Chapter 87: Tang Meng’s Triumph

Tang Meng strode in, head held high, flanked by her agent and assistant. She carried herself with such superiority that it seemed the only thing missing was a red carpet rolled out in her honor.

Yet today, she was clearly in a good mood. Seeing Xia Yu, she was not as furious as on the previous two occasions; instead, her gaze was filled with disdain, as if she were looking at some lowly creature.

Xia Yu turned to look at her, narrowing his eyes as a thought suddenly struck him. This woman clearly disliked Lin Yuqing. Could it be that she was the one secretly working against Yuqing?

“What are you staring at?” Tang Meng halted in front of him, speaking arrogantly. “You’re not going to drive for Li Shen anymore? Does he know you’re delivering takeout every day?”

“And by the way, just leave the takeout at the door. Who gave you permission to come in? People of your level aren’t just allowed to enter our company whenever they like.”

Xia Yu said nothing, simply watching her in silence.

She scoffed. “Forget it. I have more important things to do than waste my breath on a loser like you. I don’t want to ruin my mood.”

With that, she clicked past him on her high heels, swaying her hips as she went inside.

Five minutes later, Xia Yu arrived at Chen Min’s office. He pulled out a chair and sat down, expressionless, and asked directly, “Tell me what’s going on with Yuqing.”

Xia Yu had always seemed easy-going to others; no one had ever seen him so serious. Chen Min immediately felt the pressure, realizing just how much Lin Yuqing must mean to him.

“Young Master Yu, I’m already investigating with all my resources,” Chen Min replied. “What I can confirm is that someone is deliberately targeting Yuqing—this wasn’t some spontaneous act by the public.”

“The whole thing escalated so quickly after it broke, it was clearly premeditated. But as for who’s behind it, we haven’t found any solid leads yet.”

“The scope is too wide—it could be an enemy of Yuqing’s, or a competitor of the company. Now that Yuqing’s so popular and valuable in the market, there are plenty who’d want to destroy her.”

Xia Yu nodded. “So how should we handle it?”

Chen Min, clearly worthy of being the president promoted by Xiao Jun, responded, “I spent the whole night working on a solution. For now, all we can do is launch a crisis PR campaign—explain things to the public and gradually turn public opinion around.”

“Today, I’ve had everyone in the company working on drafts and reaching out to all kinds of media. However…”

“However what?” Xia Yu frowned. “Speak plainly.”

Chen Min, startled, quickly explained, “However, this process requires a massive financial outlay. From a business perspective, it’s risky—if Yuqing’s reputation can’t be salvaged, all that money will go down the drain.”

“Money isn’t an issue. No matter how much it costs, spend it,” Xia Yu replied without hesitation.

“Understood.” Chen Min smiled lightly. “Of course, risk also means potential reward.”

“If Yuqing is cleared and her reputation restored, this incident could dramatically boost her profile—her commercial value could easily increase tenfold.”

“This is a tremendous publicity opportunity.”

Xia Yu waved a hand. “I don’t care about her commercial value. I just want Yuqing to be happy.”

“I understand, Young Master Yu.” Chen Min nodded, curiosity piqued about what place Lin Yuqing truly held in his heart, though she did not dare ask more.

“By the way, do you think Tang Meng could be behind this?” Xia Yu lit a cigarette, his voice calm. “She seems to have a lot of hostility toward Yuqing.”

...

Recently, Tang Meng’s luck had been good. Even though the company had suspended her public appearances last time, she had still managed to secure a spot on a variety show on her own, and she had a movie about to premiere soon.

She was determined to ride this wave of attention, to elevate her status even higher.

Today, she had come to the company to make sure they promoted her properly.

But when she arrived at the marketing department, she found everyone frantically busy.

“What are you all so busy with? Don’t you see Sister Meng? Aren’t you going to greet her?” her assistant called irritably.

Everyone looked up at Tang Meng, the company’s biggest star, whom they all feared a little, knowing her reputation for a bad temper.

“Hello, Sister Meng.”

“So what are you all working on?” Tang Meng nodded arrogantly, asking offhandedly.

“Of course, we’re busy with Yuqing’s situation. She’s in such big trouble now—the whole company has to clean up her mess.”

“Exactly, Sister Meng, we’re swamped. Please make yourself comfortable.”

With that, the staff buried themselves in their work again.

Tang Meng was livid. What was going on? Lin Yuqing’s reputation was in tatters; she was a disgraced artist now, finished—what was there to be busy about?

Fuming, she stormed into the director’s office and demanded, “Director Wang, what is the meaning of this? Is there really any point in trying to salvage Lin Yuqing’s reputation? She’s beyond saving.”

“My variety show and movie are about to launch. Get your people to focus on my projects!” she insisted.

“Your affairs will have to wait, Tang Meng. Besides, President Chen has already suspended your assignments; we haven’t received any notice to resume them,” Director Wang replied helplessly. “And it was President Chen who personally ordered us to support Yuqing.”

“You—” Tang Meng was beside herself. “Why? Her name is mud now. Is a newcomer like her really worth the company’s resources?”

“Can’t Chen see that I’m the real moneymaker for the company?!”

“That’s not my decision to make. If you have concerns, you can take them up with President Chen yourself,” Director Wang said, shrugging.

Just then, Tang Meng’s agent received a call, walked up to her, and said, “Tang Meng, President Chen wants to see you in her office.”

“Hmph, now they realize how important I am! Now they know who actually brings in the profits!” Tang Meng snorted triumphantly. She was convinced that, now that Lin Yuqing’s career was ruined and the company’s investment in her had become a loss, Chen Min couldn’t justify herself to the board and would have to come begging.

Head held high, Tang Meng headed for Chen Min’s office, already plotting how she would vent her anger for having her own work suspended.

...

At that moment, Lin Yuqing was at home. Her parents, knowing she was upset, kept trying to comfort her.

“Mom, Dad, I’m fine. Just let me have some quiet time alone.” Lin Yuqing sat on the windowsill. “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything foolish just because of this.”

“All right. What would you like to eat? I’ll make you something,” Liu Cuiping offered gently.

“I have no appetite. Please, just go,” Lin Yuqing replied, waving a hand.

Her parents sighed and left the room. Just then, the doorbell rang, and they hurried to answer it.

A moment later, Liu Cuiping called out happily, “Yuqing, come out—Li Hao is here to see you!”

Lin Yuqing paused. In truth, aside from Xia Yu, she didn’t want to see anyone at the moment.

But since Li Hao was already inside, she couldn’t refuse. Perhaps it was time to set things straight with him anyway.

With that thought, she walked out to meet him.