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Due to their history as classmates, over the years in the entertainment news industry, they had constantly been competing against each other, each striving to uncover more sensational and explosive stories than the other.

"I'm giving screen time to Lu Qing—it's my decision. No need for Mr. Qin to bother himself with it."

Qin Kai feigned surprise. "You're really going to give her the camera? Just for a fortune teller's prediction?"

After Lu Qing made it to the finals, a journalist had interviewed her about her reason for participating in the Miss Hong Kong pageant. She had gratefully mentioned a master's divination.

Li Huiwen explained, "She's not your average fortune teller."

"Whatever," Qin Kai said impatiently. He had heard about Li Huiwen starting a column for a fortuneteller but hadn't paid much attention to it.

Did mystical people deserve columns too?

Regardless, he continued his taunt. "Let me tell you, The Storm News has already received top-secret information. The top three winners of this year's Miss Hong Kong have been pre-determined."

Qin Kai waved his microphone and chuckled mischievously, gesturing at the stage. "In a moment, I'll focus all my cameras on the top three. Originally, I wanted to compete with you to see whose headline would create a bigger sensation and catch the public's attention. But with your outdated information, there's no chance for you now."

In reality, not just Qin Kai, but also journalists from other newspapers and television stations had received insider information. They had already staked out their positions early, determined to seize the opportunity to give more screen time to the pre-selected top three contestants.

"Over the years, my professional intuition has dulled," Qin Kai shook his head. "I'm really going downhill."

After saying that, he turned to the photographer who had provided the information with a respectful attitude. "Teacher Zhu, let's go."

As they waited for the others to leave, the photographer from the Dahai News took the opportunity to adjust the camera angle and whispered, "Sis Wen, should we try to find out who the top three are? If there's no valuable information at all, the editor-in-chief will be furious."

"No need," Li Huiwen said, taking the microphone from its stand and casting another glance at the final stage.

At that moment, the stage was empty, the lights were off, and darkness enveloped the surroundings. The 16 finalists were backstage, getting ready with their makeup and costumes.

"We'll just focus on giving Lu Qing her fair share of the spotlight."

She had visited Lu Qing before and knew how hard she had worked to make it this far. She trusted the master, and she trusted Lu Qing.

Chapter 88

The three-story Western-style villa stood tall, surrounded by a circle of lush, low-hanging shrubs. In the center, a small pool shimmered under the glow of the lights, its surface rippling with reflected radiance.

A splash was heard.

Damp from the pool, Fang Jiajia climbed out of the steps, grabbed a towel from the lounge chair, and angrily dried her hair, brooding over the upcoming Miss Hong Kong finale that she was not a part of.

It was so close, so very close for her to make it to the finals.

"It's all because Xu Conglu refused to help," Fang Jiajia grumbled. She recalled how, after that mainland girl had her fortune told, Xu Conglu even personally called TVB executives to pull strings on her behalf.

Fang Jiajia had thought that since Xu Conglu was willing to assist a mainland girl, she would surely lend a hand to her, considering she occasionally did errands for her. To her surprise, however, her request was outright rejected.

"Agnes!"

Tian Yue'e poked her head out from the balcony on the second floor. "The Miss Hong Kong finale is about to air on Jade Channel. When do you want to watch it?"

"I'll be up in a minute." Drying her hair and changing into her loungewear, Fang Jiajia went upstairs.

In the living room, Tian Yue'e sat with the remote control, flipping through channels. As Fang Jiajia took a seat beside her, Tian Yue'e nonchalantly asked, "Miss Xu hasn't visited the Fang residence since the last family banquet. Ask your mother when she's free to come over, and also inquire about her favorite dishes. Mother can prepare them in advance."

"I'm not sure," Fang Jiajia replied, snatching a cushion irritably. "After the family banquet, Xu Conglu has been swamped with work, and our opportunities to meet have become fewer and farther between."

Fang Jiajia was either kept out of the Xu residence or blocked from entering the Xu Corporation. The reason she was always stopped was always the same—Miss Xu had no time, she was too busy.

"Tian Yue'e has had her eyes on Xu Conglu for quite some time," she said, stroking Fang Jiajia's hair while considering her next move. "We still need to invite Miss Xu over to our house. That way, Big Brother will have a chance to spend time with her."

As one of the four prominent families in Hong Kong, there was no reason for Tian Yue'e to overlook such an excellent daughter-in-law candidate.

"Mommy," Fang Jiajia complained, dissatisfied. "Why do we have to introduce Xu Conglu to Big Brother? He's educated, wealthy, and good-looking. He can easily find someone else."

Tian Yue'e was still weighing her options. If all else failed, she could get Fang Zhanwen to use work as an excuse to barge into the Xu Corporation.

In any case, she would find a way to create opportunities for the two of them.

Upon hearing Fang Jiajia's arrogant tone, Tian Yue'e became irritated. Her voice rose in pitch. "What do you know!"

"If Xu Conglu becomes your sister-in-law, it will only benefit you and the Fang family. Whoever you meet will look up to you. As for the Miss Hong Kong title, even if Xu Conglu doesn't say anything, the organizers will still treat the winner with both hands. Why? Because of the Xu family!"

The more she spoke,

Tian Yue'e became even more agitated. "With Xu Conglu in the Fang family, your father would laugh in his sleep. Would he still force us to apologize to Chu Yuening then?"

Ever since the fallout at the family banquet, Fang Jingguo learned about Chu Yuening being the savior of Qiao Corporation's eldest son. To exploit the potential use of the Chu sisters, he pressured Tian Yue'e to apologize to Chu Yuening.

Apologize to that slut's daughter? Not in her dreams!

Tian Yue'e gritted her teeth in resentment, jabbing Fang Jiajia's temple fiercely. "You, pay more attention to Miss Xu. Whether the Fang family's assets will be split into three or five portions in the future depends on whether Xu Conglu can become a part of our family."

Fang Jiajia sat up, covering her sore temple. "Mummy! It hurts!"

"Okay, okay, I shouldn't have pressed too hard." Tian Yue'e coaxed her. Seeing Fang Jiajia rubbing her temple and changing the TV channel, she continued, "Didn't Father get you tickets for the live event? Why aren't you watching it there? The seats are quite good, right in the middle."