Chapter 138: Are You Jealous?

Before the photo was taken, Ji Ya bent down and inhaled the scent of the tea rose. The faint floral fragrance, with its blossoms as exquisite and romantic as roses, embodied the pinnacle of beauty and romance.

Romance never needs to be spoken aloud; it is knowing what you desire and giving it without being asked.

Watching the two of them closely pressed together in front of the camera below the stage, Mr. Song’s face suddenly hardened. He stormed forward, fiercely grabbing Ji Ya’s wrist, unleashing a torrent of violent insults.

“I followed you all the way here, organized this miserable fashion show for you, gave you a chance, and you don’t cherish it. And yet, you shamelessly flirt with some loser right in front of me?”

“Being with someone like that—don’t you think it’s a disgrace to your reputation in the industry? A penniless freeloader trying to leech off the upper class—do you think you’re worthy?”

Silence fell over the crowd. The noble young master could not tolerate anything lowly. His arrogance was overwhelming, his temperament fierce! It was a stark contrast to the refined and elegant image he usually displayed in public.

Reporters and photographers went into a frenzy, capturing every moment. Once this scandalous scene spread through the news, it was bound to cause an explosive reaction.

Mr. Song, blinded by rage, lost all reason and was about to slap Ji Ya when someone forcefully blocked his hand.

“Song Zhixiao, a high and mighty aristocrat, hitting a woman in front of so many people—do you think you have the right?”

“Moreover, Miss Ji’s status is noble; how dare you insult her?”

“You think your wealth makes you great? Ha! Everyone, please look at the big screen!”

Lin Yu picked up his phone and opened the breaking international news. The reporters and photographers immediately turned their cameras to the screen.

The live broadcast showed a large screen displaying: “The Song family’s multinational publicly listed company suspected of violations and tax evasion; assets have been frozen!”

Next headline: “Song family’s multinational publicly listed company accused of fraud; millions of workers demand unpaid wages!”

A hush fell over the audience, soon followed by an uproar.

No one expected the dazzling young master of the Song family to secretly scheme to latch onto the Ji family for a comeback. No wonder Ji Ya looked down on him.

Who would want a man like that?

Lin Yu hadn’t intended to expose Mr. Song’s true nature. After landing, he had felt gloomy and casually searched for information about him. To his shock, the search engine served up this bombshell.

Seeing Song Zhirao down below, Lin Yu immediately sensed he was an abusive man. To dare lay a hand on Ji Ya in front of so many people, Lin Yu had no choice but to expose the truth.

It seemed fate had other plans all along.

Furious and humiliated, Song Zhirao raised his fist to teach Lin Yu a lesson, but security quickly intervened, restraining and escorting him out.

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the little drama came to an end.

...

After leaving the show, Ji Ya instructed Su Xiaolin to arrange for a lawsuit against the Song family, since the money for the show’s cooperation was actually lent by Ji Ya to Song Zhirao.

At first, she had taken pity on their past acquaintance, but he had shown no change in his arrogant, spoiled nature. His violent temperament made him lose sight of his true position—he even dared to lay hands on her!

There was no longer any reason to endure it.

“Hey, the boss said he was going abroad for work talks but ended up shirking duty to go on a romantic date with an old flame!” Lin Yu teased, causing a sharp pain in her ear.

“Wrong, wrong! Oh my lady! Just joking, no need to get so upset!” Lin Yu quickly apologized, covering his reddened ear with an innocent expression.

Ah, capitalism is so unfair: what I do is fine, but when others say it’s not, boohoo.

“So, where to next?”

Lin Yu was thinking of treating Ji Ya to a meal—or maybe his boss could treat them.

At that moment, the show’s director suddenly approached Lin Yu.

“What’s your name, young man?”

“Lin Yu.”

The director looked at the polite young man before him, smiled with approval, nodded, and turned away.

Su Xiaolin, relying on her instinct as an assistant, immediately sensed a business opportunity.

Could it be that they were here to discuss cooperation?

“Director, our artist currently has no engagements,” she said, walking alongside the director.

Soon after, Ji Ya received a message from Su Xiaolin: [The show director invites A Yu to the wrap-up banquet.]

...

In the rush to go abroad, neither Lin Yu nor Su Xiaolin had brought appropriate clothes for the banquet. Ji Ya followed someone to the shopping district to purchase haute couture evening gowns, naturally not forgetting to get one for Su Xiaolin as well.

After freshening up, they left the hotel for the banquet venue. Lin Yu was surprised to see Ji Ya still carrying the bouquet of tea roses he had bought.

Her delicate makeup and the blooming roses created an exquisite picture, as enchanting as a celestial fairy descending to earth. Under the car’s ambient lighting, she seemed otherworldly, needing no words—her very presence captivated all.

“Still staring? Keep it up and I’ll gouge your eyes out for tonight’s appetizer,” the fairy’s chilling words sent a shiver down Lin Yu’s spine.

Okay, okay—when a celestial fairy suddenly turns into a horror film, no wonder the boss is scared!

“I’m not teasing anymore. When we get there, perform well for me,” Ji Ya laughed, quickly composing herself before solemnly reminding, “Besides models and staff, many big shots from the fashion world will be at the banquet. Behave well; you might just get a chance to have your designs showcased for free someday.”

Free?

Chance to showcase?

The three of them got out of the car and walked side by side. Su Xiaolin unconsciously stepped back a bit.

Why did she always feel like the odd one out when the three of them were together?

Would she end up ignored again? Oh dear…

Luckily, Su Xiaolin still had her outfit in Lin Yu’s hands; otherwise, these two would have surely forgotten her somewhere.

She gave them a helpless look—truly forgetful!

...

The three entered the banquet hall together. The vast dining room was packed with people in expensive gowns, each engaged in conversation. The enthusiasm of those in the circle was always tied to interests.

Once seated, many came to greet and chat with Ji Ya, tactfully avoiding any mention of the earlier awkward scene at the show. No one here was foolish enough to bring up such embarrassing matters at this level.

Everyone was busy talking; no one touched their food, which was a boon for Lin Yu.

It was rare to have so much delicious food all to himself. In high spirits, he indulged without caring what others said, savoring every bite.

Wasting food is shameful!

They didn’t want to gain weight, so he would bear that burden!

The director sat with them, facing Lin Yu. During their conversation, his gaze settled on Lin Yu.

“Mr. Lin, you have a good image. Have you ever considered walking the runway?”

“An international show held once a year, with a very lucrative fee.”

This was no joke. The director had just discussed this with Su Xiaolin before leaving.

...