Chapter Fifty-One: The One Who Seized the Moment

Now, of course, is the time to show loyalty—how blind can one be to the situation? Yuan Yao'er understood somewhat, yet was still surprised.

"This is just a doctor. Fire him and that's that—it’s not such a big deal. If necessary, spend some money to recruit someone with a prestigious foreign degree." The words were spoken with such ease. "Our family’s greatest shortage right now is money; we have to think carefully before hiring any high-priced experts." This was no ordinary matter—if they truly wanted to do so, it would be a substantial expenditure. Even outfitting an expert’s office would require countless resources.

Mother and daughter believed it wiser to focus on tangible results: quietly rebuilding the fashion brand. The rumors were nothing but empty talk, proving only that there was no murder, and no evidence that the design wasn’t hers.

"Hello, everyone! Long time no see. I'm Yao'er, and today I’ll be drawing live for you!" In the streaming room, a vlogger named Yao'er had begun a live broadcast. Originally, this content creator focused on beauty tutorials, live streaming, and fashion tips.

But both new and old fans noticed something different—where once only her chin and mouth were visible, now most of her face was exposed. Those familiar with the news recognized her at once, and the comments flooded the screen.

Yuan Yao'er had practiced diligently, recreating a design once drawn by Yuan Xiangdie, which she had secretly kept before her imprisonment. She had drawn it countless times, going through endless paper and pens, and now she could finally render it smoothly before her audience—a moment of redemption.

"The streamer shows her face—plagiarist!" Numerous disparaging comments flashed across the screen, but Yuan Yao'er acted as if she didn’t see them, continuing to draw. Suddenly, a wave of seemingly devoted fans appeared, posting supportive comments.

"You haters, stop it! Look at this woman’s skill and the fluidity of her work. If you can still argue about this, then I truly admire you. She’s put in the effort and created it herself; if she doesn’t defend her work, and you keep slandering her, perhaps you’re the ones paid to attack?"

Yuan Yao'er saw the positive effect—those who insulted her were likely the ones bought off. This wave, admittedly, had an excellent promotional impact.

"I’ve been conceptualizing this piece for quite some time, but recent events have been difficult for me, so there’s been a delay. I hope you all understand." Her words seemed to explain everything above—she was indeed impressive.

The live broadcast quickly rose to prominence. Such streams were usually boosted by paid promotion; as long as someone spent money, position was never an issue. Besides, those wealthy young fans were rabid supporters.

"Oh, please stop sending rockets. I just want to peacefully draw here, and besides, this is a preview of a new release." It was, in effect, a free wave of publicity.

Yuan Yao'er naturally would not, as before, desperately wish for every viewer to send her ten rockets. This so-called redemption resulted in an ever-growing number of fanatics. Jin Yuan could bring a certain notoriety, but ultimately, an engagement between a tainted woman and such a man would always have an impact.

The public chatter was endless, but unfavorable voices prevailed.

Yuan Xiangdie might not care, but others wouldn’t let her off so easily.

That day, Xiao Wei was playing outside with Butler Hu, as usual. If not for the butler’s vigilance, shielding the child early on, Xiao Wei might have suffered a fracture himself.

"Butler Hu, what happened? I promise I’ll listen from now on." When Yuan Xiangdie arrived at the hospital, she found the child tearful and sniffling, while Butler Hu lay serenely on the bed, enjoying the nurse’s massage.

Part of his muscle had lost circulation from being pressed by heavy objects for a long time, leaving half his body numb.

"What’s going on?" Yuan Xiangdie was confused by the situation. All she could do was set her bag down, walk to the bedside, and gather the child into her embrace.

The scent calmed Xiao Wei, though fear lingered in his eyes.

Unexpectedly, the soon-to-be mistress of the house showed some skill. Butler Hu had always thought her talent for design and the young master’s affection were mere luck, but now he saw that good fortune required the right moment.

"It’s not such a big deal. Some troublemakers frightened the young master," he said, casting a meaningful look at Yuan Xiangdie.

"No more tears. Everyone’s safe now. Nothing bad will happen again—the bad people have been caught, so there’s no need to be afraid," Yuan Xiangdie soothed gently. Xiao Wei, relaxing at last, grew drowsy.

The nurse moved a small bed nearby, once used by family members staying overnight—the size was perfect.

Yuan Xiangdie gently carried the child over, drew the curtains, then took a seat opposite Butler Hu, solemnly.

"The boss didn’t come because he had a meeting. Now that we’re engaged, it makes no difference who comes."

Butler Hu didn’t dispute this. Yuan Xiangdie’s courage in facing him today was commendable.

He maintained his usual serious, upright demeanor, as if nothing extraordinary had happened—it was like any ordinary conversation.

"No need to apologize. I was hired by the gentleman to look after the young master. Today’s events unfolded like this..." After hearing Butler Hu’s account, Yuan Xiangdie astutely realized that the entire episode revolved around her—it had never ceased.

In other words, today’s incident was entirely her doing... With this perspective, Yuan Xiangdie could perhaps feel less guilty.

Her thoughts were clear to the butler—he explained so plainly to ensure Yuan Xiangdie understood. Jin Yuan had accepted her, but that did not mean the public would. Jin Yuan was always ranked as the most eligible bachelor, coveted by all.

Even widowed women from noble families, accompanied by children, aspired to marry him.

Bringing a substantial dowry was an advantage, and men, at times, could be trouble—this was understandable.

"I’m truly sorry for causing so much trouble. I hope Butler Hu will stay by Xiao Wei’s side, and need not worry about other matters."

The butler usually spoke with a smile, but now he was momentarily stunned.

"Madam, what do you mean? Are you implying my performance is lacking, and you’d prefer someone else?"

His tone was slightly forceful; his age and experience were not easily dismissed like an ordinary servant.

Yuan Xiangdie didn’t mince words, straightforward as ever.

"I don’t understand why you’re telling me this today, but I do know one thing. Xiao Wei is your tool for testing me. Although I don’t know the truth, I suspect today’s incident was orchestrated by you—a staged performance for Xiao Wei."

Lowering his gaze, Butler Hu was even a little excited, eager to see the soon-to-be mistress’s expression. Xiao Wei was a lovable child, and he couldn’t help but indulge him.

And Yuan Xiangdie, so anxious at the mention of the child, would surely make a good mistress—at least better than the current one.

"You’re overthinking. As a professional butler, my principles would never allow me to do such a thing."

It was a pale defense. Jin Yuan had been dispatched to the conference room, utterly speechless.

Why did his boss insist on dragging him to meetings? If not for this special circumstance, he should be at the hospital, at Butler Hu’s bedside.

"As for the youth marketing plan, every department must submit a proposal. The best plan will be used—everyone has a fair chance to compete."

Within the company, this caused anxiety. Jin Yuan’s approach was unusual; each department had its own responsibilities, and not everyone was adept at proposal writing.

Jin Yuan understood this well, but his intentions went beyond the obvious.

"Boss, what’s going on? Previously, departments handled their own affairs, but now..."

Even Assistant Tian sensed something was off; the boss had never acted this way before.

Running behind, her high heels tapped the floor in sync with her heartbeat. Assistant Qun appeared from the side, clutching a stack of documents.

Jin Yuan seized the opportunity, grabbing the person and the papers. "Put those files down and investigate something for me."

The corridor was left with Assistant Tian holding a sudden stack of printouts, unsure where the two men had gone.

"Boss, where am I supposed to deliver these?"

Originally, Assistant Qin was to print tomorrow’s meeting agenda and distribute it to the department heads.