Chapter 38: World Two

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Special Assistant Wan moved quickly. Lu Wuqi signed the document at three in the afternoon, and by five, the relevant video was already posted on the Internal Forum.

The board meeting was also scheduled for nine in the morning three days later. The meeting would finalize the new president of Wanbang Group and outline some future business developments.

Although Special Assistant Wan had only announced the details on the Internal Forum, the news quickly spread throughout the industry.

Some marketing accounts that smelled blood in the water jumped in to stir things up, posting several articles about the plane crash involving Wanbang Group’s president and his wife, whose combined net worth was in the billions.

Under the manipulation of certain interested parties, these news stories and reports rapidly climbed the hot search rankings.

–

“Qingxu, have you seen the hot searches? The president and his wife, worth billions, got into a plane crash. They haven’t even found the bodies yet. Life is so unpredictable.” Sister Jin couldn’t help but sigh.

“Yeah, it really is unpredictable.” Lin Qingxu replied. She held a script in her hands, studying it intently.

Lin Qingxu was a trained actress. In her senior year of college, she was spotted and signed by her current agent, Sister Jin. Four years into her career, she had gone from a background extra with a single line to her current role as the third female lead.

Lin Qingxu currently had just over five million fans on her Weibo, barely qualifying her as a third- or fourth-tier actress. She wasn’t hugely famous, but she had dedicated station sisters and a fan support group.

“Qingxu, the crew starts filming in a few days. Before that, the cast is planning a group dinner. Make sure you’re prepared and show your face to the director.” Sister Jin continued, swiping her finger across the screen to check other hot searches.

Lin Qingxu’s grip on the script tightened slightly. She asked softly, “I’m just the third female lead. Do I really have to go to a private gathering like that?”

“Of course. That’s exactly why you need to play the game. If the director remembers you, you might get more screen time.” Sister Jin set down her phone and spoke earnestly, like a mother hen.

“I’m not asking you to do anything shady. Just show your face more. You have great looks. If you seize the opportunities, you can rise to the top and break into the first or second tier. You get what I mean, right?”

Lin Qingxu lowered her gaze. “But Sister Jin, shouldn’t actors speak through their skills and works? If I want to get famous, shouldn’t I focus on honing my craft? Why do I have to… do things unrelated to my actual job?”

Sister Jin sighed softly. “Your thinking isn’t wrong, but times have changed. It’s not enough to just keep your head down and work hard anymore. No matter how good your acting is, without someone backing you, you’ll get edited down to a single back shot. You’ve been through that yourself—your eyes were red from crying back then.”

“By the way, isn’t your girlfriend in a pretty good spot? I saw a dedicated driver picking her up last time. If you ask her for a little help, you might get some exposure too.” Sister Jin said.

“She’s the person I like, not someone I want to use.” Lin Qingxu raised her voice slightly. “Sister Jin, send me the time and place for the dinner. I’ll go if I have time.”

“It’s not ‘if you have time’—you have to go.” Sister Jin emphasized.

Lin Qingxu didn’t argue. She just hummed softly, lost in thought.

–

After signing the agreement, Lu Wuqi had Special Assistant Wan send all company-related documents to her email.

She ate a simple meal to fill her stomach, then sat in her study, poring over the materials with full focus. Only when her pre-set alarm rang did she pull her mind away.

An alarm at eight twenty-eight? Why had she set that?

Rubbing her temples, Lu Wuqi searched her memories for the answer. A snippet of conversation with Lin Qingxu surfaced.

—If we’re both free, how about a video call every day at eight thirty?

—Sure, I’ll call you right on time every day.

Oh, right—it was time for her video call with her girlfriend.

Lu Wuqi opened WeChat and tapped the pinned chat window, hitting the video call button.

Strange, she felt oddly familiar with this routine. Was it because she’d been doing it for five days already?

Lu Wuqi recalled her memories with Lin Qingxu. They had met online.

Back then, Lu Wuqi had just returned from studying abroad and didn’t want to take over the family business. Instead, she drew fun little comics online, sharing anecdotes from abroad and her life back home.

Without spending money on promotion, she had few followers, and active fans were even scarcer—comments rarely exceeded three or four per post.

Lin Qingxu’s alt account was the only one that commented on every post. Over time, Lu Wuqi remembered her. They started treating the comment section like a chat box, sharing bits of their lives.

After about half a year, Lu Wuqi’s fans gradually grew. Her comics caught the eye of a publisher, earning her fifty thousand in copyright fees.

Grateful to her steadfast fan, Lu Wuqi privately messaged her for the first time, offering to send a set of books and merch as thanks.

Lin Qingxu’s career wasn’t taking off yet; she had just over a million fans, half of them bought by her agency. She happily shared her address and added Lu Wuqi’s personal contact.

Discovering they lived in the same city gave them more to talk about. They evolved from casual friends to close ones.

The turning point for meeting in person came when Lu Wuqi spotted Lin Qingxu’s acting in a supporting role in a drama.

The show had fifty-two episodes, and Lin Qingxu’s total screen time was under an hour. But Lu Wuqi became a fan of the loyal female guard and passionately drew fan art, which even gave Lin Qingxu a small boost in popularity and fans.

Learning that her favorite artist—affectionately called “wife” by fans—liked her too made the twenty-four-year-old Lin Qingxu thrilled. She dropped hints until Lu Wuqi peeled away her disguises step by step.

It was a huge surprise for Lu Wuqi too—her true die-hard fan turned out to be the very celebrity she’d just stanned. What else could it be but fate?

Lu Wuqi and Lin Qingxu got together on New Year’s Day five months ago. There was no grand confession—just Lu Wuqi blushing as she handed over a sketchbook.

“Xuxu, I think I really like you. Not your character, but you as a person. Would you try being with me?”

Fresh from abroad, Lu Wuqi saw no issue with confessing to someone of the same sex. She was shy but straightforward.

Seeing every illustration in the book was of her made Lin Qingxu understand what butterflies in the stomach felt like.

Not yet famous from that supporting role and not under her agent’s no-dating ban, Lin Qingxu embraced her feelings and reciprocated Lu Wuqi’s affection.

“Xiao Qi, Xiao Qi?” Lin Qingxu’s voice came from the phone, snapping Lu Wuqi out of her reverie.

Xiao Qi was Lu Wuqi’s online handle. Even after exchanging real names, Lin Qingxu stuck with it from habit.

“Yeah, I’m here.” Lu Wuqi looked at the screen. “What’s up?”

“What were you thinking about? I called you several times.” On the screen, Lin Qingxu sat on a hotel room sofa. Her wavy long hair cascaded loosely behind her, and a face mask obscured her features, revealing only her beautiful jawline.

“I was thinking about you—our first in-person meeting, when I confessed to you.” Lu Wuqi said honestly.

“Cough cough, why bring that up suddenly? Is there an anniversary?” Lin Qingxu shifted the phone away, a bit embarrassed.

“No, just popped into my head.” Lu Wuqi smiled and asked softly, “How’s work going today? Anything happen?”

“I’ve checked into a hotel near the set. Spent the afternoon on the script. Should start filming in a few days.” Lin Qingxu said, then leaned close to the camera.

“What about you, Xiao Qi? Did you eat on time? I know you love drawing, but don’t skip meals or sleep for it.” She narrowed her eyes. “Is it the lighting? Your face looks a bit pale.”

“I ate. Had a bowl of noodles made by Auntie not long ago.” Lu Wuqi touched her face instinctively. “Probably the computer screen glare.”

“Just one bowl of noodles?” Doubt flickered in Lin Qingxu’s eyes, though the mask kept her expression stiff. “Not one of those tiny portions, right?”

“It was one liang of noodles, with beef and shrimp. I finished it all.” Lu Wuqi added quickly. “I weighed myself earlier—no change, still ninety.”

Lu Wuqi had a touch of anorexia. Without inspiration or when off her game, she barely ate, maybe nursing a glass of milk.

“You’re one seventy-two, Xiao Qi. Healthy weight should be just over a hundred. You’re too skinny.” Lin Qingxu scolded.

“But Xuxu, you’re one sixty-eight and also ninety—same as me.” Lu Wuqi muttered.

Lin Qingxu huffed. “Mine’s for the role. If I wanted, I could gain back to one oh one in ten days. Can you?”

Lu Wuqi gazed innocently at the screen. “Probably not. You’re amazing, Xuxu.”

After trading weight advice, they chatted idly a bit longer before hanging up to get back to their tasks.

Lin Qingxu washed off her mask and continued skincare. Lu Wuqi marked and organized key points in the documents.

The Redemption System hadn’t given Lu Wuqi much info. She was planning ahead based purely on her experience and instincts.

If she successfully inherited the estate and Wanbang Group shares, Lu Wuqi vowed she wouldn’t ignore her girlfriend and idol.

Even if Lin Qingxu only shared good news and hid the bad, Lu Wuqi would notice her visible decline. She’d see the negative online comments too, right?

By that logic, the only reason she hadn’t stepped in was that she never got the shares or inheritance—her personal assets might even have been stripped away.

When Lin Qingxu hit rock bottom, Lu Wuqi’s only leverage might have been her identity as a somewhat known illustrator?

But against capital and paid trolls, what clout did an illustrator with a few hundred thousand fans have? How could she compete with troll armies or purified fanbases?

Lu Wuqi skimmed the documents ten lines at a time. At ten p.m., she smiled and said goodnight to her girlfriend before hanging up.

“System, if I’m not wrong, plenty of people are eyeing my shares right now, huh?” Lu Wuqi said, her gaze lingering on the board member list.

The list named nine people total, five surnamed Lu. Lu Wuqi was the only young one, holding fifty-one percent equity.

【Before the host meets them, I can’t get much info either.】 The Redemption System, invisible all day, popped up. 【But you don’t need my answer. Just attend the board meeting in three days.】

“Is that so? Guess I nailed it.” Lu Wuqi opened the updated equity details.

She held fifty-one percent. Her eldest uncle and third uncle each had ten percent. Two distant relatives had three percent each. Together, twenty-six percent—half of hers.

These four were strangers to Lu Wuqi. Her memories held few images of them beyond perfunctory New Year greetings—no real interaction otherwise.

According to common logic, the shareholders holding ten percent of the shares should be more ambitious. Moreover, they were the biological brothers of her own father, so if they nominally took over the company on behalf of their younger/older brother, it wouldn’t cause much public backlash.

Of course, this required one prerequisite: they needed to produce evidence that they themselves were incompetent at management. Only then could they unite the company’s remaining shareholders and executives to oust her, the rightful heir.

–

While maintaining one and a half hours of video calls every night, Lu Wuqi crammed a bunch of information into her head in preparation for the board meeting. Then, accompanied by Special Assistant Wan, she donned a tailored black suit and arrived punctually at nine o’clock, taking the head seat in the conference room.

“Little Director Lu, our condolences.”

“Little Director Lu, the dead can’t be brought back to life. We must learn to look forward.”

“Little Director Lu, don’t worry. We elders will definitely help you—especially your Third Uncle Lu. Feel free to ask him anything you’re unsure about.”

After Lu Wuqi appeared, the people in the conference room came over and offered their condolences one after another, treating her like a fragile porcelain doll.

“Thank you for your concern, uncles. I’m doing okay right now. Why don’t we start the meeting? I have some announcements to make.” Lu Wuqi said, her expression showing little fluctuation, which made her seem somewhat aloof.

“Everyone, it’s already nine o’clock.” Special Assistant Wan said, pulling out the chair at the head seat. “Please take your seats, directors. The meeting is starting.”

Lu Wuqi walked over and sat down, crossing her hands on the conference table and silently watching everyone’s movements.

Special Assistant Wan’s words carried weight, so everyone quickly took their seats in turn, waiting for Lu Wuqi to speak.

“My parents’ bodies have been found and will be transported back home in about three days. I hope everyone can attend their funeral then for a final farewell.” Lu Wuqi said, her heart aching faintly as warm family memories flashed through her mind.

“Additionally, my father once told me that Vice President Liu was someone he thought very highly of. If I’m unsure about anything, I can seek her opinion.”

Lu Wuqi paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the eight people one by one. “So, I’ve decided to have Vice President Liu take over as president of Wanbang Group. I’ll supervise her as chairman. Does anyone have any objections?”

“Little Director Lu, Vice President Liu is capable, but she’s only twenty-nine. She’s still lacking in experience and seniority.” An outside director spoke up first.

“Is that so? Should I do it myself then?” Lu Wuqi countered. “If everyone is willing to trust me, I’m also ready to try taking the president position and do my best not to let you down.”

After hearing Lu Wuqi’s words, the outside director quickly shut up.

Who was joking here? Everyone present knew that Little Director Lu only liked painting. Handing Wanbang over to her would be worse than giving it to the less experienced but highly capable Liu Qingqing.

“Ahem, Little Director Lu, Liu Qingqing isn’t your only option. Your Third Uncle here can help manage Wanbang for you.” Third Uncle Lu, who appeared mild and scholarly, said with a smile. “I’ve watched you grow up, Little Director Lu. We’re family, after all.”

Lu Wuqi let out an “oh,” her tone unchanged. “But my father personally told me that Vice President Liu is exceptionally capable and the one who can succeed him. I respect and trust my father’s judgment. To keep him and Mom from worrying about me from heaven, I propose appointing Vice President Liu as president of Wanbang.”

“Let’s vote now. Does anyone object?” Lu Wuqi didn’t want to drag things out; she just wanted to cut through the mess quickly and free up time to establish an entertainment company.

The directors exchanged glances. After Lu Wuqi invoked Lu Father, the outside directors had no inclination to stir trouble.

As for the family directors, they weren’t ready to tear faces with Lu Wuqi just yet. After exchanging looks with each other, they stayed silent.

“Since Vice President Liu is taking the president position, how about promoting the market director to fill the vacant vice president spot?” Great Uncle Lu spoke up.

One position per person—if they couldn’t get president, they at least needed a vice president spot.

“What does Third Uncle think?” Lu Wuqi adopted a humble, seeking-advice posture. “My father didn’t mention this to me or tell me who could take vice president.”

After hearing Lu Wuqi’s words, the wariness in Third Uncle Lu’s eyes faded considerably, replaced by a thoughtful expression. “Director Cheng from the market department is also a veteran employee of Wanbang. He should be qualified for the vice president position.”

“Alright, then I’ll follow Third Uncle’s advice. Does anyone have objections?” Lu Wuqi said without the slightest hesitation.

What objections could there be? With their combined shares totaling seventy-one percent, opposition would be pointless.

And so, Lu Wuqi’s proposal passed unanimously once again. After the one-hour board meeting ended, the appointments for president and vice president were immediately sent to all departments and employees.

–

“It went that smoothly? They didn’t object?” Liu Qingqing was somewhat surprised upon seeing the fresh appointments—this didn’t match her expectations at all.

“Well, Little Director Lu was very determined, and her words were quite convincing.” Special Assistant Wan said, his expression subtly shifting.

When choosing between Little Director Lu and Vice President Liu, most people would pick the latter.

“But the vice president position went to Director Cheng. You two have never gotten along in the company, so he might trip you up.” Special Assistant Wan said, resuming a serious expression.

“Little Director Lu has no prior experience with group affairs, and Lu Bo and Lu Su are closely related to her by blood. Who knows when that might sway her current stance.”

Special Assistant Wan continued, “The old president cherished his family. Even after they did wrong, he was willing to give them another chance—he just removed their company positions without touching their shares or board seats.”

“But they may not understand the old president’s good intentions. After news of his accident spread, they started pulling all sorts of little tricks. Their ambitions for power are now out in the open. At today’s board meeting, they even directly demanded the president position.”

“Now that the appointments are official, they’ll likely turn their spears on you. Be careful.” Special Assistant Wan cautioned.

Liu Qingqing nodded slowly. “What about Little Director Lu? They wouldn’t make a move on their own kin, right?”

“Hard to say. Little Director Lu doesn’t have deep feelings for them.” Special Assistant Wan said hesitantly. “And in the face of interests, blood ties might not weigh as heavily as we imagine.”

“I understand. I’ll do my best to hold them back.” Liu Qingqing said solemnly. “Remember to assign more bodyguards to Little Director Lu.”