future mother-in-law, Ling Qingyu still withheld suspicion.
Like-minded people had their problems.