A gentle look flashed in Yu Luobai's eyes as he asked, "Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"
Ji Nian pursed her lips and said, "Both."
Yu Luobai's lips curved upward as he gently patted her head, saying, "Actually, your thoughts aren't wrong. The talent show is a competition, and fairness and justice should prevail."
Ji Nian was stunned. At first, she knew there were some behind-the-scenes dealings, but she had planned to earn money steadily since these unwritten rules didn't really concern her.
However, what truly angered her was how arrogant Jiang Zhe, who got in through the back door, behaved, repeatedly humiliating her in front of the live cameras. Even the mentor defended Jiang Zhe at that moment, which genuinely surprised her.
Have people who use back doors become so arrogant these days? She usually had a good temper, but when angered, she could be reckless and impulsive, which was her flaw.
"But this society itself is a complex existence," Yu Luobai said in a gentle tone. "In fact, every industry has its own behind-the-scenes dealings, and by exposing them, you're not just attacking this show, but directly offending the entire talent show industry."
"I know, Teacher Yu probably thinks I did something wrong too," Ji Nian sighed, but there was no helping it now that it was done, she could only bear the consequences.
"You didn't do anything wrong; it's just that these societal rules, these unwritten codes that everyone knows about, already exist, and we can't change them," Yu Luobai said gently.
Yu Luobai looked at her tenderly, "But I hope you learn to protect yourself."
Ji Nian's heart skipped a beat. She knew the man was reasoning with her, but why did her heart race upon hearing those words?
"I'm not saying you did anything wrong. I'm telling you this so that you'll learn to protect yourself in the future when faced with such situations," Yu Luobai said, unable to bear lecturing her further as she looked so aggrieved.
"I read online that I might get blacklisted," Ji Nian said sadly.
"That won't happen."
"Why not?" Ji Nian was puzzled. "I've offended so many people, the show's investors, the production team, even the mentors..."
Yu Luobai's lips curved into a smile. "It's been taken care of. They won't give you any trouble."
Ji Nian was startled, not quite understanding what he meant.
"That original talent show has been quite popular recently, but they've always had a competitor. I passed some incriminating information to their rival, so now they're too busy fighting each other to bother with you," Yu Luobai said, patting her head. He had even mobilized his family for this matter.
"Teacher Yu..." Ji Nian looked astonished. It happened so quickly, and it was already resolved? Just like that?
"Online public opinion hasn't been in your favor either, but the company is handling it. Don't worry too much," Yu Luobai said tenderly. "Feeling better now?"
Ji Nian nodded dazedly, still in a state of disbelief. So her worries tonight had been for nothing?
"Teacher Yu," Ji Nian's eyes welled up with tears again.
In the past, no matter what mistakes she made or consequences she faced, she had to bear them alone. Now, someone was standing behind her, sheltering her from the wind and rain, giving her a haven to lean on.
"Why are you crying again?" Yu Luobai panicked a little, unsure of how to console her as he wiped away her tears.
"I feel like I owe you more and more, and I can never repay you," Ji Nian said through her tears.
Yu Luobai wiped her tears, smiling, "Then you can repay me with yourself."
Ji Nian cried and said seriously, "But I'm not worth that much. You spent fifty million, and now you're helping me out of trouble again..."
Yu Luobai sighed. He never expected her to be such a crybaby. On the hot-search video, she had seemed fearless, but now that she was back, she had become timid.
He pulled the woman into his embrace, letting her chin rest on his shoulder, and gently soothed her, "You don't need to repay me. Stop crying and listen to me."
Ji Nian's tears stopped, but after crying so much that night, her body still trembled. She didn't know why, but his embrace felt so warm.
Thinking she was still crying, Yu Luobai gently patted her back, trying to calm her emotions.
Ji Nian's eyes were sore from crying. As the man's palm continued patting her back and her head rested on his shoulder, she suddenly felt a wave of drowsiness...
Seeing no response from the woman, Yu Luobai's eyes flashed with resignation. After so long, her mood still hadn't improved. It seemed she was a difficult girl to console.
Ji Nian murmured softly, "Teacher Yu, why are you so good to me?"
Yu Luobai's lips curved upward, but he didn't say anything, just continuing to pat her back soothingly.
Ji Nian closed her eyes. It was quite late now, and she was tired, not wanting to move in her dazed state.
Hearing her shallow breathing, Yu Luobai whispered, "Nian Nian?"
After a while with no response, he was puzzled and asked again, "Are you asleep?"
With no reply, Yu Luobai's eyes filled with resignation as he forcefully gathered the woman in his arms, gazing at her sleeping face. His lips curved into a faint smile.
Once in the room, he carefully laid her on the bed and tucked her in. Yu Luobai then sat quietly by the bedside, watching over her.
Afterward, he leaned in close, his deep gaze lingering before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Good night, Nian Nian," Yu Luobai chuckled softly before leaving the room.
Under the covers, Ji Nian's body had frozen. She opened her eyes in utter astonishment, her face instantly flushing red. She... had been kissed...
Actually, she hadn't fallen asleep earlier; she was just too tired to speak. But she never expected the man to carry her in, so she pretended to be asleep. She didn't anticipate...
Ji Nian's heart raced wildly. She had never been in a romantic relationship before. This was the first time a man had kissed her, and the feeling was so wondrous, her heart fluttering with a hint of excitement. What was going on?
Back at his own home, Yu Luobai's lips were still curved in a faint smile. Although it was just a sneaky kiss, his heart couldn't help but race.
He took out his phone, planning to ask Peng He for some advice.
Yu Luobai: I want to buy a gift for Xiao Nian. What do you think would be suitable?
Peng He: ?
Yu Luobai: What do you think she would like?
Peng He: It's late at night, and I'm still at the office helping Ji Nian clean up the mess. Now you're asking me what gift would be suitable?
Yu Luobai: Is it all settled?
Peng He: Big brother, this is no small matter, but it's settled. I'll have to work overnight. Thanks.
Yu Luobai: Your bonus will be doubled later.
Peng He: Forget what I just said.
Yu Luobai: But you still haven't answered my question.
Peng He: Don't women like lipstick? Get her a set or two.
Yu Luobai: She rarely wears makeup.
Peng He: A handbag?
Peng He: Actually, with her usual plain Jane look, it's her pretty face that carries her through. For a celebrity, she doesn't care much about dressing up or following trends. She's quite a refreshing change.
Yu Luobai: Then what would be more suitable?
Peng He: You might as well take her out for a nice meal. She loves meat, hahaha. Her eyes light up whenever she sees food.
Reading that, Yu Luobai instantly recalled the woman's sullen expression while eating salad and nodded, agreeing that Peng He made a good point.
