Zhong Jingjing, seeing the curious gazes of the guests fixed upon her from below the stage, finally spoke with satisfaction, "Top Entertainment's rise to prominence was thanks to the outstanding descendants of our Lin family. Otherwise, with our traditional conservative mindset, we would never have been able to inject vitality and life back into a dying company. And this outstanding descendant of our Lin family is my granddaughter, Lin Shirou.
Ever since she learned that the Oriental Consortium was holding a global casting call for 'Immortal Path,' she has repeatedly sought out suitable actors for 'Immortal Path' from companies under the Lin family's banner in her spare time. During this process, there was misunderstanding and numerous difficulties, but heaven favors the persistent. Ultimately, Rourou found the most suitable person to play Wang Yuan—Ge Xuansi!
If it weren't for Rourou, we wouldn't have been able to reach a cooperation with the Oriental Consortium. After deliberation by all members of our Lin family, we have decided to make Rourou the boss of Top Entertainment, leading it towards an even more brilliant future."
On stage, Zhong Jingjing and Lin Shirou's expressions were filled with excitement.
Below the stage, Lin Xingwan's face was as cold as ice, her eyes filled with disdain.
Lin Shirou, holding the microphone, spoke somewhat incoherently, "Since Grandma has entrusted such an important company to my management, I will absolutely not let Grandma or the Lin family down. I believe Top Entertainment will forge glory again."
Warm applause erupted throughout the banquet.
Gu Shaoting, standing below the stage, wore an expression of proud self-satisfaction.
Abandoning Lin Xingwan and choosing Lin Shirou was the most correct decision he had ever made.
From now on, a sun-drenched path paved with money awaited him.
"Brother, I deserve the biggest reward this time, so you must treat me well." Gu Jiaojiao, who had appeared from somewhere, cast a greedy gaze at Gu Shaoting.
Gu Shaoting turned to look. Beside Gu Jiaojiao were her parents, Gu Hezhe and Sha Manying.
"Shaoting, don't say I didn't warn you. Lin Shirou is a very cunning woman. Be careful she doesn't dump you after becoming the boss of Top Entertainment. It's best if you get her pregnant first, then have a shotgun wedding."
Gu Hezhe leaned in and whispered a wicked suggestion into Gu Shaoting's ear. After all, after tonight, the Lin family would be the most sought-after entity in Rongcheng.
Gu Shaoting did not retort, and Sha Manying nodded repeatedly, "As long as Lin Shirou gets pregnant, we'll release the news, and we can save half the bride price."
Just as Sha Manying finished speaking, Lin Xingwan, seated in the front row, suddenly stood up.
Her eyes, devoid of emotion, grew even deeper. Under the lights, she was dazzling and could not be ignored.
"This is truly laughable. I, the boss of Top Entertainment, am not dead yet, and you are appointing Lin Shirou as the boss right in front of me?"
"Xingwan, what are you doing? Sit down quickly! Do you think the company is yours just because you managed Top Entertainment for a few years?" Lin Hanhai, while warning Lin Xingwan, deliberately raised his voice so that everyone present could hear.
Yang Niuyun and Lin Shirou exchanged glances and then spoke with feigned earnestness, "Xingwan, Top Entertainment was the empire built by your mother and father. After your mother passed away, you and your father managed it. But in these past few years, you've neglected Top Entertainment. Now that your sister has brought Top Entertainment back from the brink, you come to fight with her."
One sentence stirred up a storm.
Although the guests dared not gossip about Lin Xingwan as they had before, many were still whispering.
"One can lack many things in life, but not integrity. I finally understand why this woman is not favored in the Lin family and why her fiancé dislikes her—her heart is black."
"Human greed is displayed here to its fullest."
"She ignored Top Entertainment when it was struggling, and now she can't afford to get close to it."
Boss Yang and Master Qin Six exchanged glances and smiled without speaking.
There are always wicked people trying to harm the empress!
Lin Shirou, standing on stage, put on an incredibly wronged expression and said with a choked voice, "Sister, you abandoned Top Entertainment back then. I always thought you no longer wanted such a loss-making company. During this time, I fainted several times from exhaustion for Top Entertainment, and finally, I see it on the right track. If Sister wants to return to Top Entertainment, I am willing to give the company back to you."
Zhong Jingjing scolded loudly, "Rourou, how can you be so foolish! Top Entertainment has just been revived. If you hand it over to your sister, Top Entertainment will surely repeat its past mistakes."
Liu Mengqin, seeing the Lin family's coordinated performance, trembled with anger. "You are truly disgusting. My mother cried holding me, disgusted and heartbroken. You've disgusted me to death. Top Entertainment clearly belongs to Xingwan, so why should it be given to Lin Shirou, this green tea bitch? And… you said you fainted several times from exhaustion for Top Entertainment? That's hilarious. A woman like you, other than being a piece of shit in a TV drama, even gum spat out by a dog on the roadside looks better than you."
Ye Ranran threw the watermelon she was holding onto the stage with force, hitting Lin Shirou directly on the forehead. "You wear a pot on your head, carry a cabbage in your hand, and think you're Dongfang Bubai, but you're actually just a silly second-generation rich kid, neener neener!"
After saying that, Ye Ranran stuck out her tongue and made a face at Lin Shirou.
Lin Shirou looked at the watermelon remnants at her feet, wiped the watermelon juice and pulp from her face, and was furious to the point of going mad.
However, in front of so many people, she had to maintain her most vulnerable and innocent facade.
Zhou Jinbai whispered a few words into Chen Yuchu's ear. The woman listened and nodded slightly.
Soon, Chen Yuchu walked onto the stage.
"Hello everyone, I am Chen Yuchu, the executive secretary of Oriental Consortium. I originally did not wish to involve myself in the Lin family's domestic affairs, but as it concerns the interests of the Oriental Consortium, I must clarify who the boss of Top Entertainment is—Miss Lin Xingwan or Miss Lin Shirou."
"Of course, it's Rourou. If it weren't for Rourou, Top Entertainment would still be a stagnant, foul-smelling pool of black water."
Zhong Jingjing asserted. At this moment, someone quickly handed a file bag to Zhong Jingjing. Zhong Jingjing spoke again, "This is the transfer agreement for Top Entertainment. I am transferring it to Rourou, black and white, clear and obvious."
Chen Yuchu took it, opened it, and glanced at it. "Miss Lin Xingwan, do you have anything to say?"
Lin Xingwan also walked onto the stage with steady steps, her sharp gaze fixed on the tearful Lin Shirou.
"You claim to have worked tirelessly for Top Entertainment. I'd like to ask what you worked tirelessly for? What did you work tirelessly on? You were filming out of town not long ago. May I ask if you worked tirelessly in the middle of the night?"
Lin Shirou, looking at the aggressive Lin Xingwan before her, couldn't help but take a few steps back.
Lin Xingwan continued to approach. With every word she spoke, her beautiful face grew colder, and her gaze became more powerful and aggressive. "I have tolerated you repeatedly, yet you have become even more insatiable. Describing you as a dog that cannot change its ways would be an insult to dogs."
Lin Shirou accidentally stepped on her skirt and fell head over heels in front of everyone.
"You wicked creature, how dare you be so presumptuous!" Zhong Jingjing angrily rapped her cane heavily.
Lin Xingwan looked at Zhong Jingjing and raised the item in her hand, her sharp gaze as cold as a sword. "Do you know what this is in my hand?"
"Wh-what?" Zhong Jingjing cast a suspicious glance at the black object in Lin Xingwan's hand, a strong sense of unease rising within her.
As soon as she finished speaking, all the stage lights went out. Lin Xingwan pressed the switch of the item in her hand, and images were projected onto the large screen behind the stage.
In the video, Gu Jiaojiao appeared.
She was seen picking up a black bag, opening it, taking out a piece of paper, and then putting it into her bag.
"Yesterday, Gu Shaoting's sister suddenly asked me to go shopping. I assume everyone has seen the news. Gu Jiaojiao wanted to treat me as a sucker to pay for her, and she stole the transfer agreement for Top Entertainment. However, the real agreement, I had already hidden it elsewhere, so the one Gu Jiaojiao stole is fake."
"Impossible… How could this be?" Zhong Jingjing, even with her cane, almost fell to the ground.
"Furthermore, my father, Lin Hanhai, and my stepmother, Yang Niuyun, even paid lawyers to try and have that agreement destroyed."
After Lin Xingwan finished speaking, she pressed the item in her hand again, and a clear recording was played:
Lin Hanhai: As long as Lawyer Zheng helps us destroy those agreements, you won't be shortchanged. This one million is just a sweetener. Once we establish connections with the Oriental Consortium, you'll live a life of luxury for the rest of your days.
Yang Niuyun: Lawyer Zheng, a wise person knows when to act. Our Lin family is the one you should align yourself with.
…
Lin Hanhai and Yang Niuyun's faces turned ashen.
Lin Xingwan's face was filled with uncontrollable despair. With a trembling voice, she questioned, "You asked me for twenty million back then, and then transferred Top Entertainment to me. It was I who brought Ge Xuansi to participate in the 'Immortal Path' audition. It was I who revived this dying company, yet you have repeatedly plotted against me and framed me… I considered you my family, and you treated me like a fool."
After speaking, she burst into tears.
The guests below the stage were all ignited with emotion.
"What kind of bullshit family is this, to actually turn the tables! I declare that from now on, I will sever all cooperation with the Lin family."
"Just listening makes me angry. I really don't know why they are so biased. Lin Xingwan is clearly far superior to Lin Shirou."
"My company is planning to invest in a movie recently, and I want to cooperate with Top Entertainment."
Lin Shirou, lying on the ground, was so furious she was spitting fire, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Lin Hanhai and Yang Niuyun felt blood rush to their heads, their ears burning, and their faces turning a liver-like color.
Gu Shaoting's family also stared in astonishment.
"You… you… you…" Zhong Jingjing pointed at Lin Xingwan tremblingly, then closed her eyes and fainted on stage.
"Grandma, quickly save Grandma…" Lin Shirou quickly crawled to Zhong Jingjing's side and looked up to question Lin Xingwan, "Sister, do you have to push Grandma to her death before you'll stop?"
Lin Xingwan lazily lowered her eyelids, her long lashes casting a shadow.
Before she could speak, Ye Zong rushed over.
"Everyone, move aside. I understand Chinese medicine, I can save her!"
After speaking, he forcefully pinched Zhong Jingjing's philtrum.
The force was so great that Zhong Jingjing, who was faking her faint, had to open her eyes again from the pain.
"Cough… cough cough… It hurts so much…" Zhong Jingjing's eyes welled up with tears from the pain.
"Coming here today, the Lin family has truly shown their true colors. I announce that Oriental Consortium will not have any cooperation with the Lin family. As for the boss of Top Entertainment, we only recognize Miss Lin Xingwan."
After speaking, Chen Yuchu left without looking back.
Zhong Jingjing's face turned ashen. She had never dreamed that her petty cleverness would ruin the future of the entire Lin family.
"Self-inflicted, cannot live." Lin Xingwan also turned and left.
"Pah! You old hag, now I'll see how you can still jump around." Liu Mengqin spat onto the stage, then proudly puffed out her chest and left haughtily.
"Big bad guy, you got what you deserved." Ye Ranran also spat, mimicking Liu Mengqin.
Ye Zong said with an unfathomable expression, "Old Mrs. Lin, remember to find me next time you faint."
Although Ge Xuansi did not say a word, his gloomy eyes held a hint of a smile that sent shivers down one's spine.
Outside the Lin family villa.
A white sports car was parked by the roadside.
"Thank you very much, Secretary Chen, for tonight." Lin Xingwan's tone was polite and courteous.
Chen Yuchu smiled, "Miss Lin, you don't need to thank me. It was just a small favor."
After speaking, Chen Yuchu turned to get into the car.
However, the heel of her high-heeled shoe got stuck in a crack between the paving stones, and she stumbled.
Chen Secretary, whose composure was usually impeccable, showed a flash of fear on her pretty face.
Zhou Jinbai, with quick reflexes, grabbed Chen Yuchu's arm, steadying her swaying body before quickly letting go.
"Thank you."
Chen Yuchu felt utterly humiliated and quickly got into the car and left.
"It's getting late, everyone can take a taxi back. I'll reimburse your fares," Lin Xingwan said to Liu Mengqin and the others.
"We have a car, we don't need to take a taxi," Zhou Jinbai said calmly.
"The car was lent to us by Mr. Marcus. Since we've supported you, we should return it," Lin Xingwan smiled, but her eyes were chillingly cold.
"We can give everyone a ride first, and then return it to Marcus," Zhou Jinbai disagreed with Lin Xingwan.
"When will that be? Marcus lent us the car out of consideration for your connection and his sincerity in wanting to cooperate with Top Entertainment. We shouldn't be too greedy, should we?"
Lin Xingwan's tone was neither warm nor cold, and she maintained a smile that didn't reach her eyes as she looked at Zhou Jinbai.
"I'll take a taxi. It's not far from my place anyway. If this luxury car takes me back, I'll be gossiped about to death by people in my complex," Liu Mengqin tugged at Ye Zong's arm, giving him a meaningful look.
"Yes, Ranran and I plan to go to the supermarket to buy some things, so we'll be leaving now." Ye Zong, holding Ye Ranran's hand, quickly slipped away.
"We're going to take a taxi. Mr. Zhou, Xingwan, bye-bye~" Liu Mengqin pulled Ge Xuansi away, while Lin Xingwan took out her phone to call for a ride.
Zhou Jinbai waited for the ride-hailing car with Lin Xingwan. As soon as the car arrived, Lin Xingwan, without waiting for Zhou Jinbai to open the door, got into the passenger seat.
Zhou Jinbai: ???
It was quite… inexplicable.
On the way back, Lin Xingwan closed her eyes to rest, and Zhou Jinbai could only remain silent.
When the car arrived downstairs at Lin Xingwan's apartment, Lin Xingwan said, "It's getting late, you should go back."
As she walked towards the elevator, Zhou Jinbai followed behind her.
"Are you feeling unwell? Should I take you to the hospital?" Zhou Jinbai asked.
"No, I'm just a little tired."
"Then I'll give you a massage."
"No need."
"Make you a late-night snack?"
"Not hungry."
"I'll sleep on the sofa tonight, I'm not going back."
"You should still go back."
Just as Lin Xingwan was about to enter the elevator, Zhou Jinbai suddenly pulled her to the wall and held her tightly. "Are you unhappy? Who made you angry?"
"I'm not unhappy, I'm just really tired, Zhou… mmm…"
Before Lin Xingwan could finish speaking, Zhou Jinbai kissed her.
She gritted her teeth tightly, her hands pushing against the man beside her, scratching his neck like a wild kitten.
Yet, Zhou Jinbai did not let go of Lin Xingwan. He firmly held her struggling hands, and with his other hand, he pulled down the zipper of her evening gown.
Lin Xingwan felt a chill down her back as Zhou Jinbai pushed her into the elevator.
Before the elevator doors closed, a torrent of kisses descended upon her. Lin Xingwan could see the reflection of them kissing on the elevator walls.
She was kissed by him until her face turned red, her breathing became erratic, and a mist formed in her large eyes.
She clearly wanted to push him away, but her hands and feet felt weak, lacking strength everywhere.
Zhou Jinbai pulled down Lin Xingwan's evening gown, and Lin Xingwan became agitated. "This is an elevator, Zhou Jinbai, are you crazy?"
"Did I make you angry, hmm?" Zhou Jinbai pinched Lin Xingwan's chin, appearing very annoyed by her cold attitude.
"No, it's my… mmm…" own problem.
This time, the man's kiss was even more passionate. His large hand, with its light calluses, moved forcefully down Lin Xingwan's exposed back.