Chapter 64: I Acknowledge Only You

Yun Fu’s gaze was fixed on the television ahead, but her eyes did not linger there—her thoughts were elsewhere. With her current influence, she could not fathom any reason for Qin Yi to insist on signing her, except for one: Lian Hanqi. Turning at this thought, Yun Fu looked at the man beside her.

His dark eyes and black hair framed features as finely drawn as a painting. Though his face was strikingly sharp, at this moment, he appeared gentle. Lian Hanqi sensed her gaze and seemed to see through her inner turmoil. The next moment, Yun Fu heard his indifferent voice: “Qin Yi is a businessman. He never makes a losing deal. Besides, he’s been in this industry for so long—his judgment is incisive. If he wants to sign you, it means you’re worth signing.”

The implication was clear: Yun Fu need not belittle herself.

Under his intense gaze, Yun Fu avoided his eyes and curved her lips slightly. “No rush. Let’s wait until ‘Jinghong’ airs.”

“Alright.”

In front of Yun Fu, Lian Hanqi seemed to possess endless patience. But Yun Fu was different; she had already pulled out her game console, switched over the television, and prepared to play.

She glanced at Lian Hanqi—aren’t you leaving yet?

Anyone else might have taken the hint and left, but the head of the Lian family was no ordinary man. He picked up another game controller with remarkable ease, a smile in his eyes. “I quite like this game too. Mind if I join you?”

“…”

And so, the two played games all night.

Yun Fu didn’t know when she had fallen asleep. When she awoke, she was lying on the sofa, covered with a quilt from the room. The table had been tidied, and there was a note.

The handwriting was bold and forceful—“Press the service bell when you wake; breakfast will be delivered.”

Yun Fu didn’t press the bell. She hugged the quilt and lay lazily on the sofa. Wrapped in its warmth, she felt as if her whole being was softened.

Taking out her phone, she saw that the internet was still abuzz over Du Xingyuan and Ning Lan’s scandal. Du Xingyuan had been expelled from the Du family; all that awaited him now was darkness. Ning Lan’s career had come to its end.

Everything was over.

It was as if sleeping for a night had solved everything.

Yun Fu pressed the service bell slowly and stretched, a rare smile flashing across her face.

Because of Ning Lan’s situation, all scenes involving the female lead had to be reshot. Bai Yu was nearly driven mad, and the crew was in chaos. Thankfully, Ning Lan owed the crew a penalty for breach of contract—otherwise, the losses would have been devastating. Time wasted aside, the reputation of the project had barely escaped damage.

As for Yun Fu, she had turned misfortune into fortune. Qiao An had deftly managed the public opinion, and now, in the hearts of many, Yun Fu was seen as innocent and pitiable—a woman who had endured the schemes of Du Xingyuan and Ning Lan, suffered under her company’s oppression, and after years of perseverance, finally broke free. Having terminated her contract with Star Entertainment, she was gradually revealing her own brilliance.

Breakfast arrived just as Qiao An came in.

“Yun Fu, you haven’t had breakfast yet?”

“Mmm, what is it?”

“Nothing much. Director Bai asked me to tell you—you’ll have to work a bit harder. He’s added a few more scenes for you; your parts with the female lead need to be reshot.”

Yun Fu’s cheeks puffed adorably; she nodded. “I’m fine. It’s what I ought to do.”

“There’s more,” Qiao An’s expression grew excited. Yun Fu suspected another job offer must be coming.

“These past two days, I’ve received calls from many agencies inviting you to join them.”

“What about you?”

“Huh?” Yun Fu swallowed her last bite of bun, picked up a napkin, and wiped her mouth slowly before looking at Qiao An. “Will you sign with a company with me?”

For a moment, Qiao An was stunned. But she quickly smiled and wiped her hands. “Ah, what does it matter? Agencies sign artists, not managers. When the time comes, I’ll just go for interviews.”

Her smile could not hide her sadness.

Though she and Yun Fu were not deeply attached, Yun Fu was her first and only artist, and the bond was unique. She sincerely wished Yun Fu well, hoped Yun Fu would reach heights others could only look up to—even if she herself was no longer at her side.

At this thought, Qiao An felt even more despondent.

She was about to say more to persuade Yun Fu, but then Yun Fu stood up. Her cool voice fell, “Let’s wait a bit longer. I only recognize you as my manager.”

In that moment, Qiao An could not describe her feelings. Her eyes were hot, her heart swelling. She had always believed that artists and managers could never truly be friends. At least, that’s what she thought while managing Yun Fu.

But now, another feeling arose—perhaps they could become even closer than friends.

Watching the slender figure of the girl, Qiao An felt an unprecedented surge of determination—she would lead Yun Fu to a brighter future.

Elsewhere.

Grandfather Du, Du Yong, Madam Du, and Zheng Yue Ru sat together, their expressions grave.

Facing them, Du Xingyuan bowed his head.

Du Xingyuan now bore none of his former pride; overnight, he seemed to have aged a decade. His eyes were lifeless.

“Bang!” Du Yong slammed a stack of documents before Du Xingyuan, his tone harsh. “Because of you, the company’s stock keeps falling. If not for your grandfather, my chairmanship would be finished!”

“How did I ever produce such a disgrace! How can you face our ancestors? The Du family is ruined in your hands!”

Madam Du’s eyes flickered with pity, but Zheng Yue Ru’s glance kept her in check.

Zheng Yue Ru produced a plane ticket. “I’ll help with the Du family’s affairs. You go abroad. Return only if the opportunity arises.”

Grandfather Du’s face was pale. He had only just returned from the hospital and did not want to see the grandson who had shamed him. But as his only grandchild, he could not bring himself to destroy him completely.

“Leave while others have yet to notice you. Go abroad now!”

Madam Du moved her lips, as if wanting to speak, but in the end said nothing.

Du Xingyuan kept his head down, silent.

His fists clenched so tightly his palms bled.

For over twenty years, his life had been smooth and glorious; he was a favored child of fortune, blessed with family, intelligence, and good looks.

How had it come to this? Why had it turned out like this?

“Take him away!” Zheng Yue Ru ordered. With her status, no one dared disobey.

Du Xingyuan said not a word, like a wooden puppet, bundled into the car and sent to the airport.