Chapter Six: The Troublemaker

"Um... Old Cheng." Shen Dongling suddenly walked in. "There's a problem at the company."

Leng Zhen tilted her head, a bad premonition stirring in her heart. Could it be...

"We're being targeted by the eldest young master of the Qin family. He’s made it clear: anyone who dares to cooperate with the Cheng family will be blacklisted. It's blatant targeting!" Shen Dongling panted, speaking with indignation. "And the Qin family’s head and the young master’s adopted sister from the Su family haven't said a word. She hasn’t shown herself in a long time.”

Hearing this, Leng Zhen was visibly stunned, her fists clenching tightly.

“So, are there still any companies willing to work with us?” Cheng Yunting asked casually, still helping Leng Zhen dry her hair.

“No, hardly any company dares to cooperate with us now,” Shen Dongling shook his head, replying, “But there are two companies who’ve proactively offered collaboration.”

“Which two?”

“XZ Group and LX Group.” Shen Dongling flipped through some documents. “They’ve already sent over their proposals, just waiting for you to sign.”

“All right, leave them here.” Cheng Yunting nodded.

“If you’re busy, you don’t need to worry about me. I can go to the exam myself later,” Leng Zhen hesitated as she looked at Cheng Yunting.

“Drink the brown sugar water, don’t catch a chill,” Cheng Yunting handed her the cup. “I’ll pick you up at the villa this afternoon.”

“Okay, you go ahead.” Leng Zhen nodded, obediently sipping the sweet drink.

After Cheng Yunting left, Leng Zhen took out her phone and dialed that person’s number.

“Qin Cheng, are you out of your mind? Why the hell are you targeting the Cheng family?” As soon as the call connected, Leng Zhen started in.

“That’s right, I’m crazy. You only just realized?” Qin Cheng replied calmly. “Don’t you like Cheng Yunting? I’m going after him, so what? Is that not allowed?”

“Fine, since you insist, as the head of the Qin and Su families, I’m revoking all your executive powers and authority. I’m blacklisting your companies in the business district. Why, is that not allowed? As far as I recall, in the Qin and Su families, insubordination is strictly forbidden.” Leng Zhen chuckled coldly.

Qin Cheng laughed as well, suddenly realizing how much she had changed. She used to be lively and cheerful, but now she was all frost—there was no trace of her former vitality, only a lifeless gloom.

“All right. Since the family head has spoken, I have nothing more to say,” Qin Cheng replied.

...

“Sis, I heard you and your brother had a falling out?” Chu Yuxiu called, asking cautiously.

Leng Zhen had no heart for exams now. She popped a candy in her mouth and curled up on the sofa. “Mm, yes.”

“So... do you think he’ll...” Chu Yuxiu’s voice was full of worry. She had a feeling Qin Cheng was about to stir up trouble.

“I’ve already had all his companies sealed off. No matter what he tries, there’s nothing more he can do,” Leng Zhen replied, the candy still in her mouth.

“All right, then. I’ll hang up now.” Seeing her friend’s lack of enthusiasm, Chu Yuxiu decided not to bother her further, letting her rest.

Leng Zhen nodded, shrinking into the sofa and soon drifting off to sleep...

“Ah!” Leng Zhen woke with a start, frightened by the scene in her dream. Everything in it felt so real, as if it had happened long ago.

At that moment, her phone rang. She steadied herself and picked up.

“Hello, Xiao Zhen.” Si Luoli’s voice came from the other end. “Do you have time?”

“Yes, Sister Luoli.” Leng Zhen was still shaken from the nightmare, her body covered in cold sweat and her voice a little hoarse. “What is it?”

Si Luoli was startled by her voice. “Are you all right, Xiao Zhen? Why is your voice so hoarse?”

“I’m fine, Sister Luoli. I just woke up from a nightmare, a bit shaken.” Pouring herself a glass of water, Leng Zhen replied, “What’s going on?”

“Oh, it’s like this. I took on a gig for you under your Xi Zhen alias. It’s a performance co-hosted by the Cheng Group and Cat Ear. Very simple stuff,” Si Luoli explained, relieved she was all right. “I’m not in the capital right now, so I can’t attend in person. You’ll have to handle it by yourself. You’re the final act.”

Leng Zhen paused at the mention of the Cheng Group but nodded nonetheless. “All right, Sister Luoli, I’ll prepare and head over.”

“Good, don’t be nervous, it’s very simple. I’ve sent you the script by email—just follow that,” Si Luoli said.

“Okay,” Leng Zhen responded.

“It starts at five in the evening. You’ll serve as a judge first, then close the show as the final act,” Si Luoli said, checking the schedule.

“Okay, I’ll get ready now and head out. Please send me the schedule,” Leng Zhen replied.

“All right.”

After reviewing the script and schedule, Leng Zhen left a note for Cheng Yunting and took a taxi to the venue.