Chapter 82 The Cycle of Cause and Effect

Chapter 82: What Goes Around Comes Around

Although netizens were condemning Bai Yue for her high earnings yet still resorting to tax evasion, Sister Yu launched a strong PR campaign to shift the focus onto Lin Chengdong.

She exposed all of Bai Yue’s investments under Lin Chengdong’s guidance—from exploding battery phones to copyright-infringing games, and even the speculative but ultimately worthless *Chengtan Fishpond*.

Lin Chengdong instantly became the internet’s so-called "investment curse." The entertainment industry’s power players, who heavily believe in metaphysics, deemed him unlucky and rushed to withdraw their investments from his projects.

But in reality, Lin Chengdong had already funneled the funds into shady loan schemes. In such a short time, the money couldn’t be retrieved, meaning he had no way to repay these investors. He could only desperately stall and appease them indefinitely.

Netizens found him terrifying—even an acclaimed actress like Bai Yue had been under his control. Adding to the scandal was the fact that Lin Chengdong’s pet screenwriter was Zhang Chun, which further fueled public outrage.

[I heard Zhang Chun has been sued multiple times for plagiarism, and Lin Chengdong always bailed him out! Two peas in a pod, definitely no good!]

[Lin Chengdong actually wanted to turn our Bai Yingchuan into another pawn! We won’t allow it!]

[Test, verify, overstep—classic Lin Chengdong’s three-step method to control Bai Yue, huh?]

[This Lin Chengdong is from Universe Pictures—someone should investigate that company!]

[Funny, didn’t Universe Pictures have a financial director investigated last year? The internet never forgets!]

[What a coincidence, that financial director was Lin Chengdong’s college classmate~]

……

Lin Lu sat before an untouched school lunch, his hands trembling violently as he gripped his phone.

He looked up at Bai Yingchuan across from him, his voice thick with disbelief. "You… it was you… wasn’t it?"

"What?" Bai Yingchuan lowered his gaze, calmly placing a bamboo shoot tip into his mouth.

"You were the one who pushed your mother to do this? What did my dad ever do to you? He got you the best roles, the highest pay—and this is how you return the favor?"

Lin Lu, who had never lost his temper before, now his eyes wide with fury, his lips quivering with rage, his voice rising sharply.

Classmates who had initially wanted to join Bai Yingchuan for lunch quickly edged back.

"What’s the deal? Lin Lu’s usually so easygoing."

"You don’t know? Lin Lu is Lin Chengdong’s son!"

"Whoa… so now he and Bai Yingchuan are at each other’s throats?"

The murmurs around them buzzed in Lin Lu’s ears. All he wanted was to hide somewhere, away from everyone.

Bai Yingchuan lifted his gaze, meeting Lin Lu’s eyes without a trace of guilt or hesitation.

"So, you think forcing my mother and me to star in shoddy productions that ruin our reputations is doing us a favor?"

Lin Lu opened his mouth to retort, but his mind went blank.

"Or do you think lurking in my fan circles, egging them on to harass *Kirin Video*, and making industry platforms avoid me is also for my benefit?"

Bai Yingchuan’s gaze turned icy, slicing through Lin Lu like a blade.

"Or maybe you can explain on your father’s behalf—why he negotiated high pay for my mother on the surface, but secretly required her to kick back 30% of it to ‘handpicked PR firms’ that did nothing but benefit Lin Chengdong’s associates?"

The weight of Bai Yingchuan’s stare pressed down on Lin Lu like sinking in tar, suffocating him.

Everything he and his father had plotted—Bai Yingchuan had seen right through it.

"Your father is a strange man. As a top executive and major shareholder of Universe Pictures, he could’ve made endless money just by producing decent films. He could’ve worked with my mother and me fairly. Instead, he forced us to be his scapegoat. Oh, but your father never ‘collaborates,’ does he? Because collaboration implies equality—and what he wants is control, using others to do his dirty work, right?"

Lin Lu’s shoulders shook. "Stop it! Bai Yingchuan, just stop!"

"Fine, I’ll stop." Bai Yingchuan finished his meal, stood up slowly, and went to clear his tray.

Leaving Lin Lu standing alone.

He had loved Bai Yingchuan—wanted to possess him, control him.

He had tried everything. So why had it come to this?

Nearby, Jiang Ruotang, Jian Sha, and the others had also finished eating and were leaving the table.

Jian Sha murmured, "The investigation for my case is done too. Zhang Chun and Wang Hui—those bastards will get what they deserve. And now Lin Chengdong’s about to fall. Poetic justice."

Cai Ji, however, glanced worriedly at Jiang Ruotang. "But Lin Chengdong’s a high-ranking executive at Universe Pictures. Could your father get swept up in this?"

In their past life, Lin Chengdong’s crimes had never come to light—Jiang Ruotang’s father had taken the fall instead.

This time, that wouldn’t happen.

"It’s fine. A tumor has to be cut out, no matter how painful. The stock might take a hit, and there’ll be investigations, but it’s temporary. Universe Pictures’ reputation isn’t built on Lin Chengdong—he’s not important enough to bring it down," Jiang Ruotang replied.

Zhao Zhangfeng asked cautiously, "Jiang Ruotang, you’re not going to feel sorry for Lin Lu and comfort him, are you?"

"No."

Jiang Ruotang shot a cold look at Lin Lu. From the moment Lin Lu had incited Geng Yu to file that report, he had given up on him in this life.

Lu Guifan rested his chin on his hand, following Jiang Ruotang’s gaze. "Lin Lu seems laid-back, but when it comes to what he wants, he’s territorial and manipulative."

Jiang Ruotang smirked. "Oh? You’ve paid close attention."

"Which is why Bai Yingchuan is still too green."

"Why bring up Bai Yingchuan now?"

"Because the former tried to control you, and the latter wants to leech onto you. Neither has good intentions," Lu Guifan said flatly.

Hearing this, Jiang Ruotang felt a rush of warmth in his chest.

So Lu Guifan had only paid attention to those two because of him?

"But what do you mean by ‘Bai Yingchuan is too green’? Bai Yue’s already confessed. Investigations into Lin Chengdong will start soon, and they’ll expose everything. Bai Yingchuan’s the one who made it happen."

Lu Guifan’s lips curled slightly. "He’s the type who, no matter how much someone sacrifices for him—even if it’s something crucial—can’t bring himself to understand or respect them if he dislikes them. He just wallows in hatred."

Jiang Ruotang fell silent.

Wasn’t that exactly how he had been in his past life?

"That kind of personality—rigid and self-centered—is fundamentally cold. When faced with a true villain, he won’t escape unscathed. At the very least, he’ll get burned. Such extremes breed consequences."

Jiang Ruotang’s fingers trembled slightly.

Bai Yingchuan had always appeared warm, courteous, and bright. But the cutthroat selfishness beneath that veneer was something Jiang Ruotang had taken years to recognize—yet Lu Guifan had figured him out in just a few months.

Jiang Ruotang lowered his head, exhaled, and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"But you're different."

"Huh? How so?" Jiang Ruotang looked up at Lu Guifan.

"You're a patient and skilled pilot."

"What?"

What kind of crazy comparison is that?

"Faced with Lin Lu's influence, you didn't confront him head-on but chose a safer, gentler soft landing."

Hearing this, Jiang Ruotang laughed. It was the result of a decade of navigating social complexities in his past life.

Lu Guifan patted Jiang Ruotang's shoulder lightly. "Let's go."

In the afternoon, Lin Lu skipped class. Unable to bear the gossip and pointing from his classmates, he went home early.

As soon as he entered the living room, he saw his mother hurrying out, followed by the nanny, the driver, and several suitcases.

"Xiao Lu! Why are you back? Come on, let's go! Your dad is in a rage at home. If he sees you, he’ll vent his anger on you!"

"Vent his anger on me?"

"He blames you for not keeping Bai Yingchuan in check, letting him incite Bai Yue to make such a public scene!"

Just as his mother was about to pull Lin Lu away, Lin Chengdong's voice came from upstairs.

"Lin Lu, is your mom running away? Are you running away too? Without me, Lin Chengdong, who do you think you'd be?"

Lin Lu froze, then let go of his mother's hand and walked upstairs.

"Ah... oh you foolish boy..." His mother tried to pull him back, but Lin Lu was nearly grown now—she couldn't hold him back.

At that moment, Lin Lu was desperate to know what was really happening to their family and how deeply Bai Yue's confession had shaken Lin Chengdong.

When he reached Lin Chengdong's study, the door was slightly ajar. Lin Lu's throat tightened, making it hard to swallow.

The media was savaging his father, rumors were flying, and there were even rumors that the authorities were preparing to investigate Lin Chengdong.

Lin Lu had no idea how bad things had gotten.

All he knew was that his father was now at the center of the storm.

"Dad..." Lin Lu took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

He had barely taken a step inside when his foot kicked a shattered teacup. The study was a mess, and Lin Chengdong sat at his desk, cradling his head—like a cornered animal, or perhaps simply refusing to face reality.

Lin Lu had known since childhood that his father wasn't the easygoing man he seemed. He had a temper at home, his unsmiling face could freeze blood, and had many friends—but just as many enemies who’d seize any chance to take him down. Yet Lin Chengdong had always survived.

Only this time, his father’s defeated demeanor made Lin Lu think of one word—desperation.

"Xiao Lu, Bai Yue and Bai Yingchuan have driven a knife through me. And it’s a deep wound."

"I know." Lin Lu nodded and pulled out the chair opposite Lin Chengdong to sit down. "Tell me."

"That project I was working on with several investors—it’s probably going to be halted. This wasn’t just about making a movie. A lot of people were planning to funnel money out through the film’s budget. And these people… I dare not cross them."

Lin Lu let out a shaky breath. His gut told him the problem was even worse. "Right now, it’s not about whether pausing the project will offend people. Even those who wanted to funnel money wouldn’t dare act at this point. The real question is… Dad, is there even any money left in the project?"

Lin Chengdong looked up at Lin Lu. His eyes were like those of a beast trapped in a snare, struggling in its final moments. The expression sent a chill down Lin Lu’s spine—his worst fear had likely come true.

"The project funds were long since diverted under various pretexts and funneled into shadow banking operations for high-interest returns… We could’ve made 30 to 50 percent profit! What else earns that much these days? Certainly not making movies!"

"Then pull out of the loan sharks now! Get all the money back and return it to the project!"

A hollow laugh escaped him. "Hahaha, don't be naive! How can we recall money that’s already been lent out?"

The size of the shortfall was unimaginable. Lin Lu’s legs weakened, and he nearly buckled.

"But… Dad, Bai Yue’s confession will bring tax and economic crime units down on us. Forget past projects—this one hasn’t even started filming, and most of the funds are already gone. There’s no way to explain this… Soon, Universe Pictures will remove you from your position. Without access to Universe’s funds, even if you scrounge up funds, you won’t be able to return it to the project! The project’s reputation is ruined… If the investigators find out the money’s missing…"

Lin Chengdong’s smile was mirthless. "The house we live in, our shares in Universe Pictures, the cars… all of it will have to be sold."

"Dad, you shouldn’t have gotten involved in those risky schemes. Why couldn’t you just stick to making movies? Like Uncle Jiang—even if he can’t win any battles in the boardroom, as long as his films sell, he commands respect."

At those words, Lin Chengdong’s eyes suddenly lit up.

"That’s it! I can go to Jiang Huaiyuan! If I beg him, ask him to step in as producer or director—he and Zhao Yunshu have their own production company. Maybe they have money to cover the shortfall! If Jiang Huaiyuan joins, those investors won’t dare withdraw. As long as the project continues, they can’t hold me accountable. I can repay them slowly!"

He lurched out of the study.

Lin Lu’s eyes widened. He grabbed Lin Chengdong’s arm. "Dad… have you lost your mind? If you drag Uncle Jiang into this and those executives who helped siphon funds get exposed, if the project really gets shut down—what happens to all the money Uncle Jiang invests?"

Lin Chengdong seized Lin Lu’s shoulders, his gaze turning cold and terrifying. "Who’s the one who made me lose money while he and Zhao Yunshu raked in profits investing in Aoxiang Technology? If he doesn’t go to hell, you and I will. You choose."

Lin Lu froze, taking half a step back.

He didn’t want to lose everything he had, didn’t want to be gossiped about. He had lived clean, stayed above it all—why should he be dragged into the mud?

In this world, what we call fate is simply karma.

Looking at the wide-open door of his home, Lin Lu thought to himself—the Jiang family wasn’t the pushover it once was. Jiang Huaiyuan was no longer someone Lin Chengdong could easily manipulate.

School wasn’t over yet. Jiang Ruotang glanced at the empty seat beside Bai Yingchuan. He had a feeling—the decisive moment he’d been preparing for and resisting was about to arrive.

Lu Guifan followed Jiang Ruotang’s gaze and tapped lightly at his temple.

"You’ve done all you can. The rest is between the adults."

Hearing his calm, gentle voice, Jiang Ruotang’s anxious heart calmed.

"Yeah."

It was strange. In his past life, he’d sat alone at his desk, sending text after text asking about Lin Lu. Without Lin Lu by his side, Jiang Ruotang had felt adrift and alone.

But now, his heart was calm, unshaken.

At that moment, Jiang Huaiyuan and Zhao Yunshu were in their study, deep in conversation, also discussing Lin Chengdong’s situation.

Zhao Yunshu folded her arms and gave Jiang Huaiyuan a cold look. "My dear Director Jiang, don't you dare think about cleaning up Lin Chengdong’s mess. He’s shuffling debts around. If you help him, our whole family will be the ones who'll pay."

Jiang Huaiyuan heaved a resigned sigh. "I know better than that."

The words had barely left his mouth when Sister Juan and Xiao Gao’s voices came from downstairs.

"Mr. Jiang, Mrs. Zhao, Chairman Lin has arrived!"

"Lin—wait up! Don't be in such a hurry!"

Lin Chengdong was in a total panic—how could he not be?

He flew up the stairs, rushed to Jiang Huaiyuan's study, and burst in unannounced, just in time to see Jiang Huaiyuan seated behind his desk with Zhao Yunshu by his side.

For a moment, Lin Chengdong hesitated. With Zhao Yunshu present, persuading Jiang Huaiyuan might be difficult. So, with tears in his eyes, he collapsed to his knees and pleaded, "Jiang, you gotta help me!"

Jiang Huaiyuan had expected Lin Chengdong to come seeking help, but he never imagined he would kneel. He was too stunned to react until Zhao Yunshu nudged him sharply with her elbow. Only then did he snap out of it and help Lin Chengdong up.

Lin Chengdong was a mess—a snotty, tear-streaked mess, gasping as if overwhelmed by grief.

"Yunshu... mind giving us a minute?"

But Zhao Yunshu stood her ground, her expression icy—like she’d seen this coming.

Of course, she had also promised Jiang Ruotang that she would stay by Jiang Huaiyuan’s side and never let Lin Chengdong corner him alone.

After all, even if Jiang Huaiyuan understood what kind of person Lin Chengdong was, his inherently kind nature made him a pushover—likely leaving him vulnerable to Lin Chengdong’s manipulations.

"Talk. He’ll just repeat every word to me anyway."

Lin Chengdong hadn’t expected Zhao Yunshu to be so firm. Forced to squeeze out more tears, he sobbed and groveled, begging Jiang Huaiyuan to take over the project for him, claiming he never expected his dealings with Bai Yue’s contract to spiral into this mess. He insisted the tax issues had nothing to do with the project and that the other investors’ efforts shouldn’t go to waste.

Each desperate cry of "Brother Jiang" was like guilt-tripping, and Jiang Huaiyuan truly softened. He toyed with the idea of whether the project was within his capabilities—or if he could invest his own money to bail Lin out. Once Lin Chengdong’s tax investigation concluded and any penalties were paid, maybe he could clean up his act.

"Huaiyuan, we’re tapped out for this project," Zhao Yunshu interjected.

Lin Chengdong paused, lifting his gaze to her. "Sister-in-law, what do you mean? Are you still sore about me not making you deputy finance director?"

Zhao Yunshu lowered her eyes and sighed. "I have no interest in that deputy director position. What I mean is we genuinely lack the resources. Mr. Lin, Huaiyuan and I are cash-strapped—most of our capital is locked into Chengtan’s land purchase, and we can’t recover it yet."

"Then... sell your shares in Aoxiang Technology? Those shares are gold—everyone wants ’em!"

Jiang Huaiyuan knew Lin Chengdong was desperate, but the dividends from Aoxiang Technology were substantial—enough to support them for years. Those shares were meant as our safety net for Jiang Ruotang and Zhao Zhangfeng. Yet Lin Chengdong spoke as if it were only natural for Jiang Huaiyuan to clean up his mess with his own ruin?

If Ruo Tang found out, he’d probably leap up and wring his neck.

Zhao Yunshu spoke first: "The Aoxiang Technology shares are locked up as collateral. They can’t be traded right now."

Lin Chengdong looked to Jiang Huaiyuan, who nodded. "It’s true."

"Do you remember *Drunken Immortal Terrace*? You rejected that project, but we loved it, so we bought the rights and planned to produce it under our small company’s name. We took out a loan of tens of millions and have already invested it into the project. If we stop now, we’d have to compensate for the rented locations, hired teams, and all the actors and crew... How would we explain that?"

Lin Chengdong reeled back.

He hadn’t expected karma to bite him.

"Brother... is there really no way you can help me?"

Jiang Huaiyuan glanced at Zhao Yunshu. Though she knew full well that Lin Chengdong’s visit was a snake in the grass—helping him would be like the farmer and the snake—she didn’t want Jiang Huaiyuan to suffer too much. So she said, "Mr. Lin, we can lend you 7 or 8 mil. Beyond that, there’s nothing we can do."

"Sister-in-law... 7 or 8 mil is a drop in the bucket for my project. Do you know anyone else who could help? What about Mr. Zheng? He’s the biggest shareholder in Sweet Fruit, right? I’ve heard you’re close to Zheng Huasheng! Would he be willing to take over the project?"

Yunshu saw red. Now he was trying to rope Sweet Fruit into his mess? Ruo Tang was the largest shareholder—like hell I’d let him burn Ruo Tang. Lin Chengdong wouldn’t get a single cent of Ruo Tang’s money!

"Sweet Fruit’s CEO is Gao Cheng. Do you really think he’d be that easy to fool?"

*If you knew who stands behind Senior Zheng, would you even dare say such things?*

But once Lin Chengdong shed dignity, he latched on like a leech. He actually started banging his head on the floor before Zhao Yunshu.

"Brother! Sister-in-law! Save me! Sweet Fruit has ample funds—rescuing my project would be effortless for them! Please, I beg you!"

"This..." Jiang Huaiyuan recoiled at the display of Lin Chengdong banging his head on the floor.

Zhao Yunshu knew Jiang Huaiyuan would be torn—he couldn’t cut ties, even now.

Fine. If that was the case, she would crush Lin’s last hope herself.

"I’ll call Old Zheng and see if he can persuade Gao Cheng."

At this, hope flickered back to life in Lin Chengdong’s eyes.

"Senior, it’s Yunshu. Sorry to bother you at this hour—what are you up to?" Zhao Yunshu’s tone was light, as if she were just catching up.

"With A-Qing—he’s being fussy. He’s been picky lately, and his fur isn’t as shiny. Sigh. What’s the matter? Skip the small talk between us."

Zhao Yunshu chuckled. "Senior, here’s the thing. Our company has this project, *Phantom Nights in the Capital*—heard of it? A lot of prep work is done, and it’s ready to launch. But Mr. Lin has to withdraw due to his dispute with Bai Yue. I was wondering if you’d be interested in stepping in?"

She shot Lin Chengdong a glance—*I’ve said my part. Whether he takes it is out of my hands.*

"Oh, that’s the project with the stolen IP and the producer’s tax and financial issues, right?"

"Ah..." Zhao Yunshu sighed awkwardly. "We can rewrite the script, and the producer’s tax problems don’t involve the project itself."

"I could invest in plenty of stable projects—like yours and Director Jiang’s *Drunken Immortal Terrace*. Why would I dump cash into a dumpster fire, with so many issues and no clear return? Even if I agreed, my company’s shareholders include Dai Ming. He’s a top economic litigation lawyer—do you think he’d approve?"

Hearing this, Lin Chengdong frantically lip-synced "Sweet Fruit."

Zhao Yunshu pressed, "What about Sweet Fruit? Surely they plan to diversify into live-action projects, not just animation?"

Zheng Huasheng sighed. "Junior, the whole industry knows that when Gao Cheng left Kirin Video, he considered joining Cloud Maple. At the time, he asked Mr. Lin for an introduction, but Mr. Lin blew him off. That was just three months ago—Gao Cheng won’t have forgotten."

"Senior, is there any other way?"

"What other way could there be? As your senior, let me remind you and Director Jiang: Lin Chengdong thinks his dealings with those investors are known only to heaven, earth, and themselves. But from what I’ve heard, the economic crimes unit may have been investigating since the project’s inception."

Zheng Huasheng’s final words landed like a gut punch, shattering Lin’s last delusion.

*They’ve been watching since the beginning? Then even if I fix everything, they’ve already gathered all the evidence!*

After hanging up, Zhao Yunshu looked at Lin Chengdong. "We truly can’t help. But... why not pull a Bai Yue?"

"Pull a Bai Yue..." Lin Chengdong stood frozen.

"Burn the boats," Zhao Yunshu said, locking eyes with him.

Lin Chengdong lurched upright, moving like a ghost as he drifted downstairs.

Zhao Yunshu signaled Xiao Gao to make sure he gets home in one piece—better not let anything happen on the way.

But Lin Chengdong wasn’t done struggling. His driver had gone with his wife to her parents’ home, so without hesitation, he hijacked Xiao Gao’s car, ordering him to drive to Mu Xianqing’s residence.

Xiao Gao was horrified, but given Lin Chengdong’s unhinged desperation, he had no choice but to comply.

Unfortunately, when they arrived at Mu Xianqing’s estate, their car couldn’t even pass the wrought-iron gates. Lin Chengdong dialed Mu Xianqing’s number, only to hear: *"The number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later."*

It was as clear a message as any: Mu Xianqing had blocked him.

Lin Chengdong dialed several more times from his seat, only to receive the same response.

Xiao Gao sighed inwardly, thinking, who would dare to associate with you at this point? Blocking you is the nicest way to cut ties.

Meanwhile, Mu Xianqing was actually standing by the window of his third-floor study, leaning against the wall with a cup of... FAIRY milk tea in his hand—ordered by Jiang Ruotang.

When it arrived, Mu Xianqing was equal parts amused and annoyed, wondering why Jiang Ruotang would treat him to something so childish.

But when Lin Chengdong showed up at his gate, begging for help, Mu Xianqing understood—Jiang Ruotang was making it clear: *If you still want me to be your little ancestor, stay out of Lin Chengdong’s mess.*

Mu Xianqing leisurely took a sip. Huh, these pearls are pretty chewy.

Seems the little ancestor’s investment instincts are always sharp—even his choice of milk tea was excellent.

After lingering at Mu Xianqing’s gate for over an hour—long enough that Xiao Gao almost fell asleep at the wheel—Lin Chengdong finally decided to move on to the next stop: the Chen residence.

Chen Dan had already warned his parents and sister.

“If Lin Chengdong shows up, whether to borrow money or offer it, we’re not answering the door!”

His sister asked worriedly, “Are we really shutting him out like this? Lin Chengdong is cunning—what if he bounces back and retaliates?”

Chen Dan replied, “He won’t. Besides, I’m thriving at Fairy now. Aren’t you all happy I’m focusing on my career?”

Mr. Chen and Mrs. Chen nodded in unison.

“The chairman of Fairy—the guy now mentoring me and helping me make money—was once screwed over by Lin Chengdong. If you’re nice to Lin Chengdong, how could I show my face at work?”

His sister immediately said, “Then your relationship with your big brother is more important.”

“That Qi Yanze, is it?”

“Hey! A Ze’s the deputy now!”

His sister turned to the butler. “If Lin Chengdong dares to step inside, let the dogs out!”

Chen Dan rolled his eyes. “We don’t even have a dog…”