Reborn to Stew Soup (GL) 168

Chapter 168: Cooperation

Jiang Lingling, acting impulsively, had posted the video, thinking her sincere confession would clear Pan Xiang’s name. Instead, it had only fueled the rumors, and she couldn’t imagine how Pan Xiang must be feeling.

Jiang Lingling didn’t usually care about public opinion, but she cared about her favorite author! She hadn’t yet experienced the trials and tribulations of the business world and her actions were sometimes… immature. The video hadn’t had the intended effect, and she didn’t know what to do next, afraid of making things worse for Pan Xiang. I wanted to help, and I just made things worse…

Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin were also surprised by the sudden escalation. Such a devoted fan…

Mi Hongdou had carefully examined the evidence, the IP addresses. The identical ones were probably from the hotel in Shudian during filming, or from Jiang Lingling’s RV… and the similar ones, well, during Imperial Secrets and Reality Online, they had been in the same locations, similar IP addresses were normal…

This could be easily explained, Pan Xiang just had to reveal her identity. But now, even if she did, they would just accuse her of orchestrating a publicity stunt. A fan who’s an actress, an author who’s a screenwriter, working together on the same film, of course their IP addresses would be the same… no one would believe they didn’t know each other’s online identities. Even if Pan Xiang came forward, it wouldn’t solve the problem.

That morning, Pan Xiang was bombarded with unexpected revelations.

She hadn’t expected Jinjiang to link reader and author profiles.

She hadn’t expected her favorite commenter, the one she had even become somewhat attached to, to be Jiang Lingling.

She hadn’t expected the author of the parody, defending her so fiercely, to also be Jiang Lingling.

She hadn’t expected Jiang Lingling to publicly defend her without even consulting her.

And she hadn’t expected Jiang Lingling to think that this would solve the IP address problem…

After the initial shock, Pan Xiang, like Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin, realized the implications.

Since the release of Imperial Secrets, the Empress and Miao Qianye pairing had become a popular topic, and Reality Online had further fueled the “Sweet Red Bean Soup” and “LuYu” fandoms. Director Pan, who had previously disdained Gu Tiansheng, now looked at her with a mixture of suspicion and amusement.

Pan Xiang could imagine her grandfather’s reaction if she revealed her identity, if he knew that Gu Tiansheng’s recent films were based on her novels. He would explode.

If it weren’t for this incident, she wouldn’t have revealed herself. Even with several published novels and successful film adaptations, it wasn’t something she couldn’t give up. But now, seeing Jiang Lingling taking all the blame, being accused of creating a fake account, manipulating reviews… she couldn’t just stand by.

Jiang Lingling’s actions, although impulsive and not well-thought-out, were touching. Although she was defending just an online persona, this feeling of being protected… it was complicated.

Let Grandpa flip tables if he wants to. She couldn’t let Jiang Lingling face this alone. But how to reveal herself, what to say, to resolve the situation without making it worse, she needed time to think.

Jiang Lingling, confused by the online reaction, and Pan Xiang, reading the comments, looking for a solution, Mi Hongdou called both of them. They couldn’t come up with a plan, and Pan Xiang just asked Mi Hongdou not to tell Jiang Lingling anything yet.

Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin also couldn’t think of a solution and decided to wait and see.

But they hadn’t expected things to change so quickly.

Jinjiang’s new feature was launched last night, Jiang Lingling posted her video this morning, and now, before Mi Hongdou even finished cooking lunch, there was a new development.

Qiong Yu’s official Weibo account posted a long article, defending Jiang Lingling, proving that she wasn’t the author of the original novel.

As Mi Hongdou had guessed, the identical IP addresses were from the hotel in Shudian. And Qiong Yu even obtained an official statement from the hotel, with documentation and their official seal, inviting everyone to test their IP addresses. With the IP evidence debunked, the accusations lost their weight.

And then Qiong Yu released a video compilation from the Reality Online live stream, showing that during the twelve days of filming, the participants had no access to their phones or computers, while the author of the original novel had been actively responding to comments. The video clearly showed Jiang Lingling being filmed during those times, impossible for her to be online.

Qiong Yu’s post effectively refuted the rumors.

Online opinions could shift quickly. Sometimes, the viewers just followed the crowd, not bothering with the truth. A timely intervention could change everything.

After Qiong Yu’s post, many viewers who had watched the live stream came forward, confirming the authenticity of the video clips. The voices supporting Jiang Lingling quickly gained traction.

The online war, sparked by a Jinjiang scandal, was extinguished by Qiong Yu.

Jiang Lingling, battling trolls in the comments section, Pan Xiang, writing her statement, Mi Hongdou still cooking, and Ji Junxin waiting for lunch, were all stunned.

Qiong Yu was known for protecting its artists, but Jiang Lingling wasn’t even signed with them, this swift and decisive action surprised many.

Especially Mi Hongdou. She knew how much effort Qiao Rubai had been putting into the Wan Nan investigation, and this… was clearly Qiao Rubai’s doing, those carefully edited video clips… Could it be that Dong Yuannan asked Qiao Rubai for help? But he’s still hiding things about Xue Yi…

Before she could figure it out, Qiao Rubai called.

As she had guessed, it was Qiao Rubai’s arrangement, but not at Dong Yuannan’s request.

Qiao Rubai asked Mi Hongdou to cook dinner and invite Jiang Lingling and Dong Yuannan. Mi Hongdou had already promised Jiang Lingling several meals, and now that the online drama had subsided, it was a good time. And more importantly, there was a new lead in the Wan Nan case, which required Dong Yuannan’s help. She wanted to have a pleasant, relaxed dinner with him, to discuss it.

Qiao Rubai had been handling the investigation and their security arrangements. Mi Hongdou wanted to help, but she was powerless, just following Qiao Rubai’s instructions, trying not to cause trouble. So, when Qiao Rubai asked, she readily agreed.

She called Jiang Lingling, who, relieved that the online drama was over, happily accepted the dinner invitation.

And for Ji Junxin, eating at home or eating out didn’t matter, as long as she was with Mi Hongdou. But she suggested inviting Pan Xiang.

Inviting Pan Xiang to meet Jiang Lingling after this morning’s incident… she couldn’t imagine Pan Xiang’s reaction…

Mi Hongdou, preoccupied with her own worries, wasn’t particularly interested in Pan Xiang’s drama. But she couldn’t refuse Ji Junxin, who added, seeing her hesitation, “I’m not doing it for the gossip. I just think… Jiang Lingling is… quite pitiful.”

Indeed, pitiful… like someone with an unrequited love. Mi Hongdou thought that since Qiao Rubai would probably bring Yang Lianyi, and they wouldn’t discuss anything sensitive during dinner, giving Jiang Lingling another opportunity wasn’t a bad idea. Hopefully, this act of kindness will be… rewarded by Ji Junxin.

So, the dinner gathering was another group of people with hidden agendas.

The location: Jiang Lingling’s newly acquired Jin Dako branch in Jiang City. It hadn’t opened yet, but the facilities were ready.

Jiang Lingling, having accidentally stumbled into the restaurant business, her Jin Dako branch in Shudian a success, its food and service earning praise, had then gained even more popularity during Reality Online when, after the smear campaign against Mi Hongdou’s cooking, several celebrities had endorsed it. This new branch in Jiang City would probably be just as successful, and she might not be able to monopolize the kitchen like in Shudian.

Mi Hongdou sent Jiang Lingling a list of ingredients that afternoon and arrived at the restaurant with Ji Junxin a little before three.

It wasn’t a large dinner party, so she asked Jiang Lingling to find two kitchen assistants. But when she arrived, the two chefs from Shudian were there to greet her.

She had helped improve their menu in Shudian and was now on good terms with them, but seeing them here in Jiang City felt… like a time warp.

The same restaurant, the same people, but during that meal in Shudian, she and Ji Junxin hadn’t been close, and now… they were together.

So much had changed. Hopefully, their fate… will also be different.

The two chefs diligently assisted her, and soon, the kitchen was bustling with activity: steaming, simmering, roasting, frying.

Autumn was a time for nourishing food, and after consulting cookbooks, Mi Hongdou had planned the menu:

A platter of blanched seafood, braised chicken and duck, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. A whole chicken stuffed with various ingredients simmered in a pot, lamb chops roasting in the oven, steamed multi-grain pastries, and the ingredients for the stir-fries, washed and prepared.

Although this wasn’t just about the food, with Dong Yuannan as their guest, she had to make an effort.

Pan Xiang arrived first, while the sun was still high, saying she came early to help, but then she wandered around the restaurant, returning to the kitchen looking slightly dejected.

Ji Junxin, who had been squatting in the kitchen, bored, now had something to do. She hurried over to Pan Xiang, her eyes shining. “Who are you looking for?” she whispered.

Pan Xiang blushed furiously.

Mi Hongdou, who was preparing the chili oil, looked up at Ji Junxin. How could I believe that she wasn’t here for the gossip…

If it were anyone else, Pan Xiang wouldn’t have minded. But seeing that Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin were clearly together now, and Ji Junxin must know about her online identity, this question… was obviously about Jiang Lingling.

Well… it’s not a big deal that I’m looking for Jiang Lingling… why am I blushing…

“I’m just… seeing if anyone else has arrived,” she said, avoiding Ji Junxin’s gaze, grabbing a tomato, and taking a large bite.

Yes, just checking on Jiang Lingling… how is she feeling… After all the criticism online, even a few negative comments would hurt her. And after being mistakenly exposed… Pan Xiang, worried, nibbled on the tomato, lost in her thoughts.

Ji Junxin nudged Mi Hongdou. “She’s blushing.”

Mi Hongdou: …So, when we were being clueless, Jiang Lingling was also watching us like this…

Qiao Rubai, with Yang Lianyi and Yang Miemie, and Jiang Lingling, with Dong Yuannan, arrived around sunset.

Seeing Jiang Lingling, her usual cheerful and energetic self, Pan Xiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

With Qiong Yu’s statement, the online drama had subsided. She no longer needed to reveal her identity and face her grandfather’s wrath. She had come here tonight to tell Jiang Lingling that she was the author and thank her for her support.

But now, seeing Jiang Lingling, she couldn’t say it.

She kept remembering Jiang Lingling’s enthusiastic comments, her overflowing praise, when she was still just a fan, things like, “Dada must be a gentle and kind older sister to write such beautiful stories,” and her usual “Dada, you’re the best, I love you!”

There were other such comments, and sometimes Pan Xiang would think, If you like the eggs, then just enjoy the eggs, why care about the chicken?

But perhaps because of the anonymity of the internet, she remembered Jiang Lingling’s comments more clearly than others, so clearly that she could almost hear Jiang Lingling saying those words, and she couldn’t help but wonder… Did she really like her that much?

Pan Xiang was a little afraid. When she revealed her identity, would Jiang Lingling be more surprised and embarrassed than happy? Would she… lose a friend in real life and a fan online?

She touched her bun, thinking of the gentle, elegant author in Jiang Lingling’s mind, and couldn’t bring herself to approach her.

She hadn’t expected to experience this “fear of exposure” herself.

The dinner was a pleasant affair, the conversation revolving around food.

After the meal, Qiao Rubai took Dong Yuannan aside for a private discussion, and Pan Xiang, after much hesitation, watched as Jiang Lingling left.

We hesitate, we retreat, rarely taking that leap of faith unless we have no other choice.

The lively dinner party ended.

Dong Yuannan had a feeling that Qiao Rubai wanted to discuss something serious, but he hadn’t expected her to take him back to Qiong Yu, to her office.

Mi Hongdou’s cooking was always irresistible. In her office, Qiao Rubai only served them water before saying, her face serious, “Chairman Dong, I invited you here today to discuss a potential collaboration.”

Dong Yuannan chuckled, patting his round belly. “Chairman? You were calling me ‘Uncle Dong’ during dinner, why so formal now? You don’t want to discuss a collaboration, you want to ask me something. About Xue Yi, right? I knew you wouldn’t give up. I don’t understand, what does Wan Nan have to do with you? You’re in the entertainment industry, why bother with a real estate company?”

“I have my reasons. I have to investigate Wan Nan. Uncle Dong, Dongshi and Wan Nan have been rivals for so long, you must have… people inside Wan Nan, right?” Qiao Rubai paused, adjusting her glasses. “Or rather, when Wan Nan first arrived, all the major real estate companies in Jiang City tried to plant people inside, didn’t they?”

Dong Yuannan’s smile faded, his expression turning serious. “Xiao Qiao, we’ve known each other for two years. You call me ‘uncle,’ and when you needed investment, I gave it to you without hesitation. When you needed a good detective agency, I introduced you to one. Do you know why I didn’t say anything when you brought me Xue Yi’s photo? Because Wan Nan is dangerous, and I didn’t want to involve you. What do you even need to know? Are you planning to take over Wan Nan? And asking me about other companies planting people inside, that’s a taboo in our industry.”

“I’ve already broken that taboo.” Qiao Rubai handed him a folder.

Dong Yuannan flipped through it, his brow furrowing. “Why are you investigating this? How did you even find these people?”

“I paid for the information.” She handed him a few receipts. “Here, my expenses for the private investigators.”

Dong Yuannan carefully counted the zeros, his eyes widening in surprise. “Are you crazy? You’ve spent your company’s entire cash flow?!”

“Of course not,” Qiao Rubai smiled. “I still have plenty.”

He pushed the receipts back and looked at the young woman in front of him, barely in her twenties. “You’ve investigated Wan Nan, you’ve found our people inside, what else do you want to know?”

“I probably only found some of your people, I want to know more,” Qiao Rubai said seriously. “And I want to… use them.”

“Hahaha!” Dong Yuannan laughed. “Planting moles in rival companies, it’s common practice. And to be honest, they’re just there for gathering information, we rarely use them. You want to use them? How? To destroy Wan Nan? Little girl, Wan Nan isn’t that easy to deal with. We’ve been rivals for years, and even we haven’t tried anything, what makes you think you can? With that flimsy evidence you found about their early… questionable dealings? Or those few moles? Even if you threaten us, we can just abandon them, what can you do?”

“I’m not planning to destroy Wan Nan, not yet,” Qiao Rubai’s expression turned serious. “I want to… collaborate with you. I need all the information you have on Ke Minglang and Xue Yi, the more detailed, the better. And I also want to buy the information you have on Wan Nan’s illegal activities during their early years.”

Dong Yuannan was about to speak, but Qiao Rubai stopped him. “Please let me finish. Don’t say you don’t have it, I’ve spent a fortune, I know you do. Wan Nan did a lot of shady things back then, you and the other companies, you must have something. I know you’re all holding on to it, just in case. I want everything you know, and more, and I need your help in getting the information from the other companies. I know… you were all united against Wan Nan back then.”

“You want to buy it?” Dong Yuannan frowned, pointing at the receipts. “Do you even have money left?”

Qiao Rubai stood up and took several folders from the bookshelf, placing them in front of him. “Dengjia Village, we already had a deal with the local government for its development as a tourist attraction, and they also gave us the surrounding land for development projects. You’ve seen the show’s popularity, Uncle Dong, that land, close to Dengjia Village, near Wenlong Village and the scenic area, it’s prime real estate. We’re not demolishing Dengjia Village, and we’re even building new entertainment facilities. You’re in real estate, you know its value.”

“You want me to give you the information, and you’ll let me develop the land?” Dong Yuannan was surprised. He had also been eyeing the land around Dengjia Village after the show’s success, hoping to build some villas.

“Yes, give me the information, the dirt on Wan Nan, and the land is yours. Help me get the information from the other companies, and I’ll give you shares in Qiong Yu.” Qiao Rubai handed him the contracts, adding another incentive, “And I’ve heard that the government is planning to invest heavily in tourism in the next few years. And Jiang Lingling doesn’t have an agency, no one to protect her. I also have some plans for Qiong Yu’s future development, these shares… it’s a good deal.”

Dong Yuannan no longer underestimated her. Whatever her reason for targeting Wan Nan, she was serious.

Her offer was incredibly tempting, especially the land and the Qiong Yu shares, more valuable than cash.

He carefully examined the contracts, impressed by her understanding of his motivations. The offer was so generous that even he, a cautious businessman, couldn’t resist.

“So, what is your ultimate goal?” he asked. “To destroy Wan Nan? Xue Yi? Or Ke Minglang?”

“No, not yet, but I want to have the power to destroy any of them, at any time,” Qiao Rubai said, her voice cold.

Dong Yuannan: … This sounds like a vendetta.

Although the offer was generous, he still felt it was a bit unrealistic. “You know we have some dirt on Wan Nan, but it’s not enough to destroy them. It would just cause trouble for everyone, and once Wan Nan recovers, it will be even worse.”

Qiao Rubai frowned. “All of you, your combined resources, all these years of… collecting, it’s not enough to destroy them?”

Dong Yuannan was stunned. This was a serious vendetta.

“Combined… perhaps… it’s enough to put those two behind bars. But they’ll eventually get out, and Wan Nan might not even collapse…” Dong Yuannan, caught up in her intensity, started thinking about it seriously.

“Just behind bars? That’s good enough.” Qiao Rubai was relieved. If they were the culprits, she could find a way to keep them there.

“Good? If we reveal everything, they won’t let us off the hook either, none of us are completely clean.” He paused. “And most of the information was gathered by our people inside Wan Nan, they would all be exposed.”

“Then we’ll have to be strategic. I’ll provide the resources, and if we succeed, I won’t touch the real estate market, the spoils are all yours.” Qiao Rubai’s expression was serious. “And I’m not just talking, I’m willing to pay for the information, here’s the check.”

Dong Yuannan looked at the check, his worldview constantly being challenged tonight.

“I’ll… think about it…” he said, looking at the numbers, then sighed. “Your offer is very generous, even if our secrets were exposed, the losses wouldn’t be this great. Working with you isn’t a bad idea. But this… it’s enough to build several entertainment companies like yours, why?”

“Why…” Qiao Rubai, tired after a night of negotiations, leaned back and sighed. “It’s… fate.”

Dong Yuannan almost choked on his laughter. “A little girl like you, talking about fate.”

Qiao Rubai sat up straight, rubbing her temples. “Uncle Dong, please help me. I can offer you more, money, resources, anything.” She was almost certain that Xue Yi was the killer, her current concern was Ke Minglang and Wan Nan. She needed to be certain of victory before proceeding.

“More?” Dong Yuannan was also speechless. “In business, it’s about negotiation, give and take. You’re offering everything upfront, even asking to pay more. Aren’t you afraid I’ll take advantage? Or even… sell you out to Wan Nan?”

Qiao Rubai smiled wryly. “This isn’t a business negotiation, it’s a plea. The private investigators, even with all the money I’ve spent, they can’t go any further. Uncle Dong, if you don’t help me, next year, you might have to… buy an extra bouquet of white chrysanthemums for Qingming Festival.” Perhaps even more than one bouquet…

Her words and her expression, not a joke, her willingness to sacrifice everything… Dong Yuannan was stunned.

“What… what is this about?” he asked, shocked.

“Please… help me.” Her earlier words, hinting at a life-or-death situation, that was all she could say.

Dong Yuannan snorted. “You give me so much, yet you still hide the truth, do you even trust me?”

“I do, seeing how much you care about Jiang Lingling, I know you’re a good person, otherwise, I wouldn’t be offering you all this.”

Her words pleased him.

“So it’s either them or you? Is it really that serious?” He hesitated.

“I just want to… have the power to destroy them, for now. The rest… I’ll figure it out later,” Qiao Rubai admitted honestly.

“We’ve also thought about… taking down Wan Nan, with our combined resources. But although we were united, we didn’t fully trust each other, no one wanted to take the risk, after all, even without Wan Nan, there would be other competitors. It was better to… keep our secrets and our moles inside,” Dong Yuannan finally made his decision. “Okay, I’ll talk to the others. Your offer is… more than enough. I’ll try to save you some money, you can give Jiang Lingling a bigger share later.”

Qiao Rubai, overjoyed, readily agreed.

With Dong Yuannan’s help, her plan could finally proceed.

The deal was made, and they discussed the details.

Dong Yuannan, having agreed, was efficient. He promised to deliver his files tomorrow and would contact the other companies immediately. His commitment reassured Qiao Rubai.

And before leaving, he gave her another piece of information.

“By the way, there’s something I can tell you now, you can think about it.” He turned back at the door. “Xue Yi, he has a son, six years old, hidden from Ke Minglang. The mother, one of our people inside Wan Nan. I’ll get you the details soon.”

They’re planting moles and even children? How ruthless… Qiao Rubai was stunned.