Lin Xingwan saw Zhong Jingjing and Lin Hanhai.
In just over a month since they last met, the changes in their appearances were so drastic that Lin Xingwan was utterly stunned.
Zhong Jingjing, always so spirited, now wore a face of utter dejection, her once sharp and critical features now etched with weariness. At an age when she should be enjoying her retirement, she exuded an aura of pure pity.
Lin Hanhai was no better. His face was covered in stubble, his expression listless, and he had clearly lost a significant amount of weight.
The way they ran towards Lin Xingwan in the night breeze, their faces alight with joy, made it difficult to reconcile them with the people who had once bullied her.
"Wanwan, my good granddaughter, you've finally come out."
"Your grandmother and I have been waiting here for you for over five hours."
Zhong Jingjing and Lin Hanhai finally reached Lin Xingwan's side.
"So, this is my fault?" Lin Xingwan raised an eyebrow, her expression cold.
"No, no, your work is important. How could your father and I compare ourselves to your work?" Zhong Jingjing's fawning demeanor, her cautiousness, made Lin Xingwan's lips curl into a sneer.
Once, she had treated her own family with such caution.
Now, it was simply a matter of karma.
"Yes, it's fine for us idle people to catch a breeze outside." The autumn weather was cool during the day, but at night, it felt no different from winter. Lin Hanhai, shivering, rubbed his hands and presented a white bento box to Lin Xingwan. "Wanwan, you've been working all this time and haven't eaten, right? This is the chicken soup your grandmother stewed for you today. While you're working hard, you must also take care of your body."
Lin Hanhai's expression was almost obsequious, nothing like a father heartbroken and desperate to win back his daughter. He looked more like a subordinate trying to appease a superior.
"Speak. What is the purpose of your visit today?" Lin Xingwan didn't even deign to pretend with these people.
"Cough, cough... precious granddaughter, we just came to see you today. How could you think of us like that?" Zhong Jingjing feigned innocence, as if her true intentions had been guessed, which was incredibly off-putting.
Lin Xingwan let out a soft scoff and placed a foot on the car.
Lin Hanhai and Zhong Jingjing immediately panicked. "Wait... don't get in the car yet. We do have a small matter we wanted to discuss."
"I won't help you," Lin Xingwan stated. Just as she finished speaking, Zhou Jinbai unexpectedly descended from the car.
Lin Hanhai and Zhong Jingjing stared at Zhou Jinbai in horror. It was because of this man that Lin Xingwan guarded them like a thief.
Before Zhou Jinbai was with Lin Xingwan, he had been at their beck and call.
However, what Zhou Jinbai said next nearly made Lin Hanhai and Zhong Jingjing's jaws drop.
"Darling, listen to what they have to say first. After all, we're family. There are no grudges that can't be resolved."
Zhou Jinbai walked to Lin Xingwan's side and took her hand. Although his expression was unchanged, he squeezed her hand. Lin Xingwan remained silent, implicitly agreeing.
Zhong Jingjing's face lit up with joy. She immediately said, "Actually, it's nothing major. It's just... it's just that Rou Rou and Shao Ting are getting married. The Lin family is in decline now, and there are plenty of people who want to see us make a fool of ourselves. Especially that woman from the Cheng family. She's come to mock us several times under the guise of pleasantries. She's overjoyed to see the Lin family in trouble. If our wedding is held perfunctorily, she'll laugh at us for the rest of her life."
Zhong Jingjing, for once, spoke her mind to Lin Xingwan, her face filled with resentment. "When your mother was alive, their Cheng family was nothing compared to the Lin family. Later, this woman deliberately approached your mother, befriended her, and had your mother teach her how to run a company. Who would have thought that after her family prospered, she would constantly mock the Lin family, even at your mother's funeral, saying she was promiscuous and slept around, causing those who came to pay their respects to gossip about your mother. These things happened a long time ago, and you were too young to remember, but I've hated her for a lifetime! Ungrateful, repaying kindness with enmity!"
Lin Hanhai also showed a rare moment of clarity. "My dear daughter, I know you hate us, and you hate Shirou. I've been cuckolded by Yang Niuyun for so many years, and I hate her too! But if this matter becomes known to more people, not only will we be gossiped about, but you will also be criticized. Shao Ting and Shirou have already been punished. Can you speak to the people at Dongfang Consortium and ask them to hold their wedding at the Vienna Hotel?"
Lin Xingwan found the naive ideas of Zhong Jingjing and Lin Hanhai amusing. Setting aside her relationship with Dongfang Consortium, why should she make the wedding of Gu Shaoting and Lin Shirou so grand?
Just as she was about to refuse, Zhou Jinbai spoke calmly, "Lin Shirou and Gu Shaoting's wedding can be held at the Vienna Hotel. However, I have a condition."
Lin Xingwan's gaze fell on Zhou Jinbai in surprise. How could this man agree to this so casually on her behalf?
"What condition? As long as we can fulfill it, we will definitely agree."
Zhong Jingjing, as if afraid Zhou Jinbai would go back on his word, quickly agreed.
"We must make it known to everyone attending the banquet that Lin Shirou and Gu Shaoting can hold their wedding at the Vienna Hotel solely because of my dear wife's influence."
As soon as Zhou Jinbai finished speaking, Zhong Jingjing and Lin Hanhai nodded vigorously.
"Of course, my granddaughter is so outstanding. Even if others don't ask, I'll say it proactively."
"Yes, it's all my daughter's credit."
Zhou Jinbai's gaze was deep and sharp, causing Lin Hanhai and Zhong Jingjing to instinctively step back. "If there is even half a lie, you will bear the consequences."
With that, Zhou Jinbai nudged Lin Xingwan, gesturing for her to sit in the passenger seat. He then got into the car and drove away.
Inside the car.
Lin Xingwan's expression was grim. Suppressing her anger, she spoke to Zhou Jinbai, "Jinbai, everything you've done since we got married, I've trusted implicitly. But tonight, your actions were too hasty. You know very well that I have issues with people like Gu Shaoting. It's already a courtesy that I'm not causing trouble at their wedding, yet you agreed to their demands. If Dongfang Consortium refuses, won't that give them an opportunity to mock me?"
Zhou Jinbai glanced at Lin Xingwan. All her emotions were displayed on her face, like a petulant little girl.
"I'm sorry, wife. It was my mistake to do this without your consent, but I had my reasons."
The man explained in a calm tone that didn't sound like an apology at all, but rather like he was coaxing Lin Xingwan.
"I've been with you for so long, I naturally understand the nature of these people. But Zhong Jingjing and Lin Hanhai were right about one thing: 'Family shame should not be aired publicly.' Often, the people around you who claim to care about you may not truly care. They comfort you simply because you are worse off than they are. Zhong Jingjing just said that after the Lin family fell into decline, people from the Cheng family repeatedly came to mock us. When Gu Shaoting and Lin Shirou get married, that woman will surely come too. The thought of her approaching your mother with ulterior motives, and then spreading rumors after your mother's death, makes me so angry."
Lin Xingwan fell silent, but the angry expression on her face gradually disappeared.
"On the surface, it seems like you're making Gu Shaoting and Lin Shirou's wedding grand. In reality, all the credit will be yours, and they'll only praise your capabilities. That woman who wants to see your Lin family make a fool of themselves will ultimately be infuriated. People live to fight for their pride. Why should my wife be subjected to others' gossip? They only deserve to hide in corners, consumed by envy and jealousy."
Lin Xingwan's anger completely dissipated. She recalled the arrogant and condescending demeanor of Cheng Yuanze's mother when she was in school.
She felt she wasn't good enough for her son and that she would ruin his future.
She was told not to be shamelessly materialistic, to stop clinging to wealthy people like a desperate beggar.
She was lectured like an elder on the importance of self-respect and chastity, told not to be like her mother, who had slept with countless uncouth villagers.
Even after so many years, Lin Xingwan could not forget these words.
She wanted to show that woman how successful she had become!
"But Dongfang Consortium might not agree to my request," Lin Xingwan said, her face full of worry.
"Didn't you say Dongfang Junze has a sense of justice and is willing to help others? Besides, the Lin family will pay the venue fee for the Vienna Hotel. For Dongfang Junze, it's a win-win business. Why would they refuse?"
Zhou Jinbai's persuasive words made Lin Xingwan realize she was completely following the driver's lead.
"Alright, I'll tell Secretary Chen to ask Mr. Dongfang."
Zhou Jinbai hummed in response. Although he was looking at the road ahead, his thin lips curved into a slight arc, and his eyes were terrifyingly cold.
If Lu Shiyan or Bai Xiao saw this expression, they would definitely steer clear.
Because... the great devil Zhou was about to make his move.
When the car arrived at Yaxing Hotel, Lin Xingwan got out.
"Shall I accompany you?" Zhou Jinbai asked.
Lin Xingwan shook her head. "I'm going to discuss a collaboration. Who brings their husband to a business meeting? They'll think I'm unprofessional."
Lin Xingwan then added, "You can go look around. I'll call you when I'm done."
Zhou Jinbai watched Lin Xingwan walk towards Yaxing Hotel.
Only after her figure disappeared did he send a message to Chen Yuchu.
Lin Xingwan entered the reserved private room.
Tao Hongyi, the person in charge of "Brothers Who Fight Against the Storm," was already seated inside. Upon seeing Lin Xingwan, the man exclaimed enthusiastically, "Miss Lin, I never thought I'd have the chance to collaborate with a peerless beauty like you. I'm truly overjoyed."
Lin Xingwan extended her hand and shook Tao Hongyi's politely. "Thank you for your praise, Mr. Tao."
Just as Lin Xingwan tried to withdraw her hand, Tao Hongyi didn't let go and instead squeezed it. The feeling was utterly disgusting.
Lin Xingwan forcefully pulled her hand away, her expression wary. "Mr. Tao, let's discuss our collaboration. This is Ge Xuansi, an artist from our Dingfeng Entertainment, who is currently playing the male lead, Wang Yuan, in 'Immortal Path.' His acting is commendable, and he has limitless potential."
Lin Xingwan opened the folder she was holding, eager to quickly achieve her goal for the evening.
Tao Hongyi noticed Lin Xingwan's guarded demeanor and realized he had been too eager. He then began discussing work matters with Lin Xingwan.
He said with a look of difficulty, "Miss Lin, you must understand that there's no shortage of handsome and talented actors in the entertainment industry. Many bosses have contacted me recently, each claiming their artists are outstanding. But only a few become famous, and some even lack acting skills but are still popular. When we film variety shows, we're not looking to discover hidden gems; we're doing it to make money."
Lin Xingwan understood what Tao Hongyi meant. In the entertainment industry, there's a phenomenon: some actors are unattractive and lack acting skills, but they bring their own capital to the production, can arbitrarily increase their screen time, and snatch others' resources. A good work can be criticized because of such troublemakers. This phenomenon is even more prevalent in variety shows, where a group of handsome idols dote on a female actress who can only widen her eyes, treating her like a princess; or a powerful figure in the industry brings a newcomer.
Because these people have strong backing and give a lot of money, the production crew turns a blind eye, as long as they make money.
"I understand," Lin Xingwan said sincerely. "But I believe Ge Xuansi will become very popular. We can sign a performance-based contract. If Ge Xuansi doesn't become popular and fails to generate enough revenue for the show as per the agreement, we will pay the penalty."
Performance-based contracts are quite popular in the entertainment industry. They emphasize the "bet" aspect. Many celebrities have signed such contracts, asking investors to invest in them, and they must achieve a certain revenue within a specified period, or they will have to pay a penalty.
Tao Hongyi listened thoughtfully for a moment, then extended four fingers. "If you want to sign a performance-based contract, fine. But if the agreed-upon amount is not reached, Dingfeng Entertainment must compensate us four hundred million."
"So much?" Lin Xingwan was stunned by the amount Tao Hongyi mentioned.
Her total assets combined were less than two hundred million.
She hadn't expected Tao Hongyi to ask for four hundred million right off the bat.
Tao Hongyi sighed, "Miss Lin, you know how popular our show is. Four hundred million is just the minimum tier."
Lin Xingwan's confidence was completely shattered.
She didn't dare to gamble. Dingfeng Entertainment wasn't just her company.
"In that case, I'm very sorry for disturbing you. I hope we'll have the opportunity to collaborate in the future." Lin Xingwan's expression and tone were particularly disappointed. Since she couldn't achieve instant success, she could only let Ge Xuansi grow step by step.
Seeing her get up to leave, Tao Hongyi quickly stopped her. "Don't rush, don't rush, Miss Lin, don't rush. I haven't finished speaking."
Lin Xingwan asked, puzzled, "Mr. Tao, what do you mean?"
Tao Hongyi looked at Lin Xingwan with a lecherous gaze, tapping his fingers on the table.
Jin Shun Ci was right. Lin Xingwan was too beautiful. The old and ugly shrew at home couldn't compare to her even by a finger.
Such a flawless woman, with a figure that was also alluring and seductive. What a pleasure it would be to be intimate with such a perfect beauty.
"Since I agreed to have dinner with Miss Lin tonight, I naturally want to have a good chat with you. Although I want to make money, based on my years of experience, Ge Xuansi is indeed a dark horse."
Tao Hongyi's analysis was very objective. Lin Xingwan thought there was hope and asked excitedly, "So, can Ge Xuansi be signed?"
Tao Hongyi didn't answer immediately. Instead, he poured Lin Xingwan a cup of tea and handed it to her.
Lin Xingwan didn't drink it. Tao Hongyi asked, "Miss Lin, are you afraid I've poisoned the tea?"
With that, the man drank the cup of tea in front of her and poured another one for her.
Lin Xingwan felt awkward and could only take a few sips of the tea.
After all, she still needed to discuss the collaboration with Tao Hongyi. Angering him would be of no benefit to her.
Seeing Lin Xingwan drink the tea, Tao Hongyi became extremely excited.
This trick had worked countless times for him.
The first cup of tea was indeed untainted. The second cup contained a sedative potent enough to paralyze an elephant, which had been sprayed on the inside of the cup beforehand. Once dry, it looked no different from a normal cup. However, as soon as it came into contact with water, the sedative would mix with the tea.
Many beautiful women had fallen victim. When they woke up and wanted to report to the police, he already had photos and videos. They didn't want to make a scene, and even if they received compensation, they would inevitably be gossiped about and unable to hold their heads up for the rest of their lives, so they had to suffer in silence.
He believed Lin Xingwan would be the same, too afraid to call the police or make a fuss. Then he would have a perfect sex partner. The thought alone made him ecstatic.
A few seconds later, Lin Xingwan felt a wave of dizziness.
She thought it was a problem with her own body, and then her body felt weak.
Lin Xingwan quickly realized that the tea she had just drunk was problematic.
She had been so careful, yet she had fallen for it.
Tao Hongyi had also drunk tea. Why wasn't he affected?
Lin Xingwan tried to stand up from her chair but felt her legs were too weak to support her.
Her consciousness was fading. She shook her head vigorously, telling herself not to faint.
"Miss Lin, what's wrong?" Tao Hongyi saw Lin Xingwan's dazed expression and walked over to her, pulling her into his arms.
Lin Xingwan wanted to push him away, but her weak hands against his chest not only failed to push him away but also created an ambiguous posture of reluctant acceptance.
"Mr. Tao, I'm not feeling well. I'm going back now." Lin Xingwan's words were labored, and she was breathing heavily.
"Where are you not feeling well? Miss Lin, are you feeling down? Let me give you a massage." Tao Hongyi said with a lecherous grin, his hand already reaching to unbutton her shirt.