Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The system, catching on to Ye Weian's thought, quipped, "Host, have you been in the apocalypse so long you've turned stupid? How can a voice be 'cleaned'?"

Ye Weian shrugged, "Washing it won't hurt."

The system: "..."

Ignoring it, Ye Weian continued texting Zhou Huaichen, "Is the emoji cute?"

His intention was to cheer Zhou Huaichen up, so he sent another message: "Are you feeling better now?"

After a moment's thought, he added another emoji: "Zombie King acting cute · jpg"

When Zhou Huaichen saw the emoji, he couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

Earlier, he had asked Ye Weian what kind of animal he was, and Ye Weian had called himself the Zombie King.

The Zombie King he knew certainly wasn't an animal and wasn't even close to cute.

But the Zombie King Ye Weian sent looked exactly like a cat—so adorable he wanted to pinch its cheeks.

He typed, "Very cute, I'm feeling much better now. Thank you."

Ye Weian couldn't hear his voice and didn't know if it still carried that bitter edge.

After some thought, he brought up the Africa project again: "Let's find a place to talk tomorrow. I owe you a meal, so it's the perfect chance to treat you."

The system couldn't help but interject, "Host, are you asking the Big Boss out?"

Ye Weian said matter-of-factly, "Yeah!"

He wanted to make money with Zhou Huaichen.

Even though this was a 2D character world and the original host was already wealthy, he wasn't opposed to making even more money.

After all, only money could buy shiny rubies and sapphires.

When Zhou Huaichen saw Ye Weian's dinner invitation, he was surprised.

He couldn't ask for more.

Unfortunately, he had to go abroad for a business trip the next day, which would last a week, so he'd miss out on this chance.

After some consideration, he patiently explained the business trip to Ye Weian.

The trip had been scheduled since last month—the Zhou Group was acquiring two internationally renowned shipping companies, and he had to be there in person.

Accompanying him on the trip were three assistants, over a dozen staff members, and a legal team.

Ye Weian searched the original host's memories: the Zhou Group's industries spanned various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, steel, and machinery manufacturing.

Among them, the Zhou Group owned a large multinational shipping company, which was highly profitable.

He replied, "Then go ahead and focus on your work. Making money comes first."

What's more appealing than money?

Nothing.

Because money could buy the gemstones he loved.

Seeing such a serious and earnest response from Ye Weian, Zhou Huaichen thought of his deadpan expression and couldn't help but smile again as he typed, "Okay."

...

The next day, Zhou Huaichen was away on his business trip, while the publicity stunt involving Lin Chang and Yan Qing was set in motion.

First, some media outlets released news claiming that Yan Qing was dating a D-list obscure celebrity from the same company, later revealing Lin Chang's name.

Yan Qing, after all, was a popular trending star who had played well-known roles, so curious netizens eagerly questioned the truth of the matter.

Soon, others pointed out that Lin Chang and Yan Qing didn't get along at all, and Yan Qing had previously hinted that Lin Chang acted like a diva.

This made their relationship become increasingly murky.

Regardless, the incident attracted significant attention from a large portion of netizens.

Yan Qing's fans, who had been criticizing Lin Chang all along, went completely ballistic over the dating rumors.

They flocked to Yan Qing's Weibo to ask about the truth, angrily slammed Lin Chang for clout-chasing, and rushed to Lemon Entertainment's official Weibo to demand an immediate clarification from the company.

Since Yan Qing was bound by contract, he couldn't deny the rumors and could only remain silent.

His prolonged silence drove his fans into a frenzy.

They lost all sense of reason, relentlessly slamming Lin Chang and Lemon Entertainment for their inaction. They even viewed curious netizens discussing the matter as an insult to Yan Qing, so they turned on them too.

...

Yan Qing's agent, Brother Ming, grew increasingly furious as he watched the fans' growing outrage in the fan group. He handed his phone to Yan Qing and said, "Look! If we don't clarify soon, these fans are going to abandon ship!"

Yan Qing was equally angry.

His face turned stormy as he watched the fans spamming the group like madmen. "We need to come up with a solution," he said.

Brother Ming sneered, "What solution do you have?"

"You signed a contract with Mr. Ye. If you break it, you'll have to pay double the penalty—over a billion in total!"

He glared at Yan Qing disapprovingly. "I just don't understand why you didn't discuss it with me before signing the contract?"

Yan Qing's face grew even darker.

Two days ago, pushed into a corner by Ye Weian and with Zhou Huaichen watching, he had acted impulsively, signing the contract in a fit of rage and not wanting to lose face in front of Zhou Huaichen.

In truth, the moment he left the private room, he regretted it.

Brother Ming had been Yan Qing's agent since his debut and wasn't affiliated with Ye Weian, so he still had some affection for Yan Qing.

Not wanting Yan Qing to suffer, he devised a plan: "Let's divide our efforts. I'll work on calming the fans."

"Over the years, Mr. Ye has been promoting you, and the fans were well aware of it. Some of them even shipped you and Mr. Ye as a couple."

"This time, I'll subtly steer the fans to make trouble for Mr. Ye and pressure him, to see if he'll retract the publicity plan."

Initially, Yan Qing's fans had thought the original host wanted to be his sugar daddy and were somewhat resistant.

But in the following years, as the original host had his back, the fans came to believe it was true love. They felt that Yan Qing's ability to make someone from such an impressive background completely devoted to him only highlighted his charm, making them adore him even more.

Brother Ming added, "As for you, go and beg for President Ye's forgiveness."

"Whether you have to cry or crawl into bed with him, you must win him over. Ideally, make him continue to support you."

He stared at Yan Qing, emphasizing each word, "Without a powerful backer, you'll soon fade into obscurity again, just like you did years ago."

Yan Qing's expression darkened.

He believed Ye Weian still had feelings for him because the conditions Ye proposed were either repaying the debt or breaking up with Zhou Yongnan, cutting off all your other admirers, and being exclusively with Ye Weian.

But he couldn't let go of Zhou Yongnan, whom he considered the easiest to manipulate, nor could he abandon those suitors who were somewhat useful to him. Coupled with Ye Weian's harsh attitude, he, in a fit of pique, chose to repay the money out of anger.

With a cold face, he said, "If I go begging to him, he’ll surely pamper me like a dog, just like before."

"But I refuse to back down!"

"I want him to apologize to me first! I want him to yield!"

Brother Ming was at a loss for words, feeling that Yan Qing was far too overconfident.

He thought President Ye’s demeanor didn't seem like someone who would yield first.

Unfortunately, Yan Qing was determined to confront Ye Weian to the end. Brother Ming could only sigh and proceed with his plan.

He instructed key fans to guide the discussion in fan groups, claiming the rumor was definitely fake and orchestrated by Lemon Entertainment to promote Lin Chang.

He also had the key fans subtly hint: Rumor has it that President Ye arranged this personally. Do you think President Ye might have his eye on Lin Chang?

From that moment, the fans’ emotions went into an uproar.

They had always believed Ye Weian was utterly devoted to Yan Qing. If Ye Weian had taken a liking to Lin Chang, wouldn’t that be cheating and betrayal?

Thus, fans flocked to Ye Weian’s Weibo, demanding an answer—

"President Ye, have you had a change of heart?"

"Just be a man and give us a straight answer—did you take a liking to Lin Chang? Are you stepping on your old flame to boost your new fling?"

"Why haven’t you responded yet? Are you scared?"

The issue raged on for two full days, with tens of thousands of questions and insults piling up under Ye Weian’s Weibo.

Yet, Ye Weian was peacefully at home playing with his gemstone collection, completely unconcerned. Even after Sister Long reported the Weibo feedback to him, he showed no reaction.

The system felt compelled to remind him, "Host, you should respond. Everyone is cursing you for staying silent."

The system: "President Zhou would be heartbroken if he sees this."

...Huh, why did it add that line about "President Zhou feeling heartbroken"?

Ye Weian lazily fiddled with the ruby: "Wasn’t the original host a CEO worth billions? How did he have time for Weibo?"

He even found it strange that the original host had registered an account.

The system: "...The original host registered the account specifically for Yan Qing. Yan Qing’s fans all know it’s him."

Ye Weian replied, "I see."

He took out his phone and said, "Then I’ll respond."

Two minutes later, Ye Weian’s account posted a new Weibo.

Ye V8925618956: "As of today, this account self-destructs."

The system: "..."

Author's Note: The system says: The host is beyond saving.

Dear readers, the red envelopes have been distributed~

This chapter will also have red envelopes~ Love you all~~

Thank you so much for your support. I will continue to work hard!