Chapter 36: The Press Conference (Part Three)

“Don’t worry, from now on we’ll have everything—money, women, you name it,” Yang Fan said as he patted Third’s shoulder.

The three quickly nodded. With money in their grasp, the idea of beautiful women was appealing, especially those celebrities. Yes, they finally found a justification—for avenging Sister Zihan.

So only the officials are allowed to set fires, but the commoners can’t light a lamp?

“Boss, we’ll cozy up to those stars who framed Sister Zihan, then dump them. That’ll be revenge for her!”

“That’s up to you,” Yang Fan replied as he began walking back.

The three of them followed closely, growing more convinced this was a good plan. As for making connections, wasn’t Director Sun the perfect bridge?

Yang Fan didn’t care. They had brought this on themselves—they deserved whatever came. If you’re going to act, be ready for consequences. An eye for an eye—that was Yang Fan’s principle.

The venue was still abuzz. Now the official signing ceremony was underway. Xu Zihan remained in the spotlight, while Zhou Ya and her group were in a sorry state; what they had imagined never materialized. When they called Director Sun, he sternly told them he’d never participate in such schemes to harm others.

Between Zhou Ya and Yang Fan, Director Sun feared Yang Fan more. What did Zhou Ya have? Just a few petty secrets. He no longer cared. If Zhou Ya could drag him into the mud, Yang Fan could send him straight to hell.

Given two evils, choose the lesser.

“How’s everything here?” Lin Ruo and Lin Xi had also arrived, standing next to Zhao Jing and Wu Qian—a sight that reminded Yang Fan of Ai Xiaomei’s antics from the previous night.

“Don’t worry, Uncle. Everything’s fine!”

Yang Fan nodded. He didn’t even have the courage to look back…

The signing was brief. Then came performances by other top stars, followed by Xu Zihan interacting with fans—a real treat for the audience. Yang Fan, however, was distracted. He glanced sidelong at Ai Xiaomei, who was happily stuffing her face.

“Ai Xiaomei, I need to talk to you!”

“Don’t talk to me!” Ai Xiaomei was focused on the stage.

“Can’t you at least tell me which area Xia Yufei is from? If it was her last night, shouldn’t I take responsibility?”

“Well?” Yang Fan pressed when Ai Xiaomei ignored him.

“Oh!” She thought hard, and Yang Fan nearly collapsed—she hadn’t even remembered.

How could you forget something so important?

“Near the plaza in Tianning.”

“There are six schools around there,” Yang Fan couldn’t help but say.

“That’s right. Just look around there.”

Yang Fan was frustrated. He stood up, having lost all interest in the show.

“Where are you going?”

“Restroom!” Yang Fan shot Ai Xiaomei a glare.

Lin Ruo and her three friends kept their eyes on Yang Fan, making his back feel icy cold. Zhang Chen and the others ignored him, too busy ogling the beautiful women.

“Lao Ye, if you fancy any of them, just say the word—Xu Zihan can introduce you!”

Ye Xiao grinned, while Qin Jun and Wang Xin tried not to seem too eager.

Yang Fan left the hall and, rounding a corner, called Third over.

“Boss?”

“I need you to find someone near the plaza schools in the next few days.”

“Who, Boss?”

“Xia Yufei. But don’t disturb her—just let me know when you find her!” Yang Fan instructed. If it really was Xia Yufei last night, he had to be responsible.

That’s what matters most for a man—taking responsibility.

“Understood!”

“Got a cigarette? Give me one.”

Third quickly produced a cigarette and lit it for Yang Fan. Life was better now; even their smokes were high-end.

“Boss, you’re in a bad mood.”

“It’s nothing. Go on.”

Third was about to ask more when he felt someone behind him. He turned and met Lin Ruo’s icy gaze.

“Third, this is Lin Ruo,” Yang Fan introduced.

“Sister Lin Ruo!” Third broke out in a cold sweat. What he saw in her eyes was a chilling cold that went straight to his bones.

Just one look filled him with terror.

“Go ahead,” Yang Fan waved him off.

“Yes, Boss!” Third slipped away immediately.

Yang Fan took a few drags, feeling a bit dizzy, and leaned against the wall.

“I visited the manor—it’s quite good. If we cover it with the SkyNet Eye and hide it with camo, it’ll be perfect for training,” Yang Fan said.

Lin Ruo remained silent, just staring at him, making Yang Fan feel uneasy.

“What is it? Why are you staring at me like that?”

“I want to ask you something.”

“Go ahead.”

“If last night it had been me, how would you take responsibility?” Lin Ruo’s face didn’t change at all.

“It really was you last night?” Yang Fan was in a foul mood.

“Do you wish it was me so badly? How can you be so shameless—wanting my sister and now me as well! Just how much of a scoundrel are you?”

“I…” Yang Fan was speechless as he watched Lin Ruo walk away. She came just to scold him, apparently.

What had he done to deserve this? Besides, he was a victim too last night—he didn’t even know what had happened.

It was all Ai Xiaomei’s fault. Would she die if she didn’t mess with him for a day?

Yang Fan sighed in despair, about to head back when he stopped in his tracks.

Yes, how should he take responsibility for them?

“The next song is also a new release—‘Frost Lament’!”

“Faint whispers in the cold, waiting in silence…”

The crowd erupted again, especially when the ice tree exploded and countless signed photos rained down from above.

The atmosphere reached its peak, marking the grand finale of the signing event and cementing Xu Zihan’s status as a top-tier star.

Her fan count soared, and the new songs quickly went viral online.

If you looked closely, you’d see tears on Xu Zihan’s face—tears of excitement. She had waited so long for this moment.

She instinctively glanced toward Yang Fan, who led the applause, setting off another wave of cheers.

It took over an hour for the fans to disperse. The president of Jingtian came over and invited Yang Fan and his group to dine in the VIP room. Liu Mingfeng, President Chen, and President Qian also stood up.

“Yang Fan, we’ll skip it. You can represent all of us,” Liu Mingfeng said.

“It’s lunchtime—are you sure you don’t want to eat?”

“We have things to discuss. Old friends need time to catch up,” Liu Mingfeng replied, referring to Old Chen.

“All right, then. I’m starving anyway—I’ll eat for all of you.”

“Yang Fan, don’t forget you owe me a drink,” said President Chen.

“Don’t worry, I remember.”

Liu Mingfeng’s group left, while Zhang Chen and the others immediately turned their attention to the pretty secretaries, eyes darting back and forth.

Yang Fan silently cursed them as scoundrels, but on second thought, he wasn’t much better himself.

“I’m starving, let’s hurry!” Ai Xiaomei said cheerfully, dragging Zhao Jing along.

Yang Fan rolled his eyes. Was there anything besides food on her mind? Hadn’t she been eating all morning?

“Let’s go,” Yang Fan said, and the group made their way to the VIP room.