Chapter 38: Need money

Jiang Yan took a deep breath and introduced herself, "Hello, this is Jiang Yan."

The person on the other end of the line was silent for a moment before saying, "I know. What's the matter?"

Jiang Yan paused, wondering how he knew it was her. Nonetheless, she explained her situation to him. The person listened carefully and then said, "I see. Well, let me see what I can do. I'll call you back as soon as I have some news."

Jiang Yan thanked him and hung up. She looked at Ling Meili, who was still pacing around the room. "Let's just hope he can help."

Hours passed, and Jiang Yan was starting to lose hope when her phone rang. She picked it up anxiously.

"Hello?" she answered.

"It's done," the deep voice on the other end said.

Jiang Yan's heart skipped a beat, "What's done?"

"The administration department has received your application, and they have confirmed your admission to the Imperial University," the voice said. "You will get your letter in few day."

Jiang Yan couldn't believe her ears. She thanked the person on the other end before hanging up. "Thank you, Third Master Feng." The person on the other end went silent, then replied, "You are welcome, Miss Jiang."

Jiang Yan shared the news with Ling Meili, and they both screamed and hugged each other, overwhelmed with joy. However, Jiang Yan suddenly paused and looked at Ling Meili. "How did you know about him?" she asked.

Ling Meili sheepishly replied, "Well, Hua Mei and I spied on you when we saw him sending you back to the hotel last time. We knew he was someone important."

Jiang Yan frowned. "Ling Meili, that's not right. We shouldn't spy on people like that."

Ling Meili looked apologetic. "I know, I'm sorry. We were just curious. But I won't do it again."

Jiang Yan nodded, accepting her apology. She didn't want to dwell on it too much and decided to focus on her good news. She was going to the Imperial University, and that was all that mattered. Right now, she will keep the matter of her admission under secret.

Meanwhile on the otherside, Third Master Feng was looking at his phone, a small smile forming on his lips. He didn't expect to get a call from her. Though he felt a little happy on hearing her voice.

Li Ming, who was just came in, was shocked to see his boss smile. Third Master Feng quickly composed himself, putting on his usual cold demeanour. "Li Ming, let's discuss our plan," he said, turning his attention away from the phone call.

Li Ming nodded, trying to hide his surprise. He knew that Third Master Feng rarely showed any emotions, and he was curious about the person who could make him smile.

***

As the sun shone through the large window of the KN Entertainment's conference room, the director's face lit up with excitement. He had just received some great news from Sister Lin, a famous music producer, that Long Lei, a popular singer, had agreed to collaborate with them.

Suddenly, Guo Wenming, the head of the company's music division, entered the room and sat down in front of the director. "Well?" Guo Wenming asked eagerly, his eyes fixed on the director's face.

The director smiled widely, "Long Lei agreed to collaborate with Bi Xiaohong on the song!" he exclaimed.

Guo Wenming nodded knowingly, "I knew it," he said confidently. "Long Lei's music style is exactly what we need for our upcoming album for Bi Xiaohong. KN Entertainment will soon witness another miracle."

The director was pleased to hear Guo Wenming's positive response, and he continued to explain the terms of the collaboration. "Long Lei has requested that the duet be recorded after he finishes recording all his songs," he said.

Guo Wenming didn't seem fazed by this condition at all. "That's fine," he said with a grin. "We can use this time to prepare Bi Xiaohong for the recording. This is a great opportunity for us."

The director agreed, "Yes, we must make sure that our artist is fully prepared for this collaboration. It's a big deal for us."

Guo Wenming thanked the director for his leadership and vision, and he left the conference room with a sense of excitement and anticipation. He was already planning the next steps in his mind.

As he walked down the hallway, he imagined how will soon replace Sister Lin in the entertainment industry. For him, Bi Xiaohong was just one of his pawns for his success. This small request from Long Lei was nothing for him. He was already celebrating his victory in his mind, knowing that he had successfully secured the collaboration that he had wanted.

***

As Jiang Yan approached the Jiang residence, she could already hear the sound of chattering and laughter from outside. As she walked closer, she could distinguish the voice of her grandmother, the Old Madam Jiang. Jiang Yan hesitated, feeling a bit apprehensive about seeing the old lady who always hate her.

As she reached the door, she could see her grandmother seated in the garden, surrounded by her step-mother, Madam Tian, and her half-sister, Jiang Yixuan. They all seemed to be in a cheerful mood, and the Old Madam Jiang was busy complimenting Jiang Yixuan on her achievements.

"You have made us all proud, my dear Yixuan," said the Old Madam Jiang. "Your hard work and dedication have become the talk of the town."

Jiang Yixuan blushed at the praise and replied humbly, "I am just doing my job well, Grandmother. I want to make the Jiang family proud."

"You are doing more than that, my child," said the Old Madam Jiang. "Your success is a testament to the Jiang family's reputation, and I have received many compliments from my friends about having such an outstanding grandchild. They were asking when your movie will be released. All of them are going to watch your movie to support you."

Jiang Yixuan felt grateful, "Thank them on my behalf Grandmother," Jiang Yixuan said feeling happy.

Jiang Yan observed the exchange from a distance and sighed. She had always felt like an outsider in her own family because of her illegitimate status, and the favouritism towards her half-sister only made things worse. However, she tried to put those feelings aside and entered the household, after all she did belong here.

As soon as she stepped inside, the chattering stopped, and all eyes turned towards her. Jiang Yan felt self-conscious and tried to ignore the awkward silence. She headed straight to her room, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

Just as she was about to close the door, she overheard her grandmother cursing her. "That Jiang Yan is nothing but a jinx and a bastard child," said the Old Madam Jiang, her voice filled with malice. "She has brought nothing but shame to our family."

Jiang Yan was already used to her grandmother's treatment. Having lived two life times, she didn't care about these petty words anymore.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Madam Tian noticed Jiang Yan's upset expression and smiled secretly to herself. She had been the mastermind behind a plot to sabotage Jiang Yan's college admission, and she was happy to see her plan had worked.

"That will teach her to not mess with us," thought Madam Tian, feeling satisfied with her handiwork.

***

Li Bo found Zhou Xuanzhi working at the bar, serving the customers. He had been searching for him for days and was relieved to have finally found him. He quickly went to him, and pulled him outside the bar.

"Zhou Xuanzhi, what are you doing here?" Li Bo asked, concern lacing his voice. "You've been skipping classes and the professors are asking about you. This isn't good for your career."

Zhou Xuanzhi sighed and tried to shrug off Li Bo's grip on his arm as he turned to go back inside the bar. "I don't care about college right now. I have other things to worry about."

Li Bo didn't let go, his grip tightening as he pulled Zhou Xuanzhi back. "What's going on? Why are you skipping classes?"

Zhou Xuanzhi finally gave in and told Li Bo about his mother's deteriorating health and the urgent need for money for her treatment. Li Bo listened sympathetically but shook his head.

"Bunking classes and working extra hours is not the solution, Zhou Xuanzhi. You need to talk to someone about this."

Zhou Xuanzhi looked away again, feeling helpless. Li Bo continued, "You can talk to Song Peng and ask for a loan."

Zhou Xuanzhi hesitated. "I don't want to ask for a loan from Song Peng. He's already given me a raise for my work."

Li Bo shook his head. "Song Peng is wealthy. If you don't want to take his money, at least ask for suggestions. He might be able to help in other ways."

Zhou Xuanzhi hesitated, but Li Bo insisted. "I know right now you need money to treat your mother. But later when you need to take care of your mother, Xuanzhi, how will you manage. You can't do that if you don't have your education. Please, just talk to Song Peng."

After a moment of silence, Zhou Xuanzhi finally agreed. "Alright, I'll talk to him."

***