“Hm?”
Su Wei paused in confusion, turning back to see who’d spoken. Emerging from the auditorium’s backstage were Second Prince Zhou Shengde—and the same group of entrepreneurs from earlier.
Zhou Shengde stepped forward with a smile. “We were just saying backstage: President Su, your generous gesture truly left everyone in awe.”
“Your Highness flatters me. I only did what I could,” Su Wei replied politely. *But why is the Second Prince waiting for me? What’s he after?* she wondered inwardly.
Zhou Shengde chuckled lightly. “We’re having a small dinner soon. Care to join, President Su?”
“No, thank you,” she declined with a smile. “I’ve already made plans.”
“Oh…”
Zhou Shengde’s expression remained neutral, but the entrepreneurs beside him visibly stiffened.
“If you’re busy, we’ll reschedule,” he said smoothly.
“My apologies,” Su Wei offered a feigned apology—her tone utterly devoid of remorse.
“One more thing,” Zhou Shengde added. “How about joining our Yundong Business Association?”
“Yundong Business Association?”
“Yes. President Zhang, President Wang, President Qian of Star River Technology—all members.”
Though phrased as an invitation, it felt like pressure. Standing alone in the vast, empty hall under their scrutinizing stares, Su Wei’s skin prickled.
“Thank you for the offer, Second Prince, but I must go.” She turned and left.
Zhou Shengde’s eyes narrowed slightly—then softened. But one businessman, face darkening with fury, jabbed a finger at her back.
“Su Wei! The Second Prince honors you with a personal invitation—don’t spit on his kindness!”
Su Wei halted, casually flicked her ear, and blinked at Zhou Shengde with mock confusion. “Second Prince… did you hear a dog barking just now? Strange. How could a dog be in this grand hall?”
Without waiting for a reply, she pushed the door open and walked out. The man she’d mocked stood rigid, his glare sharp as a starving wolf’s.
“Second Prince! She disrespects *you*!”
Zhou Shengde waved a dismissive hand, smiling calmly. “Youth. Arrogance fades with experience.”
He led his group away.
Back in the dorm, Su Wei found Zhou Xi sprawled on her bed. “Xi, the Second Prince invited me to join the Yundong Business Association.”
Zhou Xi froze—her game character died mid-fight. She dropped her phone. “And? Did you say yes?”
“No. I don’t even know what it is.”
“Throughout history, power circles always have ‘bet-placers.’ Yundong is Zhou Shengde’s business faction. He’s recruiting you.”
“I see. My guess was right.”
“Don’t worry. Ignore him.” Zhou Xi waved it off. He’d been refused before—no retaliation. A future leader couldn’t afford black marks.
*Neither knew Zhou Shengde coveted not her company, but Su Wei herself. A prince rarely failed to claim what he desired.*
Hours later, a viral article titled *“Start With a Small Goal: Make One Hundred Million”* exploded online. The photo showed a stunning woman raising one finger, confidence radiating. *The fairy from before!*
Even those who hadn’t downloaded Qin Ge recognized her face from singing clips. Within hours: 100K+ comments, millions of likes and shares.
[“AH!!! MY FAIRY! I SEE YOU AGAIN!”]
[“My small goal: Get into Royal Academy.”]
[“Beautiful, rich, talented, generous—REAL youth role model. Beats those androgynous celebs any day.”]
Memes flooded Huaxia. Her speech video hit 100M views. Netizens dug deep:
[“Su Wei = Chairwoman of Jiucang Group. Tianyan Check Bug, Qin Ge, Bilibili—all hers!”]
[“BILIBILI IS MY WIFE’S SITE! I’M DEAD!”]
[“Bilibili rec: NO ADS, danmaku harmony! Registration’s tedious (quiz + daily check-ins), but worth it.”]
[“How much for membership? I’ll pay for my wife!”]
[“Me (‘refined and amiable’), SHE’S MY WIFE! Membership’s free—just jump through hoops. Skip it? Still watch videos. No danmaku/comments, that’s all.”]
Su Wei called Li Keqin immediately: “Launch the female-focused app NOW.” Nearly ready—only beauty influencers and partner deals pending. Easy fix: pull creators straight from Qin Ge.
Meanwhile, at a seaside restaurant in Zhaoge, Zhou Shengde hosted businessmen and officials. After drinks and dishes, he steered talk to the foundation event. His guests—sharp as tacks—caught his drift instantly. Zhang Jingyi, the man Su Wei had shamed, seized the moment:
“Esteemed elders, you wouldn’t believe Su Wei’s arrogance! Snubbed the Second Prince’s personal invitation!”
“Oh?” A vice mayor chuckled. “Who *is* this Su Wei? What merits such attention?”
Zhang Jingyi scoffed. “Eighteen. Runs Jiucang Group. A few apps. Makes ~100 million monthly.”
“Jiucang Group…”
The officials exchanged glances. One whispered urgently. Smiles turned cautious. Silence fell.
*The Second Prince? Manageable. But Imperial Princess Di Ji? Untouchable.*
*And Jiucang held Di Ji’s interests. Cross that line? Straight to the Emperor’s court.*
