Xin-Xing Company's lobby was packed with reporters and media crews.
It seemed that no one wanted to let this opportunity slip away. Or perhaps Yi-Xing Company had encouraged the media to seize the moment, seeking revenge for the humiliation they had suffered when Xin-Xing signed Rui-Xue—the model Yi-Xing had wanted to recruit.
The company's security guards struggled to hold back the restless crowd.
Meanwhile, Director Zhi-Qiang had shut himself inside his office with the door locked, seemingly at a loss as to how to handle the crisis.
Reporter 1: "Why aren't you letting us inside? Where is Director Zhi-Qiang? And where is your CEO, Jun-Kai? Is he hiding from the media?"
Reporter 2: "Has Xin-Xing Company gone bankrupt because of Yi-Xing Company's copyright lawsuit? Is that why CEO Jun-Kai has disappeared?"
Faced with the reporters' relentless questions, the security guards remained silent.
Suddenly—
The sharp sound of a car horn echoed through the lobby entrance.
Every reporter instinctively turned toward the source.
A luxury sedan came to a stop.
The door opened, and Mei-Xue stepped out.
She was dressed elegantly in black sunglasses, black trousers, a black midi dress, and carried a matching black handbag.
Her expression was unwavering.
There was a fierce determination in her eyes, as though flames were burning within them.
The moment Mei-Xue stepped out of the car, the reporters rushed toward her.
Before they could get close, however, her bodyguards immediately formed a protective circle around her, blocking the crowd.
Standing calmly within the ring of bodyguards, Mei-Xue spoke.
Mei-Xue: "I'll answer every one of your questions, but first, please maintain order. Kindly proceed to the conference hall and wait there. I'll speak with the director and join you shortly."
Reporter 1: "Madam, you're not an official representative of the company. We want to speak directly with CEO Jun-Kai."
Reporter 2: "Exactly. Just because you're Mr. Jun-Kai's wife doesn't mean we'll accept everything you say. Tell us—where is the CEO?"
As the reporters continued firing questions at her, Mei-Xue remained composed. She calmly took an identification card out of her purse, held it up for everyone to see, and said,
Mei-Xue: "At this moment, I am acting as the company's CEO. As you can see, CEO Jun-Kai has personally appointed me as his official representative. If there are no further objections, please wait in the conference hall."
With that, Mei-Xue walked through the lobby toward the conference hall.
She quickly arranged a formal press conference for the media.
A short while later, after finishing a discussion with Director Zhi-Qiang, Mei-Xue entered the hall. Zhi-Qiang was already standing quietly to one side.
Mei-Xue stepped to the front and addressed the reporters.
Mei-Xue: "The reason you've all gathered here today is because Yi-Xing Company has filed a copyright claim against Xin-Xing Company. However, I can assure you that these allegations are completely baseless."
Reporter 1: "Madam, you say the accusations are baseless. What evidence do you have to support that claim? And has CEO Jun-Kai gone into hiding because he fears the company is about to go bankrupt?"
Reporter 2: "And why did CEO Jun-Kai appoint you as his acting representative instead of appearing here himself?"
Hearing those questions, Mei-Xue gave a faint, dismissive smile before replying,
Mei-Xue: "When the accusation itself is without merit, why would our company be facing bankruptcy? As for why CEO Jun-Kai asked me to represent him—that isn't the important issue. What truly matters is the evidence."
Reporter 2: "Then, Madam, what evidence do you have that proves Yi-Xing Company made these allegations against Xin-Xing without any valid proof?"
Media Reporter 3: "Yes. If you truly have evidence, then show it to us. That would settle the matter, wouldn't it?"
The barrage of questions didn't shake Mei-Xue in the slightest.
Remaining calm, she took out the contract signed with the famous author Lin Yuxin, raised it high for everyone to see, and declared,
Mei-Xue: "The very person who came to us personally to sell the series—how could that same person suddenly accuse us of copyright infringement?"
"Take a look at these documents."
"These are the official contracts proving that the renowned author, Lin Yuxin, personally sold the Silent Killer series to Xin-Xing Company."
"Moreover, as all of you already know, production for this series is about to begin."
"So this entire incident is nothing more than a carefully planned conspiracy."
Media Reporter 3: "So are you saying that Yi-Xing Company is conspiring against Xin-Xing Company simply to ruin your reputation?"
Media Reporter 4: "And according to your argument, since the famous author Lin Yuxin personally filed the copyright claim against the Silent Killer project, are you also implying that the author herself is involved in this conspiracy?"
Mei-Xue: "Please understand that uncovering the truth is the police's responsibility."
"However, through this press conference, I would like to say one thing to Ms. Lin Yuxin."
"Please don't panic."
"I'm on your side."
Mei-Xue's response stunned the reporters.
The company that had just been sued for copyright infringement was publicly saying to the very author behind the lawsuit,
> "I'm on your side."
No one had expected such an answer.
Media Reporter: "Since Xin-Xing Company claims to have solid evidence, does that mean you will file a counter-defamation lawsuit against Yi-Xing Company for damaging your company's reputation?"
Mei-Xue: "That's an internal company matter. I don't wish to discuss it with the media."
"Excuse me."
Ignoring the reporters' continued questions, Mei-Xue turned and walked out of the conference hall.
Media: "Madam! Madam, please wait! We still have more questions!"
With those words, Mei-Xue left the conference hall.
The moment she departed, the media began their reports.
Reporter: "Dear viewers, you have just watched the statement from Mei-Xue, the wife of Xin-Xing Company's CEO, Jun-Kai."
"However, her statement has left us even more confused. At this moment, it is still unclear whether the popular author Lin Yuxin herself is involved in this incident or not."
"What do you think? Who could be behind this conspiracy?"
"Let us wait and see what happens next."
"For every latest update regarding the copyright lawsuit between Xin-Xing Company and Yi-Xing Company, stay tuned to our channel."
"Thank you."
★★★
Several people who looked like gang members were standing in the hospital corridor.
Suddenly, Mei-Xue entered the hospital accompanied by several more guards.
The moment she arrived, the guards who had already been stationed at the hospital respectfully greeted her.
As soon as Mei-Xue reached the ward, she gently asked the nurse in charge of Shu-Yang's care,
Mei-Xue: "Nurse, how is Shu-Yang?"
In response to Mei-Xue's question, the nurse replied in an irritated tone,
Nurse: "Since you've come here yourself, why don't you go and see for yourself?"
Pretending not to understand the reason behind the nurse's attitude, Mei-Xue calmly asked,
Mei-Xue: "Why are you speaking to me like this?"
The nurse became even more frustrated and replied,
Nurse: "Look, I am a human being, and I take care of other human beings. So seeing you has truly upset me."
"You wealthy people with endless money seem to have such small emotions. Do you not have even a little bit of compassion for that boy?"
"So many days have passed. You never even came to check whether he was alive or dead."
"Go and see for yourself how he is doing."
"Heartless people!"
Faced with the nurse's words, Mei-Xue remained completely silent.
She felt as though she had lost all dignity from shame.
She had left that child in the hospital many days ago, and during all this time, she had not even once checked on him.
After saying those words, the nurse quickly walked away.
Outside Shu-Yang's cabin, one of the guards standing there spoke to Mei-Xue,
Guard: "Madam, please don't take her words to heart. Sir is doing fine. We haven't allowed anything to happen to him during all these days. Please go inside."
Ignoring the guard's words, Mei-Xue lowered her gaze and thought to herself,
Mei-Xue: "They're just guards. How much emotion can they possibly have?"
"Jun-Kai informed Shu-Yang's fellow officer and arranged for his own guards to watch over him. How would they understand that this incident has made Shu-Yang feel like he's been imprisoned inside a cell?"
"Honestly... that child has been treated so cruelly."
"And now I've come here to discuss company matters with him."
"With what face am I supposed to stand in front of him?"
Feeling ashamed, Mei-Xue composed herself and turned to the servants who had accompanied her.
Mei-Xue: "You all stay here. Give me the food tray."
Shu-Yang was sitting beside the balcony railing of his cabin.
The liveliness that once shone in his eyes was gone.
His eyes looked tired and lifeless as he stared silently at the busy city outside.
Every day, Shu-Yang seemed to repeat the same prayer in his heart:
"When will Jun-Yu come?"
They say an idle mind becomes a home for negative thoughts.
The same thing happened with Shu-Yang.
Whenever he thought of Jun-Yu, another painful thought repeatedly pierced his heart.
"In this entire world, there is no one else who will come to see me except Jun-Yu."
"Truly... there is no one."
"No matter how much I think of Mamani as my mother... the truth is, she is Jun-Kai's wife."
"She will never come back to me again."
"Mama, Papa... you could have at least not left me as an orphan."
"Mama, when you brought me into this world and gave me life, you could have taken me with you."
"Mama, Papa... I love you so much."
"Please, Mama... come back once."
"Papa, your Shu-Yang is still crying."
"I need your help, Papa."
"Mama... I miss you."
Just like every day, Shu-Yang shed tears while thinking about those words.
Although the silent cries of his heart never escaped his lips, salty tears could still be seen rolling down his face.
At that moment, Mei-Xue entered Shu-Yang's cabin carrying a tray of food.
She knocked on the door.
Shu-Yang wiped his tears and turned around.
Without even looking back properly, he immediately said,
Shu-Yang: "Jun-Yu, are you here?"
Seeing how desperately Shu-Yang had been waiting, Mei-Xue was left speechless.
She finally understood.
Shu-Yang was not only waiting for Jun-Yu...
He was also waiting to be freed from this place.
The only person who could break through the cage of Jun-Kai's guards was Jun-Yu.
The moment Shu-Yang saw Mei-Xue, the bright smile on his face disappeared like dark clouds covering the sky during the rainy season.
His hurt and resentful heart turned away from her.
Mei-Xue noticed that the breakfast placed on the table was still untouched and had already gone cold.
And now, noon had passed, with evening approaching.
Mei-Xue: "I'm sorry for disappointing you."
"The food on the table has gone cold. If you Xin-Xing Company's lobby was packed with reporters and media crews.
It seemed that no one wanted to let this opportunity slip away. Or perhaps Yi-Xing Company had encouraged the media to seize the moment, seeking revenge for the humiliation they had suffered when Xin-Xing signed Rui-Xue—the model Yi-Xing had wanted to recruit.
The company's security guards struggled to hold back the restless crowd.
Meanwhile, Director Zhi-Qiang had shut himself inside his office with the door locked, seemingly at a loss as to how to handle the crisis.
Reporter 1: "Why aren't you letting us inside? Where is Director Zhi-Qiang? And where is your CEO, Jun-Kai? Is he hiding from the media?"
Reporter 2: "Has Xin-Xing Company gone bankrupt because of Yi-Xing Company's copyright lawsuit? Is that why CEO Jun-Kai has disappeared?"
Faced with the reporters' relentless questions, the security guards remained silent.
Suddenly—
The sharp sound of a car horn echoed through the lobby entrance.
Every reporter instinctively turned toward the source.
A luxury sedan came to a stop.
The door opened, and Mei-Xue stepped out.
She was dressed elegantly in black sunglasses, black trousers, a black midi dress, and carried a matching black handbag.
Her expression was unwavering.
There was a fierce determination in her eyes, as though flames were burning within them.
The moment Mei-Xue stepped out of the car, the reporters rushed toward her.
Before they could get close, however, her bodyguards immediately formed a protective circle around her, blocking the crowd.
Standing calmly within the ring of bodyguards, Mei-Xue spoke.
Mei-Xue: "I'll answer every one of your questions, but first, please maintain order. Kindly proceed to the conference hall and wait there. I'll speak with the director and join you shortly."
Reporter 1: "Madam, you're not an official representative of the company. We want to speak directly with CEO Jun-Kai."
Reporter 2: "Exactly. Just because you're Mr. Jun-Kai's wife doesn't mean we'll accept everything you say. Tell us—where is the CEO?"
As the reporters continued firing questions at her, Mei-Xue remained composed. She calmly took an identification card out of her purse, held it up for everyone to see, and said,
Mei-Xue: "At this moment, I am acting as the company's CEO. As you can see, CEO Jun-Kai has personally appointed me as his official representative. If there are no further objections, please wait in the conference hall."
With that, Mei-Xue walked through the lobby toward the conference hall.
She quickly arranged a formal press conference for the media.
A short while later, after finishing a discussion with Director Zhi-Qiang, Mei-Xue entered the hall. Zhi-Qiang was already standing quietly to one side.
Mei-Xue stepped to the front and addressed the reporters.
Mei-Xue: "The reason you've all gathered here today is because Yi-Xing Company has filed a copyright claim against Xin-Xing Company. However, I can assure you that these allegations are completely baseless."
Reporter 1: "Madam, you say the accusations are baseless. What evidence do you have to support that claim? And has CEO Jun-Kai gone into hiding because he fears the company is about to go bankrupt?"
Reporter 2: "And why did CEO Jun-Kai appoint you as his acting representative instead of appearing here himself?"
Hearing those questions, Mei-Xue gave a faint, dismissive smile before replying,
Mei-Xue: "When the accusation itself is without merit, why would our company be facing bankruptcy? As for why CEO Jun-Kai asked me to represent him—that isn't the important issue. What truly matters is the evidence."
Reporter 2: "Then, Madam, what evidence do you have that proves Yi-Xing Company made these allegations against Xin-Xing without any valid proof?"
Media Reporter 3: "Yes. If you truly have evidence, then show it to us. That would settle the matter, wouldn't it?"
The barrage of questions didn't shake Mei-Xue in the slightest.
Remaining calm, she took out the contract signed with the famous author Lin Yuxin, raised it high for everyone to see, and declared,
Mei-Xue: "The very person who came to us personally to sell the series—how could that same person suddenly accuse us of copyright infringement?"
"Take a look at these documents."
"These are the official contracts proving that the renowned author, Lin Yuxin, personally sold the Silent Killer series to Xin-Xing Company."
"Moreover, as all of you already know, production for this series is about to begin."
"So this entire incident is nothing more than a carefully planned conspiracy."
Media Reporter 3: "So are you saying that Yi-Xing Company is conspiring against Xin-Xing Company simply to ruin your reputation?"
Media Reporter 4: "And according to your argument, since the famous author Lin Yuxin personally filed the copyright claim against the Silent Killer project, are you also implying that the author herself is involved in this conspiracy?"
Mei-Xue: "Please understand that uncovering the truth is the police's responsibility."
"However, through this press conference, I would like to say one thing to Ms. Lin Yuxin."
"Please don't panic."
"I'm on your side."
Mei-Xue's response stunned the reporters.
The company that had just been sued for copyright infringement was publicly saying to the very author behind the lawsuit,
> "I'm on your side."
No one had expected such an answer.
Media Reporter: "Since Xin-Xing Company claims to have solid evidence, does that mean you will file a counter-defamation lawsuit against Yi-Xing Company for damaging your company's reputation?"
Mei-Xue: "That's an internal company matter. I don't wish to discuss it with the media."
"Excuse me."
Ignoring the reporters' continued questions, Mei-Xue turned and walked out of the conference hall.
Media: "Madam! Madam, please wait! We still have more questions!"
With those words, Mei-Xue left the conference hall.
The moment she departed, the media began their reports.
Reporter: "Dear viewers, you have just watched the statement from Mei-Xue, the wife of Xin-Xing Company's CEO, Jun-Kai."
"However, her statement has left us even more confused. At this moment, it is still unclear whether the popular author Lin Yuxin herself is involved in this incident or not."
"What do you think? Who could be behind this conspiracy?"
"Let us wait and see what happens next."
"For every latest update regarding the copyright lawsuit between Xin-Xing Company and Yi-Xing Company, stay tuned to our channel."
"Thank you."
★★★
Several people who looked like gang members were standing in the hospital corridor.
Suddenly, Mei-Xue entered the hospital accompanied by several more guards.
The moment she arrived, the guards who had already been stationed at the hospital respectfully greeted her.
As soon as Mei-Xue reached the ward, she gently asked the nurse in charge of Shu-Yang's care,
Mei-Xue: "Nurse, how is Shu-Yang?"
In response to Mei-Xue's question, the nurse replied in an irritated tone,
Nurse: "Since you've come here yourself, why don't you go and see for yourself?"
Pretending not to understand the reason behind the nurse's attitude, Mei-Xue calmly asked,
Mei-Xue: "Why are you speaking to me like this?"
The nurse became even more frustrated and replied,
Nurse: "Look, I am a human being, and I take care of other human beings. So seeing you has truly upset me."
"You wealthy people with endless money seem to have such small emotions. Do you not have even a little bit of compassion for that boy?"
"So many days have passed. You never even came to check whether he was alive or dead."
"Go and see for yourself how he is doing."
"Heartless people!"
Faced with the nurse's words, Mei-Xue remained completely silent.
She felt as though she had lost all dignity from shame.
She had left that child in the hospital many days ago, and during all this time, she had not even once checked on him.
After saying those words, the nurse quickly walked away.
Outside Shu-Yang's cabin, one of the guards standing there spoke to Mei-Xue,
Guard: "Madam, please don't take her words to heart. Sir is doing fine. We haven't allowed anything to happen to him during all these days. Please go inside."
Ignoring the guard's words, Mei-Xue lowered her gaze and thought to herself,
Mei-Xue: "They're just guards. How much emotion can they possibly have?"
"Jun-Kai informed Shu-Yang's fellow officer and arranged for his own guards to watch over him. How would they understand that this incident has made Shu-Yang feel like he's been imprisoned inside a cell?"
"Honestly... that child has been treated so cruelly."
"And now I've come here to discuss company matters with him."
"With what face am I supposed to stand in front of him?"
Feeling ashamed, Mei-Xue composed herself and turned to the servants who had accompanied her.
Mei-Xue: "You all stay here. Give me the food tray."
Shu-Yang was sitting beside the balcony railing of his cabin.
The liveliness that once shone in his eyes was gone.
His eyes looked tired and lifeless as he stared silently at the busy city outside.
Every day, Shu-Yang seemed to repeat the same prayer in his heart:
"When will Jun-Yu come?"
They say an idle mind becomes a home for negative thoughts.
The same thing happened with Shu-Yang.
Whenever he thought of Jun-Yu, another painful thought repeatedly pierced his heart.
"In this entire world, there is no one else who will come to see me except Jun-Yu."
"Truly... there is no one."
"No matter how much I think of Mamani as my mother... the truth is, she is Jun-Kai's wife."
"She will never come back to me again."
"Mama, Papa... you could have at least not left me as an orphan."
"Mama, when you brought me into this world and gave me life, you could have taken me with you."
"Mama, Papa... I love you so much."
"Please, Mama... come back once."
"Papa, your Shu-Yang is still crying."
"I need your help, Papa."
"Mama... I miss you."
Just like every day, Shu-Yang shed tears while thinking about those words.
Although the silent cries of his heart never escaped his lips, salty tears could still be seen rolling down his face.
At that moment, Mei-Xue entered Shu-Yang's cabin carrying a tray of food.
She knocked on the door.
Shu-Yang wiped his tears and turned around.
Without even looking back properly, he immediately said,
Shu-Yang: "Jun-Yu, are you here?"
Seeing how desperately Shu-Yang had been waiting, Mei-Xue was left speechless.
She finally understood.
Shu-Yang was not only waiting for Jun-Yu...
He was also waiting to be freed from this place.
The only person who could break through the cage of Jun-Kai's guards was Jun-Yu.
The moment Shu-Yang saw Mei-Xue, the bright smile on his face disappeared like dark clouds covering the sky during the rainy season.
His hurt and resentful heart turned away from her.
Mei-Xue noticed that the breakfast placed on the table was still untouched and had already gone cold.
And now, noon had passed, with evening approaching.
Mei-Xue: "I'm sorry for disappointing you."
"The food on the table has gone cold. If you remain this careless, how will you regain your strength, my dear?"
"Come, let's eat while we talk."
After saying that, Mei-Xue placed the food she had brought on the table and sat down.
Shu-Yang walked away from the balcony, turned toward Mei-Xue, and said—remain this careless, how will you regain your strength, my dear?"
"Come, let's eat while we talk."
After saying that, Mei-Xue placed the food she had brought on the table and sat down.
Shu-Yang walked away from the balcony, turned toward Mei-Xue, and said—