Chapter Eighty-One

The Huo family single-handedly undertook the Dragon Island project, pouring in a vast amount of capital. Some speculated that the Huos had practically emptied their coffers, teetering on the brink of exhaustion. Meanwhile, acquisition proposals for the Lee and Wu families advanced steadily; in just a week, the Lees acquired twenty percent of the Huo family’s shares, making Huo the major shareholder in Lee Technology. The depleted Wu family, faced with Huo Lingtian’s aggressive onslaught, collapsed entirely. The Huo family then acquired thirty percent of Wu’s shares, second only to Wu Tianxiong’s forty-five percent, thus becoming the second largest shareholder.

Wu Tianxiong watched the plummeting stock market and the Huo family’s uncompromising stance. This septuagenarian’s face, etched with the passage of years, grew more solemn as he sensed something unusual, his eyes clouded with concern for Wu’s future. The Huos, while developing Dragon Island, simultaneously acquired the assets of the Lees and Wus, investing over ten billion. The overt Huo family could never have pulled this off; their roots lay in electronic technology, and only because of their iron-willed general, Huo Zhen, were they considered foremost in X City. Investigations suggested it was impossible for them to mobilize such massive capital—this was merely the beginning. Huo Lingtian, the anomaly in the Huo family, how deeply was he hiding his true face? Even this battle-hardened old man felt genuine fear.

Lee Yingming sat in the family council, being judged. In less than half a month, Lee Electronics had lost only a few billion, yet there lurked a powerful force quietly acquiring Lee’s shares. For the first time, all clan elders convened to deliberate the Lee family’s future.

“Huo dares to openly provoke us, as if we old men are easy to push around!” The clan chief, Lee Yingming’s grandfather, struck his cane, rising in anger, his resounding voice demonstrating his dominance.

“I told you, we shouldn’t mess with the Huos... They’re far too deep for small families like ours to touch!” One old man spoke with terror, as though recalling a bitter lesson. Pain and regret haunted his memories. Yet his warning failed to shake the others; most still opposed the Huos, determined to stand against them. The Lees withdrew thirty percent of their electronics revenue to fully invest in the real estate venture with the Wu family.

Huo Lingtian watched the steadily rising quarterly profits. As Dragon Island’s development accelerated, the Wu and Lee families would inevitably become desperate. Though he had comprehensive security measures, the last traumatic kidnapping incident left him unable to bear any harm coming to Qing.

“Yan Dong, assign two skilled men to protect Qing in secret. Hmm... Don’t disturb her daily life,” Huo Lingtian rubbed his brow and hung up. His gaze sharpened as he stared at the fluctuating markets on his computer screen, murderous intent flickering in his eyes.

On set, “The Transformation of Miss Y” began filming in earnest. The rising young actor Yu Lin, coached by Qing, shed his awkwardness and began to show promise. The optimistic, shy boy handed Qing a bowl of warm soup, full of respect for the popular star. In his heart, Qing was already his mentor—guiding him when he was lost, correcting him when he erred. In this world of vanity and pretense, Yu Lin, who had tasted bitterness, felt the rare warmth that Qing offered.

Qing accepted it without reservation; she liked this cute, earnest boy—hardworking, humble, neither arrogant nor impatient. Given time and experience, he would gain a commanding presence—his future was limitless.

“I have nothing more to teach you. Your acting is genuine now, though still a bit raw. Go study the works of veteran actors,” Qing said, chatting with him under a tree. Everyone on set knew the star Qing cared for Yu Lin especially.

“Yes, Sister Qing.”

This scene was particularly grating for Li Junming, the male lead. He was supposed to be the star of the show, and they were both artists under the same company—why did Qing favor this unknown newcomer? With the guidance of a superstar, it would be easy for him to rise to fame. Li Junming nursed a silent resentment.

“Next scene—Qing and Yu Lin’s confrontation, get ready,” Fang Ziqing shouted into the microphone, sweating profusely. As director, Fang Ziqing was fully dedicated, managing everything both on and off the set. Usually mild-mannered, even he showed rare flashes of impatience—uncommon indeed!

Autumn was already bringing a hint of chill, but her costume was a summer outfit—short sleeves and shorts. She shed her coat, feeling the coolness in the air.

Her jet-black hair, messy and tied into a ponytail, hung loosely behind her head. Her clothes were worn and patched. Qing’s image had changed completely—a dazzling beauty, yet she herself remained unconcerned. She hoped her fans would appreciate her acting, not just her striking face.

Yu Lin, dressed as a refined young master, looked elegant and poised. His appearance was excellent, but his shy, excited smile made him radiate warmth and approachability. To act opposite Qing was his greatest dream; to earn her approval meant everything. The young man felt both anxious and exhilarated.

“Places, lights ready. Action!” Fang Ziqing called for the scene.

Yang Qingqing, stricken by tragedy, lost her parents in a car accident—her world enveloped in darkness. The humble country girl drifted aimlessly through the corridors, like a lost soul, her expression confused and exhausted. A faint light shone from the classroom, voices clear through the door’s crack.

“That idiot Yang Qingqing really thinks I’m a saint. If I’m just a bit nice to her, she gives me that dumb, stunned look. The way she gazes at me with such adoration—disgusting. Ha... Just wait till she comes in, you’ll see her ecstatic face, it’s hilarious! Ha ha...” The coarse, contemptuous voice came from inside, the once gentle tone now sharp and mocking. Yang Qingqing’s mind went blank; she staggered for a moment. Steadying herself, she refused to believe it—how could she? Lee Yanqing, who had helped her through hard times, the gentle, caring Lee Yanqing, only saw her as a plaything!

She couldn’t believe that the voice speaking belonged to the person who had always treated her kindly. She summoned all her strength to peer through the door crack. Lee Yanqing’s mocking, caustic smile shattered her spirit. Dragging her exhausted body, Yang Qingqing stumbled out of the school gate. She wandered the streets like a homeless ghost, the last straw broken—her sense of direction and drive gone.

Thunder rumbled as rain poured down, heavy drops striking her shriveled body, her tangled hair soaked and even filthier. Yang Qingqing felt an unnamed fire burning within her, consuming her heart. Tears, pent up in her eyes, burst forth, mixing with snot and rain—she was a bedraggled duckling in the mud, ignored and abandoned by passersby.

“Ah—” If not exploding in silence, then perishing in it; she shouted out her last yearning for life. The poor girl collapsed to the ground, rain pouring, soaking her clothes, extinguishing her hope.

“Cut!” The director called, and staff immediately helped the soaked Qing up. The late September chill and drenching left her vulnerable to illness. Wrapped in a towel, Qing headed to the showers to change.

Yu Lin stood frozen, his eyes wet with regret. Though it was only a performance, his heart ached with pain and sorrow. The scene of the frail girl falling in the rain replayed endlessly in his mind.

“Sigh~” Director Fang Ziqing patted the young man, “You’re too deep in the role.” Fang Ziqing wasn’t sure how to evaluate this bright, ambitious youth. Immersion is essential for actors, but being too deeply involved can burden them emotionally, with unpredictable consequences.

Fang Ziqing nodded absentmindedly, having been affected by “Lee Yanqing” himself. Though he had calmed down, the heaviness lingered.

“Being in character is good, but keep your boundaries. Remember, you live in the real world—don’t let the script affect you,” Fang Ziqing advised. That last scene was excellent; Qing’s acting was already superb, but Yu Lin’s performance was truly impressive.

“Yes, I understand.” Yu Lin showed greater respect to the director. “I’ll go change now.”

Fang Ziqing stroked his chin, watching Yu Lin’s retreating figure. With such talent onboard, the whole production was exceeding his expectations.

Qing showered and changed; the day’s filming was over. She had just received word from Yan Lin—she’d been nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 53rd Hundred Flowers Awards, and her film “Splendid Years” had been shortlisted for the international film festival.

As an actress, being recognized by the national film association was a dream for all. To be nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award fulfilled Qing’s wishes; whether she would win depended on fate. Her acting career was just beginning, and she believed that with effort, she would one day stand on the world stage.

Attending the annual Hundred Flowers Awards gala was no casual affair. Walking the red carpet was a star’s chance to shine. In the dazzling arena of the Hundred Flowers Festival, every actor schemed to stand out, striving for one last chance at glory.

Having always maintained a low profile, Qing decided to change her approach—she would shine on the big stage, winning honor for her “Love” fans. She spared no expense, commissioning a Parisian master tailor to create a haute couture evening gown, now being rushed to completion.

The grand Hundred Flowers Awards ceremony would be held at the National Grand Theatre. The red carpet outside was already meticulously laid out, and security deployed in force to prevent any incidents.

Dressed in formal attire, Qing was chauffeured to the venue by Huo Lingtian in a luxurious Bentley.

“Wait...” Huo Lingtian stopped her as she stepped out the door. He took a finely crafted jewelry box and produced an emerald necklace, its clarity and brilliance outshining everything around. Calmly, he placed the necklace around her neck.

Her fair, luminous skin glowed even more under the emerald’s sheen. Huo Lingtian smiled tenderly, deeply satisfied, “You deserve it.”