Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Last night, at some unknown hour, Ye Hongxian left again.

When Tao Ruoqing woke up in the morning, she felt dizzy and her head throbbed.

Yesterday had been a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy to sorrow, compounded by the sight of Gao Wenye's menacing treatment of Ye Zhixia at the foreign airport. She spent the night worrying, filled with unease, and still had to remember to go to Ye Zhixia's company this morning...

Her mind was too burdened, and her body couldn't withstand the sudden blow; Tao Ruoqing fell ill.

Even so, she called Ye Zhiqiu early in the morning to remind him not to forget their scheduled meeting at nine o'clock outside Ye Zhixia's company.

It was just seven o'clock when she made the call, and it took Ye Zhiqiu a while to answer.

"Hello?" he said, his voice still groggy with sleep, carrying an inexplicable sense of relaxation.

Tao Ruoqing's heart immediately felt heavy.

With such a major incident involving Ye Zhixia, how could he still sleep soundly?

Thinking about how Ye Zhixia's once-happy honeymoon trip had turned into an unknown predicament...

And thinking about how Ye Zheng had rushed to the airport before dawn...

Tao Ruoqing couldn't help but feel resentment and anger.

She had always planned for her children's future.

Under her protection, they should have had the best lives possible.

But now...

Why did her children have to suffer like this?

Why could Ye Zhiqiu live so peacefully?

Gripping the phone tighter, Tao Ruoqing suddenly thought of Qi Xin.

Ultimately, it was Qi Xin who wasn't capable enough, unable to deal with Ye Zhiqiu even after all this time.

Her already grim expression grew colder as she took a deep breath and tried to soften her tone as usual.

Ye Zhixia's company wasn't large, though it had some resources within the industry, it didn't reach the top tier.

As for Zhao Yunzhuang, a top-tier investor, and Li Xun, a veteran stylist, they were connections she could only dream of reaching.

Now, Ye Zhiqiu was favored by both, giving her a bit of leverage.

"Xiao Qiu," she asked, "still in bed?"

Then she added, "Don't forget we're supposed to meet at your brother's company at nine."

There was a moment of silence on the other end before he spoke more clearly.

"I remember," Ye Zhiqiu said, then asked, "Has Ge already left?"

Tao Ruoqing disliked it when Ye Zhiqiu mentioned Ye Zheng.

Ever since she discovered Ye Zheng's hidden feelings for Ye Zhiqiu, her disgust towards Ye Zhiqiu intensified.

If she had to name the person she hated most in the world?

It wasn't Ye Hongxian, who never came home and indulged in pleasures outside.

Nor was it the ladies who looked down on her and treated her as a joke.

The one she hated most was Ye Zhiqiu, who stood in her children's way.

Ye Zheng could love anyone, but not Ye Zhiqiu.

Thinking that without Ye Zhiqiu, even if something like this happened, Ye Hongxian would never consider kicking Ye Zhixia out of the family...

Thinking that Ye Zheng's heart was now in Ye Zhiqiu's hands, to be toyed with at will...

She felt like someone had grabbed her by the throat, making her teeth itch with hate.

"He's left," she said, her tone a little cooler.

"Xiao Qiu," she shifted the topic away from Ye Zheng, "you've been working in the entertainment industry for a while now. Have you built any connections? Could you ask them to post something supportive for your brother? Even if it doesn't change anything, it might make things easier for him."

Ye Zhiqiu seemed to laugh lightly.

"No, I'm new in the industry, still a rookie. Officially, I'm a stylist, but everyone knows I'm just an assistant to Teacher Li Xun, not a significant position," Ye Zhiqiu said, without any hint of evasion. "If I had those connections, I would have asked someone to speak up for Ye Zhixia yesterday."

Previously, when Ye Zhiqiu joined the No. 8 Building production team, Ye Zhixia had mocked him, saying he was just running errands for Li Xun.

For a moment, Tao Ruoqing couldn't tell if Ye Zhiqiu was being sincere or sarcastic.

"If there's anything else you can do to help him, please remember to tell me," Tao Ruoqing rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on.

"Of course," Ye Zhiqiu's side of the line rustled slightly, indicating he was getting up. "After all, he's my brother, and his reputation is tied to the Ye family's honor, which also reflects on you and Dad. I wouldn't stand idly by."

Ye Zhiqiu's words sounded good, but upon closer inspection, they didn't quite sit right.

Tao Ruoqing clenched her jaw, opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately said nothing, only smoothing her chest before hanging up.

As soon as she hung up, Qin Jianhe, who was dressing nearby, leaned over.

"Ye Zhiqiu," he said, "quite the silver-tongued devil, aren't you?"

"Do you feel afraid?" After the phone call, Ye Zhiqiu felt more spirited. He stretched his pale arm out from under the thin blanket and smiled as he caressed Qin Jianhe's cheek, his fingertips tracing the smooth line of his jaw.

"I'm not afraid." Qin Jianhe smiled, grasping his wrist. "Better to be fiercer next time."

Half-asleep, Ye Zhiqiu had put the call on speaker.

When Tao Ruoqing spoke those words, he knew Qin Jianhe would be displeased.

Especially when she suggested using his connections within the circle, even if nothing else could be done, at least it could make things easier for Ye Zhixia.

After all, when Tao Ruoqing posted screenshots of the information Gao Wenye provided, she hadn't considered how he would fare.

He knew Qin Jianhe was bothered by this.

That was why he had that subtle argument with Tao Ruoqing just now.

It wasn't so much about targeting her but rather soothing the person in front of him.

"Alright." Ye Zhiqiu smiled, his eyes crinkling as he tilted his head to kiss Qin Jianhe's chin. "Next time, I'll be fiercer."

The phone vibrated on the bedside table. Qin Jianhe glanced at it, then lightly pressed his fingertip against Ye Zhiqiu's soft lips.

"If you want to sleep, go back to bed." He whispered, buttoning up his shirt and heading out to receive breakfast from Wei Jie.

Wei Jie had queued early in the morning to buy Ye Zhiqiu's favorite seafood porridge and also brought back Ye Zhiqiu's car.

Handing over the car keys and the insulated bucket, Wei Jie said softly,

"The companies involved in disputes with Gao Wenye have mostly been contacted yesterday. With Q.L backing them, they won't show any mercy. Also," he paused, "the tax authorities have been contacted; they should start the process soon."

"Hmm." Qin Jianhe replied indifferently.

A faint sound of a door opening came from inside the room. Qin Jianhe closed the door and turned around.

Ye Zhiqiu had already changed into his clothes and was walking while replying to various concerned emails.

After having breakfast together, they each drove to their respective companies.

Around eight o'clock, the usual working hour, Ye Zhiqiu went downstairs, got into his car, and headed to Starlight Entertainment, where Ye Zhixia was signed.

Upon arrival, Tao Ruoqing's car was already parked downstairs, waiting for an unknown amount of time.

Seeing his car, Uncle Wang immediately got out and opened the door for Tao Ruoqing behind him.

After not seeing him for some time, Ye Zhiqiu noticed that Uncle Wang seemed to have aged significantly.

His white hair, wrinkles on his forehead...

He looked older than when Ye Zhiqiu had encountered him at the fresh market in his previous life.

Back then, his mental state was already poor.

So even now, he couldn't pinpoint the exact time, but it was probably two or three years before he fell into the lake.

At that time, he had left the Ye family for at least seven or eight years.

But because he lived a comfortable life, there were hardly any signs of aging on Uncle Wang's face during those years.

He remembered that Uncle Wang went to that famous fresh market to buy a grass-fed lamb.

He said Ye Zhixia suddenly craved roast lamb and didn't trust the ingredients outside, so he specially drove over.

At that time, Ye Zhiqiu and Ye Zhixia were worlds apart.

After his contract with Starlight ended, Ye Zhixia went to Xinye as planned.

As Gao Wenye's partner, the company naturally prioritized his resources.

Moreover, their joint efforts to send people to Qi Xin's bed likely strengthened their bond, making their relationship very close.

At twenty-six or twenty-seven, an age when one's innocence is just tinged with maturity, Ye Zhiqiu had already withered like a wilted flower, losing its color and vitality.

In contrast, Ye Zhixia's career and love life were thriving, appearing fresher and more radiant on television than when he was eighteen or nineteen.

Even Uncle Wang's words subtly boasted about how happy and successful he was.

Back then, Ye Zhiqiu didn't understand why, as both sons of the Ye family, someone as perceptive as Uncle Wang would still boast about Ye Zhixia's success when he saw how poorly Ye Zhiqiu was doing.

But now, he understood.

Ye Zhiqiu got out of the car and watched Uncle Wang follow Tao Ruoqing toward him.

"Let's go." Tao Ruoqing said.

"Hmm." Ye Zhiqiu nodded.

Just as he turned around, Uncle Wang suddenly called out, "Young Master."

"Hmm?" Ye Zhiqiu turned back with a smile, looking at him quietly.

"Please take care of the young master's matters." Uncle Wang said, a hint of humility in his voice amidst his weariness.

As soon as he spoke, Tao Ruoqing frowned, her sharp gaze sweeping over him.

Her eyes were still swollen, her cheeks marked with finger prints, and her voice slightly hoarse, occasionally punctuated by low coughs.

But even so, that single glare made Uncle Wang stop talking and slowly lower his head.

"Let's go." Tao Ruoqing said again.

Ye Zhiqiu nodded, not looking back at Uncle Wang, and followed Tao Ruoqing into the lobby of Xingwen.

The receptionist called Meng Qianyang, Ye Zhixia's current agent, via the internal phone. Meng did not put on any airs and quickly allowed them to go up to his office on the second floor.

"Auntie," Meng Qianyang stood up enthusiastically upon seeing them, tactfully ignoring the bruise on Tao Ruoqing's face, "why didn't you let me know you were coming? I could have come down to greet you."

"Xiao Meng, regarding Xiao Xia's situation, is your company not planning to do anything?" Tao Ruoqing began by demanding an explanation.

"Auntie, it's not that our company isn't doing anything; mainly, Xiao Ye is also a victim this time. Keeping silent is the best way to handle it," he said with a smile, "if we say too much, it might seem like we're trying to cover something up. Moreover..."

He paused, his smile somewhat enigmatic, "Xiao Ye was planning to join Xinye after his contract with us ends. Even if it were another company, they wouldn't invest resources in him anymore. Why don't you consider Xinye?"

"Xinye?" Tao Ruoqing said slowly, "do you really think Xinye can protect him?"

She lowered her eyes, and when she looked up again, her face was full of pleading.

"You're right, Xiao Xia is indeed a victim. He has been hit harder than anyone else this time," Tao Ruoqing whispered, "everyone can see that Xinye won't be able to protect him. It's unclear whether Gao Wenye can even clean up the mess. I'm not asking for anything else; I just want our company to give Xiao Xia a chance, so he doesn't feel abandoned."

As she spoke, she started crying pitifully, making her already disheveled appearance even more pitiable.

Meng Qianyang smiled, speaking softly, but his heart was as hard as iron.

Not only had their company decided not to renew Ye Zhixia's contract, but the call from Q.L's investment department that morning had sealed Ye Zhixia's fate.

The reason Tao Ruoqing was allowed in was ultimately due to the implications of that call.

They couldn't refuse Ye Zhiqiu entry, which would have made them look bad.

While handing Tao Ruoqing a tissue, Meng Qianyang secretly glanced at Ye Zhiqiu.

The young man looked younger than his actual age, dressed casually and exuding a youthful charm.

Especially his face, beautiful to the point where even with his experience evaluating artists, he couldn't find any flaws.

His demeanor was also exceptionally elegant and distinguished.

Without exaggeration, his face alone was enough to make waves in the entertainment industry.

At least, no one at Xingwen Entertainment could compare.

"Mr. Ye," Meng Qianyang took the opportunity to get closer, "have you considered entering the entertainment industry?"

Meng Qianyang's words were genuine, but he didn't expect them to touch Tao Ruoqing's sore spot.

She had tried every means, even crying and begging, yet couldn't secure an opportunity for Ye Zhixia.

On the other hand, Ye Zhiqiu simply sitting there had prompted Meng Qianyang to offer him a contract...

Wasn't this a clear slap in the face for her and Ye Zhixia?

"Not considered it," came Ye Zhiqiu's polite refusal.

"I heard that Old Zhao and Old Li hold you in high regard. Is there any chance of cooperation between us in the future?" Meng Qianyang seized the opportunity to ask.

"High regard is an exaggeration; they merely show extra care for newcomers," Ye Zhiqiu humbly replied, "so far, my relationship with my seniors is ordinary and not worth mentioning."

"As for cooperation," Ye Zhiqiu smiled, "if there's a suitable opportunity, of course, it's possible."

He spoke calmly and confidently, neither arrogant nor overbearing, which instantly earned Meng Qianyang's respect.

In this industry, even those who are modest often exaggerate their connections, while the arrogant claim even more.

Ye Zhiqiu had the support of Old Zhao and Old Li, and even Q.L's investment department had called specifically for him...

With such strong backing, his humility was truly admirable.

Meng Qianyang became even more courteous in his speech.

Taking advantage of the moment, Tao Ruoqing raised her eyes, suppressing her anger and humiliation.

"Our Xiao Qiu does have excellent conditions," she said, "but it's impossible for both children in a family to enter such an unfeeling industry."

Though harsh, it was the truth.

The entertainment industry was indeed like that.

So Meng Qianyang didn't get angry, only smiling and lowering his eyes.

"Xiao Meng, will you give Xiao Xia a chance today? Give me a definite answer," Tao Ruoqing pressed, using Ye Zhiqiu's influence, "if you do me this favor today, in the future, our Xiao Qiu's resources in the industry won't be out of reach for you."

"Well..." Meng Qianyang smiled, "I still need to wait for the higher-ups to return and discuss it further."

Someone knocked on the door, and a young assistant called, "Brother Meng, the morning meeting is waiting for you."

"I'll be right there," Meng Qianyang said, turning to the young man. "Please escort our guests out."

Xingwen's attitude was ambiguous, and Tao Ruoqing couldn't make a scene, but her face was still grim when they left.

"Xiao Qiu," once the Xingwen assistant turned away, Tao Ruoqing frowned, "why don't you use your connections? Even mentioning them could help suppress their arrogance."

Ye Zhiqiu looked down at her.

After the rain, the ginkgo leaves above were lush and green, and the sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows on his fair skin, creating a gentle and soft atmosphere.

His lips and brows held a smile, and he looked at Tao Ruoqing without any displeasure at her reproach.

"I didn't need to say it; you mentioned it yourself," he said, "I believe Ye Zhixia still has a chance."

Tao Ruoqing hoped for a good outcome, but her deep-seated obsession had already clouded her judgment on the matter.

However, since Ye Zhiqiu even allowed her to use Gao Wenye's text messages, these relationships in the entertainment industry, which represent face and status, indeed had no reason to be kept secret.

"Really?" Tao Ruoqing asked uncertainly.

"Mm." Ye Zhiqiu nodded with a smile. "Once Ye Zhixia returns, you can bring him over again to talk things through properly. It shouldn't be a problem."

Tao Ruoqing frowned for a moment before nodding.

Time flew by quickly. From May 21st, the day of that ironic wedding, all the way to early June, news about Gao Wenye and Xinye Entertainment flooded the internet.

Due to his assets being completely frozen, Gao Wenye could no longer access his funds abroad and was forced to return to the country prematurely.

Moreover, because of the enormous compensation amounts involved, it was said that even his current residence was undergoing legal procedures and might be officially seized.

While netizens were daily following the various civil lawsuits against Gao Wenye, at the beginning of June, the Tax Bureau dropped another bombshell.

Gao Wenye was suspected of tax evasion, amounting to nearly 100 million yuan.

That same evening, Ye Zhixia, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke up, announcing her divorce from Gao Wenye.

Upon the announcement, the crowd, already tired of eating melons, became excited once more.

"Is this not only the end for Gao Wenye, but will he also face imprisonment?"

"It's not certain. I've seen many artists who evaded taxes just pay the fines."

"Can he afford to pay? The compensation alone is enough to drain him, right? Otherwise, why would all the partners be so anxious?"

"Finally, Ye Zhixia decided to divorce him."

"I thought she would sink or swim with Gao Wenye."

"I heard from someone in the industry that Gao Wenye's situation is grim this time. Even when other artists got into trouble, their partners would usually give them some face based on past relationships, but with Gao Wenye, they're demanding the highest compensation without any leniency. They seem determined to crush him."

"Weren't we told he had good connections in the industry? Could that have been a lie? He's been in the industry for over a decade, yet no one is giving him any face?"

"Not sure, maybe some bigwigs just don't like him and want to take him down."

"Tax evaders don't deserve sympathy."

"What would the sentence be if convicted with such an amount? Ye Zhixia cutting ties was wise."

"Let's see his subsequent actions. If he truly can't pay, it might be three to six years."

"He's already in his thirties; in three to six years, he'll be around forty. As an artist, there's little hope left."

"I'm still shocked. After all, Gao Wenye has won Best Actor awards and was considered top-tier in the entertainment industry. And now, he's fallen so hard."

"There's always someone better out there. Mainly, it's his own doing. Otherwise, no one would even spare him a glance."

"Does anyone know the inside story? Share it."

"The commenter above must know something. Waiting for more details."

"Waiting."

"Waiting +1"

"..."

"Waiting +10086"

However, the commenter disappeared after posting, leaving netizens to speculate wildly.

But this speculation did not last long.

For destruction inevitably brings new beginnings.

On June 3rd, Xin Dongli and Yunkai jointly held a press conference, officially announcing their collaboration project and its final results.

The birth of the new energy storage battery not only significantly reduced the high costs of existing batteries but, according to the published test results, also surpassed traditional batteries in performance.

With the unveiling of this press conference, the landscape of the new energy industry underwent another transformation.

Yunkai, previously an obscure small company, not only entered the public eye but also rapidly rose within the industry, surpassing its predecessors.

At the same time, Nie Fengjun received a cooperation invitation from Zhang Mian, the current head of Yunkai.

This day was significant for Wang Qitang and Xin Dongli.

Considering that Nie Fengjun had initiated the cooperation with Yunkai, Wang Qitang specially came over to express his gratitude after finishing work at the company.

When he arrived, Nie Fengjun had just finished her call with Zhang Mian.

Since Qin Jianhe hadn't returned and Yu Renzhi hadn't come over, Fu Mingjin added an extra set of dishes and bowls, preparing four dishes and a soup for a dinner together.

"Zhang Mian is tight-lipped. He didn't mention anything about other projects," Wang Qitang complained while drinking soup.

Despite the complaint, his eyes still sparkled with joy.

The successful transformation of Xin Dongli, maintaining its leading position in the industry even in a new field, was something he had never dared to imagine.

After all, the previous leaders in China's battery industry, "Minde" and "Qianyuan," had already established themselves deeply in the new energy sector.

Yet, after the press conference, the stocks of both companies plummeted, while Xin Dongli's soared.

It was highly likely that Xin Dongli would reach unprecedented historical highs in a short period.

"This time it's a collaboration involving transportation," Nie Fengjun smiled. "Ruiyi is indeed an excellent choice."

"Can I hear more about it, Aunt Nie?" Wang Qitang was genuinely curious.

"For now, it still needs to be kept confidential." Nie Fengjun said, "If everything goes well, the details might be announced soon."

Not getting any information on the project, Wang Qitang switched to another topic.

"Is Zhang Mian going to be in charge of this one too?" he asked.

"Their top boss will personally come to discuss it," Nie Fengjun said.

"Cough cough cough..." Hearing this, Wang Qitang choked on his soup, and Nie Fengjun gently patted his back, "So surprised?"

"It seems New Power doesn't have enough face; I've never met him once," Wang Qitang finally managed to stop coughing.

"Who we collaborate with is important, but not as important as the project itself," Nie Fengjun said.

"Yes," Wang Qitang acknowledged.

After the meal, Wang Qitang politely bid farewell.

But just as he drove out of the hillside villa, he stopped at the intersection.

Wang Qitang was usually composed, but today's good news, coupled with his long-standing curiosity about Yunkai's mysterious boss, made him pull out his phone and send a message in the group.

"Wang Qitang: Just left Aunt Nie's place."

"Wang Qitang: The boss behind Yunkai is a real philanthropist. He just took me for a ride, and now he's taking Aunt Nie."

"Yu Renzhi: Aunt Nie is already up in the clouds; does she need someone to take her?"

"Wang Qitang: Yunkai has officially extended a collaboration invitation to Ruiyi."

"Yu Renzhi: Damn, what kind of collaboration?"

"Wang Qitang: Also, for this new project negotiation, the big boss behind Zhang Mian will appear in person."

"Yu Renzhi: Holy shit! I want to see who has such a big ego @Qin Jianhe."

"Wang Qitang: On the day of the negotiation, you should come and check out who this person is @Qin Jianhe."

"Yu Renzhi: Who is this person? I want to see too @Qin Jianhe."