Song Qiao looked at Gao Meng, feeling that the girl before him was no longer as fragile as she used to be. She had matured into a young woman, one who could hold her own, even to the point of being heroic.
She now carried responsibility, a newfound confidence.
He smiled and said, "I never realized, you've become so much more capable than before. You're no longer the girl who would just cry or hide when bullied! It's no exaggeration to say you've become mentally strong!"
Gao Meng beamed with pride, "Haha, right? I think I'm much stronger now too!"
However, her expression then turned serious. "Master, I've also made up my mind. I can't be as weak as I was before, ignoring things or staying on the sidelines. Now that my father is gone, and my mother is... well, you and Grandpa are the only ones I can rely on. But you have your own matters..."
"I'll always stand with you, be your support," Song Qiao interjected.
Gao Meng waved her hand. "I know, but I have my own responsibilities. I can't just hand everything over to you for you to handle. If I don't get stronger, I'll just become a burden to you, and I won't be happy about that either!"
"Yes, hearing you say that makes me very proud," Song Qiao said sincerely.
He looked at the bustling crowd passing by, deeply moved.
Life, it seemed, gradually washed away innocence and childishness, leaving behind only the most essential core of a person, etching lines of weariness and resignation onto their hearts.
But there was no avoiding it; one had to grow up.
"Shijia Muni, what are you thinking about, Master?" Gao Meng asked, curious as Song Qiao remained silent for a long time, gazing into the distance.
"Oh, nothing much, just pondering some things. By the way, those reporters will definitely blow your incident out of proportion and twist the story. Do you want me to help you suppress it?"
"No, you don't have to. I know how they'll spin it, but I'm not afraid. There's no need to pay attention to those hounds. And who knows, maybe they're actually helping me?" A sly glint flickered in Gao Meng's eyes.
It seemed the girl had already figured out how to leverage this situation. She was growing up too fast!
Song Qiao looked at Gao Meng's confident demeanor and couldn't help but sigh with emotion again.
Her current self-assured expression suddenly reminded Song Qiao of Mo Ling.
Wasn't Mo Ling like this too? She didn't seem overwhelmingly powerful, yet she possessed her own convictions. Within her small frame, she harbored such immense energy.
As things unfolded, their predictions proved correct.
Not long after the two returned to the old Gao family residence, Song Qiao saw reports about Gao Meng online.
Using her hospital incident as a starting point, they took quotes out of context and embellished them with fabricated details, creating entire articles.
Similar articles soon flooded the internet.
"The Truth Behind the Gao Family's Prodigal Daughter!"
"How Gao Meng Shamed Shanghai's Gao Family?"
"The Making of a Loose Woman!"
...
The internet exploded.
She was met with a deluge of criticism.
For the Gao family of Shanghai, such a sensational piece of news was a rarity.
A truly massive scandal.
Onlookers, both online and offline, were instantly thrilled.
A rich young lady, supposedly having had so many boyfriends, and so indiscreet!
However, Gao Meng paid no mind to these reports, finding them rather amusing.
Yet, her faint smile carried an unsettling chill.
Just then, Gao Meng's phone rang.
Gao Meng wondered who it could be.
She didn't have many close friends.
The call was from the streaming company she had signed with.
And it was the CEO himself.
Since Gao Meng's identity had been exposed, the CEO of the streaming company was ecstatic.
This was the Gao family, the esteemed Gao family of Shanghai.
If he could just latch onto them, wouldn't his future prospects soar?
However, before he could bask in the glory of befriending such a prominent family, he realized the danger his company was now facing.
This Gao Meng was going to bring trouble.
He decisively resolved to teach Gao Meng a lesson. This was partly to ensure the company's safety, and partly to put her in her place, which would be beneficial if she couldn't recover later.
But what if she managed to bounce back?
No, with the entire Gao family against her, it was highly unlikely she would.
"Little Gao," the CEO began, his tone conciliatory, "the company has no choice but to do this. It's also a form of protection for you. In the future, once this storm passes, you can make your comeback, alright?"
Gao Meng's lips curved into a cold smile. They wanted to sideline her? Fine, she also wanted to take a break!
"I agree. I accept," Gao Meng replied crisply, without a hint of hesitation.
She was about to inherit billions in assets; she could do whatever she pleased.
And for now, severing ties with the streaming company wasn't ideal.
On the other end, the CEO, who had prepared a lengthy speech, felt as if he had punched the air.
It was a strange sensation.
Meanwhile, Song Qiao was puzzled. Gao Meng had worked so hard to achieve success at the streaming company, yet now she agreed to their terms without a struggle, willingly accepting a period of obscurity. What was this about?
Was she giving up completely, deciding to let go of everything?
He had just praised her for her improved mindset and growth, and now this?
Or was there some hidden reason?
He looked at Gao Meng, a flicker of anxiety in his eyes, wanting to ask her what she was thinking.
But for now, he could only watch from the sidelines.
Gao Meng, while still on the phone, caught Song Qiao's worried expression and smiled at him, making a gesture that promised a detailed explanation later.
Gao Meng hung up. "Master, by the look on your face, you have something you want to ask me, don't you?"
Song Qiao nodded. "Yes, why did you agree so readily to the company's demands, willing to be put on hold?"
Gao Meng smiled. "Of course. Do you think arguing would have done any good?"
Song Qiao shook his head.
Seeing this, she continued, "Yes, I thought so too. Streaming companies are very pragmatic; they aren't charities. They need to make money. Besides, I won't be streaming anymore. I'll be focusing all my energy on securing my inheritance rights."
"That makes sense. There wouldn't be enough time. And after this incident, it would indeed be difficult to continue streaming," Song Qiao agreed with Gao Meng's reasoning.
"So, now I'm free, free to do as I please, to pursue my own goals." As she spoke, Gao Meng spread her arms wide, her eyes narrowed slightly as she tilted her face towards the sun, embracing the moment with evident joy.
Witnessing this, Song Qiao marveled once more, "Your mindset is truly remarkable now. Facing something that would devastate most people, you find your own opportunity within it and are so happy. It truly makes me admire you. In fact, your mindset might even be better than mine!"
Gao Meng looked at Song Qiao and smiled sweetly. "Hehe, it's because you taught me so well, Master. Without you, where would I be today?"
"Hmm, you have a point there," Song Qiao said softly, resting his chin on his hand.
In his eyes, Gao Meng had suddenly grown up considerably, not just in stature, but in her perceived age and approach to life.
Gao Meng felt his gaze.
She opened her eyes, a smile twinkling within them.
She took two steps forward, coming to stand before Song Qiao.
Then, she extended her arms and embraced him.
Before Song Qiao could react, he was enveloped in a firm hug.
The soft, yielding body of the young girl pressed tightly against him, particularly the two soft mounds that made Song Qiao feel… distinctly different.
Firm, yet so soft.
It was an unusual experience.
Then, Gao Meng seemed to suddenly realize, her face flushing. Before Song Qiao could fully process it, she broke the embrace and ran off.
Leaving Song Qiao with his hands still awkwardly suspended in the air.
Only her laughter, like a cascade of silver bells, lingered in the air.
It was almost time for lunch.
The two were discussing what to eat when Zheng Ci called. She said she would be arriving soon.
Indeed, the honking of a car horn sounded.
It was her, coming to pick up Gao Meng to meet the "important person" she had mentioned.
Although Zheng Ci was a bit hesitant, Gao Meng insisted that Song Qiao accompany her, stating that he was her Master and she needed his approval first.
Zheng Ci had no choice but to agree.
However, she issued a stern warning, "When you meet that person, be extremely cautious. Don't be rash. They are a very important figure, and offending them would be most unfortunate."
Song Qiao looked at Gao Meng and then replied with a smile, "Don't worry, I won't cause any trouble. I'll just bring my appetite."