Chapter 140

The latest chapter of "The Magnate Superstar"...

In the early dawn, the vast bedroom was shrouded in darkness by heavy curtains, blocking out all light. On the super-sized double bed, a pair of lovers lay entwined intimately, silent and still. Suddenly, the heavy wooden door creaked open. Little Tianci Huo, who had gone to bed early the night before, was full of energy. He walked across the thick, soft carpet in his slippers, the faint "pat, pat" sound barely audible. Tianci was dressed in his violent rabbit pajamas—adorable rabbit ears drooping over his chest, the fluffy fabric wrapping his small frame, and his big, glistening eyes still moist with sleepiness, utterly charming.

Tianci gazed at his “bad daddy” Shun Qiziran, who was naturally holding Qingtian close. The little boy’s innocent face was full of grievance. That spot should have been his, but half a year ago, his “bad daddy” had left him alone in a small room and even scolded him, saying that any child his age still sleeping with his mother wasn’t a real man. Hmph. Tianci had asked his chubby little friend yesterday, and he still cuddled his mom to sleep! Bad daddy, lying bad daddy! Tianci’s little mouth pouted even deeper without realizing it.

Rolling his plump little body, Tianci slipped into Qingtian’s warm embrace. Just moments ago wide awake, he yawned and nestled his furry head into his mother’s chest like a little kangaroo. Before they knew it, the family of three had drifted back to sleep.

By mid-morning, Ling Tian Huo was the first to notice the unauthorized intruder. He angrily realized that the little rascal had taken over the center of the bed, keeping him and Qingtian far apart. The brat even stubbornly burrowed deeper into Qingtian’s arms. As Ling Tian Huo reached out to pry off the clingy little pest, the previously motionless lump suddenly opened its big, round eyes and locked gazes with him. The little scoundrel showed no sign of weakness, his mouth curling into a sly smirk. “Hmph, bad daddy,” he seemed to say, before burying his head back into his mother’s arms and going back to sleep.

Ling Tian Huo was furious. Just as he was about to drag the little troublemaker out, Qingtian woke up, staring blankly at his movements.

“Last night, I didn’t see mommy…” little Tianci curled up in Qingtian’s arms, rolling around seeking comfort. The fluffy rabbit suit enveloped him as he snuggled against his mother, deliberately sticking out his little bottom at his “bad daddy”!

Thinking of how the poor little chubby friend had fallen asleep in the living room waiting for her last night, Qingtian’s heart overflowed with tenderness. She wished she could scoop up the little one and shower him with kisses. Unconsciously, she was drawn in by her son’s sweet words, causing a playful tussle between her and Tianci, while Ling Tian Huo stood by, silently blowing cold air to cool off the scene.

Tianci, hidden in a corner away from his dad’s view, flashed a clever smile.

At that moment, the security camera at the door showed the face of the guard. The usually composed head of security tensed involuntarily and reported respectfully, “Sorry to disturb you, madam. There is a young guest claiming to be Master Tianci’s friend requesting entry to the Huo residence.” The camera then zoomed in on the round little figure at the door.

Chubby had finally convinced Tianci to come over and play this weekend. He had woken his mother early to dress him up, putting on his favorite little suit and holding his best airplane model. Tianci was sure to have fun with him. After some complications, the driver finally brought him to the Huo estate courtyard. But the unfriendly “bad uncles” wouldn’t let him in. Their fierce looks frightened little Chubby, but driven by sheer determination, he refused to back down, though the tears welling up in his eyes made him look even more pitiful.

Qingtian glanced at her freshly bathed, carefree little baby and silently lit a candle for poor Chubby. Resigned, she said, “Send someone to bring him inside.”

Tianci noticed this too. Seeing Chubby standing pitifully at the door, he suddenly recalled that last night the little guy had been pestering him so much he finally told him his address. He hadn’t expected such perseverance to bring Chubby all this way.

Chubby was driven by the guard to the heart of the Huo mansion. He admired the towering gate and exquisite pavilions that resembled the palaces seen on TV—so beautiful and refined. To his eyes, his own three-story villa was the most beautiful, but compared to this “palace” it was far less luxurious. Even the naive Chubby sensed that Tianci’s identity was no ordinary one. This only deepened his admiration for Tianci’s ambitions—the proud, aloof aura that he respected.

As soon as Chubby stepped out of the car, he spotted his kindergarten buddy Tianci waiting at the door. Excited, he jumped out, his chubby little body bouncing as he ran toward Tianci. He threw his arms around him, tears and snot streaming down his face.

Tianci looked at the pudgy fellow with disdain—sure enough, he was covered in that clear, dirty liquid! But seeing his pitiful, upset expression, Tianci, who had wanted to push him away, stopped himself. Fine, he would let Chubby tag along for now. Little did they know, Chubby would grow up to become the greatest and most loyal support of the Huo family, and through this goofy, chubby boy, their once nouveau riche family would truly enter high society.

Qingtian, wearing an apron, peeked into the kitchen and watched Tianci and Chubby playing on the living room carpet. The simple airplane model was something Tianci could dismantle and rebuild at four years old, modifying it as he pleased. Chubby rubbed his chubby head, full of doubt, fiddling clumsily with the parts. Although Tianci appeared impatient with the slow game, he patiently accompanied Chubby, and the little boy was delighted and full of admiration. The TV was playing Detective Conan, and the atmosphere was unusually harmonious.

Qingtian smiled softly before turning back to the kitchen to prepare the little ones’ favorite fruit cake.

“Breaking entertainment news: Wenna Company has officially partnered with American Champs-Elysees Company. Qingtian, as the top chairwoman, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.” After the cartoon ended, an entertainment news segment aired. Qingtian, clad in a cheongsam, exuded elegance and noble poise, instantly becoming the center of attention. Facing media and reporters, the once legendary queen of the entertainment industry remained approachable and stunning. Time had not diminished her grace or beauty. As she reappeared before the public, her matured charm and every graceful gesture captivated all.

The two little boys assembling models had long since put down their toys, staring blankly at the beautiful woman on TV. Chubby’s mouth dropped wide open—big enough to fit a duck egg inside. After a long moment, he looked at Tianci with awe and curiosity, his eyes shining bright, unable to ignore the scene.

“Tianci… Tianci, that’s your mommy, right? Wow—so amazing!” In the little one’s mind, appearing on TV meant being a very important person. Chubby sincerely admired Tianci’s impeccable taste.

The praise unexpectedly lifted Tianci’s mood. Though mommy was busy with work, how could she appear on TV? Hmm… that was something worth pondering.

The scene shifted to a delicate, stunning woman conversing with Qingtian—one cold and indifferent, the other fragile and pitiful. The tension was palpable. The reporter then turned the camera to the tear-streaked starlet from earlier. With tears in her eyes, she tried to present herself as a “delicate white lotus” who was wronged, sobbing, “This… this isn’t Qingtian’s fault. It’s my fault. I didn’t expect Qingtian still wouldn’t forgive me.” Her fragile weeping painted the picture of a victimized star, bullied by the superstar, angry but powerless, and even kind-heartedly defending Qingtian.

“I really hate him!” Chubby pouted his little mouth. Though he didn’t understand the TV drama, he thought the woman looked ugly, short, and unlucky.

Beside him, Tianci’s eyes sharpened. He fixed his gaze fiercely on the woman on screen. Though still a child, his aura and intense demeanor bore a striking resemblance to Ling Tian Huo. Chubby shrank back, frightened by this terrifying side of Tianci.

The news segment quickly passed, and Tianci’s innocent and playful nature returned. Though the news caused no ripple in the Huo household, it exploded online among Qingtian’s devoted fans.

Damn it! Who dares slander my goddess like this? I don’t want to live anymore! Almost simultaneously, netizens exposed the starlet Ye Xuan’s background, revealing scandalous photos and family investigations. Former supporters swiftly turned into haters. Damn, they regretted not seeing her true nature sooner! Her Weibo was flooded with angry comments. The media, well aware of the entertainment industry’s power plays, dared not offend Qingtian, their golden goose. A mere hint of news from Qingtian could boost their sales dramatically; offending her would mean ruin, as they had witnessed five years ago when a fallen star was blacklisted and never recovered.

The media and online forces targeted the root cause of the incident: Ye Xuan’s unspeakable scandals before her debut were ruthlessly uncovered. Photos linking her to several powerful men spread widely. The controversy escalated. The “smearing scandal’s” female lead was labeled the most scheming and ruthless actress. Once shining brightly with a promising career, she fell into the abyss, never to rise again, all due to a momentary lapse of judgment.

———Side note———

Chapters 138 and 139 are at the end of Volume Two; please read in order.