Chapter 73: A Public Apology

Jiang Ziqi steadied herself, her expression growing even more delicate and pitiable. She looked softly at Qiao Zongmin and said, “Mr. Qiao, you surely won’t abandon me, will you?” Her eyes brimmed with subtle hope, forlorn and helpless.

Qiao Zongmin only chuckled lightly at her words. He leaned down, pinched her chin, and regretfully patted her cheek, remarking, “Jiang Ziqi, you really are a foolish woman.”

At that moment, Jiang Ziqi felt a chill spread through her heart. Her hopes shattered, and before him, she felt nothing but dread. She could no longer withstand the sharpness in his gaze and lowered her head in defeat.

She understood now—she was too naive, actually believing that a businessman like Qiao Zongmin would protect her. She had no room left for resistance, and could only accept her fate and await judgment.

The two were left in silence, waiting in the reception room from noon until nearly four in the afternoon. No one paid them any mind, as if they were forgotten; not even a single person came to offer water.

Qiao Zongmin, left to languish there, suppressed the icy aura around him, his fists clenched tightly. Yet he was forced to wait, as he needed something from them—it was his own fault, blinded by a woman.

The longer they waited, the more restless he became, like an ant on hot bricks, anxious and at a loss.

As the sun set, the golden light of dusk poured into the reception room of Aiyou Group.

Qiao Zongmin and Jiang Ziqi had been left to simmer all afternoon, growing ever more irritable.

Just as their heads were spinning from the torment, the door finally opened.

Assistant Cheng entered in a black suit, and Qiao Zongmin immediately stood up to greet him.

“Please come with me,” Assistant Cheng said with no expression, gesturing politely.

“Yes, yes,” Qiao Zongmin nodded, following him, then turned to glare fiercely at Jiang Ziqi, signaling her to keep up.

The two followed Assistant Cheng into the president’s office.

“Boss, they’re here.” With that, Assistant Cheng turned and left, leaving the pair to stand there, trembling.

Lin Tianyou lowered his head, signing documents without uttering a word, seemingly unaware of their presence.

Yet even as he merely sat there, the two felt a formidable pressure emanating from him. Jiang Ziqi felt utterly humiliated and dared not raise her head.

The air was thick with tension and embarrassment.

Qiao Zongmin felt uneasy; he had never been treated in such a manner and could only muster a nervous laugh as he spoke, “President Lin, regarding your sister, I was entirely misled. I never meant to oppose Miss Lin Xi. Please, President Lin, show mercy and spare my small company!”

He was but a small entertainment company, utterly unable to compete with the largest financial group in Longcheng.

Lin Tianyou responded with a cold chuckle, his voice magnetic as he slowly raised his head, revealing a sharply defined face. He looked directly at the pair, his eyes cold and piercing, as if frosted over.

Jiang Ziqi’s curiosity was piqued by that sound. She furtively glanced up at the rumored iron-handed president of Aiyou; with just one look, her blood seemed to boil, her heart thrummed wildly in her chest.

This boss, worth billions, was not a portly old man as she’d imagined, but a refined, handsome gentleman!

Jiang Ziqi was inwardly thrilled—she had actually met the president of Aiyou, the top name on the nation’s rich list, a figure of legend. The shock nearly made her forget why she was there.

Her reverie lasted only a moment before Qiao Zongmin’s cold words brought her crashing back to reality, his harsh, merciless gaze pressing upon her.

“President Lin, it was Jiang Ziqi who incited me. I’m handing her over to you now, to deal with as you see fit—please, just spare Yangang!” Qiao Zongmin said with finality.

Jiang Ziqi snapped back to her senses at this, her face turning a patchwork of colors—red and pale by turns, her eyes swimming with stars, gripped by nameless fear.

Shaking her head in terror, she pleaded, “No, no, Mr. Lin, please spare me—I'll do anything... I’ll apologize, yes! I can publicly apologize to Miss Lin Xi!”

Jiang Ziqi wore a look that tugged at the heartstrings; she had always known how to use her face to her advantage. Now, with tears glistening on her cheeks, she appeared delicate and vulnerable, enough to evoke pity in any man.

Yet Lin Tianyou didn’t even glance at her directly. His expression remained indifferent as he addressed Qiao Zongmin, a mocking smile curling his lips as his aura intensified. “You two put on quite a show. My sister was slandered without cause, and you think it can be resolved so easily? You’re thinking too simply.”

Qiao Zongmin broke out in a cold sweat under his gaze, his scalp tingling as if death were closing in. He could only laugh nervously, shamelessly asking, “Then, President Lin, how do you wish to handle it?”

“This isn’t my decision; let’s ask Xi.” Lin Tianyou lifted his gaze slightly. Since it concerned his sister, he valued her opinion—naturally, she would decide what happened.

Qiao Zongmin quickly nodded in agreement, while Jiang Ziqi’s face turned ghostly pale. She was finished; Lin Xi would never let her off easily.

As Lin Tianyou dialed Lin Xi’s number, the buzzing sound intensified Jiang Ziqi’s fear. She felt like a criminal awaiting judgment, trembling uncontrollably.

“Hello, big brother~” Lin Xi's clear voice rang out.

“Xi.” Lin Tianyou, usually stern, allowed a rare smile to soften his deep, gentle voice.

The scene shocked the two beside him. Knowing Lin Xi was Aiyou’s heiress online was one thing; hearing it firsthand was another—the reality of her status was undeniable.

“What’s up?” Lin Xi seemed to be eating, her words indistinct.

Lin Tianyou chuckled, “You haven’t been affected by the online rumors, have you?”

“Nope, I was just playing ranked games with Xiaojin, losing points together—no time to worry about that.” Lin Xi seemed completely unconcerned.

Her words left Jiang Ziqi with a constipated expression—she had schemed so much, yet the other party hadn’t cared at all.

“Good. Now, the Mr. Qiao who put you on the trending list has brought Miss Jiang to Aiyou to see me, asking for leniency. What do you say?” Lin Tianyou surveyed the two standing before him.

Jiang Ziqi’s heart pounded—her entire fate now rested on Lin Xi’s whim. With a single word, Lin Xi could ruin her for good, perhaps even drag her into court.

She truly regretted her lack of restraint; now, stuck riding the tiger, she had destroyed her career. No matter the outcome, she could never return to the entertainment industry.

At this thought, the tears she’d been feigning became real, streaming down her face.

“Huh? They came to see you? Did you use the company’s resources to teach them a lesson?” Lin Xi’s voice was tinged with surprise. “Oh, brother, there’s no need to waste the group’s assets.”

Lin Xi’s words made the two standing there flush with embarrassment. Aiyou hadn’t acted at Lin Xi’s behest; the heiress herself had no interest in their petty schemes.

“Your affairs are more important than the group’s,” Lin Tianyou replied without hesitation. “So, what’s your decision?”

“Hmm...” Lin Xi seemed to ponder.

Qiao Zongmin and Jiang Ziqi’s nerves tightened.

Finally, Lin Xi’s fresh, clear voice came: “It’s nothing, really. Just have their company issue a public apology to me, and that’s enough. I’m very magnanimous~”

“If you don’t mind, let Lu Yuxiu know,” Lin Tianyou said, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Huh?” Lin Xi sounded surprised. “He got involved too? I’ll talk to him.”

Hearing this, Qiao Zongmin nearly wanted to bow to Lin Xi on the spot. He quickly responded with full sincerity, “Rest assured, Miss Lin, Yangang will immediately release a statement, publicly apologizing to you and keeping it pinned for a month.”

“Alright, I’ll be waiting,” Lin Xi replied casually, “Brother, I’m hanging up now.”

Once the call ended, Qiao Zongmin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“Since my sister has decided, that’s how it will be handled,” Lin Tianyou said coldly, looking at the pair. He had no goodwill towards Jiang Ziqi. “As for you—”

“Mr. Qiao,” Lin Tianyou continued, “I don’t want to see her in the entertainment industry again.”

“Yes, absolutely, President Lin. I promise!” Qiao Zongmin hurried to assure him.

Jiang Ziqi’s last shred of hope was crushed. Face ashen, she followed behind Qiao Zongmin as the two departed.

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As for Lin Xi, she hung up and went straight to find Lu Yuxiu.

The two had been filming “Polaris” in Jinghong Garden, and Lin Xi was completely unaffected by the online rumors. Everyone on set knew better than to believe gossip, and after the incident, many even came to comfort her.

Lin Xi pushed open the door to Lu Yuxiu’s lounge, peeking inside to find him focused on his computer, apparently working.

She slipped in quietly, not wanting to disturb him.

But before she could take a step, his teasing voice sounded, “What’s this? Has my darling switched careers to become a thief? Are you here to steal my heart or my wallet?”

Lin Xi paused, instantly deflated, her face falling. “What? You noticed?”

Lu Yuxiu looked at her, his gaze full of laughter. “Of course. We have a psychic connection.”

He rose and wrapped an arm around her waist, bending to press his cheek against her back, brushing a few wavy strands behind her ear.

Lin Xi tilted her head slightly to gaze at his serene, handsome face, her heart filled with a sweet emotion.

“What are you doing?” Lin Xi smiled, reaching back to stroke his soft hair, fluffy and gentle.

Lu Yuxiu squinted, leaning against her, breathing in her sweet scent with pleasure. He spoke lazily, “Take a guess.”

Leaning against his broad, warm chest, Lin Xi didn’t play coy. “I guess you’re dealing with Yangang Entertainment.” She arched her brow at him.

He showed no embarrassment at being exposed, only nuzzling her affectionately like a spoiled wolfhound. “That’s right. Who told them to slander my darling?”

He rested his chin atop her head, his breath enveloping her, causing her breath to briefly catch. After a moment she asked, “You haven’t even joined the company yet and already wield so much authority?”

“What, you underestimate your man?” he grumbled, rubbing his chin atop her head.

Lin Xi couldn’t hide her smile—he was actually acting spoiled, a rare sight.

“I don’t care. If they upset you, they shouldn’t be allowed to bounce back.” Lu Yuxiu looked quite pleased with himself, as if seeking praise for his retribution.

“Alright~” Lin Xi soothed him like a child. She wasn’t bothered, but he took it seriously.

“A little lesson is enough; no need to waste resources. Besides, this is free publicity for ‘Prosperity’—why not take advantage?” Lin Xi was in high spirits.

“All according to your wishes.” He stole a kiss from her cheek, his voice lazy and indulgent, as if coaxing her into happiness.

“Good boy~” Lin Xi’s radiant face suddenly blossomed into a dazzling smile, like a flower bursting forth, brilliant and beautiful.